June 2009 Archives

THE monthly sale of suckled cows and calves at Exeter Livestock Centre this month included the dispersal sale of the Grasslands pedigree Devon herd for North Wyke Research Centre, Okehampton, Devon.

Top price was 1,620gns paid for Grasslands Lovely, a March 2004-born female out of Passaford Lovely 2 with her fully registered March-born heifer calf at foot. The outfit was purchased by Gary Wilson, Brendon, Devon, who also bought sever other cow and calf outfits.

Other third calving cows sold to £1,207.50, second calvers - Grasslands Showgirl and Grasslands Duchess - with their March-born heifer calves each realised 1,600gns. Both were purchased by Ivor and Rene Alexander, Tiverton.

Others in the same age bracket made £1,554, £1,449, £1,417.50 twice and £1,312.50.

First calving heifers with spring-born calves sold to £1,449, two-year-old bulling heifers peaked at 900gns and yearling maiden heifers sold to 700gns.

The six-year-old bull Byways Sayles Freddie 2 out of a Cushuish dam by a Bywood sire made 1,220gns.

Averages: third calvers £1,092; second calvers £1,332; first calvers £1,137; bulling heifers £945; maiden heifers £672.

Auctioneers: Exeter Market Auctioneers

PEDIGREE Guernseys sold to 1,100gns at the dispersal sale of the Nuthurst herd sold on behalf of Blyth Model Dairies at Nymans Farm, Henfield, Sussex, last week.

Trade topper was Nuthurst Serena, a Myown Shot Blastoff bred cow on her second note having given 6,080kg as a heifer and now April calved and producing 28kg daily. The hammer fell to Ken Prestidge for the Kenprest herd at Dereham, Norfolk.

Topping the bulling heifer section was Nuthurst Princess, descended from one of the herd's foundation cows - Hartwell Princess. The hammer fell at 800gns.
The Serena family was also keenly sought with the six-month-old heifer - Nuthurst Serena 3 - also being taken by Mr Prestidge for 500gns.

Averages: cows in second/fourth lactation and calving September £848.92; cows in first/second lactation and calving October £612.93; cows in their third/fifth lactation and freshly calved in April to June £745.50.
Auctioneers: South East Marts

BIDDING peaked at 800gns at the annual show and sale of Dorset sheep held on behalf of the Welsh Dorset Club at Llandovery Market, Carmarthenshire, with an increased entry forward.

Trade topper was a ram lamb consigned by C. and T. Clarke, Crediton, Devon. Manorcroft Lenny L234, a September 2008-born lamb, took the supreme championship rosette in the pre-sale show. The judge - Irwel Evans, Llanilar, Aberystwyth, backed his judgement and purchased Lenny for 800gns.

At 500gns R. and R. Hole, Sherborne, Dorset, sold his second prize shearling ram to K. and D.R. Price, Saron, for their Kendore Dorset flock.

At 460gns Robert Hole also topped the female section with his champion yearling ewe, which again joins the flock of judge Irwel Evans.

An entry of 12 females from D.W. Rossiter, Galmpton, Devon, averaged 210gns including the top priced first prize ewe lamb at 300gns selling again to the judge.

A new sale record was set for a pen of four five-year-old ewes achieving 170gns each for E.D. and E.S.A. Evans, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, selling to A. George, Penwern, New Cross.

Averages: 6 aged rams, £245.70; 6 shearling rams, £418.25; 5 ram lambs, £447.30; 72 aged ewes, £103.15; 15 two and three-year-old ewes, £127.40; 73 shearling ewes, £132.69; 90 ewe lambs, £105.88; 2 ewe and lamb couples, £168.

Auctioneers: Clee, Tompkinson and Francis

AN entry of 134 cows and milking heifers at the Western Holstein Club's show and sale at Beeston Castle auction attracted a top bid of 3,100gns.

Leading the bidding was the heifer, Dunnerdale Drake Aldina, from Wilson Boow, Millom, Cumbria. This daughter of Drake is bred from seven generations of cows classified VG/EX and has a VG88 sister. The hammer fell to Jimmy Hodge, Eyemouth, Berwickshire.

