Findhorn dispersal tops at 4400gns for a Transformer son

Aberdeen-Angus sold to a top of 4400gns for the Duncanziemere-bred stock bull at the dispersal sale of the old-established 26-strong Findhorn herd at Dingwall Mart, Ross-shire.

The dispersal follows the sad death at the end of last year of the joint owners, John and Donna Stark, who died within a few weeks of each other, leaving Donna’s father, 92 year old veteran Aberdeen-Angus breeder, Donnie James, in charge of the herd and farm at Aiten, Ardersier, Inverness.

The top price was paid for the five year old Rawburn Transformer son, Duncanziemere Edwin D148, bred by Alistair Clark, Duncanziemere, Lugar, Cumnock, Ayrshire, and intermediate champion at Perth in February, 2006, when purchased for 8000gns. The bull was first prize junior yearling at the Royal Highland Show in 2005.

Buyer was Aberdeen-Angus beef producer and farmers markets’ champion, Jim Fairlie, Kindurm Park Farm, Logiealmond, Perth, who supplies beef to the exclusive Gleneagles Hotel where his brother, Andrew, is head chef.

Topping the female trade at 1850gns was the in-calf cow, Findhorn Jilleen Erica, by Ballyheather Denmark, purchased by Euan Forbes, Lochdhu, Nairn, followed at 1800gns for another in-calf cow, Findhorn Red Edwina Eve, by the same sire, to David Walker, Galcantray, Cawdor, Nairn, who also bought her daughter, Findhorn Edwina Eve, by the Duncanziemere sire, at 1400gns.

Mr Walker also paid the top price for heifers, bidding to 1700gns to secure Findhorn Jilly Erica, again by the Duncanziemere sire.

Cows with calves at foot sold to 1600gns for the Nightingale Regent daughter, Findhorn Petula, to D A and A J Maclean, Heylipol Farm, Scarinish, Argyll, who also bought a cow and calf at 1300gns.

Two in-calf cows sold for 1700gns to antique dealer, George Pirie, for his recently established Promise herd which is located on his brother’s farm at Chapel Park, Lynchat, on Speyside.

Auctioneers: Dingwall and Highland Marts