It might not have been the biggest of sales for an October event, but this week’s United Auctions’ Stirling Bull Sales will go down in history as one of the most exciting with the Blelack dispersal being described by many as ‘unbelievable’.

While the Charolais breed dominated much of the actual bull sales and secured a record average of £8327 – up a colossal £1700 on the year – it was the dispersal of Aberdeen-Angus females and their calves from Neil and Graeme Massie’s world-renowned Blelack herd, from Dinnet, that was out and out highlight of the event.

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But it was a bitter-sweet day for the father and son duo, who between them have been breeding blacks for more than 50 years when the dispersal not only saw a new record of 64,000gns paid for a cow and calf, but also gross takings of more than £1.13m, backed up by no fewer than 31 five-figure individual priced lots.

Adding to their dominance, the Massies also produced the champion Angus bull which went on to top the bull trade in the regular sale at 24,000gns.

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Overall, the Charolais breed sold 59 bulls to average £8327 which was followed by Aberdeen-Angus selling 42 bulls at £6413. The Simmental breed secured the third highest average at £5961 for 57, with 44 Limousins cashing in at £5085 and six Beef Shorthorn bulls at £4830.

Production sales of females from the Lochend Charolais and Tonley Aberdeen-Angus herd, also soared selling to 12,000gns and 20,000gns, respectively. And, the Beef Shorthorn female surge shows no sign of relenting, with an 11,000gns top for a Lowther heifer.