The first round of the famous Stirling bull sales took place at United Auctions this week. Breeds included in this sale were Angus, Shorthorn and Limousin, with Simmental, Charolais and Salers set to descend on the mart in two weeks’ time.
Overall, trade can be described as trickier than usual, with two of the breeds only hitting the 60% mark with regard to clearance rate. That said, similar to other years, the highs are very high, with 10 bulls across the three breeds hitting five-figure sums.
Topping the prices with a call of 25,000gns was Gordon Barney U334 from the trustees of the late Gordon Brooke. This September 2018-born bull is sired by Rawburn Joe Eric and out of the ET-bred dam Linton Gilbertines Brandy, herself a SAV Net Worth daughter.
With a strong set of indices and almost double the breed average on some traits, he was the choice of the Idvies herd based in Forfar, Scotland.
Overall, the Angus breed witnessed the top average of £5,820 for 82 sold, which was back five on the year representing a 60% clearance, with the average price also dropping by £67.
Shorthorn
Joint top-priced Shorthorn bull Rookwith Marvellous, which sold for 20,000gns. This bull was purchased in a partnership by Irish breeder Tommy Staunton and English breeder Robert Leach.\ MacGregor Photography
While the Shorthorn breed may not have had as high an average price, everything seemed to be going the right way. Twelve more bulls sold on the year, with the average sale price also rising by £104 to settle at £4,780.
The highlight for the breed was two bulls hitting the 20,000gns mark. First up at the money was the previous day’s intermediate and overall champion Coxhill Magnum from Messrs Townsend.
Overall Shorthorn champion and joint top-priced Shorthorn bull Coxhill Magnum which sold for 20,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
Tapped out by judge James Playfair Hannay, the 22-month-old roan bull found a new home with Thistledown Cowford. Packed with pedigree, this bull is sired by Ballylinney Glen, a former record-priced bull at 18,000gns.
Irish buyer
Matching him at the price tag was Rookwith Marvellous from Messrs Page. This bull stood second to the champion in his class, as well as claiming the reserve intermediate championship.
This bull was purchased in a two-way partnership by Tommy Staunton for his Caramba herd based in Kinvara, Co Galway, and Robert Leach of the Warmington herd in England.
Topping the prices with a call of 25,000gns was Gordon Barney U334 from the trustees of the late Gordon Brooke
This was far from a chance purchase by Mr Staunton, who selected Marvellous and his dam Chapelton Waterloo as overall champion cow and calf when he judged the north of England breeders herd competition in October 2018. He also selected the Rookwith herd as overall champion herd that year.
Staunton and Leach also saw Marvellous at the Royal Highland Show last year, where he picked up the junior male championship. Sire behind the 22-month-old roan bull is Castlemount Junior.
Two Shorthorn bulls hit the 11,000gns mark. First at the money was the very stylish Glenisla Macleod from Major Gibb, Perthshire.
Glenisla Macleod which sold for 11,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
This April 2018-born bull is sired by Millerstown Jamboree who goes back to Meonhill Charlie Chaplin. Carrying positive calving figures, he was the choice of Balgay Farms.
The same breeder also sold Glenisla Masterton at 6,500gns. This son of Broughton Park Thunder was secured by the previously mentioned Townsend family.
The second at the 11,000gns price tag was Meonside Mufasa, bred by Frank Moffat and offered by D and T Bradley Farmer.
This June 2018-born bull is sired by Elliot Salute and is out of a Fearn Wyvis-bred dam. Securing Mufasa was Gates Farming, Leicestershire.
While the Shorthorn breed may not have had as high an average price, everything seemed to be going the right way
Taking the title of senior champion was Knockenjig Morpheus from David and Rosemary Dickie, Dumfries and Galloway.
This Fearn Jumpstart-sired bull is out of Glenisla Zigzag daughter Mountbenger Caron. Securing Morpheus with a call of 8,000gns was WJ and J Green, Fochabers, Morayshire.
Matching him at the money was the 22-month-old light roan Fearn Morangie. Homebred on both sides, his dam is EX91-classified cow Fearn Passion Grace. Successful bidder here was A and C Farms, Rutland.
This was just the start for the Fearn outfit who bought two other bulls at 7,800gns and 6,000gns. These were both sired by the homebred Fearn Elmer.
