Lincoln Reds will be a new breed at sales
United Auctions and Galbraith team up in partnership
Stirling Bull Sales are looking forward to a bumper programme when they kick off next month.
United Auctions are set to welcome a record number of Salers forward, the first official sale of Lincoln Reds, a new sole sponsor and much more.
The auctioneers will host no less than 962 pedigree bulls and females on show and sale at the two-week event takes place at its Stirling Agricultural Centre headquarters from Sunday February 4 to Monday February 5, continuing from Sunday February 18 to Tuesday February 20.
February 2018 marks the start of sole, all-year sponsorship by Galbraith of the Stirling Bull Sales which take place in February, May and October annually.
The leading independent property consultancy has a long, strategic partnership with United Auctions and the national sales centre of Galbraith is based at the Agricultural Centre. Together with United Auctions, the two Stirling businesses employ more than 350 people.
UA managing director George Purves said: “The Stirling Bull Sales are well recognised as one of the most important dates in the farming calendar. Three times a year the city enjoys an out-of-season influx of visitors with demand in hotels, bars, restaurants and conference facilities providing a welcome local economic boost.
“Gaining year-long support from Galbraith of this worldfamous event represents a significant investment in and long-term commitment to the city, to Scottish agriculture, and beyond.”
Simon Brown, head of rural and residential sales and lettings at Galbraith, said: “The Stirling Bull Sales showcase the best pedigrees in the country. This sponsorship is testament to our commitment as rural specialists and allows us to gain greater brand exposure amongst our target audience.”
Thanking both UA and Galbraith, Stirilng Provost Christine Simpson said: “The Stirling Bull Sales go from strength to strength attracting an increasing number of visitors, both local and international who contribute significantly to our city’s economy.”
Popular Sunday judging continues at the Stirling Bull Sales with the main sales held on the Monday of week one and the Monday and Tuesday of week two. This year, the Bull Sales hosts a total of ten breeds, including the first official sale of pedigree Lincoln Red bulls taking place on the afternoon of Monday February 5 following a parade on Sunday February 4 in the exhibition hall.
A highlight of week one will be the chance for breeders and commercial buyers to source great genetics from the part dispersal of the Perthshire-based Coldrochie Beef Shorthorn herd from Douglas McMillan who is retiring. Coldrochie stock has achieved considerable success at both national and local shows. The autumn calving portion together with a crop of young bulls, comprising 27 lots, will be sold on February 5 while the spring calving portion will be dispersed in May.
An all-time record of pedigree Salers bulls (44) and females (25) forward in week two can be seen at the pre-sale show on February 18 and the sale on February 19.
Meanwhile a major reduction of the Woodhall herd, comprising 55 lots, from the late Hector Macaskill will be held on the morning of February 19. Established in 1976, this herd of Simmentals has tremendous breeding with a consistent source of top class pedigree and commercial stud bulls.
John Roberts, UA Group Sales Director, said: “The top bulls are coming to be sold in Stirling at the February Bull Sales - from Shetland to Somerset and Aberdeen to Tiree and Northern Ireland - offering a leading line up in both number and quality bloodlines. It’s also fantastic to see the growth in the Salers breed and we’re delighted to welcome the first foundation sale of Lincoln Reds.”
Full catalogue details will be also available on the Stirling Bull Sales’ page of United Auctions’ website along with access to the sale ring’s live webcam.
It’s also fantastic to see the growth in the Salers breed