Quality of livestock is praised
Support for local farmers
The Strath was once again wellrepresented at one of the highlights of the agricultural calendar.
LiveScot, the Scottish National Fatstock Club’s annual exhibition and sale, took place in Lanark on Saturday, November 28.
Restrictions in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic meant there was a different feel to the showpiece occasion this year, with no spectators there on the day and animals shown in pens.
But organisers have said it was a successful event nonetheless as it featured an “excellent” turnout of livestock on display and a “huge” demand from purchasers at the post-show sale.
Taking the overall title in the cattle – judged by Sam Carlisle of Border Meats, Lockerbie – was Mateus Rosie, a 608kg home-bred 20-month-old heifer from Wilson Peters of Monzie.
Winning the event for the fifth time in eight years, Mr Peters’ topper this time was a Limousin cross, sired by the Carlisle-bought bull, Carmon Lionbar, and out of a Limousin cross dam which is a full sister to his 2018 Aberdeen Christmas Classic champion, Cheeky Kiss.
Mateus Rosie went on to sell for the day’s top price of £10.86/kg – or £6600 – to B and T Kitson Butchers, Northallerton.
Another of Mr Peters’ entrants, a 570kg Hereford heifer, was produced by Stuart Graham at Parkhouse Farm, Crieff, using a home-bred heifer sired by Hereford bull Baldinnie Calum belonging to Gordon Halley at nearby Lochlane Farm.
Continuing his winning streak, Mr Peters also picked up the Housewives’ Choice champion ticket with Coilavoulin Elle, an April 2019-born Limousin cross heifer by Naby Director.
Bought at UA Stirling’s sale in April from Willie Stevenson of Coilavoulin near Pitlochry, he was knocked down at 748p/ kg – or £4100 – to Law-based butcher Jimmy
Cairns.
The standard remained high in the sheep lines, with Robert Lawson handed the task of selecting the winners.
He opted for a pair of 92kg Beltex cross lambs from John Guthrie, of Cuiltburn near Crieff.
It was a first live championship win for Mr Guthrie, a regular exhibitor who has previously won the carcase competition twice.
Mr Guthrie’s home-bred lambs, from his 350-ewe flock, went on to sell for £350 per head to David Comrie and Son Butchers in Comrie.
Butcher Murray Lauchlan said: “The price of £350 was the top price of the day and the lambs from Johnny were indeed of top quality.
“Both my father and I have bought Cuiltburn lambs before, they are always outstanding.”
On Mr Peters’ cattle, Mr Lauchlan continued: “The Hereford is a native breed and when it went to United Auctions in Stirling as a calf its potential to produce a quality carcase was recognised by Wilson Peters.
“The animal was fattened at Monzie before being brought to LiveScot and I thought this locally-bred animal would be perfect for the Christmas or New Year table.
“When it was pointed out the [ 570kg] Hereford [heifer] had such a local story it was perfect for me.
“I have known Stuart and Gordon for many years, along with Wilson, and it seemed an ideal opportunity to buy locally for Christmas.”
Scottish National Fatstock Club chair, David McKerrow, said: “Despite the difficult circumstances, the cattle and sheep producers were eager to have an event to showcase and sell their livestock, and the butchers and sponsors were keen to support us, making it a tremendous success.”
• Full results are available on the website