Stirling Bull Sales: Charolais sell to 50,000gns for Barnsford Thistle

Achieving that top call was the May 2022 born bull, Barnsford Thistle from Tom and Sheena Gatherer, Barnsford, Inchinnan.

After selling Barnsford Ferny for 70,000gns in 2011, the duo sold the half brother 12 years on, both being natural calves out of Alwent Broom, with Thistle being her last natural calf ever at the age of 16 years old.

The Gatherers, who run just six females in their herd, produced this boy which was reserve junior champion in the pre-sale show and was also reserve junior male champion at the Highland Show. This 17,000gns Elgin Jagger son sold to David and Chris Timm of the Wensleydale, York.

Commenting at the end of the day was chairman, Andrew Sellick, “The breed had a solid trade from start to finish, which not only highlights the pedigree but also the strong commercial buyers. The average is backed by Charolais calves receiving £100 more per head than other breeds.

“We did sell less bulls like most others, which is simply down to fewer suckler cows on the ground now a days unfortunately. This is the main concern and needs to be our main point to concentrate on going forward,” he added.

The pre-sale champion, Silvermere Tsunami made 30,000gns for MT Hanson

Having a day to remember was Darren Irvine and Michelle Hanson from Upper Drakemyres, who not only achieved a new personal best, but did it twice as well as claiming the pre-sale champion.

Just eight cows in the herd, the duo received 30,000gns and 22,000gns for two prize winners.

Dearest of the two was the senior and overall champion, Silvermere Tsunami, a February 2022-born son of Clyth Diplomat. He is out of Silvermere Ocala, which goes back to Scalehouse Humphrey, and his maternal sister, stood reserve junior champion at the Royal Highland Show last year.

Knocked down in a two way split this boy sold to Charlie Boden, Sportsmans, Mellor Farms, Cheshire, and Danny Sawrij, Kedzlie, Swalesmoor, Lauderdale.

Silvermere Tesla secured the reserve junior champion and went on to attain 22,000gns for MT Hanson

This was followed by the junior champion, Silvermere Tesla, which attained a 22,000gns bid from Irish buyer, D Mccaffrey, Shannullagh, Co Omagh. The June 2022 born bull made it the youngest bull on offer for sale, is by the herd’s previous stock bull Balbithan Napoleon, which was bought privately, whilst the dam, Marne JoJo, is sired by Lochend Apache.

On the same money – 22,000gns – was the reserve intermediate champion, Balmyle Thumper, from Bill Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle, and herd manager, Dane Ivison. This 18-month-old bull is the first crop of bulls to be sold from Balmyle Patrick, with the dam being the high performing cow, Balmyle Inkling, which is a Brampton Nacodar daughter. Grant and Mark Smeaton of the Bombax Charolais herd, Cotton of Ovenstone, Kirkbuddo, Forfar, forked out the cash.

Gretnahouse Topper topped at 16,000gns for the Houston family

Gretnahouse Topper, led the Gretnahouse trade at 16,000gns for the Houston family, Gretna House, Gretna. This red ticket holder is an April 2022 born son of Lochend Nighthawk, which was bought here for 7500gns. Out of Gretnahouse Masweety, which is by Wesley Equinox, he sold to J and W Kellas, Raws Farm, Dufftown, Keith.

Another by the same sire and similar age, Gretnahouse Thumper, attained a 9500gns bid from Alex Bayne, Drumness farm, Auchterarder. He is the first bull calf out of Gretnahouse Orka, which goes back to Westcarse Jimmy.

Allen Drysdale, Middle Drimmie, Blairgowrie, sold two bulls at 12,000gns and 10,000gns, with the dearest coming in the form of Glenericht Troy. This fourth prized bull is by the AI sire, Thrunton Fairfax, and out of the heifer, Glenericht Polly, which goes back to Glenericht Mecca. This March 2022 born boy now heads to Stranraer with Lamont and Daniel Hair, Drumbreddan, Ardwell.

