Just shy of 800 head of pedigree beef cattle from no fewer than eight breeds will come under the hammer at United Auctions' Stirling Bull Sales, next month, where hopefully, the event will see a bit more normality compared to the past three.

Two years ago, United Auctions' February Bull Sales were one of the last events allowing young and old to enjoy the banter and craic without the fear of Covid and the pandemic that struck in March 2020. Almost 24 months later, it is hoped that the February sales will be a step closer to getting nearer that position, albeit with face masks.

The two-week sales will still be held under Scottish Government guidance as a designated business event and customers who intend to buy livestock must pre-register. Although physical distancing requirements are due to be eased at the end of January in Scotland, all attendees are still legally required to wear a face mask at all times.

An online bidding facility will be available for which all buyers must pre-register via https://www.uagroup.co.uk/sale-attendance and complete the ‘Know Your Customer’ checks at least 24 hours before the sales take place.

The Bull Sales can also be viewed online for those who prefer to, or need to, stay at home.

John Roberts, group sales director for United Auctions, said: “We're delighted to welcome back the pre-sale shows to the February Bull Sales and look forward to feeling the buzz return to the Agricultural Centre.

“We want to remind anyone displaying any Covid-19 symptoms or isolating in line with the 10-day period requirement that they must not attend any sales. Buyers must pre-register and have their bidding number readily available. Everyone should continue to wear a facemask at all times to protect themselves and other people.”

With labour shortages on all units, this year's first week of sales will see all Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Herefords, Lincoln Reds, and Limousins sold on Monday, February 7.

Pre-sale shows will continue as normal on Sunday, February 6, with Aberdeen-Angus females commencing at 9am, followed by the bulls and the Beef Shorthorn females starting at 2.30pm and the males behind. The Hereford bull show and parade of Lincoln Red bulls and females will conclude the day.

Tic Tac bids are always aplenty at the Stirling Bull Sales

Tic Tac bids are always aplenty at the Stirling Bull Sales

 

Monday February 7, kicks off with the show of Limousin bulls at 10am and the sale of Aberdeen Angus bulls (165). The Beef Shorthorn female (13) sale followed by Hereford (2) heifers begins at 11.30am with the sale of their male counterparts Shorthorns (96); Herefords (10) and Lincoln Reds (2) commencing at 1pm.

The Aberdeen Angus female (16) sale starts at 1.30pm, with the Limousin bulls (90) and heifers (1) going through the ring at 3.15pm, bringing the first week of sales to a close.

Two weeks later on Sunday, February 20, the show of Simmental females and bulls will kick off the proceedings at 10am, followed by a show of Salers bulls at 2pm.

Simmental males (156) will be sold at 10am on Monday, February 21, followed by the Salers bulls (30) and Simmental females (28) at 1.30pm.

Charolais females (4) and bulls (177) will also be shown at 11am on the Monday with their sale kicking off on Tuesday, February 22, at 10.30am.

Bull Sales judges

Aberdeen-Angus: John Elliot, Roxburgh Mains, Kelso

Beef Shorthorn: Cathryn Williamson, Balnespick, Kincraig

Hereford: Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Stromness

Limousin: John Mason, Oddacres Farm, Embsay, Skipton

Simmental: Andrew Clarke, Breaghey Road, Tynan, Co Armagh

Salers: Seamus Nagle, Bullbank, Ballaghaline Doolin, Ireland

Charolais: Jim Muirhead, Firhills, Arbroath

Read more: United Auctions' Bull Sales at Stirling Programme of events