Revised format for May bull sales at Carlisle

In contrast to last year’s online sales, the H and H team is looking forward to welcoming purchasers and vendors back to the auction ring, albeit under Covid-19 restrictions and with facemasks.

While restrictions are easing in other sectors, all purchasers looking to attend any of the breed sales must still register prior to the event. Only people conducting business will be allowed to attend and children under the age of 16 are not permitted.

The sales kick off on May 7 and May 8 with bull and female entries from the Limousin breed.

The following Friday/Saturday, May 15 and 16, is for other continental breeds and will see the Charolais, British Blue, Blonde, Salers and Simmentals, come under the hammer.

Native breeds, to include Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorns, Belted and White Galloways, Herefords, Lincoln Reds and South Devons, will be sold on Saturday May 22.

“We are delighted to be getting back to normal, however this will not be a full return to ringside selling. The theory behind restructuring the sale in this manner is to meet wishes of both the vendors and the purchasers, while ensuring the safety of all attendees,” said Scott Donaldson, managing director of Harrison and Hetherington.

Auctioneer Scott Donaldson selling Aberdeen-Angus at Carlisle Ref:RH275160226..

“Vendors and purchasers keen to conduct business will be welcomed to each of the sales in person, following all required social distancing guidelines and measures. All other parties or other members of the public will not be able to attend, as bystanders cannot be accommodated due to these restrictions.

“The team worked hard to deliver a competitive and transparent bidding process on a high-quality online platform, which set a benchmark for the rest of the country. This live virtual auction system provides a number of incredibly important benefits at this time, by enabling vulnerable individuals to partake, and in allowing buyers from across the length and breadth of the UK to still have access, despite travel restrictions,” he added.

Peter Phythian, chief executive of the Charolais cattle society added: “We supported Harrison and Hetherington to do the online sales last year and they proved to be a huge success. Now, we are getting back to live bidding and matching buyers with sellers.

“The last 12 months have certainly been challenging, and across the world we have all had to learn to adapt. Social media has especially come into its own and will continue to play an important part in promoting the stock to wide audiences, in advance of the actual sales themselves.

“People no longer need to attend physically, which is great news if you are a vulnerable or high-risk individual. It really has granted us incredible access to wider audiences.”

Barrie Turner, CEO of the Aberdeen-Angus cattle society agreed: “It’s been a year long struggle with sales in general but new technologies have been adopted, adapted and implemented, to maintain maximum engagement of buyers to match vendors.”

Maraiscote Phil topped the Limousins last year online at £15,000

Last year's top priced bull Maraiscote Phil made £15,000

Continental breed sale dates and entries

Limousins May 7 and 8 179 bulls and 93 females

Charolais May 14 and 15 86 bulls and 15 females

British Blues May 14 and 15 87 bulls and 44 females

Blondes May 15 Six bulls and two females

Salers May 15 Four bulls

Simmentals May 15 12 bulls and six females

Native breed sale dates and entries

Beef Shorthorns May 22 18 bulls and 53 females

Belted Galloways and White Galloways May 22 Four bulls and seven females

Aberdeen-Angus May 22 89 bulls and 20 females

South Devons May 22

Herefords May 22 Eight bulls and 11 females

Lincoln Reds May 22 Four bulls

Carlisle Spring sale of Bulls saw a good trade at Carlisle last week Ref:RH275160225..