BEEF SHORTHORNS met a reasonable demand on the opening day of Stirling Bull Sales with 16 bulls selling to average £4,305 (compared to 11 sold at an average of £4,047 in 2012).
There has been increased interest in the breed in recent years with buyers looking to inject maternal quality into their suckler herds.
The top bid of the day came for the pre-sale champion from Jamie and Cathryn Williamson, Alvie Estate, Kingussie, selling Alvie Elton to Highland Wagyu, Blackford Farms, Dunblane, for 12,000gns.
Elton is by Glenisla Zinzan and out of Millerston Irania Xanadu.
This was a foundation cow when the Williamson’s herd was founded in 2006.
Elton had a good summer show season collecting a reserve male championship at the Royal Highland, championships at Grantown and Keith and a reserve at Perth.
The reserve champion from R and P McAlister, Langalbuinoch, Isle of Bute, then sold for 9,000gns to J Wink and Sons, Bainstone, Huntly.
The red-and-white-coated Langalbuiloch Fantastic is by Newfield Tarquin and out of Langalbuiloch Zara.
Chesterhall Park Farms, Biggar, fetched 5,000gns for the roan Gregors Fernando by Barnaigh Loch Awe and out of Gregors Zillah. The buyer was Mr Flett, Orkney.
There was to be a second 5,000gns transaction with David and Rosemary Dickie, Knockenjig, Sanquhar, selling to RFJ and JM Seatter, Elsness, Sanday, Orkney.
This was for Knockenjig Fearless by Meonhill Charlie Chaplin out of Gregors Zola. Fearless was first prize winner at Ayr and a third prize winner at the Royal Highland.
Shorthorn females were in good demand yesterday with the reserve champion selling for 5,800gns to Moshin al Tajir of Highland Wagyu, Blackford.
This was for Milerston Irania by Podehole Beefeater and was consigned by Jack Ramsay, Millerston, Mauchline.
The champion from Jim Frame, Little Galla, Biggar, made almost as much being knocked down at 5,400gns to M Haigh, Airyhemming, Glenluce.
Beef Shorthorn Society chief executive Frank Milnes said he was delighted with what turned out to be a record female average.
In all, 90 sold to average £2,217 compared to 81 sold to average £2,110 last October.
Other leading female prices:
4,000gns David and Rosemary Dickie, Knockenjig, with Knockenjig Rosie Duchess by Meonhill Charlie Chaplin to a Mr Baird.
3,800 gns Thomson Roddick and Lawrie, Eaglesfield, Lockerbie, with Shawhill Dewdrop Fairlady by K-Kim Freedom selling to S Currie, Beautry House, Settle.
3,500 gns Major JPO Gibb, Glenisla House, Blairgowrie, with Glenisla Foxglove Flake by Dunsyre Cavalier selling to H and N Sloan, Burnfoot, Oxton.
3,200 gns Mr and Mrs Williamson, Alvie Estate, with Alvie Fern Broadhooks by Alvie Diamond selling to K and B Brown, Craigowmill, Milnathort.