Audrey and Abbie Anderson, Easter Knox, Arbroath, paid 10,000gns for Glenericht Travis. This fourth prized March 2022 born bull is a son of Glenericht Limpet, which is a full brother to 17,500gns and 12,000gns bulls. His dam is the Clyth Diplomat daughter, Glenericht Jewel.

On 12,000gns was Kersknowe Torando from J Jeffery

John Jeffrey’s Kersknowe herd at Kelso, was next in the money, when selling bulls to 12,000gns. This was the second prized bull, Kersknowe Torando, which is the result of the sire, Kersknowe Pope, onto the dam, Kersknowe Jessie, which is by Lagavaich Fernando. He was knocked down to Frazer Leslie, Odinstone, Shapinsay.

Kersknowe Theo from the same home took 11,000gns from Duncan Macvicar, Middle Ballat farm, Balfron Station. This March 2022 born bull is by the 14,000gns Balmyle Navarone, and is out of the Balthayock Mikado daughter, Kersknowe Perfume.

Elrick Talent made 12,000gns for the Massies

Mike and Lisa Massie, Mains of Elrick, Auchnagatt, Ellon, achieved 12,000gns and 9000gns for the first sons from Ballinlare Phantom, which was purchased here for 16,000gns, and produced the winning group of three by the same sire in the pre-sale show.

The dearest of the two, Elrick Talent, stood second in his class being bred from Elrick Ornament, which is by Maerdy Gouverneur. This 17-month-old bull was knocked down to Jim Warnock, Dreva, Biggar.

The latter, the March 2022 born bull, Elrick Tommy, found a new home with J and J Strain, North Garphar, Ballantrae, Girvan, having stood first in his class. The dam, Elrick Marshal, has bred bulls to 8500gns going back to Elrick Impeccable.

Last to achieve the five figure price tag on 10,000gns was Hollywell Taichi from John and Sandra Middleton, Cowfords, New Pitsligo, Frazerburgh. This third prized March 2022 born bull is by the 9000gns Nuthampstead Judas, and out of the show cow, Hollywell Orla, which is a daughter of Whitecliffe James. He now travels to Stranraer with AH Fisher, Merrick, Portpatrick.

Mornity Thumper made 9000gns for Jack Nicoll Farms, Todpark, Alyth. This 18-month-old second prized bull is the result of the sire, Glenericht Pegasus, onto the dam, Mornity Janet, which is a Balthayock Upright bred daughter. He now has a long drive down to Wales with Jeffrey James, Cefn Eithrym, Clydach, Swansea.

Another purchase of the Hairs, Drumbreddan, at 9000gns was Marwood Toffee from Roy and Neil Blyth, Middleton House, Elwick, Hartlepool. This April 2022 born bull took home a blue ticket in the show, being sired by the 16,000gns Balthayock Lineup, and out of the Burradon Goldenboys daughter, Marwood Jellybaby.

Among the females just five sold to cash in at £3381, having topped at 4000gns on two occasions both coming from the Barclay family, Harestone, Insch.

Firstly was the September born 2021 in-calf heifer, Harestone Shantelle. Having stood third in the show, she is a daughter of Blelack Fabulous and bred from Harestone Denise, who goes back to Harestone Uruguy. This girl found a new home with FA and P Pilkington, Iveyash, Kniveton, Ashbourne.

Her stable mate, Harestone Shania, sold to John Guild, Ashmark, New Cumnock. This December 2021 born in-calf heifer is a result of the sire, Harestone Monarch, onto the dam, Harestone Iona.

