A Borders farmer who has been breeding Aberdeen-Angus cattle for almost 30 years won the supreme championship at Stirling, just eight months before he retires.
David Lucas and his wife Christine from Cheeklaw Farm, Duns won the honour on the opening day of the Stirling Bull Sales with the home-bred intermediate champion, a May 2015-born sire called Cheeklaw Jake Eric by Cardona Proud Punch.
Mr Lucas, who originally farmed in Wales and moved to Scotland 26 years ago, said he would be dispersing his 40-cow herd at Stirling’s October bull sales.
“We’ve reached the top of our game. It’s the time to go,” he said.
His sire was praised by Orcadian judge Liam Muir who described both the champion and reserve as modern, clean bulls.
“They’re not overdone, but mobile and smooth and showing breed character,” he said.
“There wasn’t much between them but the champion was just a bit wider.”
The reserve supreme was the junior champion, Wedderlie Evenkeel from John and Marion Tilson who farm at Gordon, Berwickshire. This September 2015-born sire is a son of Wedderlie Kenyon and – along with the champion – was produced and brought out by the Rettie family, Aberdona Mains, Alloa.
The senior champion, March 2015-born Idvies Evolution, came from the 60-cow herd of Alastair and Graeme Fraser, Idvies, Forfar. His sire is the £35,500 bull Rawburn Hommel.
The reserve junior champion was Keirsbeath Phenomenal from Caroline Orr, Halbeath Farm, Kingseat Road, Dunfermline. He is a July 2015-born bull by Duncanziemere Edwin.
The reserve intermediate champion was Eastfield Jockey from Tom Brewis, Lempitlaw Farm, Kelso and the reserve senior champion was Linton Gilbertines Prowler, from the trustees of the late Gordon Brooke, Upper Huntlywood Farm, Earlston.
Leading the Aberdeen Angus parade of females was Border Lyne Gentle Julia from Mr and Mrs D Story, Hobbiesburn, Longtown. This December 2014-born heifer is a daughter of Netherallan Peter Pershore.
And in reserve place was Liley Eye Spy from Marsdens Farms Ltd, Liley Farm, Millhouse Green. She is a daughter of Lockerley Kougar.
