Charolais domination

Both the supreme and reserve overall champion sold for 25,000gns, whilst the average for 111 bulls was up a massive £603 per head on the year for 10 fewer.

“It has been a fantastic sale on the back of top prices paid for Charolais cross calves at store cattle sales recently,” said Peter Phythian, chief executive of the society.

“People are beginning to realise the Charolais is the one that works well over any other breed or commercial cow as it is produces the calves that grow and finish the fastest.

“Charolais cross calves outperform everything else in the market place, with calves selling at £1100 and £1200 commercially. They really do tick all the boxes,” he added.

Ben Harman, chairman of the society, was equally buoyant about the future of the breed: “Charolais cattle finish quicker and are therefore a carbon cutter for everyone – paying the most efficient beef farmers.

“The only barrier stopping the progress of the breed is EU legislation which claims finished cattle under a year old are classified as rose or veal. We should not have to get legislation changed to allow cattle younger than 12 months of age to be sold as beef,” added Mr Harman, who said such is the growth potential of the breed that Charolais cattle have the ability to be finished under a year old.

While it was a great day for the breed, it was an even better one for the two top breeders who produced the sale leaders and also celebrated personal bests.

First to hit the 25,000gns high was the pre-sale champion, Glenericht Oasis, from father and son duo, Peter and Alan Drysdale, from Middle Drimmie, Blairgowrie, purchased by Danny Sawrij, Kedzlie, Blainslie, Lauderdale.

Oasis, a May, 2018-born entry is sired by Caylers Gladiator, a bull purchased at Carlisle for 12,000gns, and out of Glenericht Gem, a former red ticket holder at the Royal Highland Show. His full brother, Majestic, sold for 11,500gns in 2017.

Michael and Lisa Massie, Mains of Elrick, Ellon, also received 25,000gns for their reserve overall – smashing their previous best of 17,000gns – when Elrick Outlaw, the reserve overall, was knocked down to Charlie Boden for the Sportsmans herd, Mellor Hall.

This August, 2018-born bull is a son of the privately purchased Maerdy Gouverneur, while his dam, Elrick Florida, bred the overall champion here in October 2017 and has previously produced sons to 8500gns.

The same home also received 15,000gns for Elrick Oxygen, a similarly aged bull by the same sire, which sold to Jonathan Crawford, Tamneymartin Road, Maghera, Co Londonderry. His dam, Elrick Isidore, is a daughter of Maerdy Dublin, a bull that has bred sons to 17,000gns.

Another on 15,000gns was the intermediate champion, Elgin Oliver, from the Milne family, Kennieshillock, Elgin, which headed home to Essex with John and Jenny Rix, Wissington Grove, Nayland. This June, 2018-born bull brought out by Matthew Milne is a son of the 10,000gns Woodpark Elgin, whilst his dam is from one of the best breeding lines in the herd, out of Elgin Ianthe, which goes back to Caylers Gladiator.

It was well worth the long trip north for Welsh breeder and vet, Esmor Evans, when he sold his best, Maerdy Osgood, for 13,000gns in a two-way split to Major David Walter, Balthayock, Perth, and Chas Smeaton, Cotton of Ovenstone, Forfar.

Osgood, a similarly aged bull which stood third in his class, is sired by the 10,000gns Blelack Fabulous, a bull that has bred sons to 40,000gns, and out of Maerdy Honney, which is the dam of a 8500gns bull.

Mr Evan’s second prize 19-month-old bull, Maerdy Obrian, also made his mark when the hammer fell at 9500gns to WJ Millar, Huntingfaulds, Tealing, Dundee. A son of Goldies Linford – a stock sire purchased here three years ago for the top price of 18,000gns – Obrian is out of Maerdy Dendrite, a Maerdy Dendrite daughter.

Some 10 bulls attracted a 10,000gns bid,. The first of those was from Major Walter’s Balthayock herd, attended to by Tracey and Davie Nicol. Tops for them was Balthayock Overdrive, a June, 2018-born bull backed by home-bred genetics on both sides with the sire being Balthayock Impression, onto Balthayock Lisa a Balbithan Vespasian daughter and reserve female champion at the 2017 Highland Show.

