HARESTONE CHAROLAIS

HARESTONE CHAROLAIS

Situated near Banchory, Neil and June Barclay’s farming enterprise branches out from Harestone encompassing land as far afield as Huntly to make up a unit of some 3,300 acres, one of the largest agricultural businesses in North-East Scotland.

 The land comprises of 1800 acres mainly owned for the arable production of spring barley grown for malt, winter wheat for distilling and potatoes grown for seed.  The “added value” factor is the key to improving returns in these tight times the industry is facing emphasises Neil.

 The remaining 1500 acres combine rented grassland and hill grazing to sustain the acclaimed 1000 cow suckler herd which recently was runner up in the Scottish and Northern Charolais Breeders/Bank of Scotland suckler herd of the year 2002 awards thanks to the integrity and professionalism of Farm Manager Bill Johnston and his dedicated team of 9 men.

 The first Charolais arrived at Harestone in the early 80’s and was a rare sight in Deeside at the time.

 The business was a typical 300 acre mixed unit carrying a traditional suckler herd.  The impact of the Charolais as first choice terminal sire allowed the business to expand and the pedigree herd alone now boasts 200 breeding females along with 1000 commercial – little wonder as the commercial herd requires up to 30 bulls at any one time.

 With the increasing Holstein influence in the Suckler Herd, Neil and his son Stuart decided to use the team’s pedigree experience by starting both a Simmental herd and Aberdeen Angus herd with the aim to produce higher quality replacements.

 Testament to the breeding regime at Harestone is reflected in the prices paid for the store cattle sold through Thainstone and Huntly Markets from November to April.  The herd’s progeny are always within the top 5% of the day’s trade.

 With all the activity on the farm you would imagine Neil has his hands full – he also owns one of the largest John Deere dealerships in Scotland, HRN (Tractors) Ltd.  Neil’s son Stuart also has his own business Agritrac Exports Ltd which exports used machinery to the continent and beyond.

 The Charolais remains a passion of Neil’s and the herd resides at Wartle under the watchful eye of very experienced stockman James Reid and his assistant Murray Rainnie.   The most successful bloodline in the herd derived from the brood cow, Newhouse Blossom and through embryo’s a large percentage of the herd is directly descended from her.

 The top priced bull from the Harestone fold, Harestone Unclesam sold for 20,000gns at the October Sale in Perth 2004.  At the same sale at Perth Harestone Tito sold for 11,000gns, Harestone Ulsterman sold for 8,000gns and Harestone Unionjack sold for 5,000gns.  In the February Sale at Perth 2004 Harestone Transformer sold for 5,500gns, Harestone Tornado for 7,500gns, and Harestone Thunder for 4,000gns.  Another success was winning the Senior and Reserve Overall Championship at the Perth Sales in February 2000 with Harestone Rialto selling for 8,500gns.  Harestone Nighthawk sold for 10,000gns at the February Sale in Perth 1999.   These prices relate to the quality within the herd of which ranks in the top 10% with an average beef value of CH25.

 At the Royal Highland Show in 2004 a very successful achievement was gained with Classy Cow “Harestone Rumba” which was the champion of the beef interbred competition.   Rumba was bred in France and is by the French Sire Hermes.

 For more information on our Pedigree Stock - to purchase an outstanding Bull or enquire about our wide range of semen for sale please do not hesitate to contact Neil Barclay on 07836 717277 or Bill Johnston on 07836 665177.

Herd Sires at Harestone

Harestone Tyrol

HARESTONE TADORNE

Rumsden Samuri
Purchased for 14,000gns, Perth October 2002 between Inverlochy, Elgin and Harestone
Sire: Allanfauld Vagabond
Dam: Rumsden Olala
EBV: CV26

HARESTONE RUMBA
EBV 32
Sire: Harestone Rover  Dam: Harestone Nanette
 

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Bulls always available for work

Visitors welcome by appointment

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Contact
Neil Barclay: 07836 717277
Bill Johnstone: 01330 844 687
Jim Reid: 01464 841367
 

HARESTONE CHAROLAIS

HARESTONE CHAROLAIS