Records fall again at Stirling

Yet another new record average was achieved yesterday at the sale of Charolais bulls at Stirling with unprecedented demand for the bulls on offer.

David Benson, chief executive of the Charolais Cattle Society, said the average exceeded all expectations at £7,653 for 168 bulls sold – a clearance rate of 83 per cent – £1,800 up on the year and £1,000 up on October’s record average.

No fewer than 34 bulls sold at five-figures, the most at any sale according to David Leggat, who said: “The quality of bulls through the ring was excellent and there is increased focus among buyers on the top end of the market.”

Father and son team of John and Raymond Irvine, of Inverlochy, Ballindalloch, saw were thrilled to take their first ever championship on Monday but also to be reserve overall, which is the first time this has been achieved for 30 years.

Yesterday their intermediate champion and reserve overall, Inverlochy Ferdie, sold for the day’s top price of 25,000gns to the Harestone herd owned by Neil Barclay, South Road, Insch.

Their junior and overall champion, Inverlochy Fencer, sold for 20,000gns to Jim and John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso. This helped the Irvines to a record herd average of £14,595 for five sold.

The senior champion, Blelack Forester from Neil and Graeme Massie, Blelack, Dinnet, made 22,000gns in a three-way deal to Bob Adam, Newhouse, Glamis, Bill Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle, and Major Walter, Balthayock, Perth.

Welsh breeder Esmor Evans, from Monfa, Mold, had 20 bulls entered yesterday. His best was 20,000gns for the first prize Maerdy Flambeau, bought by Peter Donger, Seawell Grounds, Towcester.

Thrunton bulls from Colin, Ian and John Campbell’s farm near Alnwick are always in demand and this year was no exception with their best selling for 18,000gns. The first prize Thrunton Fairfax was bought by Hampshire farmer, Ben Harman, Grove Farm, Chesham. Thrunton Figaro made 13,500gns to Messrs Watkins, , Abergavenny, Wales, while Thrunton Fireball made 13,000gns to G Prentice and Son, Hermitage, Castle Douglas.

Welsh breeder Kevin Thomas, Llechwedd, Newcastle Emlyn, parted with 16,000gns to secure the first prize Anside Foreman from Martin Irvine, Braehead, Keith.