New format is put in place for February Bull Sales

The Stirling Bull Sales at Stirling Agricultural Centre will feature 1055 pedigree bulls and females on show and sale from Sunday, January 31st to Tuesday, February 2nd and from Sunday, February 14th to Tuesday, February 16th.

The more compact programme includes Sunday judging in both weeks. On Sunday, January 31st the Aberdeen Angus females and bulls show takes place at 12.30pm with the sale the following day. On Sunday, February 14th, the show of Simmental females and bulls takes place at noon with the show of Salers bulls at 4pm. Both sales will be held the following day.

The new February programme follows a similar redesign successfully introduced in October by Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers.

John Roberts, Sales Director and Auctioneer at UA, said: “The updated schedule is a next step in the evolution of the Bull Sales. It reflects customer demand to get the most value out of the event – and their time off the farm.”

David Brown, Sales Director and Auctioneer at UA, said: “The Spring Sales offers no less than 342 vendors of high quality bulls and females. Entries come from the four corners of the UK - from Shetland and Orkney to Somerset, Southampton, Portsmouth and from Northern Ireland, Swansea and Wold in Wales, to Oxfordshire and Lincolnshire - highlighting the national importance of this event.”

In the second week, customers will be interested to note the sale of the complete adult portion of the Fife-based Broombrae herd of high performing Simmental cattle on Monday, February 15.

Bank of Scotland is sponsoring the February Bull Sales again and will have a strong presence at the event.

Sandy Hay, Head of Agriculture Bank of Scotland, South and East Scotland, said: “Bank of Scotland is extremely proud to sponsor the Stirling Bull Sales again this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing some of the finest pedigree bulls in the UK on show. We recognise that 2016 could be another challenging year for many farmers.

“Our relationship managers are committed to working directly with farmers to bridge the delay in the basic payment scheme, and helping them to manage and grow their businesses.”

Guest of honour at the sales will be Stirling Council’s Provost Mike Robbins and customers may spot BBC presenter and farmer Adam Henson filming for Countryfile on Monday, February 1.

Full catalogue details 
for the sales will be available on the Stirling Bull Sales’ page of UA’s website along with access to the sale ring’s live webcam.