Charolais lead averages at Stirling Bull Sales

The clearance was also one of the best at 77%.

Hamish Goldie sold Goldies Unity for the joint top price of 16,000gns Ref: RH211024086 However, without last year’s highs of 50,000gns and 30,000gns, averages fell £276 for the same number sold.

“There has been a strong trade for Charolais suckled calves and that is reflected in the trade here today which has been driven by commercial producers,” said Charolais Society council treasurer, Murray Lyle, Mid Cambushinnie, Dunblane.

Hollywell Unclebob from J and S Middleton made 14,000gns Ref: RH211024114 “Trade has been sound for the good bulls, and there were people buying today that would normally buy in February because they anticipate the trade to higher in the spring.

“More farmers are calving in the spring, so the autumn sales are more of a challenge which is reflected in the number of unsold bulls in all breeds,” he added.

Trade peaked at 16,000gns on two occasions.

Marwood Ullapo from R A and J Blyth made 14,000gns Ref: RH211024110 First to achieve that price was the reserve breed champion, Goldies Unity, from Hamish Goldie, Dumfries. This March 2023-born bull is a son of Caylers Rocky, that was purchased at Carlisle for 12,000gns and bred from Goldies Miranda, which goes back to Gretnahouse Heman. Jim Hodge, Dykes, took this bull back home to Ayrshire.

Achieving a personal best, Sean Mitchell, Grassknop, Penrith took the same money for his April 2023-born bull, Huttonend Ubelter. Surpassing his previous high of 8500gns was a third prize bull by Barnsford Ferny, out of Allanfauld Ozzy, which was purchased here for 5500gns. Final bidder was Bill Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle.

Balthayock Ushant from Balthayock realised 13,000gns Ref: RH211024112 Commercial buyers Andrew and Alan Warnock, Dreva, Biggar went to 14,000gns for Marwood Ullapo from Roy and Neil Blyth, Elwick. This May 2023-born bull, which stood third in his class, is a son of Marwood Odin that has bred sons to 13,000gns, while the dam, Marwood Libby, is a daughter of Burradon Goldenballs.

John and Sandra Middleton, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh, also received 14,000gns for their June 2023-born bull, Hollywell Unclebob. This first prize bull is sired by Nuthampstead Judas, which was purchased at the Westcarse dispersal and has bred a lot of big prices for the herd. The dam is the Clenagh Lyle daughter, Hollywell Rouge. Unclebob sold to Mel and Mike Alford, Foxhill, Devon.

The Milne family sold Elgin Usain for 13,000gns Ref: RH211024109 Another by the same sire, Hollywell Utah, stood fourth in his class and later realised 12,000gns to R and E Chapman, West Cockmuir, Fraserburgh. Utah is out of the Whitecliffe James-sired Hollywell Orla which has bred bulls to 10,000gns.

The third prize bull, Elgin Usain from Matthew Milne, Elgin, made 13,000gns when the hammer fell to James Nisbet, Sorn Mains, Sorn, Mauchline. Breed champion at Black Isle and reserve at Grantown this year, this April 2023-born bull is from the first crop of sons from Thurso Paul, which was a half-share purchase as a calf privately. The dam is the Woodpark Elgin daughter, Elgin Megan.

Hollywell Utah from J and S Middleton realised 12,000gns Ref: RH211024102 Kenneth Sutherland and sons Stephen and Kenneth of Sibmister and Stainland Farm, Thurso, went to 10,000gns for another by the same sire. This was the May 2023-born bull, Elgin Ullapool, which stood fifth in his class. He is bred from Elgin Libby, a Westcarse Houdini daughter. Ullapool was champion at Nairn and reserve at Keith Show.

David and Tracey Nicoll sold three five-figure priced bulls on behalf of the late Major David Walter, Balthayock, Perth. Topping the pen at 13,000gns was Balthayock Ushant, a second prize winner from the first crop of sons by the 24,000gns Harestone Ronaldinho. He is bred from Balthayock Petronella, which goes back to the 2015 Royal Highland Show supreme, Balthayock IMP. This May 2023-born bull was knocked down to Andrew McNee, Woodend, Armadale.

Balmyle Uranus from WP Bruce Ltd made 12,000gns Ref: RH211024107 Mark Ross, Ross Farms, Wester Middleton, gave 11,000gns for the red ticket holder, Balthayock Ultimatum. This similarly aged bull is by the same sire but out of Balthayock Olala.

Selling for 10,000gns was Balthayock Ulex, a June 2023-born bull from the first crop of sons sired by Balthayock Regal. A heifer’s calf, he is bred from Balthayock Robyn, a Balthayock Ferdinand daughter. Third in his class, he sold up to Orkney with John Stranger, South Seatter.