Overdrive headed north to Aberdeenshire, when purchased by Kevin and Jackie Mallarkey, Airdlin Mains, Ythanbank, Ellon.

Burradon Olaf, from Chris Curry, Low Burradon, Thropton, Morpeth, was the first bull to be knocked down at 10,000gns, selling to James Morton, Kaeside, Melrose, Roxburghshire. This senior entry is by Clenagh Lyle, a €15,000 Irish purchase, which has bred well for the herd, out of Burradon Jemma, a Puntabrava Federico daughter that goes back to the 26,000gns Burradon Garibaldi.

Three lots later, Danny Sawrij’s Swalesmoor Oscar from Kedzlie, made the same money selling to Iain Millar, Lochend, Port of Menteith, Stirling. He is a son of the 34,000gns Oakchurch Igor and out of Swalesmoor Laura, which goes back to Balmyle Headline.

Will Short, Woodpark, Beragh, Omagh, was another in the money, when his Woodpark Oaktree, hit the big 10k selling to A and R Paton, Easter Greenhill, Avonbridge, Falkirk.

This June, 2018-born bull is a son of Doonally Souverain, which was bought privately in the South of Ireland and has bred sons to 20,000gns, and the first calf out of Woodpark Lavender, a Deeside Gulliver daughter.

William and Moira Milne, Ernan, Waterside, Strathdon, sold two bulls for the same five-figure price, to include Glenernan Ohboy, which sold across to Kelso with John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Roxburghshire.

A son of the 17,000gns Elgin Jagger, Ohboy is out of Glenernan Finesse which goes back to Mistral Ben. Ohboy’s full brother was reserve champion at last year’s Thainstone Spring show.

Later, Glenernan Original by the same sire sold to J Gordon, Waterside, Forbes, Alford, Aberdeenshire.

This July, 2018-born entry is bred from the best cow in the herd in, Glenernan Ivory, whose dam, Bega Cuddles, was purchased as an in-calf heifer at Carlisle in 2009.

Thrunton Orkney also came up with the goods for Ian, and sons, Bruce and Andrew Campbell, Thrunton, Alnwick, when he sold for 10,000gns to Jan Boomaars, Heathdown, The Ridge, Woldingham. The first crop of calves from the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem, this similarly aged bull is bred from Thrunton Lilac, a Thrunton Gladiator-sired cow.

Selling for the same money was the red ticket holder, Lagavaich Orlando from Billy and Gary Wright, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch.

Aberdeenshire producer, George Wordie, Cairnborrow, Glass, was the final bidder on this 19-month-old bull by Elrick Jazzman – a bull bought for 4600gns – out of Hindstones Gypsy, which was purchased at the Whytes dispersal for 3100gns and goes back to Trefaldwyn Valiant.

Best from Jonathan and Jayne Watson, Bowsden Moor, Berwick Upon Tweed, was the 18-month-old bull, Tweeddale Orbit, a son of the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem, out of Tillside Ingrid a cow bought privately which is a full sister to the 9000gns Goldies Iceman.

Orbit headed home with Jimmy Walton, Flotterton, Thropton, Morpeth, Northumberland.

The final bull to leave the ring at a 10,000gns bid was Harestone Offtheclock, from Neil and Stuart Barclay, Insch, brought out by stockman, Robert Marshall.

This September, 2018-born bull sold across the Irish Sea with Hugh Crawford, buying for his Coolnaslee herd, Glenhead, Ballymena, Co Antrim. Offtheclock is a son of Harestone Jaquard, which was champion of the world in 2019 and breed champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2018, while the dam, Harestone Iona, is by Thrunton Fearless.

The Barclays also received 9500gns for their fourth prize bull, Harestone Oberhausen, purchased by James Nisbet, Sorn Mains, Mauchline. This October, 2018-born bull is by Harestone Hercules and out of Harestone Jutty, which goes back to Thrunton Fearless.

The female champion went on to top the heifers at 5500gns for Archie and John MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, Glasgow, when Allanfauld Ozzy headed south with Sean Mitchell, Grassknop, Skelton, Penrith.

