Entries Now Open – Galloway Classes at the 2025 Royal Highland Show

As entries open for the 2025 Royal Highland Show, the Galloway Cattle Society is delighted to share an exciting update!

To ensure a fairer competition, the   heifer class has been split into two separate classes, making it easier for younger cattle to compete against those of a similar age. This adjustment will enhance competition, increase entries, and further showcase the exceptional quality of Galloway breeding.

Galloway Judging Details

Date: Thursday, 19th June 2025, at 2:00 PM
Judge: Mr. Stewart McIntosh, Roberton, Hawick

Society Grant: £100 per animal forward for judging (maximum of 3 animals per exhibitor)

Galloway Classes

219 – Female, born on or after 1st January 2024
220 – Female, born on or between 1st September – 31st December 2023
221A – Female, born on or between 1st September – 31st December 2022
221B – Female, born on or between 1st January – 31st August 2023
222 – Female, in milk, born before 1st September 2022
223 – Bull, born on or after 1st January 2023
224 – Bull, born on or before 31st December 2022

Closing Date for Entries

Deadline: 18th April 2025 (Online Entries Only)

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to compete at one of the UK’s premier agricultural events. Enter your Galloways and be part of an event that celebrates the best of the breed!

For more information or to enter, visit https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/trade-competitions/competitions/enter…

Carlisle Spring Show and Sale – Friday 7th  March, 2025

Judge:- Mr Ross Bell, The Bloch, Langholm 

 

One of the strongest shows in recent history delivered a 100% clearance rate, increased averages across all sections, and a new female centre record.

A remarkable achievement for Robert McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry, Castle Douglas, as he claims his fourth consecutive championship at Harrison and Hetherington’s Spring Show and Sale. His exceptional in-calf heifer, Barlaes Katie 110th, has not only secured the Female & Overall Championship award but also set a new top price, marking another centre record and a personal best for the Barlaes team. The sole entry from the Society’s Vice Chairman, Mr. McTurk, this 26-month-old Buccleuch Buster daughter is out of Barlaes Katie 98th, a daughter of Troloss Magnum. A firm favourite, she sold in calf to Kypehill Dutton to Messrs J. Robertson & Son, The Becks, Langholm, for 4,500gns.

The Overall Reserve Champion was Umpire of Balgray from D & R Cornthwaite, Balgray, Lockerbie. This September 2023-born son of Blackcraig Kodiac achieved a final bid of 2,500gns, selling to Brian Ross, Mid Gruinards, Sutherland. Mr. Ross also purchased the Reserve Male – Borgue Espresso Martini from Mr. & Mrs. W. McCarthy, Cosy Cottage, Borgue, Kirkcudbrightshire. A Blackcraig Drambuie son out of Barquhill Moss Rose 1096, a Troloss Ring Pull daughter, this September 2023-born sold for 2,400gns.

The Reserve Female Champion, Cardona Georgie 483, was from Perthshire-based Robbie Galloway, Cardona, Doune. This 22-month-old daughter of Kirkstead Commodore, out of Klondyke Mary, a Kirkstead Taurus daughter, achieved a final price of 1,800gns, selling to Mr. H.L. Whitfield & Son, Batey Shield, Kellah, Haltwhistle, Northumberland.

Averages

 4 bulls £2756.25  (+ £1338.75)  for  2 more sold. 

12 heifers in milk/in calf £2173.30 (+£924.55) for 2 less sold. 

22 bulling heifers £1823.17 (+ £381.45)  for 9 more sold.

100% clearance. 

 

Female and Overall Champion - Mitchelson Perpetual Challenge Cup  -Barlaes Kate 110th- Mr RJ McTurk

Reserve Female  - Cardona Georgie 483 – Mr J R Galloway

Champion Male  - Lady Hudson Perpetual Challenge Cup - Umpire of Balgray – M/s D & R Cornthwaite

Reserve Champion Male - Borgue Espresso Martini – Mr & Mrs W McCarthy

 

Pedigree Bulls  

1^st,  Male & Reserve  Champion - Messrs D & R Cornthwaite, Balgray, Lockerbie – Umpire of Balgray 01/09/23   sire Blackcraig Kodiac dam Penninghame Queen sold to Mr B Ross, Mid Gruinards, Sutherland for 2500gns