A cow and calf outfit also received the same money for Brailes Livestock, Moreton in Marsh. This was for the three-year-old cow, Burradon Raquel, which is by Clenagh Lyle, and bred from Burradon Grace. She sold with her February born heifer calf, Brailes Una, which is a daughter of Balthayock Musketeer.

ve intermediate champion, Balmyle Thumper, from Bill Bruce made 22,000gns

LEADING awards

Bulls born on or between Oct 25 21 and Jan 1 22 – 1, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Solo by Elrick Paragon, 7500gns to G Fergus and Co, Clifton, Orkney; 2, AJR Farm’s Newlogie Sandy by Maerdy Morwr, 5000gns to G and J Davie, Harviesmailing, Stirling; 3, H Goldie’s Goldies Sullivan by Elrick Officer, 4800gns to JG Smith and Son, South Ridgehill Farm, Beith; 4, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Seraphim by Balthayock Nevada, 6500gns to OF W King, Wing Hale, Market Rasen Lincolnshire; 5, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Snapchat by Goldies Oasis, 4500gns to S Sandison, Millburn Farm, Orkney.

Bulls born on or between Jan 2 and Feb 22 22 – 1 and reserve senior champion, R A Elgin’s Elgin Troy by Caylers Noah, 8500gns to A and J Craig, Craigton, Castle Douglas; 2, S Gilleard’s Gilleard Toronto by Tophill Oscar, 7000gns to A and J Craig, Craigton, Castle Douglas; 3, McMurrich Partnership’s Formakin Trident by Neptune JC, 4500gns to M G and A Shearer, Lythmore Farm, Caithness; 4, J Watson and Co’s Tweeddale Tarzan by Goldies Jasper, unsold; 5, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Trueman by Goldies Oasis, unsold.

Bulls born on or between Feb 23 and March 18 22 – 1, senior and overall champion, MT Hanson’s Silvermere Tsunami by Clyth Diplomat, 30,000gns to Boden and Davies Ltd, Mellor Hall Farms, Stockport and Kedzlie Farm Ltd, Swalesmoor Farm, Halifax; 2, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Theo by Balmyle Navarone, 11,000gns to D MacVicar, Middle Ballat Farm, Glasgow; 3, MS Durno’s Glenlivet Thunderstruck by Elgin Glenlivet, unsold; 4, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Troy by Thrunton Fairfax, 12,000gns to L and D Hair, Drumbreddan Farm, Stranraer; 5, RF McCornick’s Ricknick Turbo by Harestone Hercules, unsold.

The best from J and S Middleton, Hollywell Taichi, made 10,000gns

Bulls born on or between March 19 and 30 22 – 1, MJ Massie’s Elrick Tommy by Ballinlare Phantom, 9000gns to J and J Strain, North Garphar, Girvan; 2, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Tornado by Kersknowe Pope, 12,000gns to T and J Leslie, Quoymor House, Orkeny; 3, J and S Middleton’s Hollywell Taichi by Nuthampstead Judas, 10,000gns to AH Fisher, Merrick, Stranraer; 4, WK and P Drysdale Glenericht Travis by Glenericht Limpet 10,000gns to JM Cant and Partners, Easter Knox, Arbroath; 5, H Goldie’s Goldies Tony by Caylers Rocky, 5800gns to A Ronald, East Laggan, Campbelltown.

Bulls born on or between March 31 and April 4 22 – 1 and reserve intermediate champion, WP Bruce Ltd’s Balmyle Thumper by Balmyle Patrick, 22,000gns to C Smeaton and Son, Cotton of Ovenstone, Forfar; 2, WP Bruce Ltd’s Balmyle Trigger by Balmyle Jasper, 6500gns to A MacFadyen and Son, Bragleenmore Farm, Oban; 3, A MacGregor’s Allanfauld Tadorne by Harestone Oscar, 6000gns to MJ Forbes, Bogside, Huntly; 4, WP Bruce Ltd’s Balmyle Toby by Balmyle Patrick, 7000gns to J Walker and Sons, Sauchenbush, Echt; 5, J Watson and Co’s Tweeddale Truedrive by Tweeddale Overdrive, 4000gns to B Corcoran, Viewfield Farm, Wigtown.

