Category Archives: United Auctions

Raymond Kennedy

OLC appoints United Auctions to operate Oban Mart

Press release

The Board of Oban Livestock Centre (OLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of United Auctions as new operators of Oban Mart.

The decision was made at the Centre’s AGM held today (30 May 2017) where shareholders had the chance to discuss the Board’s recommendation at length and endorsed it.

OLC Chairman, Duncan Buchanan, said: “Given the challenges faced by the industry in the future, we are pleased to work with United Auctions and hope that our Centre prospers for the benefit of our shareholders.”

George Purves, Managing Director of United Auctions, said: “We are delighted to be the new operators of Oban Mart and are committed to enhancing Oban Livestock Centre and the local economy for the farmers and crofters in the West of Scotland and the islands.

“Our priority is to reinvigorate the sales to make them more effective and well attended. We believe competition comes from a large ring of buyers and we will use our extensive customer network, experience and marketing expertise to attract more buyers to the sales.

“Our permanently based staff in the West, including Raymond Kennedy, will be supported by our senior management team and our cattle and sheep teams as required. We will also work with existing staff at Oban to operate the sales and the day-to-day running of the operation.”

Five auction companies tendered for the position of preferred operator of Oban Mart. The first sale to take place with United Auctions running the auctioneering service will be on Tuesday 13 June.

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Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact Jenny Kumar on 07989 557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

Notes to editor

About United Auctions

United Auctions are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services.

 

Photography by Whyler Photos of Stirling - www.whylerphotos.com

New generation buy out United Auctions

United Auctions is pleased to announce a Management Buy Out of the Company on Wednesday 1st February 2017.

A management consortium, comprising George Purves, John Roberts, Christopher Sharp and Donald Young, backed by fellow Directors David Brown, Donald Morrison and Matt Stevenson, has agreed terms to acquire the entire issued share capital of Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers for an undisclosed sum.

The deal includes all auction markets within the Group, including the property holding at Stirling Agricultural Centre.

The seven strong team assuming operational responsibility for the business was announced in August 2016 as part of the Group’s succession planning programme.

George Purves, Managing Director of United Auctions, said: “This is a big step in the evolution and continued planned progression of the Company and we are deeply proud to be sharing the responsibility of taking the business forward for the next generation.”

Former owners Robin Tough, Neil McLean and David Leggat, who stood down from the management team in December 2016, will each continue to have non-executive, advisory roles with the Company.

Outgoing Executive Chairman David Leggat said: “We feel that this is the right time for us to take a step back and allow the next generation to take the business forward. We have the utmost faith and belied that the next team will continue to build upon the foundations and success the business has had to date.”

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Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact Jenny Kumar on 07989 557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

Notes to editor

Legal and financial advice is being handled by Burness Paull and Johnston Carmichael, respectively. The buyout is being funded by HSBC Corporate, Scotland.

Photo: United Auctions’ new owners (l-r) John Roberts, George Purves, Christopher Sharp and Donald Young.

About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

FREE IMAGES United Auctions Stirling Bull Sales October 2015

Super-size entry at Autumn Bull Sales

856 Pedigree bulls and females on show and sale

United Auctions is set to host a super-sized Autumn Bull Sales as they welcome 856 pedigree beef bulls and females on show and sale at Stirling Agricultural Centre.

This year Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers are holding the October Bull Sales over four days – from Sunday 16th to Wednesday 19th October 2016 – to accommodate a particularly busy programme.

Sunday judging of the Aberdeen-Angus and Beef Shorthorn breeds, introduced last year, will continue this year with sales taking place the following day on Monday, 17th October.

The Autumn Bull Sales are sponsored by independent property consultancy CKD Galbraith.

A highlight at this year’s Sales will be four prestigious dispersals of pedigree Aberdeen-Angus, Charolais and Simmental females.

One of the most significant Aberdeen-Angus sales staged in the recent history of the breed will take place on Monday afternoon as the sale of the Spring calving portion of the renowned Blelack herd from Graeme and Neil Massie goes under the hammer. The Blelack herd has produced no less than 13 champions at the Bull Sales – a record unsurpassed by any herd. The attractive catalogue of cattle features 75 lots of cows with calves at foot. Many of these cows have already produced bulls, which have featured at the Bull Sales.

