An Aberdeen Angus bull matched a 60,000-guinea record and prices reached a new high for Beef Shorthorn at the prestigious Galbraith Bull Sales at Stirling this week (2 February).
The first of two bull sales hosted by United Auctions at Stirling Agricultural Centre this month, over 300 Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Lincoln Red, Limousin and Hereford bulls were in the ring. Some females were also on sale.
Prices surpassed expectation, says John Roberts, Executive Chairman of United Auctions: “Confidence in beef breeding is currently high and we were anticipating a good sale, but were delighted to see the market as strong as it was. All breeds enjoyed an average increase and good clearance rates. It was outstanding to see an Aberdeen Angus bull match a record not seen for over 60 years and it was also a huge day for Beef Shorthorns.”
The top price was achieved by the Overall Champion Aberdeen Angus bull, Duncanziemere Jet, which was sold for 60,000 guineas by A Clarke & Sons from their 55-cow herd at Cumnock in Ayrshire to David Walker, Nairn for his Galcantray herd. This matches the previous record price for an Aberdeen Angus bull sold in 1963.
The next highest price was for the Reserve Champion Massies Patriot from Graeme Massie at Banchory which made 42,000gns, followed by Messrs J H C Campbell & Sons who sold Thrunton Premier for 38,000 gns to J R Galloway at Doune. Neil Wattie sold his Reserve Junior Champion, Tonley Ezra, for 35,000gns to Mayen Farms in Alford.
With 83 of the102 bulls offered for sale sold, the sale average for Aberdeen Angus was £10,745, an increase of £3,018 on the year.
A breed record was set for a Beef Shorthorn bull by new breeder Reece Simmers from Keith who was selling Shorthorn bulls for the first time. He sold Backmuir Vodka, the Intermediate Champion and Reserve Overall winner from the pre-sale show on Sunday, for 40,000gns to Auchenleck Estate at Killearn.
This was followed by Cutthorn Vision sold for 24,000gns by Alastair Gibson of County Durham and Alan Haigh of Balquhadly Farm at Brechin who received 22,000gns for Balquhadly Vanguard. The sale average was £9234, an increase on the year of £2758.
T & D Harrison at Moralee took the overall Hereford champion and the top price of 7600gns. The top price for a Lincoln Red bull was 7,500gns by Mrs H Mylius for St Fort Hill Duke.
Limousin bulls also met a fantastic demand with bulls selling to a top of 20,000 gns. The sale leader was sold for 20,000gns, Anside Vulcan, by Mr and Mrs Irvine, Keith, followed by Westhall Vince which sold for 18,000gns by M Fotheringham and H McNee, Perthshire. Local success was seen when Ronick Vermonic sold for 12,000gns by Mr R Dick, Stirling, and Lodge Valiant from Mr and Mrs W and A Callion, Stirling also sold for 12,000gns. Graham’s Valour from Mr and Mrs R and J Graham, Airthrey Kerse sold for 9,000gns. The Limousin sale average was £9,744, an increase of £2,411 on the year.
The Provost of Stirling, Rosemary Fraser, also visited on Monday to enjoy lunch and see the sale in full swing.
The second sale this month will be held on Sunday 15th and Monday 16th February, and will include 388 Simmental, Saler, Luing, and Charolais bulls showcasing some of the country’s greatest lines in these breeds.
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