Angus
Back to the Angus breed and the second-top price of the day went to Stouphill Marcus Prince from the Allen family. This bull stood second in his class to the 25,000gns sale-topper.
Sired by former stock bull Duncanziemere Jigsaw, he is out of a dam by the homebred Stouphill Endeavour. This makes him the same way crossed as Stouphill Bomber, purchased by Dovea Genetics at the Stirling bull sales 12 months previous. Securing Marcus Prince at a price of 17,000gns was Kevin McOscar, Island farm, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.
Securing the reserve intermediate and reserve supreme championships for the herd was Stouphill Maximus Pride.
Reserve Angus champion Stouphill Maximus Pride which sold for 8,500gns. \ MacGregor Photography
This May 2018-born bull is again sired by Duncanziemere Jigsaw and is from the same family line as the 17,000gns Marcus Prince. A positive calving figure helped the reserve champion meet his reserve at 8,500gns, with the successful bidder being W Lawson, based in Aberdeenshire.
Next in line for the Stouphill outfit was Stouphill Eligh who hit the market at 7,500gns. This bull weighed in at over 1,000kg and was a first-prizewinner at last year’s Royal Highland Show. With the same pedigree cross as the outfit’s top-priced bull, he was the pick of Mr Colville, Glenford Road, Newtownards.
This topped an incredible outing for the Allen family, who also claimed champion group of three and champion group of five. Altogether, they sold five Duncanziemere Jigsaw bulls for an average price of 8,500gns.
Next in line in the Angus ring was Cardona Jewel Eric, who hit the market at 13,000gns. This Nightingale Dunbar-sired bull is out of the homebred Cardona Jewel Erica, herself a Ballavitchel Blackbarclays Prem daughter. Securing Jewel Eric was Messrs Henderson.
Cardona Jewel Eric which sold for 13,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
Two black bulls hit the 11,000gns mark. First through the ring was Tonley Kasper from Neil Wattie.
Tonley Kasper which sold for 11,000gns.\ MacGregor Photography
This bull is homebred on both sides, with the sire Tonley Jester Eric having a half share sold to Blelack at 11 months old. Securing Kasper in a three-way partnership were the Hallington, Saville and Thrunton herds.
Matching him at the money was Blelack Prince Carnival who was bred by the Massie family. Sired by Blelack Banjo Man, this second-prizewinner is out of Te Mania Berkley-bred dam Blelack Princess Charlotte. Securing this performance-bred bull was M and S Wilson.
Blelack Prince Charlie which sold for 11,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
The Massie family were back in the money when they sold Blelack Prince Cooper for 9,000gns. This June 2018-born bull is sired by the aforementioned Tonley Jester Eric and out of a Hallington Principal-bred dam.
Matching the 9,000gns price tag was the previous day’s junior champion HW Black Barberesco from Highland Wagyu. This July 2018-born bull is out of the homebred HW Fabulous and goes back to Cheeklaw Black Beryl. Securing the junior champion was Seafield Pedigrees.
Top of Martin McCornick’s outfit was the May 2018-born McCornick Florida. Out of the Fleur family line, he is sired by herd sire Skaill Dino, who also sired the herd’s Royal Highland Show champion in 2019. Having placed first in the pre-sale show, he was the pick of W Mitchell and sons at 8,500gns.
Overall Angus champion McCornick Pathfinder which sold for 7,500gns. \ MacGregor Photography
Mr McCornick was also awarded the intermediate and overall championship with McCornick Pathfinder. This bull is no stranger to success, having won the yearling male championship at the Aberdeen Angus national show last November.
Also sired by Skaill Dino, he goes back to Netherton Pam. Securing the overall champion at 7,500gns was Messrs Johnson.
Limousin
Limousin champion Dyke Outlaw which sold for 9,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
Limousins were the last of the breeds through the ring at Stirling. However, they achieved the highest clearance rate, with 81% of the bulls finding new homes. This was complemented by an average sale price of £4,730, up £130 on the year.
Much of this success was led by JR MacGregor with his Dyke Limousin herd, which, along with securing the overall championship, took home the top breed price and a number of other high-sellers.
Taking home the top price of 13,500gns was the reserve senior champion Dyke Olympian. This April 2018-born bull is sired by the 12,000gns Goldies Lordoftherings, who was purchased for 12,000gns having stood as supreme champion at the bull sales in February 2017. Securing the high seller was J&A Galloway, Lochlyoch Farm, Lanark.
