Finn Christie, Newton of Balquhain, Pitcaple, Inverurie, made his mark at the annual show and sale of Young Farmers’ overwintered cattle at Aberdeen and Northern Marts, Thainstone, when he produced both the champion and top priced animals with two separate entries.

Sale leader at £3600 was a British Blue cross February 2020-born heifer, which picked up a third prize in the pre-sale show. She was bred by Gavin and Jenna Greenlaw, Balgairn, Ballater, and sold to Gary Bell, Haas-side, Lockerbie.

The champion was tapped out by Blair Duffton, Huntly, who backed his decision and took Finn’s champion home for £2800. This time a March 2020-born Limousin cross heifer bred by Smallburn Farms, Plewlands, Duffus.

In total, 32 heifers sold to average 372.2p per kg or £1611.29 (+107.6p per kg and £429.75) while 20 steers cashed in at 279.5p per kg or £1225.50 (+38.2p per kg and £29.73).

Next best at £2600 was a fourth prize heifer from Mark Robertson, Easter Fodderletter, Tomintoul, which sold online to Wilson Peters, Cuilt Farmhouse, Monzie, Crieff. This March 2020-born heifer was bred by Gary Bell, Haas-Side.

Kyle Cruikshank, Clury, Dulnain Bridge, Grantown-on-Spey, received £2500 for a February 2020-born Limousin cross heifer bred by Gordon Cameron, Newton Cottage, Acharacle. She was knocked down to C Brown, Keasden Head, Clapham, Lancaster.

The second prize heifer to the champion realised £2000 for Duncan Munro, Invercharron, Ardgay, selling to Backmuir Livestock. This was an April-born Limousin cross heifer bred by Smallburn Farms.

Selling online for £1950 to firm of DJ Livingstone, Kirtlevale, Gretna, Dumfries, was a 14-month-old British Blue cross heifer from Jayne Mitchell, Ben Craig, Aberlour.

Winning the Calladrum Cup for the best overwintered animal was Strichen YFC member, Jenna Ross, Wardhead, Strichen.

LEADING prices

Steers – 1, Hugh Fraser, Glenernie, Dunphail, Forres, £1450; 2, Craig Buchan, Nether Savoch, Peterhead, £1420; 3, Archie Knox, Mid Haddo, Fyvie, Turriff, £1340; 4, Craig Buchan, £1320; 5, Jayne Mitchell, Ben Craig, Aberlour, £1240.

Heifers – 1 and overall champion, Finn Christie, Newton of Balquhain, Inverurie, £2800; 2, Duncan Munro, Invercharron, Ardgay, £2000; 3, Finn Christie, £3600; 4, Mark Robertson, Easter Fodderletter, Tomintoul, £2600; 5, Hannah Lorimer, Cadgerford, Kingswells, unsold.