Balthayock Ultimatum from Balthayock sold for 11,000gns Ref: RH211024111 Bill Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle, produced his first overall championship at Stirling with Balmyle Uranus which later realised 12,000gns. This April 2023-born bull is a son of Balmyle Jasper, which has bred bulls to 28,000gns, while the dam, Balmyle Madem, goes back to Balmyle Eclipse. Final bidders were T Smith and Son, Netherton Farm, Alford.

Another by the 24,000gns Harestone Ronaldinho, Bombax Unit, this time from the Smeaton family, Bombax, Forfar, made 11,000gns. This 19-month-old is out of Bombax Matilda, a Clyth Diplomat daughter and heads down to Stranraer with JM Fisher, Meikle Larbrax.

The Smeatons sold Bombax Unit for 11,000gns Ref: RH211024099 The same home sold the March 2023-born bull, Bombax Uber for 10,000gns to M Leslie, Keithmore, Keith, Dufftown. By the same Harestone sire, he is bred from the Balmyle Magnate sired-dam, Mornity Orla.

The senior champion, Newlogie Unreserved from AJR Farms, Ellon, realised 10,000gns when brought out by stockman Andrew Reid. Reserve junior male champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show, this January 2023-born bull is by the 26,000gns Maerdy Amontillado, and out of Newlogie Ohdream. He goes off to Cairnborrow, Huntly, with the Wordie family.

Senior champion, Newlogie Unreserved from AJR Farms, Ellon, realised 10,000gns Ref: RH211024097 Selling for the same money, former Gretnahouse stockman Joe Speak and his partner, Jordan Tipping, Gretna, sold the April 2023-born bull, Gretnahouse Uhtred. A 28,000gns Lochend Nighthawk son, he is out of Gretnahouse Masweety and is a full brother to a 16,000gns bull. Uhtred sold down to Dumfries with W Templeton, Glenlaugh, Auldgirth.

Top price from Allen Drysdale’s Glenericht herd, Middle Drimmie, Blairgowrie, was 9500gns paid for the April 2023-born bull, Glenericht Untouchable.

Balthayock Ulex from Balthayock sold for 10,000gns Ref: RH211024113 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer... This red ticket holder is by the home-bred Glenericht Limpet, which has bred sons to 18,000gns while the dam, Glenericht Idyll, goes back to Blelack Digger. Burnton Farms, Laurencekirk, were the final bidders.

A cow and calf from Andrew Burnett, Spittalton, topped the females when selling for 11,000gns to C and C Farming, Thrupton, Morpeth. The seven-year-old cow, Spittalton Nikita, is a daughter of Whitecliffe Highlight. She sold with her March-born bull calf, Spittalton Vogue, which is sired by Goldies Oasis.

Leading Awards

Bulls born Oct to Feb 2023 – 1 and senior champion, AJR Farms’ Newlogie Unreserved, by Maerdy Amontillado, 10,000gns to GT Wordie, Cairnborrow, Huntly; 2 and reserve senior, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Universal, by Racissant, 5800gns to R McCarlie, Wester Hassockrigg, Shotts; 3, AJ Taylor’s Briarbank Union, by Balmyle Oscar, 5000gns to GT and S Coghill, Muce, Orkney; 4, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Ultimate, by Hatenon, 6500gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Orkney; 5, AB Hornall’s Falleninch Tommy, by Magicien, unsold.

Bulls born Feb to Mar 2023 – 1, H Goldie’s Goldies Umpire, by Gretnahouse Heman, 5700gns to A Clark and Sons, West Gkengyre, Stranraer; 2, J Irvine and Son’s Inverlochy Usher, by Caylers Napoleon, 6000gns to Glenkiln Farms, Dumfries; 3, C Smeaton and Sons’ Bombax Ultimate, by Harestone Ronaldinho, 8500gns to P and F Ross Ltd, Orkney; 4, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Ultimate, by Silver Rebel, 6800gns to JM Fisher, Meikle Larbrax, Stranraer; 5, J Jeffery’s Kersknowe Upgrade, by Silver Rebel, 5000gns to D Findlay and sons, Pirnhall, Stirling.

Gretnahouse Uhtred from J G Speak and J H Tipping sold for 10,000gns Ref: RH211024101 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer... Bulls born Mar 18 to 27, 2023 – 1, McMurrich Partnership’s Formakin Uist, by Ravissant, unsold; 2, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Uber, by Elrick Predator, 7000gns to JM Anderson, Strocherie, Banff; 3, J Jeffrey, Kersknowe Usain, by Silver Rebel, unsold; 4, S Gilleard, Gilleard Upshot, by Harestone Rolex, unsold; 5, AJR Farms’ Newlogie Undercover, by Newlogie Nobel, unsold.

