CHAROLAIS breeders enjoyed a flying trade on the final day of Stirling Bull Sales, having not only scooped the top price of the week at 40,000gns but also secured 12 five-figure sales, a further nine selling at 8000gns or more and a cracking average up almost £800 on the year. 

In all, 73 bulls levelled at £6979, up £798 on the same sale last year, for 12 less sold, and met a 74% clearance.

Sale leader at 40,000gns was one of the last Charolais bulls through the ring, a second prize winner from Esmor Evans’ 160-cow Maerdy herd from Monfa, Mold. This was Maerdy Newman, a 16-month-old son of Blelack Fabulous – a bull purchased for 10,000gns after standing reserve senior champion here and which first two calves made 28,000gns and 22,000gns. The first calf bred from the Maerdy Dynamite-sired heifer, Maerdy Junco, this popular youngster sold in a two-way split to Charlie Boden and family, who run the 80-cow Sportsmans herd near Mellor, Stockport, and Neil and Stuart Barclay of the Harestone herd based at Crathes, Banchory.

Next best was 20,000gns for Allanfauld Neptune, a June 2017-born bull from Archie and John MacGregor's Allanfauld herd at Kilsyth, Glasgow. He is by Balmyle Jasper, out of Allanfauld Heirness - a dam which is a maternal sister to the 10,000gns Allanfauld Napoleon who stood reserve champion at Carlisle. Third prize in what was believed to be the strongest class of Charolais bulls yesterday, he sold to Richard MCulloch, Overhill House, Armadale, West Linton, who will use him for his small pedigree herd and 90-cow commercial herd which is run alongside 90 pedigree Simmentals. 

The overall champion in the show, Anside Nightrider from the Irvine family at Braehead, Drummuir, Keith, realised 18,000gns to GW Turner, Brampton Hall, Skelton-on-Ure. He is by Woodpark Elgin, out of Anside Geisha and stood reserve overall at Nairn Show. 

See this week's TSF for full report and pics