The upcoming Galbraith Stirling Bull Sales sees entries up across all breeds compared to previous May sales, with 251 pedigree bulls entered alongside a select group of females, including the dispersal of autumn calvers from the well-known Ettrick herd of Aberdeen-Angus. The commercial breeding sale on the same day is expected to bring increased footfall and buyer activity across the two rings.
Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers, United Auctions, will be holding a full programme over the event, showcasing six pedigree breeds across Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May at Stirling Agricultural Centre.
Charolais leads the bull entries with 63 lots, followed closely by Limousin with 60, Aberdeen-Angus with 50 and Simmental with 47. Salers, Beef Shorthorn and Hereford also feature, reflecting the broad offering that the May sale has become known for.
“Entries are up across all breeds this May, which is very encouraging and reflects the continued confidence in the Stirling sales as the go-to marketplace,” said John Roberts, Executive Chairman of United Auctions. “We are anticipating a good day’s business on Monday, with the commercial breeding sale running alongside the pedigree programme adding real depth to what will be a busy and varied day at Stirling.”
Cattle will be shown on Sunday, starting at 8.45am with Charolais bulls, judged by Tom Gatherer, followed by a busy programme of breed shows and parades throughout the day. Simmental bulls go in the ring at 10.45am under judge Richard Rodgers, Aberdeen-Angus at 12.30pm judged by Ivan Forsythe, and Salers at 2pm under Angus Fettes – followed by a parade of Salers heifers. Louise Ballantyne will judge the Beef Shorthorn bulls, with the Hereford bulls also paraded during the afternoon session. Limousin bulls close the show programme at 3pm, judged by Andrew Adam.
The sale day on Monday opens at 10am with Charolais bulls, followed by Simmental at 11.45am. Aberdeen-Angus bulls and females sell from approximately 12.45pm, including the dispersal of autumn calvers from the Ettrick herd. Located near Selkirk, the Ettrick herd is a well-respected name in pedigree Aberdeen-Angus circles. Their stock has regularly topped the Aberdeen-Angus trade at Stirling, with bulls selling to 12,000gns in recent years. The dispersal of 13 autumn calvers with 10 calves at foot, plus a stock bull, will offer buyers a genuine opportunity to acquire well-bred females from a proven herd. Salers bulls and heifers, Hereford bulls and Beef Shorthorn bulls follow from approximately 1.45pm, with Limousin bulls closing the day.
The yards open strictly at 5pm on Friday 1st May, with Saturday dedicated to bull inspections beginning at 10.30am and Sunday morning inspections beginning at 9am.