Autumn bull sales entries have been falling year on year with the continued trend to spring calving, and Covid-19 has undoubtedly accentuated that trend with the six breed sales at United Auctions' Stirling, all witnessing reduced entries and numbers sold, albeit with much improved averages.

But, with the uncertainty as to whether public auctions would be permitted, coupled with the ongoing social distancing restrictions and increased Covid-19 infection rates and it is a miracle that such sales have been permitted – a fact which all farmers are most grateful of.

There has been a power of work done behind the scenes by all market staff to allow such sales to continue and it certainly paid off at the Bull Sales, according to John Roberts, United Auctions group director and auctioneer.

"It has been all hands on deck to make sure everything worked and it has been a fantastic event with 99.9% of farmers wearing masks and adhering to social distancing restrictions," he said.

"Overall we had a good turnover of cattle which was comparable to previous autumn bull sales when you include the dispersals, and all the bull averages were up on the year which shows there is confidence in the industry. We would have liked to have sold a few more bulls, but there have been a few sold privately which is understandable when there has been so much uncertainty over sales and some farmers are not keen to attend markets with the ongoing pandemic."

The Charolais breed again produced the lead price and average at 20,000gns for an bull from Alasdair Houston's Gretnahouse herd, with the 43 cashing in at £6627. The Simmental breed sold the highest number, with 52 bulls cashing in at £5589 backed up by two 14,000gns sales from the Stronach family's Islavale herd.

Meanwhile the Limousin breed produced the highest clearance of 70%, with a lead price of 9500gns paid for a bull from Archie and John MacGregor, Allanfauld, with the Aberdeen Angus section hitting 10,000gns for the best from Gordon and David Gray, Ettrick.