Star of the show at Stirling's annual October bull show is on its way to Wales after hitting an incredible 28,000gns.
Supreme and Junior Champion Balthayock Ranger, an impressive young bull from the well-established herd of Major D F W H and N R Walter of Balthayock, Perth, will be making his way over to his new herd in Knighton, Powys, under the care of winning bidder T Corbett from the well-known Teme herd.
Ranger was sired by Balthayock Imp, who achieved the titles of Breed Champion and Interbreed Champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2015. Meanwhile his dam, Balthayock Melissa (a daughter of Balthayock Ferdinand), also secured a class prize at the same event in the past.
Charolais animals had a particularly strong showing at the sale at United Auctions, Stirling, with a total of 63 bulls and 16 females finding new homes.
The bull sale attained a top price of 28,000gns with a clearance rate of 75 per cent and an average price of £8,120 – up £1493 on the previous year. The females sold for a top price of 12,000gns, with an 89 per cent clearance and an average of £6,169.
Overall, 14 bulls and 2 females sold for 10,000gns and above, and 31 bulls and 6 females reached prices between 5,000gns and 9,000gns.
Another Welsh bidder was among the highlights, paying 16,000gns for another offering from the Balthayock herd: Balthayock Rambo, on his way to his new home in Newcastle Emlyn, courtesy of winning bidder K J Thomas.
This young 15-month-old has an impressive lineage behind him, having been sired by the easy calving Balthayock Nevada. His dam, Balthayock Mimosa, is a daughter of Ugie Echo, who was Champion at Perth in 2014.
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