For three years, over-worked farming journalists have had to type the clumsy title: " the Perth Bull Sales now held at Stirling" into our reports, but that will change in October.
The Perth Bull Sales were established in 1865 and transferred to Stirling in 2009 as part of the company's amalgamation of its Perth and Stirling businesses into a single centre of operation at the new Stirling Agricultural Centre.
I well remember the thrill of attending the Perth Bull sales in the 1960s when the Aberdeen Angus breed were enjoying a booming trade boosted by international buyers. Around the sale ring the cloth-caps of British farmers intermingled with stetsons worn by American ranchers.
I was there, as a callow youth, in 1963 when the Aberdeen Angus bull, Lindertis Evulse sold for the astounding record price of 60,000 guineas, a sum that could have bought a good farm back then.
Evulse was bought by Blackwatch Farms, a syndicate of American breeders who took him back to their stud in New York State.
Sadly he proved to be infertile and was slaughtered to create the most expensive mince the world has ever seen.
Lawrie and Symington sold 12 prime heifers in Lanark on Monday to a top of 235p per kg (twice) to average 218.5p (+4p on the week), while 12 prime beef-bred bullocks peaked at 228p and levelled at 198.4p (-6.2p). Three prime B&W bullocks averaged 153.5p.
In the rough ring 35 beef cows averaged 139p, while 46 dairy cows levelled at 109p. Eleven OTM cattle averaged 124p, while 5 bulls levelled at 132p.
The firm also sold 2075 prime lambs to a top of £105.20 per head and 230.3p per kg to average 198.5p (-8.5p).
The 561 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £125.50 for Texels and £58.50 for Blackfaces to average £65.94 overall (-£3.36).
At the fortnightly sale of dairy cattle the 18 forward sold to £1880 for a Holstein heifer and averaged £1452 (-£55).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 2834 prime lambs at Ayr on Monday to a top of £96 and 214.5p to average 187p.
The 806 cast sheep were cheaper on the week with ewes selling to £134 for Texels and £60 for Blackfaces.
The firm went on to sell 19 prime heifers at the same venue yesterday to a top of 214p and an average of 197.2p, while 10 prime bullocks peaked at 210p and levelled at 206.6p.
Six young bulls averaged 195.6p.
In the rough ring 88 beef cows averaged 139.6p, while 98 dairy cows levelled at 109.7p. Four bulls averaged 149p.
There were 12 dairy cattle forward with Holsteins selling to £1900 for a second-calver and £1850, £1700 and £1600 for heifers.
