Saturday the 21st of October also saw the very successful sale of the entire crop of 2023-born in-calf heifers from the Skaill herd of pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cows from Colin J Davidson, Orkney. The herd includes around 100 pedigree and 100 commercial cows. The cows are wintered outdoors, and calving is outside from April onwards, and for over 40 years, every Skaill heifer has calved at 24 months. The most notable female line from Skaill is the ‘Diana’s,’ which began with the purchase of Nick Delia. The herd has achieved multiple successes in the national shows and sales, holding a female breed record at one point.

Recently, genetics have been imported from two US herds – Byergo and Gardiner – chosen for specific traits. All of the heifers were in calf to homebred bulls, and the catalogue displayed predicted breeding values for the matings.

The 18 catalogued and forward achieved 100% clearance, selling to a top of 10,000gns (£10,500) and to average 6278gns (£6,592). The top selling heifer was Skaill Diana Z761, daughter of Millah Murrah Kingdom and out of Skaill Diana T606. This was one of two heifers heading to J&J Campbell at Wedderlie. The next highest price reached was 8800gns (£9,240), by Skaill Tibbie Z788, sired by Oneills Black Bardolier and out of Skaill Tibbie V019, and sold to D & F Campbell, Perthshire. The third best selling heifer at 8000gns (£8400) was Skaill Estella Z850, daughter of Skaill Elite X442 and Skaill Estella W203, bought by Netherhall Farm in Cumbria. Following closely was Skaill Estella Z733, at 7500gns (£7875), in calf to Skaill Evelix X529, and purchased by JD & JA Holgate in North Yorkshire.

Sale Statistics

Average £6,592 (18)

Clearance 100%

Top Price £10,500

Additional Prices