2^nd  Reserve Male Champion – Mr & Mrs W McCarthy, Cosy Cottage, Borgue, Kirkcudbrightshire – Borgue Espresso Martini 19/09/23 sire Blackcraig Drambuie dam Barquhill Moss Rose 1096 sold to Mr B Ross for 2400gns

3^rd   WJ Henderson, Whitehill, Lockerbie –   King of Whitehill 04/04/23 sire Avicii of Kilnstown dam Lady Nancy 767 of Whitehill sold to GTJ Medland, Wilminstone Hall, Wilminstone, Tavistock, Devon for 3600gns

 

 Pedigree Heifer in calf or in milk

1^st & Overall Champion,   Mr RJ McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry, Castle Douglas – Barlaes Katie 110^th 22/12/22 sire Buccleuch Buster dam Barlaes Katie 98^th sold to M/s Robertson, Becks, Langholm for 4500gns

2^nd  WJ Henderson -  Brownie 965 of Whitehill 03/05/22 sire Ben Lomond Tamdhu dam Brownie 486 of Whitehill sold to J Hepburn & Co, Northhouse Farm, Hawick for 2600gns 

3^rd   WJ Henderson  - Lady Nancy 944 of Whitehill  20/03/22 sire Avicii of Kilnstown  dam Lady Nancy 767 of Whitehill sold to  M/s Milligan, Dunesslin Farm, Dunscore, Dumfries for 1600gns 

4^th  WJ Henderson – Lady Nancy 952 of Whitehill 04/04/22 sire Avicii of Kilnstown dam Lady Nancy 780 of Whitehill sold to J Hepburn, Northhouses for 1800gns. 

 

Pedigree Senior Heifer

1^st,  Mr A Busby, Unthank, Ewes, Langholm, Dumfriesshire – Tracy of Unthank 19/03/23 sire Barquhill Oscar dam Philippa of Unthank sold to J Robertson,The  Becks for 2300gns

2^nd Kilnstown Farms Ltd, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Carlisle – Marina 115ht of Kilnstown 05/10/22  sire Troloss Nitro dam Marina 96^th of Kilnstown sold to  BW Verrill, Sundaysight Farm, Bellingham, Hexham for 2200gns 

3^rd   Mr A Busby – Theodora of Unthank 04/03/23 sire Mandella of Balgray dam Agate 2^nd of Unthank sold to M/s J Robertson, The Becks for 1900gns

Other Leading Prices

Mr A Busby – Tatiana of Unthank 30/03/23 sire Barquhill Oscar dam Iris 2^nd of Unthank sold to M/s J Robertson, Becks for 2400gns 

Kilnstown Farms Ltd – Marina 113^th of Kilnstown 23/09/22 sire Troloss Nitro dam Marina 91^st of Kilnstown sold to BW Veillrr for 2000gns 

 Pedigree Junior Heifer

1^st Mr J R Galloway – Cardona, Doune, Perthshire – Cardona Georgie 483 23/04/23 sire Kirkstead Commodore dam Klondyke Mary sold to HL Whitfield, Batey Shield, Kellah, Haltwhistle for 1800gns

2^nd Mr J R Galloway – Cardona Gwen 479 – 21/04/23 sire Kirkstead Commondore dam Klondyke Lassie sold to HL Whitfield for 1800gns 

3^rd M/s N & B M Ireland, Northhouse Drigg, Holmrook, Cumbria – Newhouse Kate 3^rd 12/06/23 sire Ace of Whitehill dam Barlaes Kate 53^rd sold to M/s Thornton, Stainton Farm, Waberthwaite, Millom, Cumbria for 1900gns

Other Leading Prices

M/s N & B M Ireland – Northhouses Kate 4^th 14/05/23 sire Ace of Whitehill dam Newhouse Kate 2^nd sold to  Mr TE Stephenson, Burntshield Haugh, Steel, Hexham for 1900gns 

M/s N & B M Ireland – Newhouses Emma 4^th 17/05/23 sire Ace of Whitehill dam Drumhumphry Greta 955 sold to Mr TE Stephenson for 1900gns

 

 

2025 Carlisle spring show and sale catalogue now available, please down load below

https://harrisonandhetherington.co.uk/workspace/pdfs/gal-and-wbs-070325…

New World Record Price of 27,000gns at Galloway Spring Show & Sale 2025

 

A new world record price was set at this year’s Galloway Cattle Society’s Spring Show and Sale, with newcomers to the breed making their mark in spectacular fashion.

