WINNING the supreme championship at LiveScot two years in a row is something that doesn't happen often and many producers can only dream of, but Wilson Peters did just that when he followed up with his 2016 supreme title when he was given the nod for the top spot with a heifer that has already secured a number of championships this season.

The strong entry of prime cattle saw Harry Brown jnr, of Auchmaliddie Mains, in charge of placing the entries and from an impressive line-up of class winners it was the British Blue-sired heifer from Wilson that first secured the heavyweight heifer title before going all the way to the top.

"She's an ideal beast and tremendously well finished," said Mr Brown of the 22-month-old that landed the tri-colour tickets at Fife, West Fife, Angus, Alyth, Doune and Dunblane, Kirriemuir and Braco shows as well as the inter-breed honours at Kirrie and Fife. "She handles very well and has a good balance between being well covered but not too heavy."

She was bought by Mr Peters, of Cuilt, Monzie, from the Thompsons at East Unthank when she stood reserve at Middleton-in-Teesdale mart, and went on to sell for £3600 to Anthony Kitson, a Yorkshire butcher who also purchased Wilson's Honey Dime winner last year.

Following her through from the heavy heifer section to stand reserve supreme was Lakeland Lady from Andrew Ewing jnr, Dumbretton, Annan. The Limousin cross by Hollows Finn was purchased by Andrew when he judged at Cockermouth mart in March, and went on to stand reserve champion at Cumberland and Moffat shows, as well as reserve inter-breed at Dumfries. She also sold to Mr Kitson, this time for £3900. 

Heading up the bullock section was No Frills Frazer from James Nisbet, Sorn Mains. This Limousin cross by Lodge Hamlet was bought at Brecon in February, went on to stand reserve bullock at the Highland on his only other outing and sold for £2300.

Reserve bullock was Iain Lammie's Bulldozer, a home-bred son of Powerhouse Elite on his show debut from Iain's 60-cow herd at Longhouse, Cumnock.

Other championships awarded by Mr Brown included:

  • Bred by exhibitor - Archie and John MacGregor's Rumpy Pumpy, bullock by Powerhouse Italic.
  • Lightweight champion - Hugh Dunlop's Lily-May, heifer by Cromwell Gunner.
  • Best pure native - Harvey Cattle's Harvey's Zsa Zsa, Galloway heifer by Blackcraig Kodiak.
  • Best pure continental and best pure - Kedzlie Farm's Swalesmoor Miris, Limousin heifer by Dinmore Goldeneye.
  • Pairs - Blair Duffton and Rebecca Stuart's Thunderball and Verbocious.
  • Butchers' champion - D Blair and Son's Ruby, heifer by Anside Hawkeye.

In charge of the Housewife's choice section was Louise Forsyth, from Forsyth and Sons Butchers, Peebles, and her leader was Wonky Tonky from Dougie McBeath and Sarah Jane Jessop. This home-bred Limousin cross heifer by Lodge Hamlet was on her first outing and later secured by Mrs Forsyth for £3600.

The commercial calf section saw Gavin and Gillian Scott's home-bred Do Da awarded the championship by Michael Scott, Brampton. This daughter of Melbreak Hero, which also sired a previous calf champion here, was on her first outing.

In reserve was Robert and Jean Graham's pure Limousin heifer, Grahams Nova, an ET by Kilcor Iceman which stood reserve baby beef at the Borderway Agri-Expo.

See the December 2 issue of The Scottish Farmer for the full report, leading awards and pictures from LiveScot.