Continuing the good run from Donald MacGregor’s 50-cow Dyke herd were two bulls at the 9,000gns mark. The first of these was the supreme champion Dyke Outlaw. Born in April 2018, he is sired by Netherhall Gilbert who was purchased by the herd in Carlisle.
Limousins were the last of the breeds through the ring at Stirling. However, they achieved the highest clearance rate
Another at 9,000gns was the fifth prize-winner Dyke Ovation. Sired once again by the aforementioned Goldies Lordoftherings, he is out of the Ryedale Paragon daughter Dyke Viva.
Also from Dyke, going under the hammer for 6,000gns was Dyke Ozzie, again by the Lordoftherings sire, but this time out of the Haltcliffe President-sired dam Dyke Dazzler.
Overall, Mr MacGrgeor sold his seven bulls for an average price just shy of £7,500.
Securing the second-top Limousin price of 10,000gns was the reserve junior champion Newhouse Oriental from Messrs Adams.
This black Limousin is sired by Westhall Jammy, who also sired the leading price at last year’s sale. Top bidder here was Cloquhat Farms.
Newhouse Oriental which sold for 10,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
The Newhouse team also sold two other bulls at 8,200gns and 6,800gns respectively. The former was paid for Newhouse Ontop, while the latter was paid for Newhouse Omagh. These two bulls were also sired by Westyhall Jammy.
Ringway Odeon was the third and last to hit the 9,000gns figure. Brought out by PJ Henshall, he is sired by Irish-bred bull Elite Icecream and is out of the homebred dam Ringway Fallon.
Securing a red rosette in the pre-sale show and selling for 8,500gns was Goldies Orlando from Bruce Goldie. This Goldies Juggler son is homebred on both sides and was the pick of Huntlyhill Mains.
Securing the junior and reserve overall championships was Spittalton Overland. This Burnbank Judge son is out of a Sympa-bred dam and was brought out by Andrew Burnett. Securing the junior champion at a price of 8,000gns was Croy Cunningham.
The first round of the famous Stirling bull sales took place at United Auctions this week. Breeds included in this sale were Angus, Shorthorn and Limousin, with Simmental, Charolais and Salers set to descend on the mart in two weeks’ time.
Overall, trade can be described as trickier than usual, with two of the breeds only hitting the 60% mark with regard to clearance rate. That said, similar to other years, the highs are very high, with 10 bulls across the three breeds hitting five-figure sums.
Topping the prices with a call of 25,000gns was Gordon Barney U334 from the trustees of the late Gordon Brooke. This September 2018-born bull is sired by Rawburn Joe Eric and out of the ET-bred dam Linton Gilbertines Brandy, herself a SAV Net Worth daughter.
With a strong set of indices and almost double the breed average on some traits, he was the choice of the Idvies herd based in Forfar, Scotland.
Overall, the Angus breed witnessed the top average of £5,820 for 82 sold, which was back five on the year representing a 60% clearance, with the average price also dropping by £67.
Shorthorn
Joint top-priced Shorthorn bull Rookwith Marvellous, which sold for 20,000gns. This bull was purchased in a partnership by Irish breeder Tommy Staunton and English breeder Robert Leach.\ MacGregor Photography
While the Shorthorn breed may not have had as high an average price, everything seemed to be going the right way. Twelve more bulls sold on the year, with the average sale price also rising by £104 to settle at £4,780.
The highlight for the breed was two bulls hitting the 20,000gns mark. First up at the money was the previous day’s intermediate and overall champion Coxhill Magnum from Messrs Townsend.
Overall Shorthorn champion and joint top-priced Shorthorn bull Coxhill Magnum which sold for 20,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
Tapped out by judge James Playfair Hannay, the 22-month-old roan bull found a new home with Thistledown Cowford. Packed with pedigree, this bull is sired by Ballylinney Glen, a former record-priced bull at 18,000gns.
Irish buyer
Matching him at the price tag was Rookwith Marvellous from Messrs Page. This bull stood second to the champion in his class, as well as claiming the reserve intermediate championship.
This bull was purchased in a two-way partnership by Tommy Staunton for his Caramba herd based in Kinvara, Co Galway, and Robert Leach of the Warmington herd in England.