 

Swagger of Glenrath, from Glenrath Farms Ltd, achieved the record breaking 27,000gns in a Valentine’s Day bidding war at Wallets Mart, Castle Douglas. 

 

The August 2023-born son of Olympian of Troloss was purchased in a two-way split between John, Ann, and Iain Finlay of Blackcraig and Robbie Galloway of Cardona, Doune, Stirling. Swagger of Glenrath, expertly presented by stockman Joe Cockburn, was much fancied, securing the Overall Male Champion title at the pre-sale show.

 

In a remarkable twist, Glenrath Farms Ltd, who set the new record, were the purchasers of the previous record-holder, Blackcraig Dyker, demonstrating their commitment to investing in top genetics. That previous record sale at 26,000gns made headlines in 2023 when it smashed a long-standing world record price for a Galloway that had held for 34 years. 

 

While Glenrath are relatively new to the Galloway breed, their success continued with Reserve Overall Male Champion Stealth of Glenrath selling for 4,000gns. This 21-month-old son of Troloss Nimrod, who finished second to the champion in the previous day’s classes, is headed to JW Hall of Darnbrook Farm, Malham Moor, Settle. Overall Glenrath Farms achieved an impressive average of £11,287.50 for their four bulls.

 

Ian Campbell of Glenrath Farms Ltd reflected on their success: “The ability of Galloways to convert rough grazing into a great quality, profitable product makes the breed a smart choice for anyone working on high hill ground. The Galloway excels at this and is perfectly suited to our farm and our journey to net zero. To have set a new record price is very satisfying and reflects our commitment to the breed and its future.”

 

The sale drew strong interest from across the UK, with buyers joining both in person and online. 

Buyer motivation reflected the breed’s versatility, with purchasers commenting on the Galloway’s proven performance in low input upland systems and conservation grazing schemes, while consistently producing high-quality beef. 

 

First-time exhibitors Ali and Leisa Warden of Skelfhill, Hawick, celebrated an exceptional debut, achieving 24,000gns for their bull Skelfhill Fortnum, who had been placed third the previous day. This Barlaes Rivellino son, out of Blackcraig Bertha B1057, was purchased by Society Vice Chairman Robert McTurk who said: “He’s a bull with a touch of class that was hard to find a fault with. Exceptional in his mobility and balance.” Skelfhill Fortnum will head to the Barlaes herd, Dalry, the oldest recorded herd of any breed of cattle in the world, traceable back to Lady of Barlae in 1866. 

 

The Wardens, who farm 3,200 acres carrying 2,000 breeding ewes and 110 cows, started their Galloway journey in 2021, and now carry 20 Galloways bulled pure. Commenting on the sale, Leisa Warden said: “It’s a dream come true. It has been a lifetime ambition to have Galloways, and to achieve so much in our first year is absolutely amazing. What really stands out about the Galloway is their ability to convert challenging hill ground into profit. We’ve really enjoyed watching them thrive on our middling hill ground with minimal inputs; they’re working out really well for us.” 

 

The sale was particularly special for Ali Warden, who had the honour of judging the heifers at the show and backed his judgment by purchasing the Reserve Female Champion, Brownie 11th of Fingland from Jimmy Wallace, Fingland, Dalry. This Oryan of Balgray daughter and out of Barlaes Brownie 211th - a Barack Obama of Fingland daughter - was purchased for 4,200gns.

 

Mr Warden commented: “It was an outstanding show of heifers, and while I was disappointed not to purchase my champion, I’m absolutely delighted to take home the reserve champion.” 

 

The Female Champion, Blackcraig Libby E1474, bred by John, Ann, and Iain Finlay of Blackcraig, Corsock, achieved the top female price of 9,000gns. A favourite of the Blackcraig team, this exceptional animal is sired by Nucamp of Balgray and out of Blackcraig Libby Z809. She was purchased by returning customer Catherine MacGregor, the renowned photographer from Stirling. 

