Record entry for UA's May Multi-breed sale

A MUCH increased entry of pedigree beef animals has led to United Auctions expanding its multi-breed show and sale at Stirling, to a three-day event, concluding with the sale on Monday, May 1.
This sales fixture – becoming popular as commercial owners buy ‘near market’ sires for their spring calving herds – has attracted more than 300 pedigree bull and female entries from nine breeds. 
This year, most of the breed inspections will take place on Saturday, April, 29, with shows for the Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, Salers and Highland cattle, on Sunday, April 30.
The show of Aberdeen-Angus and Beef Shorthorn bulls will take place on Monday, May 1, when the sale commences at 10.30am with the Highland cattle breed, followed by Salers, British Blue, Hereford, Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, Aberdeen-Angus and Beef Shorthorn.
Numerically, the sale is headed by the Limousin, with a record 75 bull entries for this event and 10 females. Just behind is the Angus breed with 59 bulls followed by the Simmental and Charolais breeds with 49 and 47, respectively. 
Highlanders have the largest female entry, with 20 head up for grabs.
John Roberts, UA’s group sales director, said: “This back-to-back boost in entries is down to the continued support of Scottish breeders and consignors south of the Border for what is now firmly recognised as a significant pedigree cattle event in the farming calendar.  
“The May Bull Sale has grown steadily year-on-year from 40 cattle in the early days to more than 300 forward this year. Buyers can be sure of a tremendous show of top quality bulls from some of the finest herds showcasing excellent genetics. 
“It’s also great to see a bustling, national event bringing a positive impact to the city with existing tenants, neighbouring Stirling vendors and local businesses all seeing the economic benefit of an uplift in commerce.”
West Coast auctioneer at UA, Raymond Kennedy, is leading the Highland sale on Monday at 10.30am. He said: “May is such a significant date for the Highland sale diary so we’re particularly pleased to be continuing to draw growing numbers of consignors and buyers to the City of Stirling at this time of year.”
UA is also holding a commercial show and sale of Simmental breeding cattle and other breeding cattle on the Monday, which is taking place in sheep ring, pointed out Mr Roberts.