Black Beauty Bonanza attracts 78 cattle from 19 herds as the event celebrates its 25^th anniversary.

Aberdeen-Angus cattle from across the region took center stage at the Black Beauty Bonanza, held at Thainstone Exchange near Inverurie. The event marked the 25th show of calves and yearlings organized by the North East Aberdeen-Angus Club. Andrew Hodge, of Rulesmains, Duns, was tasked with selecting the winners and commented, “The quality of the cattle was exceptional across all classes—this event truly showcased the best of the breed.”

In the heifer calf class, the champion was Tonley Princess A144, an April 2024-born animal from Neil Wattie’s Tonley herd, near Alford. Sired by Shadwell Black Magic X281 and out of Tonley Princess U585, she stood out as the top contender. Deveron Lady A970, bred by Hamish Sclater of Denhead, Turriff, claimed the reserve champion position. Born in March 2024, this heifer is sired by Rawburn Braw Lad R041 and out of Deveron Lady U612.

In the yearling heifer section, the champion was Idvies Elisa Z150, a March 2023-born heifer from Oxfordshire-based breeders Richard Hassell and Rachel Wyllie of Brailes Livestock. Sired by Duncanziemere Jacobite W374 and out of Idvies Elstrome W934, this heifer had previously placed second in her class at the Royal Highland Show and was also a runner-up in her class at the Aberdeen-Angus Summer National, held at The Border Union Show in Kelso. Newton Eyre Z134, born in February 2023 and bred by Ray Gardiner of Newton Smiddy, Skene, secured the reserve award. She is sired by Idvies Ferrari S752 and out of Newton Muchalls Eyrie W083.

Massies Patriot A008, a bull calf born in April 2024 and bred by Graeme Massie of Blelack Farm, near Aboyne, was named the bull calf champion. He is sired by Blelack Equinox X115 and out of Newfield Premium X189. The reserve bull calf title went to Lindertis Atlas A277, a March 2024-born calf from Graeme and Paul Allan, bred by Tom Hopkinson, sired by Rawburn Jingo Eric T595 and out of Lindertis Annabel W577.

The yearling bull champion was Tonley Endpart Z105, a July 2023-born bull from Neil Wattie’s herd. Sired by Duncanziemere Jetstream V322 and out of Tonley Elma P108, he claimed the top prize. Deveron Elliott Z923, a March 2023-born bull from Hamish Sclater, was selected as the reserve yearling bull. Sired by Rawburn Braw Lad R041, he is out of Deveron Estorella T588.

In the overall awards, Massies Patriot A008 was named the Champion Calf, while Idvies Eliza Z150 was chosen as the Champion Yearling.

The Champion Pair of Calves was awarded to Newton Edgar A153 and Newton Prince Caledonia A156, bred by Ray Gardiner. The Champion Pair of Yearlings title went to Perkhill Cherry Blossom Z385 and Perkhill Black Knight Z386, from Alex and Philippa Davie of Lumphanan, near Banchory.

North East Aberdeen-Angus Club chairman Graeme Miller was quoted as saying “The Black Beauty Bonanza continues to be a spectacle, thanks to both committed enthusiasts from the club and participants from further afield who are willing to bring out their young stock. The Black Beauty Bonanza has gone from strength to strength over the last 25 years and has become one of the premier shows of Aberdeen-Angus cattle.”

The North East Aberdeen-Angus club recognised the judge for the day in Mr Andrew Hodge “Andrew has a wealth of judging experience, and we are very grateful that he has come here to judge for us today.”

Showmanship and stockmanship competitions were judged by Nicola Howie, who has been involved with Aberdeen-Angus cattle from a young age with her parents’ Cairnton herd. Nicola recently started her own herd under the Ladyluck prefix and registered her first calf earlier this year.

A special thanks must go to all the exhibitors, stockpersons and  the  sponsors for their generous and continued support, especially Sellars Agricultural Limited.