 

 

Show judge George Irving praised the overall standard: “The quality was exceptional throughout, with outstanding character, top lines, and good locomotion on display.”

 

Breed characteristics broaden demand

While the breed maintained robust support in its heartland of Dumfries & Galloway with nine local purchasers, the sale demonstrated a noticeable widening of the Galloway’s appeal across the UK. In Scotland, thirteen buyers came from nine different Scottish regions, stretching from Aberdeenshire to the Borders. 

 

South of the border, ten English purchasers secured animals, taking Galloways home to locations from Hexham to Devon, with one heading to Wales. Notably, the event saw significant participation from online buyers for the first time, reflecting the growing nationwide interest in the breed.

 

Dorothy Goldie, Breed Secretary of the Galloway Cattle Society, welcomed the results: 

“To set a new world record price is tremendously exciting, but what’s particularly encouraging is seeing relatively new breeders achieving these outstanding results. Such incredible achievement so early in both the Glenrath and Skelfhill farms’ journey with Galloways is remarkable and is a testament to the passion and commitment of both teams. 

 

“The broad geographical spread of both vendors and purchasers at this year’s show and sale demonstrates the growing recognition of the Galloway’s relevance to modern farming systems. The enthusiasm we’re seeing from both established and new breeders shows that the Galloway is increasingly being recognised as the ideal breed for sustainable, profitable farming.”

 

Society Vice Chair, Robert McTurk, added: 

“The sale of females reflects the frustrations of trying to sell into a shrinking marketplace, where cow numbers are in decline and important export markets to Germany and Ireland, that had been cultivated over many years, are no longer accessible.

 

“However, the Galloway is championed by conservation groups as the ideal grazer to encourage biodiversity. The breed’s outwintering abilities are increasingly important and, most important of all, the naturally marbled beef of the Galloway is an outstanding food product.” 

 

Sale averages showed strong commercial confidence, with 24 bulls averaging £6,822.81 (+£1,314.68) achieving a 66% clearance rate. Eighteen heifers sold with an 88% clearance rate, with bulling heifers averaging £3,339.00 (+£1,573.09) and heifers run with bull averaging £2,310.00.

 

Bulls

1 Kilnstown Farms Ltd Newton Cracker 3500gns J Campbell, Kypehill, Strathaven

2 Mr & Mrs J & S Ross Gage of Romesbeoch 4200gns Tottingworth Farm, Sussex

4 Mr R Nixon Craig of Marbrack 3000gns G McMillan, Over Barskeoch, Dalry

5 Klondyke Farms Ltd Klondyke Hercules 3000gns P & M Gray, Symington, Biggar

6 Mr D Maxwell Ben Lomond Heliotrope 3200gns M J Partridge, Devon

7 Klondyke Farms Ltd Klondyke Stallion 3000gns McMillan & Partners, Holm of Dalquhairn, Dalry, Castle Douglas

8 Glenrath Farms Ltd Sparky of Glenrath 5000gns S McKie, Finniness, Balmaghie, Castle Douglas

9 Mr D Maxwell Ben Lomond Hardstone 5000gns Mr M McCornick, Barquhill, Wigtown

12 Mr & Mrs J & S Ross Gladiator of Romesbeoch 4500gns Hedgeley Farms, Hedgeley Hall, Powburn, Alnwick

13 Glenrath Farms Ltd Stealth of Glenrath 4000gns JW Hall, Darnbrook Farm, Malham Moor, Settle

14 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Haaland of Fingland 10000gns IHG Warden, Skelfhill, Hawick

15 Glenrath Farms Ltd Spartacus of Glenrath 7000gns J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries 

16 Mr R Galloway Cardona Guinness 2500gns Simon Redman, Creeside Farm, Barrhill, Ayrshire

18 Alistair Warden Skelfhill Frankie 3500gns FE Strang Steel, Lymiecleuch, Selkirk

20 Alistair Warden Skelfhill Fortnum 24000gns R McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry

21 Mr M McCornick Barquhill Max 3500gns Mr Heywood, Wood Farm, Flitwick, Beford

22 Glenrath Farms Ltd Swagger of Glenrath 27000gns J & A Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock & JR Galloway, Cardona Farm, Doune