At just 50gns less was the first prize junior heifer, Lachstone Drake Princess, from John and Jeremy Platt, Lach Dennis, Cheshire. This is also a daughter of Drake and sold to John and Nesta Jones for their Emeraldgrove herd, Boncath, Ceredigion.
The champion, Rendham Dante MT Model, a daughter of Regancrest Elton Dante consigned by Enchanted Holsteins of Preston, Lancashire, realised 3,000gns.

This fresh calved heifer has two VG dams and a VG86 12,000kg sister. The buyer was Peter Andrews for his Ruckhall herd, Herefordshire.

A further 15 females sold for prices ranging from 2,900gns to 2,400gns and these included the top priced cow Bidlea Paddington Lily, a second calf daughter of the home-bred Bidlea Paddington from Ray Brown and Partners, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. This entry sold at 2,600gns to the volume buyers of the day, T. Smith and Sons, Hinckley, Leicester, who purchased 18 head.

Other volume buyers were R. and F. Holliday, Silloth, Cumbria, who purchased 14; J.H. and J. Salt and Sons, Checkley, Staffordshire, who bought 10 and R.J. and H.D. Hugo, Bodmin, Cornwall, who purchased seven. 

Averages: 24 cows, £2,025.63; 91 calved heifers, £2,182.50; 115 head overall, £2,149.76.

Auctioneers: Wright Manley.

AN entry of 134 cows and milking heifers at the Western Holstein Club's show and sale at Beeston Castle auction attracted a top bid of 3,100gns.

Leading the bidding was the heifer, Dunnerdale Drake Aldina, from Wilson Boow, Millom, Cumbria. This daughter of Drake is bred from seven generations of cows classified VG/EX and has a VG88 sister. The hammer fell to Jimmy Hodge, Eyemouth, Berwickshire.

At just 50gns less was the first prize junior heifer, Lachstone Drake Princess, from John and Jeremy Platt, Lach Dennis, Cheshire. This is also a daughter of Drake and sold to John and Nesta Jones for their Emeraldgrove herd, Boncath, Ceredigion.
The champion, Rendham Dante MT Model, a daughter of Regancrest Elton Dante consigned by Enchanted Holsteins of Preston, Lancashire, realised 3,000gns.

This fresh calved heifer has two VG dams and a VG86 12,000kg sister. The buyer was Peter Andrews for his Ruckhall herd, Herefordshire.

A further 15 females sold for prices ranging from 2,900gns to 2,400gns and these included the top priced cow Bidlea Paddington Lily, a second calf daughter of the home-bred Bidlea Paddington from Ray Brown and Partners, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. This entry sold at 2,600gns to the volume buyers of the day, T. Smith and Sons, Hinckley, Leicester, who purchased 18 head.

Other volume buyers were R. and F. Holliday, Silloth, Cumbria, who purchased 14; J.H. and J. Salt and Sons, Checkley, Staffordshire, who bought 10 and R.J. and H.D. Hugo, Bodmin, Cornwall, who purchased seven. 

Averages: 24 cows, £2,025.63; 91 calved heifers, £2,182.50; 115 head overall, £2,149.76.

Auctioneers: Wright Manley.

TRADE for dairy cattle at the Bentham Auction's weekly sale of newly calved cattle remained strong last Wednesday with six out of an entry of 24 making in excess of £2,000.

Two pedigree heifers sired by Weeton Jackson from the Deerslet herd of R.M Lawson and Son, Burton in Kendal, Cumbria, topped the sale making £2,400 and £2,300.

Both sold to J.B. and J.B. Lawson, Cockerham, Lancaster.

Coloured dairy cattle topped at £1,800 for a first cross Brown Swiss heifer from R.A. Clowes, Capernwray, Carnforth.

Other leading prices included £2,270 and £2,120 for entries from R.E. and E.A. Barker, Gunnerthwaite, Lancashire, and £2,000 and £1,900 for entries from J. and M. Robinson, Over Kellet, Carnforth.

Auctioneers: Richard Turner and Son

HOLSTEIN heifers sold to £2,320 at Gisburn auction marts' monthly pedigree dairy sale on Thursday.

Top money was paid for a fresh heifer giving 32 litres from R.G. Johnson and Sons, Felliscliffe and selling to Messrs Redmayne, Samlesbury, Preston.

The same buyer also bid £2,100 for a two-year-old Alfag Juror Kendall heifer consigned b Simon Thompson, Ribchester, Preston.

