Report with prices from Highland cattle sale.
Two breed price records were set at the Highland Cattle Society’s annual autumn show and sale at Oban Livestock Centre this week.
The overall champion, Carlin 6th of Culfoich, went under the hammer at 10,000gns, setting a new price record for this category.
Securing this price tag was past president Gordon McConachie, and his family, who farms 20 females near Grantown-on-Spey.
This April 2020-born heifer shown by daughter Rachael, is by the 3600gns Jacob 2 of Benmore, which stood male champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2019, and previously bred two yearling female champions at Oban for the family.
Bred out of Laria 1 of Culfoich, which won the junior championship at the Royal Highland Show in 2010, this rising yearling heifer sold to Germany with Falko Steinberg.
9,000gns
The next best at 9,000gns was the second animal through the ring from Karen and Michael Macgregor’s Eilean Mor fold at Port An Aiseig, Glenborrodale, Acharacle.
Also achieving a personal best for the couple when sold to Balrownie Farms, Brechin, was the three-year-old heifer champion Sobhrach 2 of Eilean Mor, which is due to calve in March to Harris of Balemartine.
Backed with successful breeding lines behind her, she is sired by Ceannard 16 of Cnoc, out of a previous Sobhrach of Eilean Mor, and is a full sister to the female reserve champion in 2019 sold for 8000gns.
Highland cattle prices: 7,000gns and under
Furthermore, Lanarkshire breeder Alan Prentice, of the Hyndford fold, Ravenstruther, sold Banrigh 10 of Hyndford, at 7,000gns.
This heifer is by Alasdair 4 of Douglas and Banrigh 4 of Hyndford. In-calf to Torquil 2 of Ubhaidh, Ewen Macmillan, Lurg, Fintry, was the successful bidder here.
The Applecross Trust team topped the heifer calf trade at 6,700gns after returning to the sale ring for the first time in 35 years.
Brought out by stockperson, Michael Summers and Floortje VanSchuppen, was the black February-born Ila Dhubh 2 of Applecross, by Angie Beag of Miungarigh, out of Ila 7 of Applecross.
She was knocked down to Andrew Ewing, Dumbretton, Annan, who was purchased on behalf of a client.
John Cooper’s Culloden fold at Tordarroch Estates, near Inverness, produced the next top price of 3,600gns.
This March-born heifer calf, Heather 17 of Tordarroch, is by Macrae Charles of Maol, out of Heather 3 of Tordarroch. Emma Macri-Waller purchased this lot.
3,500gns
Hot on her heels at 3500gns, from the Armstrong family’s Balemartine fold on the Isle of Tiree, was Bonnie Ruadh 1 of Balemartine. This lot stood overall reserve champion in the pre-sale show.
This April 2020-born heifer is by Uisage Beatha of Dunach and of Virgina Buide 2 of Cnoc. Morag Middleton, Barna fold, purchase this lot at the sale.
Last to hit this price bracket was Neoinean Ruadh 6 of Leys, from Leys Castle Farm, Inverness.
She was exhibited by farm manager, Hugh Saggers, and stockman Dale Scott.
This January-2020-born heifer is by Sir Lawrence 11 of Springfield, out of Neoinean Ruadh 4 of Leys. Willie MacLean, Inverglen, Barcaldine, Oban bought this female.
Karen and Michael Macgregor were back in the money at 2,300gns for the yearling heifer Ros Dath Airgid 2 of Eilean Mor, which Andrew Ewing, Dumbretton, bought. She is by the same sire as the 9,000gns sale, out of Ros Dubh of Eilean Mor.
Highland cattle prices: Averages up
A spokesperson for the Highland Cattle Society said:
“Breeders witnessed increased averages compared to the previous sale held in 2019, particularly for younger females. Yearling heifers traded £1,393.17 dearer on the year, while heifer calves increased by £1,248.06.”
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- 3 three-year-old heifers: £6300;
- 6 two-year-old heifers: £1872.50;
- 13 yearling heifers: £2511.92;
- 11 heifer calves, £2166.81.
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 from Highland Cattle Society's sale at Oban Livestock Centre. Carlin 6th of Culfoich was purchased by a German buyer.){kind=link}