5 of the most expensive UK bulls
For the same price as some of the most expensive bulls, you could buy a three-bedroom house.
But they are half the genetics of your herd, so people will spend good money to make sure they get the best.
With Stirling bull sales taking place this weekend, we had a look at the breed records for some of the biggest sellers.
Limousin
Holding the world Limousin record is Trueman Jagger. Irish breeders Henry Savage & Sons, Newry, County Down, sold the supreme champion for 140,000gns (£147,000) at Carlisle in 2015.
He was one of the first calves born to Ampertaine Gigolo and is out of the noted Trueman Grazia, a Haltcliffe Vermount daughter.
He sold to a five-way syndicate made up of Michael and Melanie Alford, Foxhillfarm; Paul Dawes, Dinmore herd; Messrs Jenkinson, Whinfellpark herd, Penrith; Gareth Lee, Calogale herd, Carmarthenshire; and Kedzlie Farm, Swalesmoor herd, Lauderdale.
© Wayne Hutchinson
Aberdeen Angus
The Aberdeen Angus breed record is a bit longer-standing, dating back to 1963 when Lindertis Evulse sold to Black Watch Farms in the USA for 60,000gns (£63,000).
The sale took place at Perth Bull Sales, which have since moved to Stirling. It proved not to be the best investment because the bull was infertile, so the insurers had to pay out.
Lindertis Evulse wins at Perth Bull Sales in 1963
Simmental
It was Stirling in February 2013 where the Simmental record was set. Champion senior bull Bel Dhu Capercaillie, consigned by Willie MacPherson, Inverness, sold for the top price of 45,000gns (£47,250).
The Hockenhull Waterloo son, out of Blackford Wagtail, went to the day’s judge, Iain Green, and his neighbour, Smallburn Farm, Morayshire.
© Catherine MacGregor
British Blue
The breed record for a British Blue bull was smashed at the Border British Blue Club’s 27th annual spring show and sale in May 2017.
Dragon Blues Kai ET was sold for 24,000gns (£25,200) at Carlisle. The Tweeddale Hebony son is out of a Dragon Blues Gweno ET flush.
The 24-month-old consigned by GW and K Williams, Llanwnnen, Lampeter, went to TE Jones & Co, Bailea Farm, Sennybridge, Powys.
© Wayne Hutchinson
Hereford
Vern Logic, of the world-famous Vern herd, holds the Hereford record, selling for 20,000gns (£21,000) in 1962. Bred by Captain RS (Dick) de Quincy, Vern Logic was sold to Sir Ellerton Becker of Aldersend, Tarrington, Hereford.
De Quincy was also offered £30,000 for Vern Robert, which he refused. He was then presented with a blank cheque, which he also refused. Since then, Vern Robert has been known as the “bull beyond price”.
Vern Logic holds the Hereford record
Keep an eye on the Livestock channel next week for full reports of Stirling bull sales
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