Momentum continues at Aberdeen-Angus sales with breed records smashed
21st February 2025
A series of record-breaking Aberdeen-Angus cattle sales has reached new heights, with Netherton Eclipse Z036 setting a breed record for a bull of £65,600.
The sale, which achieved a breed average of £8,792, took place during a special online auction run by Marteye as well as Harrison and Hetherington, celebrating the 101st anniversary of the Perthshire-based Netherton herd.
Eclipse – an embryo by SAV Territory 7225 and out of SAV Emblynette 9811 – attracted international interest and sold in a two-way split to Barningham Angus and Angus House Farm in Romania.
The sale came hot off the heels of the Stirling Bull Sales where a top price of 32,000gns was paid for a bull from Alistair and Graeme Fraser, Idvies Pink Profit Z149.
Sired by Duncanziemere Jacobite W374 and out of Idvies Pinky Paula W933, he sold jointly to Jonathon and Lisa Doyle of the Drumhill Herd, Cookstown, and the Wattie family of the Tonley Herd, Aberdeenshire.
A new UK record for a red Aberdeen-Angus bull was also set when Mosshall Red Earl Z575, from the West Lothian-based Mosshall herd, sold for 11,000gns.
Put forward by Messrs G & N Taylor, Red Earl is by Mosshall Red Ferdinand U922 and sold to the Fife-based St Fort herd.
A centre record for Aberdeen-Angus was also set at the Stirling sale with 66 bulls selling to average £7,727 – up £1,542 on last year’s fixture.
‘Invaluable service’ to livestock industry
Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society CEO Robert Gilchrist said: “The impressive results from these sales highlight the ongoing demand for native genetics as more and more farmers seek low-input cattle as a means of boosting margins and sustainability.
“Although many of the bulls sold to pedigree herds, buoyed by strong beef prices, a good number of buyers were commercial beef producers looking to cash-in on low input cattle that also offer a market premium.”
Reflecting on these record-breaking prices, Mr Gilchrist emphasised how the auction system helps achieve a fair market value.
“Livestock auctions provide an invaluable service to the livestock industry by delivering a transparent price discovery system.
“They offer an open and independent way of determining an animal’s value, with new online sale formats expanding accessibility and choice for buyers and sellers alike,” he said.
Farmers looking to invest in quality Aberdeen-Angus genetics will have another opportunity at the upcoming Native Beef Genetics timed online timed auction, taking place between the 7th and 9th of March.
The sale, conducted by Harrison and Hetherington through Marteye, will offer a selection of high-quality semen and embryos.
Further opportunities to purchase Aberdeen-Angus bulls and females include the Melton Mowbray Sale on 22nd March, Dungannon Spring Sale on 18th April, and Worcester Sale on 19th April.
For more information on upcoming sales visit Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s website.
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