Benderloch farmer puts up three Highlanders at bull sale

STIRLING this week welcomes pedigree beef breeders as United Auctions hosts a May multi-breed show and sale.

The annual bull sale will see its largest line-up for a second consecutive year at Stirling Agricultural Centre.

Last year’s expanded format has been extended to three days to accommodate the show and sale of 304 pedigree bulls and females from Saturday April 29 to Monday May 1, and it is sponsored by Agricar.

Bull inspections take place on Saturday while Sunday will see an extravaganza of judging with the pre-sale shows of Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, Salers and Highland cattle. The judging of Aberdeen Angus and beef shorthorn bulls will take place from 9am on Monday be- fore the sales of all nine breeds kick off at 10.30am.

The boost in entries is due to a record number of pedigree Limousin bulls (75) and Aberdeen Angus bulls (59) forward this year with Salers entries nearly doubled to 13.

Among those taking part, according to the catalogue, Michael Poland, (Mottistone) Wester Ferlochan, Benderloch, who has entered three Highlanders.

John Roberts, United Auctions’ group sales director, said: ‘This back-to-back boost in entries is down to the continued support of Scottish breeders and consignors south of the border for what is now firmly recognised as a significant pedigree cattle event in the farming calendar.

‘The May bull sale has grown steadily year- on-year from 40 cattle in the early days to more than 300 forward this year. Buyers can be sure of a tremendous show of top quality bulls from some of the finest herds showcasing excellent genetics.

‘It’s also great to see a bustling, national event bringing a positive impact to the city with existing tenants, neighbouring Stirling vendors and local businesses all seeing the economic benefit of an uplift in commerce.’

United Auctions is also holding a commercial show and sale of Simmental breeding cattle on Monday May 1.

That sale and show is taking place in sheep ring, and is sponsored by Stirling Agricultural Centre tenant Carrs Billington.