This July, 2018-born heifer is the first female for sale from the 10,000gns Allanfauld Lachie, and out of Allanfauld Gaga, which goes back to Allanfauld Vagabond.

Not far behind on, a 3200gns bid, was Thrunton Oriental from the Campbell family, Thrunton, selling to David Dandie, Lookabootye, Broxburn, West Lothian.

Reserve female, this similarly aged heifer is a daughter of the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem, out of Thrunton Isabella.

LEADING awards

Bulls born February 23 to April, 9, 2018 – 1, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Omega, by Maerdy Jerusalem, 8000gns to K Matheson, Milton of Aberarder, Dores, Inverness; 2, A Ivory’s Cardean Orient, by Maerdy Henley, to Lagganorie Farm Trust, Barharrow, Castle Douglas; 3, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Oxford, by Carwood Jagerbomb, unsold; 4, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Orinoco, by Kersknowe Jake, 3500gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Orkney; 5, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Officer, by Kersknowe Jake, 6000gns to J Hume and Son, Sundhope, Yarrow, Selkirk.

Bulls born April 10 to April 30, 2018 – 1, WS Oates’ Ravensworth Osbert, by Goldies Limelight, to Messrs MacGillivary, Glastullich, Nigg, Tain; 2, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Oasis, by Maerdy Jerusalem, 7000gns to HF Hamilton, Glenmanna, Thornhill, Dumfries; 3, DA and SM Miller’s Crookdake Otis, by Sportsmans Linesman, 5000gns to J and G Smith, Cauldhame, Stromness, Orkney; 4, W and N Milne’s Glenernan Oorwullie, by Elgin Jagger, 5500gns to RC and A Stevenson, Backakelday, Holm, Orkney; 5, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Oligarch, by Inverlochy Fencer, 6500gns to JE Armstrong, Murton, Berwick upon Tweed.

Bulls born May 1 to May 13, 2018 – 1, WR Baillie’s Baillieston Orcadian, by Maerdy Hasse, 7500gns to JHC Campbell, Thrunton, Whittingham, Alnwick; 2, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Outlaw, by Balthayock Ferdinand, 8000gns to JM Fisher, Meikle Larbrax, Leswalt, Stranraer; 3, DE Evans’ Maerdy Onedirection, by Blelack Fabulous, 6500gns to WP Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle, Perthshire; 4, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Optimum, by Balthayock Loyalist, 8000gns to L and D Hair, Drumbreddan, Ardwell, Stranraer; 5, R and J Blyth’s Marwood Oakes, by Balthayock Lineup, 4000gns to J MacKellar, Auchnaclach, Ballygrant, Islay.

Bulls born May 14 to May 20, 2018 – 1, D Sawrij’s Swalesmoor Oscar, by Oakchurch Igor, 10,000gns to JW Millar, Lochend, Port of Menteith, Stirling; 2, C Curry’s Burradon Olaf, by Clenagh Lyle, 10,000gns to J Morton and Son, Kaeside, Melrose, Roxburghshire; 3, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Oppidan, by Gretnahouse Lunar, 8200gns to C Mcmillan, Tallant, Bowmore, Isle of Islay; 4, MJ Massie’s Elrick Oblivion, by Maerdy Gouverneur, 5000gns to JS Robertson and Son, Lathrisk, Freuchie, Cupar; 5, EA Mutch’s Forglen Oscar, by Forglen Hurricane, 2600gns to GT and S Coghill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney.

Bulls born May 21 to May 31, 2018 – 1, senior champion and overall male champion, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Oasis, by Caylers Gladiator, 25,000gns to Kedzlie, Blainslie, Lauderdale; 2 and reserve senior champion, DE Evans’ Maerdy Obie, by Maerdy Figaro, 7500gns to C Addison, Chapelpark, Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeenshire; 3, D Sawrij’s Swalesmoor Orville, by Oakchurch Igor, 5000gns to S McCann, Oberstown, Lusk, Co dublin, Ireland; 4, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Osprey, by Balthayock Impression, 6200gns to Monymusk Farms, Inverurie; 5, WD and JA Connolly’s Brigadoon Opal, by Goldies Icon, unsold.