The show champion, a heifer giving 32 litres, from Jeremy Taylor, Broughton, made £2,280 selling to David Coulthurst and Sons, Goosnargh, Preston.

Heifer calves peaked at £340.

Auctioneers: Richard Turner and Son

DAIRY

Inter-breed (M. Gould, Shropshire) Sup., M. and P. Barnett, Twemlow Red Poker (Ayrshire); res., Riverdane Holsteins, Hendomen Arlene 20 (Holstein).

Shorthorn (P. Harrison, Newcastle) Sup., I.R.G. Collins and Partners, Churchroyd Heather 29; res., Mr Wright, Yew Tree Prince Alidia.

Ayrshire (J. Whiteford, Carlisle) Sup., M. and P. Barnett, Twemlow Red Poker; res., M. and P. Barnett, Twemlow Peggy 9.

Holstein (A. Dennison, Cumbria) Sup., Riverdane Holsteins, Hendomen Arlene 20; res., Riverdane Holsteins, Woodlake Freeman Surprise.

Jersey (R. Saxby, North Yorkshire) Sup., G.F. and M.L. Wallace, Mosshayes Remake Legacy; res., G.F. and M.L. Wallace, Grahmar Signature Margo.

Guernsey (W.G. Luff, Channel Islands) Sup., D. Wolfan Hayward, Tiresford Posie 7; res., J.A. and S.M. Hope, Tiresford Posie 2.

Brown Swiss (J. Lockhead, Dumfries) Sup., R.T. and S.A. Morgan, Highlight Mascot Lyndy; res., J. and C. West, Farrick Moet Almira.

BEEF

Inter-breed (E. Jones, Balla) Sup., P.R. Dawes, Dinmore Daffodil (Limousin); res., R.M. Birch, Boomer DKNY (British Blue). 

Hereford (B. Myers, Surrey) Sup. and fem., R. and R.I. Shaw, Hallwood 1 Penelope; res. and male, R. and R.I. Shaw, Hallwood 1 Eddy. 

Limousin (R. Cruickshank, Lanarkshire) Sup., P.R. Dawes, Dinmore Daffodil; res., J. Oakes, Millstone Calypso.

Simmental (R.H. Carter, Cumbria) Sup. and fem., J.H. and V.G. Wood, Popes Nelly Princess; res. and res. fem., D.M. Donnelly, Atlow Velvet; male, L. and N. Pennington, Annick Vesuvius.

British Blue (S. Pattinson, Cumbria) Sup., R.M. Birch, Boomer DKNY; res., T. Mountford, Beck Farm Anne.

Aberdeen Angus (R.A. Johnson, Yorkshire) Sup., Mr and Mrs B.J. Mcclintock, Craigie Jody; res., R. Ashworth, Wavura Of Jerusalem.

British Blonde (J. Armstrong, Cumbria) Sup., A. Bailey, Paragon CJ; res., A. Bailey, Bridge Dolly Mixture.

Longhorn (P.A. Stanley, Leicestershire) Sup., A.J. Richardson, Bollin Grace; res., A.J. Richardson, Sutton Hamo.

Commercial beef (N. Lloyd, Hereford) Sup., G. Jones, Ting Ting (Limousin cross); res., J.A. Hollingsworth, Jade (Limousin cross).

Any other native beef breed (R. Kinnish, Shropshire) Sup., T. Severn, Vulcan of Upsall; res., A. Plumbley and Co, Calveley Ewan.

Any other continental beef breed (R. Kinnish) Sup., A. Sellick and V. Norcott, Seaville Countess (Charolais); res., W. Burrows, Hampton Holly.

Dexter (J. Harvey, Devon) Sup., S. Hunt, Saltaire Jentian; res., S. Sykes, Hillgrove Dexters.

Any other dual purpose breed (G.L.H. Anderson, Shropshire) Sup., A. Fisher, Nidderdale Celine; res., H.R. Arthan, Chorlton Lane Yasmin.

SHEEP

Inter-breed (panel of judges) Sup., S. and J. Phillips (Texel); res., G. Biddulph (Charollais).

Charollais (Mr Preston, West Yorkshire) Sup., G. Biddulph; res., Messrs Madders and Johnson.

Jacob (R. King, Clwyd) Sup., H.J. and R.E. Blacknell; res., C. Richardson.

Suffolk (M.J. Pinny, Northamptonshire) Sup. and res., G. Biddulph.