The afternoon of Tuesday 18th October sees the dispersal of the Massie family’s Blelack pedigree Charolais with 90 lots forward, including many cows with Spring-born calves at foot. The herd has consistently achieved top prices and averages at the Bull Sales.

This will be followed by the dispersal of the Angus-based Guthrie herd from the Murray family with 17 lots of Charolais females on offer.

Meanwhile, the dispersal of the entire Spring calving portion of the Woodhall herd, comprising 55 lots, from Hector Macaskill will be held on Tuesday morning. This herd of Simmentals was established in 1976 and has been a consistent source of top class pedigree and commercial stud bulls.

David Brown, Sales Director and Auctioneer at UA, who will be in the rostrum for all four dispersals said: “These sales are a unique opportunity for buyers to source highly productive and successful bloodlines. The majority of the lots are cows sold with really promising calves at foot with most of the cows having been re-served with selected bulls. This is a rare set of sales offering an excellent choice for buyers.”

John Roberts, Sales Director and Auctioneer at UA said: “With 450 beef bulls forward from eight different breeds, including the largest entry of Charolais bulls for a number of years, the quality of pedigree livestock on offer at the October sales is just tremendous.”

In addition, the October Bull Sales will include a charity auction on Sunday 16th October at 5pm for the Doreen Cormack Stem Cell Fund. This special auction will help raise funds towards Doreen’s Stem Cell treatment for MS at a specialist clinic in Mexico next February.

More than 70 lots, including livestock, embryos, semen, special prizes and sporting experiences, have been kindly donated to help the Angus breeder meet her fundraising target of £50,000. Two of the UK’s leading herds have been generous in offering livestock lots. The opening lot is from the Davidson family who donated the pick of their Skaill herd. Doreen and Alistair recently travelled to Orkney and selected three-year-old cow Skaill Tibbie N812 who comes with her promising second calf at foot, Skaill Tibbie S545.

The second lot is a choice of an in-calf heifer from the entire Wedderlie herd run by the Tilson family in the Borders. The 200-cow Wedderlie herd celebrated its centenary in 2014 and Wedderlie genetics have been used in the foundation of eminent herds over the years.

A dedicated catalogue is available on the UA website and telephone bids are accepted on the day.

Full catalogue details for the Sales will be also available on the Stirling Bull Sales’ page of UA’s website along with access to the sale ring’s live webcam. Opportunities for photographs are available from Sunday.

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Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact Jenny Kumar on 07989557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

Notes to editor

Judges

Aberdeen-Angus – Robin Orr, Halbeath Farm, Dunfermline

Beef Shorthorn – Sally Horrell, Podehole Farm, Thorney, Peterborough

Limousin – Jonathan Aiken, 82 Corbally Road, Carnew, Dromara, Dromore

Simmental – Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Longridge Road, Dutton, Preston

Charolais – Bob Adam, Newhouse of Glamis, Glamis, Forfar

 

SHOW AND SALE PROGRAMME

Sunday 16 October

8.30am                        Aberdeen-Angus bull inspection

9.30am                        Beef Shorthorn bull inspection

10am                           Simmental bull inspection

12 noon                       Charolais bull inspection

1.30pm                        Show of Aberdeen-Angus bulls followed by females

3pm                             Limousin bull inspection followed by Salers, British Blonde and Luing bulls

3pm                             Show of Beef Shorthorn females followed by bulls, followed by parade of Luing

5pm                             Doreen’s Stem Cell Fund – charity auction

 

Monday 17 October

8am                             Show of Limousin females followed by bulls followed by parade of Salers & British

Blonde bulls

10.30am                      Sale of Aberdeen-Angus bulls (45) followed by Beef Shorthorn bulls (19) and Luing (2)

12 noon                       Sale of Aberdeen-Angus females (101) including dispersal of the adult portion of the

Blelack herd (75)

12.30pm                      Show of Simmental females followed by bulls

1.30pm                        Sale of Limousin bulls (78) followed by Salers (8) and British Blonde (2) bulls, followed by Limousin (16) and Salers (5) females

2.30pm                        Sale of Beef Shorthorn females (79)

 

Tuesday 18 October

9am                             Show of Charolais females followed by bulls

10.30am                      Sale of Simmental females (77) including dispersal of the entire spring-calving portion

of the Woodhall

herd (55)

1pm                             Sale of Simmental bulls (132)

3pm                             Sale of Charolais females (130) including dispersals of the Blelack herd (89) and

Guthrie herd (17)

Wednesday 19 October

10.30am                      Sale of Charolais bulls (165)

About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

 

Dalmally337

Lady of the Lambs

Lady Claire Macdonald puts Scotch Lamb on the menu at Dalmally

 Lady Claire Macdonald witnessed an impressive 10,882 entries at United Auctions’ Annual Show and Sale of Blackface Lambs when she visited Dalmally Auction Mart for the first time on Saturday (September 10th).