Bulls born June 1 to June 3, 2018 – 1, W Short’s Woodpark Oaktree, by Doonally Souverain, 10,000gns to A and R Paton, Easter Greenhill, Avonbridge, Falkirk; 2, CJ Wight’s Carwood Oswald, by Ugie Goldcup, 9000gns to JW Hogg, Longyester, Gifford, East Lothian; 3, DE Evans’ Maerdy Outcast, by Blelack Fabulous, 4000gns to GT and S Coghill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney; 4, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Oliver, by Balthayock Loyalist, 5000gns to G Mackie, The Ross, Madderty, Crieff, Perthshire; 5, J Watson’s Tweeddale Obrien, by Maerdy Jerusalem, unsold.

Bulls born June 4 to June 13, 2018 – 1 and intermediate champion, RA Milne’s Elgin Oliver, by Woodpark Elgin, 15,000gns to J and J Rix, Wissington, Grove, Nayland, Colchester, Essex; 2, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Outstanding, by Harestone Jaquard, 8000gns to RM Mackay and Sons, Greenvale, Dunnet, Thurso, Caithness; 3, A MacGregor’s Allanfauld Oliver , by Allanfauld Lachie, 7000gns to MacNeill, Tiraghoil, Bunessan, Isle of Mull, Argyll; 4, W and N Milne’s Glenernan Ohboy, by Elgin Jagger, 10,000gns to J Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso, Roxburghshire; 5, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Othello, by Balthayock Influence, 6200gns to A and B Kerr, East Cairnbeg, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire.

Bulls born June 14 to June 24, 2018 – 1 and reserve intermediate, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Overdrive, by Balthayock Impression, 10,000gns to K and J Mallarkey, Airdlin Mains, Ythanbank, Ellon; 2, RA Milne’s Elgin Officer, by Carwood Lochness, 8000gns to RB Millar, Prieston, Tealing, Dundee; 3, H Goldie’s Goldies Osprey, by Gretnahouse Heman, 7000gns to CW McAllister, Ceither Gaoithe, Sliddery; 4, DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Outrider, by Maerdy Grenadier, 5000gns to WSL Mui; 5, WD and JA Connolly’s Brigadoon Ocean, by Goldies Icon, unsold.

Bulls born June 25 to July 7, 2018 – 1, DE Evans’ Maerdy Owen, by Maerdy Figaro, 8500gns to G Wilson and Son, Fichlie, Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire; 2, R Leggat’s Bonnykelly Osbert, by Gretnahouse Ivory, 5000gns to A and J Craig, Craigton, Castle Douglas; 3, DE Evans’ Maerdy Osgood, by Blelack Fabulous, 13,000gns to C Smeaton and So, Cotton of Ovenstone, Kirkbuddo, Forfar; 4, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Omar, by Wesley Equinox, 6800gns to WSL Muir; 5, AJ Scott’s Tophill Oliver, by Newhouse Lonestar, 8500gns to TA Jones and Son, Danycapel, Dryslwyn, Carmarthen.

Bulls born July 8 to |July 24, 2018 – 1, A and A Wright’s Lagavaich Orlando, by Elrick Jazzman, 10,000gns to GT Wordie, Cairnborrow, Glass, Huntly, Aberdeenshire; 2, Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans Othello, by Goldies Jerry, 8500gns to A Smellie and Partner, Posso, Kirkton Manor, Peebles; 3, A Macgregor’s Allanfauld Obladi, by Kinclune Google, 5000gns to DW Sinclair, Unigarth, Orkney; 4, Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans Oasis, by Goldies Jerry, 5000gns to J and A Dunlop, Ashfield, Maybole, Ayrshire; 5, DE Evans’ Maerdy Osborne, by Goldies Linford, 5800gns to B Swanson, East Murkle, Thurso, Caithness.