Bulls born Mar 27 and Apr 4, 2023 – 1 reserve intermediate and overall reserve, H Goldie’s Goldies Unity, by Caylers Rocky, 16,000gns to J Hodge, Dykes, Auchinleck; 2, H Goldie’s Goldies Ulex, by Caylers Rocky, 5800gns to JJ Lawrie, Wester Clunie, Fife; 3, RA Milne’s Elgin Usain, by Thurso Paul, 13,000gns to J Nisbet, Sorn Mains; 4, J and S Middleton, Hollywell Utah, by Nuthampstead Judas, 12,000gns to R and E Chapman, West Cockmuir; 5, W and N Milne’s Glenernan Uranus, by Marwood Robocop, 8000gns to AS Harman, Grove, Chesham.

Bombax Uber from the Smeatons sold for 10,000gns Ref: RH211024100 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer... Bull born Apr 6 and 11, 2023 – 1, intermediate champion and overall champion, WP Bruce Ltd’s Balmyle Uranus, by Balmyle Jasper, 12,000gns to T Smith and Son, Netherton Farm, Alford; 2, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Unstuck, by Elrick Predator, 8000gns to JJ Lawrie, Wester Clunie, Fife; 3, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Usk, by Balthayock Lineup, 5200gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Orkney; 4, Ross Farm Co’s Roscoe Unstoppable, by Allanfauld Noble, 9000gns to J Anderson and Son, Headshaw, Lauder; 5, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Urquart, by Baillieston Orcadian, 7000gns to S Shall and Sons, Brandon, Alnwick.

Bulls born Apr 12 and 26, 2023 – 1, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Untouchable, by Glenericht Limpet, 9500gns to Burnton Farms, Laurencekirk; 2, DE Evans’ Maerdy Underdog, by Maerdy Figaro, 8500gns to JHC Campbell and sons, Thrunton, Alnwick; 3, S Mitchell’s Huttonend Ubelter, by Barnsford Ferny, 16,000gns to WP Bruce, Balmyle; 4, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Upbeat, by Elrick Paragon, 7000gns to Millburn Farm, Orkney; 5, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Usher, by Balthayock Lineup, 7500gns to JE Woodman and Son, Northumberland.

Bulls born Apr 27 to May 6, 2023 – 1, WP Bruce Ltd’s Balmyle Utmost, by Clenagh Lyle, 7000gns to RT Phaup and Partner, Hoprigshiels; 2, Boden and Davies Ltd’s Sportsmans Uefa, by Elrick Outlaw, 4600gns to A and J Craig, Craigton, Castle Douglas; 3, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Usher, by Caylers Oxford, 9000gns to J Morton and Son, Kaeside, Melrose; 4, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Unison, by Elrick Paragon, 4000gns to Millburn Farm, Orkney; 5, RA Milne’s Elgin Ullapool, by Thurso Paul, 10,000gns to J Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland, Thurso.

Elgin Ullapool from the Milne family sold for 10,000gns Ref: RH211024105 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer...

Bulls born May 7 to 16, 2023 – 1 and junior champion, J Irvine and Son’s Inverlochy United, by Caylers Napoleon, unsold; 2 and reserve junior, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Upshot, by Harestone Lynx, 7000gns to A Clark, Blackhill, Carluke; 3, AB Hornall’s Falleninch Ulysses, by Falleninch Soptif, 7500gns to MG and A Shearer, Lythmore, Thurso; 4, MJ Massie’s Elrick Unique, by Maerdy Gouverneur, 8000gns to J and J Wilson, Wester Cairgnglass, Inverness; 5, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Ulric, by Whitecliffe Orwell, 5500gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Orkney.

Bulls born May 17 and 31, 2023 – 1, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Ultimatum, by Harestone Ronaldinho, 11,000gns to Ross Farms, Wester Middleton; 2, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Ushant, by Harestone Ronaldinho, 13,000gns to R McNeee, Woodend, West Lothian; 3, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Ullapo, by Marwood Odin, 14,000gns to J Warnock and Sons, Dreva, Biggar; 4, MJ Massie’s Elrick Ugie, by Ballinlare Phantom, 6500gns to Glenkilin Farms, Dumfries; 5, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Universe, by Harestone Rabelais, 5500gns to A Orr, Lawhead, Tarbrax.

Bulls born after June 2023 – 1, J and S Middleton’s Hollywell Unclebob, by Nuthampstead Judas, 14,000gns to MJ Alford, Foxhill; 2, Messrs Curry’s Burradon Uppercrust, Tweeddale Rio, 6500gns to S Rorison, Dalowie; 3, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Ulex, by Balthayock Regal, 10,000gns to J and R Stranger, South Seatter, Orkney; 4, Boden and Davies Ltd’s Sportsmans Usher, by Elrick Outlaw, unsold; 5, Messrs Curry’s Burradon Umph, by Tweeddale Radioactive, 9000gns to Raeside Farm, Fenwick.

Heifers – 1 and female champion, WJ Kingaby’s Utopia Unique, by Stranagone Reagan, unsold; 2 and reserve female, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Tamar, by Glenernan Northstar, 4000gns to A McCornick, Barnbackle, Dumfries.