Simmental prices soared to 16,000gns at the inaugural Nxtgen sale at Carlisle, where the champion bull calf topped the trade and heifers sold to 9000gns twice.

The sale of superior quality youngstock, primarily heifers to establish new herds, was led by John Moore's Omorga Murphy 21, an 11-month-old bull from his Northern Ireland-based operation. Backed by the best of bloodlines and some new genetics, Murphy is by Omorga Isaac 17, a bull sold to AI Services, which in turn was sired by Curaheen Earp, a five-star Simmental bull in Eire.

The dam also boasts some new genetics being a daughter of the privately purchased Mullyknock Gallant. He sold to Clive Houldey, buying for his Manor Park herd from Lockerbie.

Two heifers sold for 9000gns with the first being the reserve heifer, Newbiemains Lady Wag, a 16-month-old daughter of the Ex94 Skerrington Iceman, from Jim and Patricia Goldie, Newbiemains, Annan. Her dam is the Lisglass Churchill-sired Newbiemains Hash Tag Wag VG86. Richard McCulloch, Over Hillhouse, Armadale, forked out the cash.

Banffshire breeders, Phil Simmers and sons Andrew and Reece of the Backmuir herd from Keith, bought several of the top lots to include the second 9000gns heifer, Islavale Viva 8, from the Stronach family, Berryleys, Keith. Champion at the Stars of the Future, this 15-month-old blue ticket holder is by Curaheen Giant and bred from the Ex94 Islavale Viva 2.

Also heading back up to Keith on the Backmuir lorry at 8000gns, was the Stronach's heifer champion, Islavale Lullaby, a 20-month-old and the first by the privately purchased Shacon Hannibal 16 Ex94.

Another from Islavale, Liquorice, a 13-month-old by Ranfurly Confederate Ex94, matched that 8000gns bid when selling in a two-way split to Gavin Brown and Cammy Jackson.

Overall, three heifers and calves averaged £4865; 30 heifers served and maiden, levelled at £4396; five weaned bull calves at £6174 and 10 weaned heifer calves balanced out at £3444.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherinton.

For full report and pictures see next week's Scottish Farmer