The Queen of Cuisine’s visit to the prestigious sale at Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers’ Dalmally facility offered the well-respected cook and food writer, who is an official Scotch Lamb ambassador with Quality Meat Scotland, an opportunity to learn more about the importance of the auction system.

The entry of 8757 head of Blackface Lambs, 1776 Cross Bred Lambs and 289 Feeding Sheep is the largest seen at the Centre in the past 20 years. The packed mart accommodated the bumper stock in 200 extra pens outside in the autumn sunshine.

Buyers from the local area were joined by those from the South of England to bid on stock drawn from Lochaber to the North, Kintyre to south Argyll, Perthshire, Stirlingshire, the Argyll Islands and the local area.

As Lady Claire toured the bustling market, with her husband Lord Godfrey Macdonald, she spoke with UA customers and also signed 50 Scotch Lamb recipe books for which UA made a donation toward the STV Children’s Appeal.

Lady Claire Macdonald signs copies of the Scotch Lamb recipe book for local farmer and Vice Chair of the NFU’s Argyll Regional Board, Peter Kennedy and for Aileen McFadzean, Breed Promotions Manager of Blackface Sheep Association.

Lady Claire Macdonald signs copies of the Scotch Lamb recipe book for local farmer and Vice Chair of the NFU’s Argyll Regional Board, Peter Kennedy and for Aileen McFadzean, Breed Promotions Manager of Blackface Sheep Association.

Lady Claire Macdonald said: “We had an absolutely wonderful day. It’s been enlightening to speak to the farmers directly about what they do, learn more about the different breeds and see the thriving market system at Dalmally in action.

“I’ll be able to use the knowledge from today’s visit in my cooking demonstrations with lamb where the insight about provenance and farm assurance is so important.

She went on to present the James Weir Memorial Trophy for the championship pen of 50 Blackface Lambs to Donald and Morag MacCorquodale of M/s Buchanan, Achnaba, Connel who were also consecutive winners from 2012 to 2014.

(l-r) UA’s George Purves, Blackface Judge Ian Reid, Lady Claire Macdonald with Morag and Donald McCorkadale, son Donald and their prize-winning lambs with (back row) Area Manager Donald Morrison and auctioneer Peter Wood in the rostrum.

(l-r) UA’s George Purves, Blackface Judge Ian Reid, Lady Claire Macdonald with Morag and Donald MacCorquodale, son Donald and their prize-winning lambs with (back row) Area Manager Donald Morrison and auctioneer Peter Wood in the rostrum.

The prize-winning pen made the top price of £58 for the Blackface Lambs and went home with the Judge, Ian Reid of Isle Cottage, Methven, Perthshire.

The reserve champion pen went to Tayvallich Estate for £56, selling to GL & D Reid, South Park, Perthshire while third place was awarded to Clachan Farms, Kilninver for £55 and was bought by M/s W J Cameron, Keith.

On her visit, Lady Macdonald also took the opportunity to carve and sample the Blackface Lamb spit roast, which received her seal of approval. The Lamb was supplied by local farmer Angus MacFadyen & Son of Bragleenmore Farm, by Oban and provided by Oban Spit Roasts.

Dalmally97_LadyClaireMacdonaldGeorgePurvesUA

Peter Wood, UA’s auctioneer for the west of Scotland, said: “It was a pleasure to host Lady Claire at Dalmally. Customers were delighted to meet her and pleased to know she is giving the product the recognition it deserves. She created an extra buzz about the place during a busy sale.”

The entry of Blackface Lambs averaged out £38.52 per head for “Top, Second & Third draws” sold, as against £40.16 per head last year.The overall sale average for all sheep sold was £39.70 per head or 145.76 per kilo.