Texel (P. Woof, Cumbria) Sup., S. and J. Phillips; res., F. Rushton.

Beltex (T. Ashton, Lancashire) Sup., L. and S. Hewitt; res., M. Prince.

Downland breeds (P. Hodges, Oxford) Sup., C. Rhead; res., Mr and Mrs P. Geddes.

Any other breed of native upland sheep (C. Hillhouse) Sup. and res., Y. Brown.

Butchers lambs (T. Ashton) Sup., L. and S. Hewitt; res., J. and P. Barlow.

PIGS
Inter-breed (G. Hinks, Dorset) Sup., B. and M. Mulkeen, Garsfield Rosette 64 (British Saddleback); res., A. and J. Walton, Deva Hover 199 (Durco).

Inter-breed modern pig (G. Hinks) Sup., A. and J. Walton, Deva Hover 199 (Duroc); res., J.R. Sutcliffe, Coal Yeat Judy 320 (Hampshire).

Inter-breed traditional pig (G. Hinks) Sup., B. and M. Mulkeen, Garsfield Rosette 64 (British Saddleback); res., F. Fieldhouse and Son, Calcaria Royal Saphire 4 (Berkshire).

Duroc (P. Briar, Ilkley) Sup., A. and J. Walton, Deva Hover 199; res., A. and J. Walton, Deva Jerry 196.

Welsh (P. Briar) Sup., P.M. Fowlie, Braemor Emperor; res., B. and M. Mulkeen, Owersby Jame.

Berkshire (P. Briar) Sup., F. Fieldhouse and Sons, Calcaria Royal Saphire 4; res., F. Fieldhouse and Son, Calcaria Royal Saphire.

British Lop (P. Briar) Sup., D. Harrison, Penllwyn Lulu 29; res., D. Harrison, Penllwyn Lulu 22.

Middle White (P. Briar) Sup., I and T. Bretherton, Gracebank Yootha 11; res., J. Herbert, Dappleheath Rajah 8.

Large White (K. Matthews, Scarborough) Sup., B. and M. Mulkeen, Grimwell Fanny.

Any other modern breed (K. Matthews) J.R. Sutcliffe, Coal Yeat Judy 320 (Hampshire); res., J.R. Sutcliffe, Coal Yeat Peterbilt 318 (Hampshire).

British Saddleback (K. Matthews) Sup., B. and M. Mulkeen, Garsfield Rosette 65; res., J.R. Sutcliffe, Coal Yeat Rosette.

Gloucestershire Old Spot (K. Matthews) Sup., S.J. Booth, Chapel Dolly 18; res., S.J. Booth, Chapel Patrick 10.

Large Black (K. Matthews) Sup., Messrs Wood and Richardson, Finnington Super; res., Messrs Wood and Richardson, Finnington Queen.

Any other traditional breed (K. Matthews) Sup., L.J. Kennedy, Beechfield Lucky Lass 3 (Tamworth).

DAIRY

TOP honours in the dairy judging went to the Ayrshire breed with Marshall and Patsy Barnett's in-milk cow - Twemlow Red Poker.

This Horizon Harry daughter gave 9,600kg as a heifer and is currently giving 40 litres. The Barnetts, from Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, no longer milk cows but keep a number of 'show' cows nearby with Ray Brown.

In a strong dairy section the reserve rosette was won by Hendomen Arlene 20, a third calver by Comestar Outside owned jointly by Michael Roberts and Mark Nutsford of Riverdane Holsteins at Middlewich, Cheshire. The cow, which was reserve champion at the Western Holstein Club's show, is projected to give 13,140kg.

BEEF
A Limousin heifer, Dinmore Daffodil, from Paul Dawes of Dinmore, Hereford, won the beef championship.

The February 2008-born Wilodge Vantastic daughter is out of Croft Limousin Primrose. Out for only its second show it will next travel to the Royal Show.

In reserve was Roger and Boomer Birch from Weston, Staffordshire, with Boomer DKNY, a heifer by Operator De Fontana and out of Boomer Armani.

This January 2008-born heifer is heading to the Shropshire and West Midland show at the weekend.

The well-known US AI sire, Regancrest Dundee, was put down last week. The bull has almost 20,000 daughters in his proof and 500,000 semen straws from him have been sold so far.