24 Kilnstown Farms Ltd Fame of Kilnstown 7000gns B Dickinson & Co, Brockstone, Kentmere

25 Messrs D & R Cornthwaite Uppercrust of Balgray 3250gns Glenfernate Estates, Enochdhu, By Blairgowrie

32 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Hector 6000gns Glenrath Farms, Kirkton Manor, Peebles

33 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Hercules 3800gns WF Welsh, Lochurr, Moniaive, Thornhill & B Douglas, Castlederg, Co Tyrone

35 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Fencer 14000gns J Maxwell, Jaw Farm, Fintry, Glasgow

36 Messrs Wallace Highway Man of Over Barskeoch 4000gns TE Stephenson, Burntshield Haugh, Steele, Hexham

40 Kilnstown Farms Ltd Fast Track of Kilnstown 2000gns Alex Weeks, Castell Bedw.

Unled heifers 

42 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Amber G19 2100gns Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye

43 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Lea G32 3000gns W Maclean, Inverglen, Barcaldine, Oban

44 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Nancy G34 2300gns Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye

45 Messrs R.A. McClymont & Son Kirkstead Tricia G35 2100gns B Douglas, Castlederg, Co Tyrone

Heifers 

48 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Bertha E1408 3100gns Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch

49 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Joan E1426 3000gns Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch

51 Messrs Wallace Gael Diamond of Over Barskeoch 2000gns S Langdon, Luckworthy Farm, Mollan, South Molton, Devon

53 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Libby E1474 9000gns C Macgregor, South Road, Insch

54 Mr J Finlay Blackcraig Moss Rose E1477 3400gns Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch

57 Mr RJ McTurk Barlaes Nancy 194th 1900gns Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye

58 Mr P Hunter Blair Foxglove Erica of Nether Cleugh 2000gns A & J Richardson, Higher Breen Farm, Byley, Byley Road

59 Mr RJ McTurk Barlaes Katie 113th 2200gns Nixon & Pitman, Nunscleugh Rowelton, Carlisle

60 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Molly 215th of Fingland 2200gns J & J Anderson, Upper Wellwood Farm,

61 Mr James Campbell Kypehill Peggy Sue 1600gns S Langdon, Luckworthy Farm,

63 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Kathleen 18th of Fingland 1900gns A & J Richardson, Higher Breen farm, Byley, Byley Road, Middlewich, Cheshire

64 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Brownie 11th of Fingland 4200gns IHG Warden, Skelfhill, Hawick

65 Messrs W Wallace & Sons Urma 30th of Fingland 2000gns J Hepburn & Co, Northhouse Farm, Hawick

66 Mr James Campbell Kypehill Jolene 1400gns S Langdon, Luckworthy Farm, Mollan, South Molton, Devon

 

Castle Douglas Spring Show and Sale

 

Results

 

Bulls

Class 1

1st   J & S Ross  - Gage of Romesbeoch  DOB  21/09/22  sire Strathurr Yogi to  Tottingworth Farm, Sussex for 4200gns 

 

Class 2

1st  Glenrath Farms Ltd -  Sparky of Glenrath DOB 02/04/23 sire Troloss Nimrod to S McKie, Finniness, Balmaghie, Castle Douglas for 5000gns

2nd Messrs J, M & D Maxwell -  Ben Lomond Hardstone DOB 03/04/23 sire Zonda of Kilnstown to Mr M McCornick, Barquhill, Wigtown for 5000gns 

3rd  Mr R Nixon -  Craig of Marbrack DOB 27/02/23 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone to G McMillan, Over Barskeoch, Dalry for 3000gns 

 

Class 3 

1st & Overall Champion  Glenrath Farms Ltd -  Swagger of Glenrath DOB 18/08/23 sire Olympian of Trolosse to J & A Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock & JR Galloway, Cardona Farm, Doune for 27000gns 

2nd  Glenrath Farms Ltd -  Stealth of Glenrath DOB 17/04/23 sire Troloss Nimrod

3rd Mr I H G Warden - Skelfhill Fortnum DOB 29/04/23 sire Barlaes Rivellino to JW Hall, Darnbrook Farm, Malham Moor, Settle for 4000gns

 

2 year old champion -  Swagger of Glenrath

Reserve  -  Stealth of Glenrath. 

