23rd September 2015
PORTREE, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 21st) sold 1,246 weaned calves and store cattle at their annual district ballot show and sale.
The judge, Mr J. Anderson, Broynach, Thurso, awarded the champion and the D. J. Macdonald (Orbost) Memorial Trophy to an eleven month old 470kg Limousin cross bullock from Mr N. Morrison, 12 Portnalong, Carbost, realising £1,150. The reserve, also from 12 Portnalong, was a thirteen month old 490kg Limousin cross bullock realising £1,080.
Bullocks (682) averaged 255.1p, (-16.4p on the year), and sold to 352.4p per kg a 210kg Limousin cross from 2 Sartle, Staffin, and £1,150 gross for a 470kg Limousin cross from 12 Portnalong, Carbost.
Heifers (551) averaged 240.2p (-6.1p on the year) and sold to 322.7p per kg for a 220kg Limousin cross from 4 Drumuie, Portree, and £1,080 gross for a 490kg Limousin cross from 12 Portnalong.
"Although calves were generally lacking the bloom of last year, top quality calves sold extremely well."
Leading prices per head and per kg:
Bullocks up to 200kg - 4 Kingsburgh, Snizort, £630, 2 Sartle, Staffin, 341.2p; 201-250kg - Peingown, £830, 343p; 251-300kg – Gesto Farm, Struan, £890, Corriebheinn Farms, Portree, 332p; 301-350kg – Gesto Farm, £970, 15 Glenconon, Uig, 287.1p; 351-400kg – ½ of 6 Linicro, Portree, £980, 15 Glenconon, 266.7p; 401-450kg – 3 Totescore, Portree, £1100, 261.9p.
Heifers up to 200kg – Corriebheinn Farms, £750, 3 Totescore, Portree, 300p; 201-250kg – 8 Torvaig, Portree, £730, Corriebheinn Farms, 316.3p; 251-300kg – Peingown, £810, Tigh Gael, Portree, 292.3p; 301-350kg – 4 & 5 Totescore, Kilmuir, £840, 3 Torrin, Broadford, 241.2p; 351-400kg – Glenbrittle, Carbost, £800, 15 Nicolson, 211.1p; 401-450kg – 12 Portnalong, £860, 207.2p.