THE supreme pig award went to a British Saddleback, Garsfield Rosette 64, from Brian and Margaret Mulkeen of Wigan, Lancashire, and shown by their granddaughter, Emily Mulkeen-Parker.

The January-born gilt will also be shown at Great Yorkshire, Anglesey and Westmoreland this summer. The Mulkeens keep eight pigs; a mixture of Saddlebacks and Welsh pigs.

Reserve was a September 2009-born Duroc gilt, Deva Hover 199, from A. and J. Walton of Backford, Chester.

A powerful Texel ram, Caereinion Number One, reigned supreme in the sheep judging rings on the first day of judging.

The trophy winner, shown by Steve and Jaine Phillips of Waverton, Chester, is by Douganhill Landmark. Bred by Cefin Pryce of Welshpool the Phillips' bought a quarter share in him last year when he was sold as a yearling at Builth Wells for 12,000gns. The breeder remains another quarter and another two breeders are involved in the partnership. He will next travel to the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh Shows.

In reserve was a Charollais shearling ewe from Geoff Biddulph's Gawsworth flock at Macclesfield, Cheshire. This was the ewe's first show outing and she is by Castlelow Ginola, which was reserve inter-breed champion at Cheshire show two-years ago.

A fast trade for the entire non-pedigree milk recorded Holstein herd dispersed for Severn Trent Water at Bulcote Farm, Burton Joyce, Nottingham, resulted in a top price of 2,300gns for females.

Earning the day's top call was a freshly calved heifer sired by Canyon-Breeze Axiom purchased Jack Read and Son, Tharston, Norwich.

Messrs Read purchased several of the leading young cows and calved heifers including a Lucente daughter due with her third in October for 2,200gns.

Another Lucente daughter, also due in October, but in-calf with her second was the choice of Cheshire commercial milk producers C. and S. Fitton and Son, Middlewich.

A total of 23 milking cattle sold for 2,000gns or more.
The served heifers sold equally as well and topped at 2,250gns for a daughter Pasquero Jucar purchased by J.B. Wallwin, Langar, Nottinghamshire, who also bought a Moet Nansen daughter at 2,150gns.

At the same price John Fisher, Longtown, Cumbria, purchased a daughter of Moet Melody.
Maiden heifer trade topped at 1,180gns four times for daughters of Moet Melody and Penn-England Garrison, all purchased by Peter Stone, Stone, Staffordshire.
The fastest trade of the day was reserved for the heifer calves, which averaged an incredible £708.46 and sold to 880gns three times for daughters of Cook-Farm Detective and Penn-England Garrison purchased by David Graveston, Gisburn; James McPherson, Barton-under-Needwood; E.Witter and Sons, Crewe.

The youngest of three Simmental stock bulls on offer sold for 3,000gns to Betholt Limited, Stafford.
Averages: 227 cows and milking heifers, £1,530.91 (including 55 heifer calves at £708.46); 61 served heifers, £1,624.06; 68 maiden heifers, £1,079.03; 3 Simmental stock bulls, £2,030.00; 359 head overall, £1,465.32.

Auctioneers: Wright Manley.

THE entire dispersal of the Dunwood herd of pedigree and commercial Holsteins attracted a top bid of 2,600gns.

Trade topper for the herd, sold on behalf of Peter and Gwyneth Pearson, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, was Dunwood Shottle Ros, a young dry cow by Picston Shottle due with her second calf at the end of the June. She sold to G.F. and B.J. Beeston, Adbaston, Stafford.

Three animals made 2,450gns each and all sold to David Gray, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. All three were milking heifers due with their second calves later this year. A total of 29 out of the 107 milkers made 2,000gns or more.
In-calf heifers met as fierce a trade as the milking cattle selling to 2,300gns twice for daughters of Moet Melody and Roylane Jordan selling to Harrison Partners, Macclesfield, Cheshire.

Maiden heifers sold to 1,160gns for a daughter of Bomaz Homestead purchased by E.C. Hine and Son, Bradnop, Leek, who also bought a daughter of Far-o-la Devoted at 1,150gns.

Heifer calves sold to 800gns twice for August 2008-born daughters of Melody and Homestead.
Volume buyers were E.C. Hine and Son, Leek, who purchased 30 head; P.G. Thomas, St Clears, who purchased 18 milkers; R.G. Green, Stone, purchased 13 cows and heifers, and David Gray, Leighton Buzzard, purchased 10.

