Local farmers fly the flag for Caithness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Caithness farmers are continuing to enjoy success in virtual show rings up and down the country, according to local AI cattle breeding technician Willie Mackay.
Jonathan Gunn and Joanne Smith, farming at Mavsey, Lybster, have flown the flag for Caithness, and indeed Scotland, by taking home prizes in online shows held by both the British Simmental Cattle Society and the Scottish Simmental Club.
The couple run a herd of pedigree Simmentals, selling breeding heifers and primarily breeding bulls, both privately and through the Stirling bull sales.
They secured a memorable double taking both first and second place in the national society's special class for young bulls, born between January and June 2019.
Mavsey Kinetic came out on top with Mavsey Kaizer runner-up out of a strong entry of 59 bulls. Both young bulls are April 2019 born and are by Omorga Five Star 14.
Mavsey Kinetic then went on to clinch the overall male champion title which was announced on Friday afternoon.
Commenting on his champions, judge Robin Boyd, of the noted Slievenagh herd, Portglenone, Co Antrim, said: “This young bull is well grown for his age.
"He carries plenty of muscle and shape, and has both style and correctness. He’s very much a modern type of Simmental and with a lot of future ahead of him.
"I gave him the championship over the senior bull who himself is an easily fleshed bull, with plenty of shape, and good breed characteristics."
The virtual show had entries from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland with judges casting their eye over nothing but a recent, natural photograph and date of birth.
Joanne said: "It has been a tough year for the agricultural sector. For us, losing the agricultural shows takes away our shop window – making selling livestock harder.
"The virtual shows have bridged the gap between seller and buyer and opened up a much wider market than is currently possible.
"Jonathan and I are grateful for the recognition for all the hard work that goes into pedigree breeding and are delighted what a small local breeder from Caithness can achieve against the very best in the UK, and hopefully it encourage others to follow suit.
"To take first and second place in such a strong class of 59 young bulls is a tremendous achievement. We've had some great feedback from the judge and other breeders.
"It really makes all the hard work worthwhile – it's just a shame there was no beer tent to celebrate in!"
She added: "This years bulls are coming on strong and we look forward to sales and shows in 2021."
Mavsey also took the reserve overall male sash with its new junior stock bull – Corskie Jackpot – in the Scottish Simmental Club event.
Other placings in the British Simmental Cattle Society virtual show include a fifth out of 57 for senior stock bull Omorga Five Star 14, the overall Simmental and beef champion at the Caithness County Show in 2016.
In the autumn-born heifer calf class Mavsey Koko was seventh out of an entry of 90, while Mavsey Klansman was third out of 68 in the bull class.