 

Class 4

1st D & R Cornthwaite -  Uppercrust of Balgray DOB 03/09/23 sire Blackcraig Kodiac to Glenfernate Estates, Enochdhu, By Blairgowrie for 3250gns

 2nd D & R Cornthwaite - Upbeat of Balgray DOB 07/09/23 sire Blackcraig Kodiac 

3rd Mr P Hunter Blair -  Floyd of Nether Cleugh DOB 21/09/23 sire Drifter of Low Three Mark 

 

Class 5

1st M/s RA McClymont & Son -  Kirkstead Hercules DOB 29/09/23 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone to WF Welsh, Lochurr, Moniaive, Thornhill & B Douglas, Castlederg, Co Tyrone for 3800gns

2nd M/s  RA McClymont & Son - Kirkstead Hector DOB 27/09/23 sire Kirkstead Commander  to Glenrath Farms, Kirkton Manor, Peebles for 6000gns

3rd J & A Finlay - Blackcraig Fencer DOB 03/10/23 sire Dava Donald to J Maxwell, Jaw Farm, Fintry, Glasgow for 14000gns

 Senior Champion - Kirkstead Hercules

Reserve - Kirkstead Hector

 

Class 6

1st Mr James Campbell -  Kypehill Stetson DOB 12/01/24 sire Clerkhill Ranger

2nd Kilnstown Farms Ltd -  Fast Track of Kilnstown DOB 29/03/24 sire Outlander of Fingland to Alex Weeks, Castell Bedw for 2000gns

 

Junior champion Kypehill Stetson

Reserve Fast Track of Kilnstown

 

Overall male champion -  Swagger of Glenrath

Reserve - Stealth of Glenrath 

 

Unled Heifers

Class 7

1st M/s RA McClymont & Son -  Kirkstead Tricia G35 DOB 27/10/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone  to B Douglas, Castlederg, Co Tyrone for 2100gns

2nd M/s RA McClymont & Son -  Kirkstead Nancy G34 DOB 27/10/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone  to Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye 2300gns 

 

Class 8

1st M/s RA McClymont & Son -  Kirkstead Amber G19 DOB 03/10/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone  & Kirkstead Lea G32 DOB 23/10/22 sire Blackcraig Bugsy Malone to Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye for 2100gns

 

 

Heifers

Class 9

No entries

 

Class 10

1st Mr P Hunter Blair  - Foxglove Eyebright of Nether Cleugh DOB 04/10/22 sire Nucamp of Balgray 

2nd J & A Finlay -  Blackcraig Joan E1426 DOB 09/09/22 sire Dava Donald to Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch for 3000gns 

3rd J & A Finlay - Blackcraig Adele E1432 DOB 11/09/22 sire Barlaes Rivellino  

 

Class 11

1st & Female Champion  J & A Finlay -  Blackcraig Libby E1474 DOB 07/10/22 sire Nucamp of Balgray to C Macgregor, South Road, Insch for 9000gns

2nd J & A Finlay -  Blackcraig Moss Ross E1477 10/10/22 sire Barlaes Rivellino  to Polston Farm, The Mill, Polston, Invercrynoch for 3400gns

3rd Mr R McTurk -  Barlaes Nancy 194^th   DOB 20/12/22 sire Buccleuch Buster to Tig Valley Farms, Stratfield, Saye for 1900gns

 

Class 12

1^st & Reserve Champion M/s W Wallace & Sons - Brownie 11th of Fingland  DOB 14/08/23 sire Warhorse of Fingland to IHG Warden, Skelfhill, Hawick for 4200gns 

2nd M/s W Wallace & Sons -  Molly 215 of Fingland  DOB 05/04/23 sire Warhorse of Fingland to J & J Anderson, Upper Wellwood Farm, for 2200gns 

3rd M/s W Wallace & Sons - Urm 30th of Fingland  DOB 04/05/23 sire Oryan of Balgray to J Hepburn & Co, Northhouse Farm, Hawick for 2000gns

 

