The odd shower of rain failed to dampen spirits at the biggest agricultural event in the north of Scotland yesterday – the Black Isle Show in Muir of Ord.
Livestock and horse breeders from across Scotland gathered at the show to compete in the wide range of contests taking place in the beef, sheep and native horse sections.
Leading the charge in the sheep section was a Texel from 17-year-old Jemma Green, of Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Fochabers.
The Green family is well-known as breeders of pedigree Simmental cattle, under the Corskie prefix, however the family has been storming the sheep rings at shows in recent years with stock from Jemma’s Texel flock, which she started three years ago.
The young shepherdess’ interbreed champion, as judged by former National Sheep Association national chairman John Geldard from Cumbria, was a home-bred gimmer by Glenside Valhalla. Prior to yesterday’s win, she was interbreed champion at Fettercairn.
Mr Geldard said of his champion: “The Texel is absolutely in top form. Her quality, style and locomotion is outstanding.
“Her head was just what a head should be – good without being extreme.”
Standing reserve to the Texel for the title of reserve interbreed sheep champion was the leader from the Zwartbles section.
This was a home-bred ewe lamb from the Bisset family at Marian, Culnaskeath, Evnaton, Dingwall.
Named Carrah Eclair, she is by the 1,500gn Donbraid Big D.
Prior to her Black Isle success, she stood champion at both the Sutherland and Nairn Shows.
Mr Geldard, who keeps Charollais, Lleyn and Zwartbles sheep, said of his reserve: “She is a really classy Zwartbles lamb with real character and style. She stood well and moved well.”
In the sheep interbreed groups section the top title went to a trio of Charollais sheep from the Ingram family at Logie Durno, Picaple, Inverurie. Reserve was awarded to a group of Blackfaces from Glenrinnes Farms Ltd, Glenrinnes Estate, Dufftown.
Meanwhile, over in the beef section Orkney cattle breeder Terry Coghill was tasked with selecting the best beasts forward for the individual, group and pairs interbreed contests.
The individual beef interbreed title was awarded to the leader from the Simmental section.
This was March-2016 born bull Blackford Hero from Anne MacPherson and her husband Raymond Baynes at Blackford Farm, Croy.
By Kilbride Farm Double Action, he was breed champion at Nairn on Saturday and his full brother sold to 9,000gn previously. Mr Coghill said of his champion: “It was a very smart, correct bull. It had great character and style.”
He placed his reserve rosettes on the leader from the Limousin section – an entry from Garry Patterson, of Upper Forgie, Aultmore, Keith.
His prize-winner was rising two-year-old heifer Millington Limo. Bought at Carlisle in February, she is by Spittalton Imji and out of Millington Interlim. She stood reserve female champion earlier in the week at Turriff.
In the group interbreed contest, both the champion and reserve titles were awarded to groups of commercial cattle.
Leading the charge for the top title was a trio from Blair Duffton and Rebecca Stuart of Huntly and Insch.
The pair also took the top title in the commercial section with their multi-show winning Charolais cross heifer Gold Rush.
Reserve in the groups was a trio of commercial beasts from Mark and Debbie Munro at Invercharron Farm, Ardgay.
In the beef pairs section the top titles were also awarded to commercials from the previous winners.
However, the champion rosette went to Mark and Debbie Munro, and reserve went to Blair Duffton and Rebecca Stuart.
Lastly, the top title in the native horse section went to the leader from the Clydesdales.
This was yearling filly Ord Tinkerbell from Eric and Miranda Johnstone at Highfield Circle, Muir of Ord.
She was champion of champions at Sutherland last month. Reserve went to the champion from the Shetland section – 11-year-old standard yeld mare Hawkdale Dixie from Donna Lochtie, Tillicoultry.
RESULTS
CATTLE – ABERDEEN-ANGUS – Ballindalloch Home Farm, Estate Office, Ballindalloch, with home-bred four-year-old bull Ballindalloch Earl, by Ardoyne Munro Prince and out of Ballindalloch Erica. He was show champion of champions at Nairn on Saturday, and Stars of the Futures and Black Beauty Bonanza champion in the past. He was shown by estate farm manager David Johnstone who won the show’s stockman award yesterday. Reserve – Donald Rankin, Kilmaluag House, Duntulm, Isle of Skye, with two-year-old heifer Weeton Princess Chartereuse, by Retties JFK and out of Blelack Princess Chartereuse. She is in-calf to Deveron Leggat and was second and part of the reserve interbreed group of four at the Highland.
BEEF SHORTHORN – Smallburn Farms, Plewlands, Duffus, with rising two-year-old bull Smallburn Jethro, by Lowther Emblem, and out of Smallburn Fifi. He was champion at Nairn and reserve at Turriff. Reserve – Smallburn Farms with seven-year-old cow Lowther Sally, by Blelack Minstrel and out of Lowther Sally 1. She was reserve interbreed at Turriff on Monday.
CHAROLAIS – John and Raymond Ivrine, Inverlochy, Tomintoul, with December-2013 born bull Kilbline Instigator, by Oscar and out of Kilbline Ursula. He was reserve at Turriff, champion at the Highland and interbreed at Black Isle and Turriff last year. Reserve – John Morris, Olrig Mains, Thurso, with three-year-old home-bred heifer Olrig Jadore, by Dingle Hoffmeister and out of Olrig Dubarry. She was first at the Highland.