Topping the prices with a call of 25,000gns was Gordon Barney U334 from the trustees of the late Gordon Brooke
This was far from a chance purchase by Mr Staunton, who selected Marvellous and his dam Chapelton Waterloo as overall champion cow and calf when he judged the north of England breeders herd competition in October 2018. He also selected the Rookwith herd as overall champion herd that year.
Staunton and Leach also saw Marvellous at the Royal Highland Show last year, where he picked up the junior male championship. Sire behind the 22-month-old roan bull is Castlemount Junior.
Two Shorthorn bulls hit the 11,000gns mark. First at the money was the very stylish Glenisla Macleod from Major Gibb, Perthshire.
Glenisla Macleod which sold for 11,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
This April 2018-born bull is sired by Millerstown Jamboree who goes back to Meonhill Charlie Chaplin. Carrying positive calving figures, he was the choice of Balgay Farms.
The same breeder also sold Glenisla Masterton at 6,500gns. This son of Broughton Park Thunder was secured by the previously mentioned Townsend family.
The second at the 11,000gns price tag was Meonside Mufasa, bred by Frank Moffat and offered by D and T Bradley Farmer.
This June 2018-born bull is sired by Elliot Salute and is out of a Fearn Wyvis-bred dam. Securing Mufasa was Gates Farming, Leicestershire.
While the Shorthorn breed may not have had as high an average price, everything seemed to be going the right way
Taking the title of senior champion was Knockenjig Morpheus from David and Rosemary Dickie, Dumfries and Galloway.
This Fearn Jumpstart-sired bull is out of Glenisla Zigzag daughter Mountbenger Caron. Securing Morpheus with a call of 8,000gns was WJ and J Green, Fochabers, Morayshire.
Matching him at the money was the 22-month-old light roan Fearn Morangie. Homebred on both sides, his dam is EX91-classified cow Fearn Passion Grace. Successful bidder here was A and C Farms, Rutland.
This was just the start for the Fearn outfit who bought two other bulls at 7,800gns and 6,000gns. These were both sired by the homebred Fearn Elmer.
Angus
Back to the Angus breed and the second-top price of the day went to Stouphill Marcus Prince from the Allen family. This bull stood second in his class to the 25,000gns sale-topper.
Sired by former stock bull Duncanziemere Jigsaw, he is out of a dam by the homebred Stouphill Endeavour. This makes him the same way crossed as Stouphill Bomber, purchased by Dovea Genetics at the Stirling bull sales 12 months previous. Securing Marcus Prince at a price of 17,000gns was Kevin McOscar, Island farm, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.
Securing the reserve intermediate and reserve supreme championships for the herd was Stouphill Maximus Pride.
Reserve Angus champion Stouphill Maximus Pride which sold for 8,500gns. \ MacGregor Photography
This May 2018-born bull is again sired by Duncanziemere Jigsaw and is from the same family line as the 17,000gns Marcus Prince. A positive calving figure helped the reserve champion meet his reserve at 8,500gns, with the successful bidder being W Lawson, based in Aberdeenshire.
Next in line for the Stouphill outfit was Stouphill Eligh who hit the market at 7,500gns. This bull weighed in at over 1,000kg and was a first-prizewinner at last year’s Royal Highland Show. With the same pedigree cross as the outfit’s top-priced bull, he was the pick of Mr Colville, Glenford Road, Newtownards.
This topped an incredible outing for the Allen family, who also claimed champion group of three and champion group of five. Altogether, they sold five Duncanziemere Jigsaw bulls for an average price of 8,500gns.
Next in line in the Angus ring was Cardona Jewel Eric, who hit the market at 13,000gns. This Nightingale Dunbar-sired bull is out of the homebred Cardona Jewel Erica, herself a Ballavitchel Blackbarclays Prem daughter. Securing Jewel Eric was Messrs Henderson.
Cardona Jewel Eric which sold for 13,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
Two black bulls hit the 11,000gns mark. First through the ring was Tonley Kasper from Neil Wattie.
Tonley Kasper which sold for 11,000gns.\ MacGregor Photography
This bull is homebred on both sides, with the sire Tonley Jester Eric having a half share sold to Blelack at 11 months old. Securing Kasper in a three-way partnership were the Hallington, Saville and Thrunton herds.