Averages: 107 cows and milking heifers, £1,822.48 (including 31 heifer calves at £619.16); 10 in-calf heifers, £2,014.95; 28 maiden heifers, £1,024.50; 145 head overall, £1,681.66.

Auctioneers: Wright Manley.

Rendells report a stonger trade than expected with hoggs, weighing 39.1kg-45.5kg, averaging 93p/kg and selling to a top price of £40 per head.

Lambs, weighing 39.1kg-45.5kg averaged 141.36p/kg with a top price of 144p/kg for V.G. Elliott, Ipplepen. Top price per head was £62.40 for W. and V. Kidner, Manaton.

AN overall average of over £2,000 was realised at the Border and Lakeland Holstein Club's show and sale at Carlisle on Wednesday.

Top price was 3,100gns paid for the reserve champion, Errolston Rolo Ruth, consigned by B. and V. Davidson, Errolston, Gretna. She was sired by Errolston Rolo. The buyer was A. and B. Bargh, Skelton, Penrith.

The same buyer also paid 2,500gns for the champion, Espland Talent Agatha, a Ladino Park Talent daughter from D.I. and F.M. Cannon, Espland Hill, Brampton, Appleby. She had calved at the end of April and sold giving 36kg.

At the same price was Newheaton Bonanza Queen from New Heaton Holsteins, New Heaton, Cornhill-on-Tweed and selling to N. and S.J. Sanderson, Lanercost. The Newheaton had another three heifers all selling over £2,000.

A heifer, one week calved from J. Bryson and Son, Lesmaghow, Lanark, sold at 2,300gns. This daughter of Cotopierre J R Belero went to Messrs Forrest, Cummertrees, Annan.

Averages: 8 cows, £1,883.44; 19 heifers, £2,140.34; 37 in-calf heifers, £1,704.12; 64 head overall, £1,856.04; 24 embryos, £280.42.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

A total of 24 lots made 2,000gns or more and a top price of 2,500gns was realised when the entire herd of pedigree Holsteins from Haresfields Farms, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, was sold last week.

Earning the top call was Haresfield Lucente Betsy 3, a fresh second calf cow giving 60 litres a day. She had given 11,383kg as a heifer. She sold to an undisclosed buyer.

At 2,400 guineas John Williams, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, purchased a daughter of Picston Shottle giving 46kg three months into her second lactation.

The same buyer also paid 2,100gns for Haresfield Lancelot Dewdrop, which gave 43.6kg as a heifer 104 days into the lactation.

Amongst the main buyers was Fred Simcock, Ledbury, Herefordshire who filled a double-decker lorry; Paul Rymer, Chepstow, who chose 13 of the best cows for his Ifton herd; L.J Evans, Llandarog who bought 18 maiden heifers and Richard Trott who purchased 16 heifer calves for his Meadmoor herd, Castle Cary, Somerset.

Served heifers were in strong demand selling up to 2,150gns for a Manager daughter out of a 13,600kg dam. She was due in September to Hatley with female semen.

The 39 heifers aged over 12 months recently served or empty were a very good trade averaging just over £1,000 and peaking at 1,100 guineas for an Icefyre daughter with 13,000kg dam and grand-dam.

The 60 heifer calves at foot levelled at £415 with a top of 780gns for a seven-month-old daughter of Laudan.

A Shottle heifer out of the highest PLI cow (+£248) in the herd made 900gns at the very end of the day, selling to Gerald Creed, Dorset, who also purchased the mother.

Averages: 203 cows and calved heifers, £1,272; 31 served heifers, £1,710; 39 recently served/bulling heifers, £1,003; 34 maiden heifers, £617; 1 bull, £1,008; 308 head overall, £1,205.

Auctioneers: Norton and Brooksbank.

TOP price at the Farmers Guardian sponsored Summertime Showcase sale of Holstein cattle at Bristol sales centre was 10,000gns.

Auctioneers reported a 'solid middle trade' with prices between 3,000gns and 6,000gns being the order of the day.

The top money was paid by Paul Ekstein of Quality Farms, Ontario, for a five-month-old Toystory calf bred from seven successive generations of dams classified in the top two grades. The calf's dam was one of two Ex92 sisters. Her breeders, Roger and Dianne Steeples, Kettering, Northamptonshire, will retain a share in the calf, with Paul obtaining embryos in due course.