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Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact Jenny Kumar on 07989 557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

Notes to editor

About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

Lady Claire2

Lady Claire Macdonald to serve up Scotch Lamb PGI at Dalmally

One of Scotland’s best-known cooks and food writers, Lady Claire Macdonald OBE, is set to put Scotch Blackface Lamb on the menu when she visits Dalmally Mart for the first time this week.

United Auctions will welcome Lady Macdonald to their Annual Show and Sale of 9000 Blackface Wedder Lambs, Cross Bred Lambs and Feeding Sheep on Saturday, 10th September 2016.

The visit to the event, recognised as the most important Blackface Lamb sales in Argyll, forms part of her role as “Lambassador”, supporting Quality Meat Scotland’s ongoing promotional activities behind Scotch Lamb PGI.

The Queen of Cuisine will have the ‘farm to plate’ experience during her visit to Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers’ facility in the West.

She will meet farmers from Argyll and the Islands, view the quality of livestock on offer and present the James Weir Memorial Trophy for the best pen of Blackface lambs.

And she will have the chance to taste and serve up Blackface Lamb rolls to customers at the Farm Assured mart, courtesy of Oban Spit Roast. The Lamb will be supplied from Farm Assured holding and regular customers Angus MacFadyen & Son of Bragleenmore Farm, by Oban – who are also competing for the trophy on the day – and sourced through Farm Assured company Jackson Bros. Master Butchers – Oban, who have a long association with the local farming community and United Auctions.

Lady Claire Macdonald, who is internationally recognised as a leading advocate of Scottish food and produce, said: “I am really looking forward to my first visit to Dalmally Mart and to experience the wonderful atmosphere which accompanies such a large show and sale.

“One thing which always comes through during these events is the pride farmers and auctioneers take in the quality of the livestock and stockmanship skills.

“Scotch Lamb is a gem in Scotland’s rich larder and I can’t wait to serve up and sample some fabulous locally-produced Blackface lamb rolls!”

Donald Morrison, Area Managing Director for Argyll and the Islands said: “We’re delighted to welcome Lady Macdonald to Dalmally and one of our key sales in this busy season which boasts a strong line-up of high quality stock. With Blackface Wedder Lambs leading this sale, it is a good chance to see the food chain in action first hand.”

Auctioneer for the West of Scotland, Peter Wood said: “Lady Macdonald’s first visit to Dalmally will help show the importance of the market system in the food chain and I’m sure she will enjoy speaking to customers in what we anticipate will be a packed sale ring.” 

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Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact

Jenny Kumar on 07989 557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

Notes to editor

  • The James Weir Memorial Trophy was introduced in 2010 to honour the late leading livestock auctioneer. Donated by Mrs Weir in memory of her husband, it is an annual prize at the sale to mark Jimmy’s involvement and passion for the area and the mart.

About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

 

UA_RobinToughNeilMcLeanDavidLeggat_Stirling

Senior team to stand down from United Auctions

 Trio to hand over management reins from December 31

United Auctions has announced today (Tuesday, 9 August 2016) that its senior executive team is to stand down from their management roles at the end of the year.

Group Managing Directors Robin Tough and Neil McLean and Executive Chairman David Leggat, who have led the Company since completing an MBO in 2007, will each continue to have different roles at UA in a non-executive and advisory capacity from the end of December 2016.

Taking the reins of UA’s operational responsibility will be David Brown, Donald Morrison, John Roberts, Christopher Sharp, Matt Stevenson and Donald Young with George Purves becoming Managing Director. These seven Directors have been running Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers since their promotion to the Executive Team in December 2014, as part of the Company’s succession planning.

UA’s Executive Chairman, David Leggat, said: “The Company has taken many forms over its long history and we’re proud to have played our part in successfully leading the business in its most recent era. Now it’s time for us to hand over the baton and allow the next generation to take the business into a new chapter.

“We’ve always believed in the importance of succession planning. We nurture skills, knowledge and experience at all levels of the company to ensure future sustainability for our staff, customers and the sector.

“The new management team, with whom we’ve shared management responsibility for the past two years, has the quality, strength and depth to take the business forward with the same dedication to continuity of care, service and personnel.”

He added: “In the meantime, we look forward to seeing and speaking with our many customers at the upcoming sales and events as normal.”

George Purves, who will take on the role of MD, said: “With its generations of strong leaders before us, we’re immensely proud to be charged with managing Company operations.”