Matching him at the money was Blelack Prince Carnival who was bred by the Massie family. Sired by Blelack Banjo Man, this second-prizewinner is out of Te Mania Berkley-bred dam Blelack Princess Charlotte. Securing this performance-bred bull was M and S Wilson.
Blelack Prince Charlie which sold for 11,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
The Massie family were back in the money when they sold Blelack Prince Cooper for 9,000gns. This June 2018-born bull is sired by the aforementioned Tonley Jester Eric and out of a Hallington Principal-bred dam.
Matching the 9,000gns price tag was the previous day’s junior champion HW Black Barberesco from Highland Wagyu. This July 2018-born bull is out of the homebred HW Fabulous and goes back to Cheeklaw Black Beryl. Securing the junior champion was Seafield Pedigrees.
Top of Martin McCornick’s outfit was the May 2018-born McCornick Florida. Out of the Fleur family line, he is sired by herd sire Skaill Dino, who also sired the herd’s Royal Highland Show champion in 2019. Having placed first in the pre-sale show, he was the pick of W Mitchell and sons at 8,500gns.
Overall Angus champion McCornick Pathfinder which sold for 7,500gns. \ MacGregor Photography
Mr McCornick was also awarded the intermediate and overall championship with McCornick Pathfinder. This bull is no stranger to success, having won the yearling male championship at the Aberdeen Angus national show last November.
Also sired by Skaill Dino, he goes back to Netherton Pam. Securing the overall champion at 7,500gns was Messrs Johnson.
Limousin
Limousin champion Dyke Outlaw which sold for 9,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
Limousins were the last of the breeds through the ring at Stirling. However, they achieved the highest clearance rate, with 81% of the bulls finding new homes. This was complemented by an average sale price of £4,730, up £130 on the year.
Much of this success was led by JR MacGregor with his Dyke Limousin herd, which, along with securing the overall championship, took home the top breed price and a number of other high-sellers.
Taking home the top price of 13,500gns was the reserve senior champion Dyke Olympian. This April 2018-born bull is sired by the 12,000gns Goldies Lordoftherings, who was purchased for 12,000gns having stood as supreme champion at the bull sales in February 2017. Securing the high seller was J&A Galloway, Lochlyoch Farm, Lanark.
Continuing the good run from Donald MacGregor’s 50-cow Dyke herd were two bulls at the 9,000gns mark. The first of these was the supreme champion Dyke Outlaw. Born in April 2018, he is sired by Netherhall Gilbert who was purchased by the herd in Carlisle.
Limousins were the last of the breeds through the ring at Stirling. However, they achieved the highest clearance rate
Another at 9,000gns was the fifth prize-winner Dyke Ovation. Sired once again by the aforementioned Goldies Lordoftherings, he is out of the Ryedale Paragon daughter Dyke Viva.
Also from Dyke, going under the hammer for 6,000gns was Dyke Ozzie, again by the Lordoftherings sire, but this time out of the Haltcliffe President-sired dam Dyke Dazzler.
Overall, Mr MacGrgeor sold his seven bulls for an average price just shy of £7,500.
Securing the second-top Limousin price of 10,000gns was the reserve junior champion Newhouse Oriental from Messrs Adams.
This black Limousin is sired by Westhall Jammy, who also sired the leading price at last year’s sale. Top bidder here was Cloquhat Farms.
Newhouse Oriental which sold for 10,000gns. \ MacGregor Photography
The Newhouse team also sold two other bulls at 8,200gns and 6,800gns respectively. The former was paid for Newhouse Ontop, while the latter was paid for Newhouse Omagh. These two bulls were also sired by Westyhall Jammy.
Ringway Odeon was the third and last to hit the 9,000gns figure. Brought out by PJ Henshall, he is sired by Irish-bred bull Elite Icecream and is out of the homebred dam Ringway Fallon.
Securing a red rosette in the pre-sale show and selling for 8,500gns was Goldies Orlando from Bruce Goldie. This Goldies Juggler son is homebred on both sides and was the pick of Huntlyhill Mains.
Securing the junior and reserve overall championships was Spittalton Overland. This Burnbank Judge son is out of a Sympa-bred dam and was brought out by Andrew Burnett. Securing the junior champion at a price of 8,000gns was Croy Cunningham.
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