At 6,300gns Bryan Challenor, bidding with Dennis Hughes of the Clayden herd, Cheshire, purchased Moorshard Golden Delight from R.K. and S.G. Miller and Sons, Bridgwater, Somerset. This Goldwyn calf is from the EX93 prizewinning Moorshard Outside Delight.

At the same price Aubrey Patterson from the Ballycrochan herd, Northern Ireland, bidding by phone, bought BB Atlas Pledge a granddaughter of the noted Windy-Knoll-View Pledge. This five-month-old calf was consigned by BB Farms, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

At 6,200gns was Styche Pronto Chancel 2, a Windy-Knoll-View Pronto daughter, from Ed Seaton, Audlem, Cheshire. This September 2008-born heifer is granddaughter of the prizewinning Coldsprings Dur Chan 109. The hammer fell to the Whittaker family's Knowlesmere herd, Shrewsbury, who will share ownership with B. and L. Whitfield and Son for their Alderbarrow herd, Wem, Shropshire.

The sale's top milker at 6,000gns was Holmland CS Oralie, a Stormatic daughter from a good team of heifers sent down from Cumbria by Steven Bell, Penrith. Descended from the Comestar Laurie Sheik she family now travels further south to join Ian Dimond's Dorset herd.

At the same money, Cameron Baty, Northumberland, bought the five-month-old Hellifield Goldwyn Luella from Robert Phillip, Hellified, Skipton.

Ian and Kenny Watson, Coleraine, Co Derry, consigned two calves from the Amanda and Promis families from their Majestic herd in Northern Ireland. They sold at 4,900gns and 4,100gns.

The top seller from a consignment from Tom and Andy Cope's Huddlesford herd, Lichfield, Staffordshire, was a Paradise heifer, which sold for 4,900gns to Andrew Bunting's Newabbey herd in Scotland.

Sahara Holsteins also sold several smart heifers at good prices, while their owner Sheikha Noora Al Khalifa purchased a number of red and white calves for her Bremridge Farm unit in Devon.

Averages: 6 cows and calved heifers, £3,368.75; 44 served and maiden heifers, £3,676.20; 50 head overall, £3,639.30; 27 embryos, £532.77.

Auctioneers: Norton and Brooksbank.

AN entry of just over 300-head met with a good trade and sold to a top price of £2,350 at the June mid-month sale of dairy cattle at Beeston.

The top money was paid for a daughter of Roylane Jordan from Mark Bowden, Malpas, Cheshire. Holbeck Jordan Pat 54 had calved a month and was giving 35kg. The buyer was Ben Elkin, Stone, Staffordshire.

Holbeck Garrison Judy, another heifer from the same home, sold for £2,300 to W.E. Blockley, Tarvin, Cheshire.
Two other heifers, both from Lancashire vendors, also made £2,300 each. The first was Newfold Syclone Penny 2 by Fordswood Syclone consigned by Philip and Margaret Critchley, Wrea Green, Preston. The hammer fell to Peter Howard, Darnhall, Cheshire.

The second was Flashouse Talent Maggie from G. and A.E. Smith and Sons, Garstang, selling to J.R. and C.E. Jones, Marchamley, Shropshire.
Coloured breeds sold to a top price of £2,159 for a calved Ayrshire heifer from O.C. Whittaker and Sons, Tabley, Cheshire. Twemlow Iris, a daughter of McCornick Nelson sold to Steve Bailey, Audlem, Cheshire.

Jersey cross Holsteins sold to a top of £1,750 for a fresh second calver from Richard Thompson, Ashford, Kent, selling to Rob Venables, Siddington, Macclesfield.

Shorthorns sold to £1,780 for a pedigree third calver from Graham Madeley, Telford, Shropshire, going to John Handley, Kendal.
Cows sold to £2,120 for Newfold Shaker Harriet, a fresh third calver by Picston Shaker from the Critchleys and selling to A.J. and M.A. Knowles, Preston.
In-calf heifers peaked at £1,950 twice; both heifers were consigned by Cranes of Stixwould, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, for pedigree daughters by Deslacs Milkstar and Regancrest Mr Samuelo. Both heifers were due in July to Moet Pavane and both sold to T.W. