A farming family better known for wins in the pedigree cattle show ring lifted the championship at United Auctions’ show and sale of bullocks and heifers at Huntly yesterday.
John and Raymond Irvine, of Inverlochy, Tomintoul, led with an 11-month-old 400kg (881lb) Charolais cross bullock. He was sired by a son of Gower Versace and out of a Charolais cross cow. The Irvines are no stranger to show success, and over the summer won the cattle supremes at Turriff, Black Isle and Keith with the Charolais bull, Blelack Giggsey. But on commercial cattle their successes are few and far between.
John added: “It’s the first time we’ve shown here.”
The Irvines had 14 store calves at the show and sale, sponsored by chartered surveyors and property agents CKD Galbraith.
Their champion made £1,340 to Bill Cameron, of Burnside of Edingight, Grange, Keith.
Gordon McGillivray and twin sons Stephen and Michael, of Achnascraw, Glenlivet, were reserve with a 14-month-old 530kg (1,168lb) Charolais cross heifer. She is by Auchincrieve Espana and out of a Simmental cross cow. The family also won the show’s pens of four bullock and heifer classes, as well as taking the second in bullock pens.
The McGillivray’s won the reserve championship at the show last year. Their reserve this time made £1,390 to A.M. Connon, of Skilmafilly, Auchnagatt.