LIMOUSIN – Garry Patterson, Upper Forgie, Aultmore, Keith, with rising two-year-old heifer Millington Limo, by Spittalton Imij and out of Millington Interlim. Bought at Carlisle in February, she was reserve female at Turriff. Reserve – R. Mitchell, Carron Mains Farm, Aberlour, with nine-month-old heifer Carronlea Monica, by Bencraig Inxs and out of Carronlea Fifi. She was second at Turriff.
SIMMENTAL – W. G. MacPherson, Blackford Farm, Croy, with March-2016 born bull Blackford Hero, by Kilbride Farm Double Action. He was champion at Nairn and his full brother sold for 9,000gn. Reserve – Laura Green, Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Fochabers, with home-bred 6-year-old cow Corskie Clover, by Popes Laird and out of Corskie Wren. She was champion at New Deer.
COMMERCIAL – Blair Duffton and Rebecca Stuart of Huntly and Insch, with 15-month-old Charolais cross heifer Gold Rush. Bought at Dungannon, Northern Ireland, for £3,200, and champion of champions at Fettercairn, reserve overall champion at Echt and Banchory, and champion at New Deer and Turriff. Reserve – Craig and Jack Hendry with 16-month-old Limousin cross heifer Ariana. Bought with mother at Coleburn dispersal for £3,500, she was reserve champion at Nairn.
HIGHLAND – J. and L. Fraser and Son, East Tilbouries, Maryculter, Aberdeen, with February-2015 born heifer Eilidh 5th of Dunach, by Bentalla of Mottistone and out of Sith Nolleige 3 of Dunach. She was reserve female at New Deer. Reserve – Leys Castle Farm, Estate Office, Leys Castle, Inverness, with senior bull Duke 10th of Leys, by Jock of Lynton and out of Dosan 16th of Leys. He was male champion at Nairn and reserve champion at Sutherland.
BRITISH BLUE – James Manson,Upper Northfields, Hempriggs, Wick, with September-2015 born bull Caithness Kennedy, by Grommit Hof Ter Zilverberg and out of Caithness Caledonie. He was reserve at Caithness and Turriff. Reserve – James Manson with 23-month-old heifer Caithness Krystal, by Domino and out of Caithness Caledonie. She was champion at Caithness and Turriff.
ANY OTHER BREED – Alister Mackenzie, Whitebog, Fortrose, with two-year-old Salers bull Whitebog Karbolic, by Whitebog Sandy and out of Whitebog Gwen. He was reserve at the Highland and Turriff and will sell at Castle Douglas. Reserve – Alister Mackenzie with 13-month-old Salers heifer Whitebog Lilypad, by Seawell Diplomat and out of Whitebog Emily. Second at Highland and first at Turriff.
RARE AND MINORITY BREEDS – Angela Smith, Glenurquhart Farm, Cromarty, with seven-month-old Jersey heifer Grahams Bellissimo Topberry. Reserve – n/a.
CROFTERS CATTLE – Gordie Begg, Vauldale, The Manse, Canisbay, with home-bred mid-January born British Blue cross heifer Holy Moly, by Invercharron Diablo. She stood reserve beef interbreed at Caithness, champion at Sutherland and is destined for the Spectacular. Reserve – Gordon Douglas, House Park, 15 Thura Place, Bower, with 16-month-old British Blue cross heifer Dusty Diva, by Tweedale Guinness and out of a home-bred Charolais cross cow.
YOUNG FARMERS – Laura Green with September-2016 born Simmental bull Corskie Harry, by Diranean Bradley. YFC champion at Nairn and reserve at Sutherland. Reserve – Scott Dingwall, Culbokie, East Culbokie, Dingwall, with April-2016 born Limousin cross heifer Miss Tilly, by Bailey Cavalier.
SHEEP – BLACKFACE – Glenrinnes Farms, Estate Office, Glenrinnes Lodge, Dufftown, with a Dalchirla-bred ram bought in Dalmally for £2,200. On his third outing, he was first in every class at other shows. Reserve – Glenrinnes Farms Ltd with a home-bred gimmer by a £3,500 Auldhouseburn. Reserve interbreed at Nairn.
BLUEFACED LEICESTER – Robert Neill, Broadleys, Dunning, Perthshire, with a home-bred gimmer by a home-bred sire named G11. He was champion at Fife. Reserve – Robert Neill with a home-bred ram lamb by a home-bred sire, on first outing.
BELTEX – Donald Douglas, Braes of Coulmore, North Kessock, Inverness, with home-bred shearling ram Beechcross Bruno, by Airyolland Sovereign and out of Beechcross Peony. On first outing and destined for Carlisle. Reserve – Donald Douglas with a home-bred two-crop ewe by Airyolland Sovereign and on first outing.
