Charolais Strong at Scottish Sale
UK - British Charolais met a strong commercial demand from a packed ringside in Stirling on Wednesday 23 October where prices peaked at 22,000gns and 92 entries sold through the ring to average £6,578 at the breed society's autumn sale.
28 October 2013
3 minute read
Charolais once again remained dominant during the week's multi-beef breed fixtures, by recording the highest number of bulls sold and highest average price.
"Bulls with length, quality conformation and good EBV data met a ready trade throughout with a further 14 lots booked through the final auctioneer's sale sheet bringing the total clearance to 75 per cent with 106 lots sold, a significant increase on the year," commented the society's chairman, Alasdair Houston.
"Despite a further year on year reduction in suckler cow numbers, this week's trend provides further evidence of the momentum swing back to Charolais as the top terminal beef sire. More producers are recognising the higher values and faster growth of Charolais cross cattle than any other breed, combined with modern British Charolais improved calving genetics. Look at this autumn's sales of store and suckled calves and see the premium."
Sale leader at 22,000gns was the much admired Balmyle Headline TI +56, SRI +53, an 18 month old by the 9,500gns Maerdy Egret and out of Balmyle Uptowngirl, who goes back to renowned lines on both sides - the 28,000gns Perth champion Brampton Nacador and to Dingle Hofmeister.
Bred and exhibited by Perthshire based Bill Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle, he went to join Swalesmoor Charolais’ 40 cow herd, Eaglesfield, Lockerbie. “He was the sole bull in the catalogue for us – we liked his style, shape, size and breeding,” commented herd manager, Iain Campbell.
Another entry from the same breeder, this time the 18 month old Balmyle Hamish TI +58, SRI +53 by the Royal Highland champion, Balmyle Eclipse and going back to Dingle Hofmeister, made 8,000gns to W Duncan, Insch, Aberdeen.
Next at 17,000gns was the 18 month old Elrick Highlander TI +49, SRI +41 from Michael Massie, Auchnagatt, Ellon to John Wight and Sons, Crawford, Biggar to run between the family’s Midlock pedigree herd. Sired by the 11,000gns Maerdy Dublin, he was out of a homebred dam by Blelack Roger.
Three lots shared a 15,000gns price tag. First to go was Mowbraypark Hercules TI +41, SRI +36, a 19 month old Klibreck Ecosse son and out of a Bassingbourn bred cow that goes back to Mowbraypark Paramount and the highly celebrated Gigi. Bred and exhibited by Mike and Margaret Atkinson, Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon, the buyer was JAC Campbell, Scrabster, Thurso.
Next at 15,000gns was Gretnahouse Heman, a 19 month old among the breed’s top Breedplan values and the highest in the catalogue at TI +86, SRI +77. Bred by Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, he was by Blelack Digger, out of Gretnahouse Beauty, a member of his 70 cow herd and going back to the noted Balmyle Paradise. He went to join Hamish Goldie’s 70 cow herd at Ruthwell, Dumfries. “We’ve bought him on the strength of his dam and grand damlines which we are aware have proved to be consistent high performers,” said Mr Goldie.
Averages: 92 bulls £6,578; 9 females £4,142
Auctioneers: United Auctions
TheCattleSite News Desk