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Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact Jenny Kumar on 07989 557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

Notes to editor

Photo: United Auctions’ senior team (l-r) Group MDs Robin Tough, Neil McLean and Executive Chairman David Leggat.

About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

 

DonaldMorrisonEwenMacGillivrayDavidLeggat_UAsponsorsLornShow

Lorn Agricultural Show boosted with three-year sponsorship from United Auctions

The committee of the Lorn Agricultural Show is pleased to announce that United Auctions has signed up to be the new main sponsor of the rural show for the next three years.

Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers has committed significant support to the annual one-day event, which takes place this year on Saturday, August 6th 2016 and welcomes around 1500 visitors and competitors.

Held at Tralee Beach in Benderloch, Argyll with generous support and assistance from the Keil Crofters and the family of the late Mr H MacColl of Glencoe, the event is recognised for its quality livestock, cattle and sheep shows, with particularly strong numbers of Highland cattle and Blackface sheep.

David Leggat, Executive Chairman of United Auctions said: “We’re pleased to team up with the Lorn Agricultural Society and strengthen the position of this important rural show. The role of agricultural shows and the voluntary network who run them are a vital part of the fabric of local communities.”

Ewen MacGillivray Jnr, President of the Lorn Agricultural Society, which runs the Show, said: “We’re delighted to be given this long-term support from United Auctions. It’s not been easy in this financial climate so it’s great to have this boost, which will give us security in the coming years.”

It is understood that the funding will be invested in equipment for the Show with the details to be confirmed at the next meeting of the Committee.

Donald Morrison, Area Managing Director for Argyll and the Islands, said: “Having attended the event for 40 years, it’s great news that UA is backing the Show. It’s an excellent shop window to see top quality stock on offer, which is why it attracts competitors and visitors from all over Argyll and the islands.”

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Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact Jenny Kumar on 07989557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

 Notes to editor

  • Picture: (l-r)UA’s Area MD Donald Morrison with Lorn Agricultural Show President Ewen MacGillivray, Jnr and Executive Chairman David Leggat on the showground.

 

About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

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Record numbers as May Bull Sales welcome Highlanders

262 pedigree bulls and females on show and sale

 United Auctions’ May bull sales next month is set to stage a record number of entries and a new format extended over two days.

And, in a first for the Bull Sales, Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers will host the official show and sale of Highland cattle as part of the national event.

To accommodate the largest-line up in the history of the event, the format has been expanded and will take place at Stirling Agricultural Centre from Sunday, May 1st to Monday, May 2nd 2016.

The Multi-Breed event is sponsored by Agricar.

Pre-sale judging of Charolais, Simmental and Highlanders will take place on Sunday afternoon while the shows of Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn and Limousin livestock will be held on Monday morning, followed by all sales.

John Roberts, Sales director and auctioneer at UA said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Highland breed to the Centre for their first pedigree sale. The addition to the May Bull Sale of this much-admired breed speaks volumes about the event’s growth in popularity from its very modest beginnings.

“No less than 132 of the UK’s leading herds have consignments forward. We anticipate a comprehensive show of excellent bulls with genetics that will have wide appeal to beef producers.”

20 pedigree Highland bulls and females will go under the hammer of Dalmally-born auctioneer Raymond Kennedy at 10.45 on Monday morning.

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 Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact Jenny Kumar on 07989557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

 Notes to editor

Judges

Highland – Jim McMillan, Craigmore, Farnell, Brechin, DD9 6UP

Charolais – Wallace Brown, Barrance, Newton Mearns, Glasgow, G77 5RR

Simmental – Daffyd Jones, Maesllymystyn, Foel, Welshpool, SY21 0NX

Limousin – Kevin Bates, 1 The Whinney, Rosley, Wigton, CA7 8HR

Aberdeen-Angus – Ken Howie, Cairnton, Lumphannan, Banchory, AB31 4QP

Beef Shorthorn – Geoff Riby, Low Stonehills, Fraisthorpe, Bridlington, YO15 3QR

 

SHOW AND SALE PROGRAMME

Saturday 30 April

7am                           Yard opens

 

Sunday 1 May

9.45 am                    Charolais inspection

11 am                        Simmental inspection

12.30 pm                 Limousin inspection

1 pm                          Show of Charolais bulls

1.30 pm                    Aberdeen-Angus inspection

2.15 pm                    Beef Shorthorn inspection followed by Salers and British Blue

