Aberdeen Angus returns to the front rank as interest revives

The return of the World Aberdeen Angus Forum to Scotland for the first time in 40 years saw the number of entries of the breed at this year’s Highland show double – and a marathon judging session undertaken.

Aberdeen Angus enthusiasts from 23 countries were treated to the biggest entry of Scotland’s most famous native breed seen for years and, according to Breed Society president and chairman of the forum committee, Alex Sanger, they were very excited to be in the birthplace of the breed. A marathon judging session by both Harry Emslie of Mintlaw, who was responsible for placing the females, and Michael Alford of Devon for the males, ran on well into the evening – and resulted in the championship going to one of the smallest breeder/exhibitors at the show, Alistair and Doreen Cormack from Leven, Fife.

Alistair was stockman for the late Ray Grieve’s Carlhurlie herd for nearly 25 years and purchased two females at the dispersal last year. He had them both at the show and came out top with the 13-monthold heifer, Carlhurlie Darcie, which Mr Emslie described as “the outstanding female of the day”.

Picking up the reserve championship ticket was Balmachie Rodger, a rising-three-year-old bull from John Lascelles’ 25 strong herd at Carnoustie. This bull is by the same sire, Balmachie Ben Vorlich, as his 18,000gns bull sold at Stirling in February.

The World forum continues its 17-day run tomorrow when a major technical conference focusing on how the breed maintains its pre-eminent position and reputation as the provider of the world’s best beef takes place in Edinburgh.