Bulls born on or between April 5 and 12 22 – 1, L Houston’s Gretnahouse Topper by Lochend Nighthawk, 16,000gns to J and W Kellas, Raws Farm, Dufftown; 2, J Nicoll Farm’s Mornity Thumper by Glenericht Pegasus, 9000gns to J James, Cefn Eithrym Farm, Swansea; 3, MJ Massie’s Elrick Thunder by Ballinlare- Phantom, unsold; 4, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Trooper by Marwood Odin, 4800gns to WT Hendry and Son, Back O’Muir Farm, Bannockburn; 5, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Topper by Glenernan Northstar, 4000gns GT and S Coghill, Muce, Orkney.

Bulls born on or between April 13 and 24 22 – 1, intermediate and reserve overall champion, H Goldie’s Goldies Tweed by Goldies Poldark, 6500gns to PAK Junor, Ballaggan, Inverness; 2, MJ Massie’s Elrick Talisman by Maerdy Ignition, 7000gns to RD Newlands, Cluny Farm, Forres; 3, WP Bruce’s Balmyle Tiger by Balmyle Jasper, 5500gns to S Shell and Sons, Brandon, Alnwick; 4, A MacGregor’s Allanfauld Travis by Harestone Oscar, 6000gns to JM Fisher Ltd, Meikle Larbrax, Stranraer; 5, MJ Massie’s Elrick Titan by Ballinlare Phantom, 5500gns to C and E McCombie, Auchincrieve, Huntly.

Another from A Drysdale made 10,000gns this was for Glenericht Travis

Bulls born on or between April 25 and May 6 22 – 1, J Watson and Co’s Tweeddale Titan by Goldies Jasper, 7000gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Orkney; 2, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Toffee by Balthayock Lineup, 9000gns to L and D Hair, Drumbreddan Farm, Stranraer; 3, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Twister by Balthayock Lineup, 8000gns to G Angus and Co, Binzian Farm, Perth; 4, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Tiktok by Balthayock Lineup, 7200gns to MR McCornick, Boreland, Newton Stewart; 5, WS Oates’ Ravensworth Theo by Goldies Orchard, unsold.

Bulls born on or between May 7 and 23 22 – 1 and reserve junior champion, T and S Gatherer’s Barnsford Thistle by Elgin Jagger, 50,000gns to G Inglis, 12 Charnwood Avenue, Johnstone; 2, MJ Massie’s Elrick Talent by Ballinlare Phantom, 12,000gns to J Warnock and Sons, Dreva Farm, Broughton; 3, W and N Milne’s Glenernan Tyson by Thrunton Platinum, 6000gns to Burnton Farms, Burnton, Laurencekirk; 4, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Tarsus by Balthayock Impression, 6500gns to R Mackie, Goodockhill Farm, Newhouse; 5, JA Wilson and Sons’ Kinclune Topman by Goldies Ivan, 5000gns to W J and M Hunter, West Cairnhill, Insch.

Bulls born on or after May 24 22 – 1 and junior champion, MT Hanson’s Silvermere Tesla by Balbithan Napoleon, 22,000 to D McCaffrey, 21 Shannullagh Rd, Co. Omagh; 2, H Goldie’s Goldies Tattoo by Gretnahouse Heman, 7500gns to H Wilson, Chapelton Farm, Girvan; 3, EA Mutch’s Forglen Talisman by Kersknowe Matador, 4000gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Orkney; 4, DM Lyle’s Loganbar Tigre by Maerdy Pore 4000gns to R Donnan, Knockiebae, Newton Stewart; 5, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Thistle by Balmyle Navarone, unsold.

Heifer born on or after July 1 20 – 1 and female champion, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Stacey by Balthayock Minstrel, 7500gns to C Ferris, Claire Ferris Vet Practice, Newton Stewart; 2 and reserve female champion, Brailes Livestock’s Skysea Serenade by Foxacre Memnon, 3000gns to R McNeill, 13 Castlehill, Doune; 3, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Shantelle by Blelack Fabulous, 4000gns to F A and P Pilkington and Son, Iveyash Farm, Ashbourne; 4, R and N Barclay’s Harestone Shania by Harestone Monarch, 4000gns to J Guild, Ashmark Farm, New Cumnock.

Glenericht Troy recieved 12,000gns for A Drysdale