2.30 pm                    Show of Simmental bulls

4 pm                          Show of Highland cattle

 

Monday 2 May

8.45 am                    Parade of Salers and British Blue bulls

9 am                          Show of Limousin bulls

10 am                        Show of Aberdeen-Angus bulls followed by Beef Shorthorn bulls

10.45 am                 Sale of Highland bulls

11.15 am                 Sale of Salers (7) and British Blue bulls (1)

11.30 am                 Sale of Charolais (64), Simmental (65 & 1 female), Limousin (58 & 3 females),

Aberdeen-Angus (34) and Beef Shorthorn (17 & 8 females).

 

 About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

 

106

February Bull Sales: new format for shows and sales

United Auctions has reformatted the February Bull Sales to ensure customers get best value from their time at the two-week event.

The Stirling Bull Sales at Stirling Agricultural Centre will feature 1055 pedigree bulls and females on show and sale from Sunday, January 31st to Tuesday, February 2nd and from Sunday, February 14th to Tuesday, February 16th.

The more compact programme includes Sunday judging in both weeks. On Sunday, January 31st the Aberdeen Angus females and bulls show takes place at 12.30pm with the sale the following day. On Sunday, February 14th, the show of Simmental females and bulls takes place at noon with the show of Salers bulls at 4pm. Both sales will be held the following day.

The new February programme follows a similar redesign successfully introduced in October by Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers.

John Roberts, Sales Director and Auctioneer at UA, said: “The updated schedule is a next step in the evolution of the Bull Sales. It reflects customer demand to get the most value out of the event – and their time off the farm.”

David Brown, Sales Director and Auctioneer at UA said: “The Spring Sales offers no less than 342 vendors of high quality bulls and females. Entries come from the four corners of the UK – from Shetland and Orkney to Somerset, Southampton, Portsmouth and from Northern Ireland, Swansea and Wold in Wales, to Oxfordshire and Lincolnshire – highlighting the national importance of this event.”

In the second week, customers will be interested to note the sale of the complete adult portion of the Fife-based Broombrae herd of high performing Simmental cattle on Monday, February 15th.

Bank of Scotland is sponsoring the February Bull Sales again and will have a strong presence at the event.

Sandy Hay, Head of Agriculture Bank of Scotland, South and East Scotland said: “Bank of Scotland is extremely proud to sponsor the Stirling Bull Sales again this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing some of the finest pedigree bulls in the UK on show. We recognise that 2016 could be another challenging year for many farmers. Our relationship managers are committed to working directly with farmers to bridge the delay in the basic payment scheme, and helping them to manage and grow their businesses.”

Guest of honour at the Sales will be Stirling Council’s Provost Mike Robbins and customers may spot BBC presenter and farmer Adam Henson filming for Countryfile on Monday, February 1st.

Full catalogue details for the Sales will be available on the Stirling Bull Sales’ page of UA’s website along with access to the sale ring’s live webcam. Opportunities for photographs are available from Saturday. 

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Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact Jenny Kumar on 07989 557198 / jenny@jkconsultancy.com

 NOTES TO EDITOR:

Judges

Aberdeen-Angus – John Lohoar, Glenbervie Home Farm, Drumlithie, Stonehaven

Beef Shorthorn – Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Stromness

Limousin – James Hazard, Saltby Heath, Skillington, Grantham

Salers – Neil Austin, Boreland Of Girthon, Gatehouse Of Fleet

Simmental – Gary Christie, Midtown Of Glass, Huntly

Charolais – Ben Harman, Grove Farm, Grove Lane, Chesham

 

Programme of Events

Saturday 30th January 2016

7am                              Yard opens

2pm                              Aberdeen-Angus bull inspection

 

Sunday 31st January 2016

10am                            Beef Shorthorn bull inspection followed by Luing and Hereford bulls

12.30pm                        Show of Aberdeen-Angus females followed by bulls

2 pm                             Limousin bull inspection followed by British Blue

 

Monday 1st February 2016         

8.30am                          Show of Beef Shorthorn females followed by bulls

10.30am                        Sale of Aberdeen-Angus bulls (163)

1.30pm                          Sale of Beef Shorthorn bulls (103) followed by Luing bull (1), Hereford bulls (2)

2pm                              Sale of Aberdeen-Angus females (60 + 10 calves)

3.30pm                          Sale of Beef Shorthorn females (25)

 

Tuesday 2nd February 2016       

9am                              Show of Limousinbulls

12.50pm                        Sale of British Blue bulls (3)

1pm                              Sale of Limousin bulls (111) followed by Limousin females (5)

 

Saturday 13th February

7am                              Yard opens

2pm                              Simmental bull inspection

 

Sunday 14th February 2016

12 noon                         Show of Simmental females followed by bulls

12 noon                         Salers bull inspection

12.15pm                        Charolais bull inspection

4.30pm                          Show of Salers bulls

 

Monday 15th February 2016       

10.30am                        Sale of Simmental females (50 + 3 calves) followed by complete adult portion of the

Broombrae herd (33 + 11 calves)

12 noon                         Show of Charolais females followed by bull

12.30pm                        Sale of Salers bulls (21) followed by females (16)

1pm                              Sale of Simmental bulls (217)

 

Tuesday 16th February 2016      

10.30 am                       Sale of Charolais bulls (232) followed by females (13) 

 

About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’.

Feb 2 012

211 pedigree bulls and females set for one-day May Bull Sale

United Auctions (UA) are gearing up for their annual one-day Bull Sale on Monday, May 4th when 211 pedigree cattle come to Stirling Agricultural Centre.

The compact format of this popular multi-breed event will see pedigree bulls and females staged on show and sale over a single day in a bid to ease the pressure for customers at this time of year.

The event takes place in the 150th anniversary year of the Bull Sales and will run in conjunction with a major beef breeding sale with an entry of approximately 500 head, including 120 stock suckler cows with calves at foot from Aberbothrie.

Two Stirlingshire farmers, Katreen Millar of Lochend, Port of Menteith and John MacGregor of Allanfauld, Kilsyth will judge the Charolais and Limousin shows respectively.

Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers are also delighted to welcome a new main sponsor for this year’s event – Agricar Ltd. The tractor dealership occupies the purpose-built outlet at the Centre and will have a presence at the event.

In addition, UA are hosting an SRUC workshop on the control of Johnes disease in cattle on the same day. This meeting, funded by QMS, will be held at 4pm in the Centre’s conference room.

The Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, Aberdeen Angus, Beef Shorthorn and Longhorn breeds are all sold under the auspices of their respective breed societies.

Full catalogue details for the Sales are available on the pedigree page of UA’s website along with access to the sale ring’s live webcam. Opportunities for photographs are available from Sunday 3rd May.

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of United Auctions by JK Consultancy. For further information please contact: Jenny Kumar on 07989 557198 or jenny@jkconsultancy.com

NOTES TO EDITOR

Judges

Charolais Katreen Millar, Lochend, Port of Menteith, Stirling FK8 3JZ

Simmental – Harry Wood, Popes Farm, Longridge Road, Dutton, Preston PR3 2YT

Limousin – John MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, Glasgow G65 9DF

Aberdeen Angus – Albert J Taylor, 69 Woodend Drive, Northmuir, Kirriemuir DD8 4TG

Beef Shorthorn – Elizabeth Lang, The Bungalow, Rosewells, Pitscottie, Cupar KY15 5LE.

Show and sale programme

Sunday 3 May  
12 noon Charolais inspection
1 pm Simmental inspection
2 pm Limousin inspection
3 pm Aberdeen Angus inspection
3.30 pm Beef Shorthorn inspection
   
Monday 4 May  
8 am Show of Charolais bulls followed by Simmental bulls, Limousin bulls, Aberdeen Angus bulls & Beef Shorthorn bulls
11.30 am Sale of Longhorn bull (1) followed by Salers bulls (5) & British Blue bull (1) & Hereford bulls (4)
12 noon Sale of Charolais bulls (28), Simmental bulls (43), Limousin bulls (63), followed by females (8), Aberdeen Angus bulls (44) & Beef Shorthorn bulls (14)

 

About United Auctions

United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists and operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban. The company conducts auctions of both commercial and pedigree livestock, including the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales, and provides farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir procurement services. In 2013, UA was named in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ and in 2015 it was ranked in the top 20 of Insider’s SME300.