Bulls born July 25 to Aug 16, 2018 – 1, MJ Massie’s Elrick Oxygen, by Maerdy Gouverneur, 15,000gns to J Crawford, Tamneymartin, Maghera, Co Londonderry; 2, DE Evans’ Maerdy Obrian, by Goldies Linford, 9500gns to WJ Millar, Huntingfaulds; 3, W and N Milne’s Glenernan Original, by Elgin Jagger, 10,000gns to J Gordon; Waterside, Forbes, Alford; 4, DE Evans’ Maerdy Option, by Blelack Fabulous, 6400gns to PM and SM Donger, Seawell Grounds, Foxley, Towcester, Northants; 5, O’Kane Bros’ Ovill Olcan, by Whitecliffe James, unsold.

Bulls born Aug 18 to Aug 31, 2018 – 1 and junior champion and reserve overall champion, MJ Massie’s Elrick Outlaw, by Maerdy Gouverneur, 25,000gns to Boden and Davies, Mellor hall, Cheshire; 2 and reserve junior champion, J Watson’s Tweedale Orbit, by Maerdy Jerusalem, 10,000gns to FT Walton, Flotterton, Thropton, Morpeth, Northumberland; 3, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Orlando, by Harestone Jaquard, 7000gns to K Matheson, Milton oAberarder, Inverness; 4, MJ Massie’s Elrick Oxford, by Maerdy Gouverneur, 9000gns to W Ramsay and Sons, Milnmark, Dalry, Castle Douglas; 5, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Optimist, by Inverlochy Fencer, 4200gns to Mahaar, Kirkcolm, Stranraer.

Bulls born Sept 1 to Sept 25, 2018 – 1, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Offtheclock, by Harestone Jaquard, 10,000gns to H Crawford, Glenhead, Ballymena; 2, H Goldie’s Goldies Oakley, by Kersknowe Jambo, 5500gns to Torwoodlee and Buckholm, Torwoodlee, Galashiels; 3, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Odysey, by Caylers Gladiator, 8000gns to W Forbes, Dalrachie, Ballindaloch, Banffshire; 4, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Osasco, by Harestone Jaquard, 9000gns to AB Young, Girvan Mains, Ayrshire; 5, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Oswald, by Glenericht Limpet, 5000gns to L and D Hair, Drumbreddan, Ardwell, Stranraer.

Bulls born Sept 26 to Nov 4, 2018 – 1, H Goldie’s Omega, by Tweeddale Matador, 7000gns to AH Fisher, Merrick, Portpatrick,Stranraer; 2, RA Milne’s Elgin Obama, by Woodpark Elgin, 8500gns to PM and SM Donger; 3, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Oberhausen, by Harestone Hercules, 9500gns to JM Nisbet, Sorn Main, Mauchline; 4, GW Turner’s Brampton Oasis, by Brampton Jeronimo, 3000gns to J Laidlaw, Knowehead, Kippen, Stirling; 5, RA Milne’s Elgin Orcadian, by Carwood Lochness, 4500gns to A and W Duncan, Wester Invery, Strachan, Banchory.

Bulls born after Nov 5, 2018 – 1, A Macgregor’s Allanfauld Olympus, by Harestone Hercules, unsold; 2, Clark Farms’ Teiglum Oasis, by Balthayock Lauchlan, 5000gns to J Guild, Ashmark, New Cumnock, Ayrshire; 3, AG Houston’s Gretnahouse Optic, by Westcarse Jimmy, 5000gns to Genoch Mains farms, c/o JJM Mcintosh, Genoch Mains, Dunragit, Stranraer; 4, WP Bruce’s Balmyle Onward, by Ovill Lennon, 9000gns to GW Woolhouse, Church Farm, Ravensfield, Rotherham; 5, W Short’s Woodpark Oliver, by Deeside Gulliver, unsold.

Heifers born after March 26, 2018 – 1 and female champion, A MacGregor’s Allanfauld Ozzy, by Allanfauld Lachie, 5500gns to S Mitchell, Grassknop, Skelton, Penrith; 2 and reserve female champion, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Oriental, by Maerdy Jerusalem, 3200gns to D Dandie, Lookabootye, Broxburn, West Lothian; 3, H Goldies’ Goldie Orma, by Kersknowe Jambo, 2200gns to G and M Porter, Carrabus, Bridgend, Isle of Islay; 4, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Orla, by Maerdy Jerusalem, 1800gns to JM Meikle, Dalvey, Callander, Perthshire.