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It was a relief that the Stirling Bull Sales went ahead without a hitch – with great credit due to the auctioneering companies. For the first time in decades, I didn’t attend. The excellent coverage through the internet softened the blow. Trade for all breeds was good, with most bulls finding a buyer, but it always surprises me when I see bulls failing to meet the upset price. Surely even the least optimistic seller could set a modest reserve to give the auctioneer something to work with. Often buyers feel ashamed to bid when the price is rock bottom, but after a few bids up to the reserve, they take a second look. If, after that, the bull is still unsold, when a potential customer comes to see him back in the pen the seller can start negotiations from a realistic level.