CHAROLLAIS – Gregor and Bruce Ingram, Logie Durno, Pitcaple, Inverurie, with a home-bred gimmer by Rhaeadr Orlando. She was first at the Highland. Reserve – William and Carole Ingram, Logie Durno, with 5,000gn three-shear-tup Rhaeadr Orlando. He was male champion at the Highland.
TEXEL – Jemma Green, Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Fochabers, with a home-bred gimmer by Glenside Valhalla. She was sheep interbreed at Fettercairn. Reserve – Roy Peterkin, 15 Barnyards, Beauly, with shearling tup Knock Yogi, by Tophill Wall Street and out of a dam by Garngour Nobleman. He was bought at Carlisle for 4,000gn.
CROSS – Messrs Sutherland, Stainland and Sibmister Farms, Sibmister, Thurso, with a Texel cross ewe and her twin March-born Texel cross ewe lambs at foot. Reserve at Caithness and third at the Highland. Reserve – Gavin Breathet, Woodside Croft, Blackpark, Ardersier, with two home-bred Texel cross gimmers by a Wester Moy tup. First at Sutherland and Nairn.
JACOB – Linda McKendrick, Bankhead Farm, Peat Inn, Cupar, Fife, with a home-bred gimmer by Blackbrooke Fireballs and out of a home-bred ewe. Champion at Highland as a ewe lamb. Reserve – Linda McKendrick with shearling tup Arnydie McKinley, by Arnydie Haford, out of a Milldale ewe.
NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT – J. and W. MacKay, Biggins Farm, Killimster, Wick, with a home-bred shearling ram by Biggins Samson. On first outing, he will be sold at Quoybrae next month. Reserve – G. R. G. McCallum and Son, Belmaduthy, Munlochy, with a home-bred gimmer by Allanshaws Rockafella and out of Gospellhall Pick Me. Placed best from Ross champion.
NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT HILL – Badanloch LLP, C/O MacKenzie Keeper’s House, Badanloch, Kinbrace, with a home-bred gimmer by Badanloch The Beast, which will be sold at Lairg in October. Third at Sutherland. Reserve – Badanloch LLP with a home-bred shearling ram by same sire. First at Sutherland.
SHETLAND – Ian and Lesley Carnegie, Broomhill, Rickarton, Stonehaven, with shearling ram Raedykes Marcus, by St Baldreds Isaac and out of Wrench Martina. Champion at Banchory. Reserve – Isla MacKintosh, West Knockbain Farm, WestKnockbain Mains, Munlochy, with home-bred ewe lamb Angela, by Willowcroft Kelvin and out of Sophie. Second at Sutherland.
SUFFOLK – Keith Ingram, 2 Balloch View, Grange, Keith, with a gimmer, by Ballynacannon Big Baz, bought as a ewe lamb at the Deveronvale dispersal for 700gn. On first outing. Reserve – Angus Brims, Thuster Mains, Bilbster, with a home-bred shearling ram by Eassie Usain. He was male champion as a lamb at last year’s show.
ZWARTBLES – C. and S. Bissett, Marian, Culnaskeath, Evanton, Dingwall, with home-bred ewe lamb Carrah Eclair, by the 1,500gn Donbraid Big D and out of a home-bred ewe. Champion at Sutherland and Nairn. Reserve – J. L. and T. Mair, The Hollies, Seaview, Dunmore, Beauly, with home-bred gimmer Hedgefield Denise, by Muirton tup, out of Hedgefield Petal.
ANY OTHER PURE BREED – Gary Morrison, Bush Farm, Keith, with a home-bred Beltex gimmer, by Bharangyne World Record and out of Beechcross Wisteria. Second at Echt. Reserve – Anne Henderson, Maranatha, Craggiemore, Daviot, Inverness, with a two-shear Hampshire Down tup by Leocropped Hamish.
CROFTERS SHEEP – Gemma McIntosh and Charlie McIntyre, Upper Croft Na Garn, Boat of Garten, with a Blackface gimmer named DFS. She was bought at the Highland Sheep event from Archie MacGregor of Allanfauld, Kilsyth. By a £35,000 Dalchirla and out of an £11,000 Auldhouseburn ewe, she was reserve champion of champions at Sutherland.
YOUNG HANDLERS – Aged 8-10: Ava Laughton. Aged 11-13: Alfie Clark. aged 14-16 and overall: Eilidh Duncan.
NATIVE HORSES – CLYDESDALE – Eric and Miranda Johnstone, Highfield Circle, Muir of Ord, with yearling filly Ord Tinkerbell, by Eskraggen Earnest and out of Ord Envy. She was champion of champions at Sutherland and native overall at Nairn. Reserve – David Walker and Beverley Brown with three-year-old yeld mare Hillview Lady Jane, by Dillars Royal Boy. Champion at West Fife.
HIGHLAND – Shona Halford, Muirside Steading, Brodie, Forres, with Danny Boy of Croila. Reserve – Lorraine Carter and Karen Smith, Creag Bheagh, West Terrace, Kingussie, with Bunnahabhain of Altnariche.
SHETLAND – Donna Lochtie, 17 St Serfs Road, Tillcoultry, with Hawkdale Dixie. Reserve – Ann Irvine, Kininuie, Blackford, Rothienorman, with Rocky of Haybrake.