Class 13

1st Mr J Campbell -  Kypehill Jolene DOB 19/02/24 sire Clerkhill Ranger to S Langdon, Luckworthy Farm, Mollan, South Molton, Devon for 1400gns 

 

Female Champion  - Blackcraig Libby E1474

Reserve - Brownie 11th of Fingland

 

 

 

Young Handlers

 

1^st Ramsey McKinnel

2^nd Lloyd Ross

3^rd Innes Common

 

Galloway Spring Show & Sale 2025

A Scottish Borders farmer who only recently introduced Galloway cattle to his hill farm will be one of the judges at this year’s Galloway Cattle Spring Show and Sale at Wallets Mart, Castle Douglas on 13th and 14th February.

 

Alistair Warden of Skelfhill Farm will judge the female section at the prestigious annual event, while also offering his first bulls for sale. He’ll join another Borders-based farmer, Mr George Irving, Mount Benger, Selkirk, who will judge the bulls. 

 

Mr Warden, who farms 3,200 acres carrying 2,000 breeding ewes and 110 cows, started his Galloway journey in 2021, when he sought a breed that would thrive on his hill ground. The farm now carries 20 Galloways bulled pure.

 

“We only got into Galloways in the past few years, we’ve had Luings but we just felt we needed a cow that would thrive on our middling hill ground, and the Galloway ticked all the boxes for us,” says Mr Warden. “The mothers themselves seem to thrive with no concentrates, just a wee bit of cake at calving time. They’re very low input to get a very sellable store at 18 months. 

 

“What’s particularly interesting is how they utilise the hill - they’re always grazing higher up compared to other breeds. We’re now successfully wintering cows in areas where we’ve never been able to before, and they’re doing a fantastic job of keeping the rough ground down while converting it into profit. We can’t see any downside to them, they suit us perfectly.”

 

The two-day Galloway Cattle Spring Show and Sale will see 40 bulls and 26 in-calf or bulling heifers enter the sale ring. Notable entries include:

• Lot 39, Kypehill Stetson from James Campbell, the last bull to be offered off Foxglove Zap of Nether Cleugh who bred her first two bulls at 5000gns and 10000gns;
• Lots 46 and 47, from Glenrath Farms, two heifers in calf to Blackcraig Dyker - the world record-breaking Galloway bull that achieved 26,000gns at the 2023 sale;
• Lot 52, Foxglove Eyebright of Nether Cleugh was Reserve Junior Champion at 2024 Royal Highland Show and Reserve Champion at Glenkens Show, from Peter Hunter Blair.

 

Mr Warden’s own consignment includes three bulls, all sired by Barlaes Rivellino, and out of females from the renowned Blackcraig herd. “We’re looking forward to seeing how they perform in the ring, and it would be great to get some of our own breeding out there. There’s always a special feeling when someone buys something from you and it goes on to do well.” He added, “The Society has been tremendous. There’s a real sense that people are there to promote the breed rather than just for commercial gain, so I feel extremely privileged to be asked.”

 

Breed characteristics drive demand

The Galloway’s natural strengths are particularly relevant as farming moves towards more sustainable systems. The breed’s ability to thrive on rough grazing while producing high-quality beef with minimal inputs makes it an increasingly attractive choice for farmers looking to reduce costs and environmental impact.

 

Dorothy Goldie, Breed Secretary for the Galloway Cattle Society, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alistair as our female judge this year. His experience demonstrates how well-suited Galloways are to modern hill farming systems, and having new enthusiasts take on leadership roles helps drive the breed forward. The quality of entries this year is really strong, and I’d encourage anyone interested in sustainable beef production to come along to the show and sale to see these outstanding cattle for themselves. 

 

“Whether you’re an established farmer looking to diversify your enterprise, or someone considering getting into cattle farming, this is an ideal opportunity to meet experienced Galloway breeders, see the breed’s capabilities firsthand, and learn more about how these low-input cattle could fit into your farming system. With their natural hardiness, excellent maternal traits, and ability to produce premium beef from marginal land, Galloways offer a solution to many of the challenges facing modern farming.”

 

The Show begins at 10:30am on Thursday 13th February, with the Sale taking place on Friday 14th February from 11am, preceded by the Parade of Bulls at 10am.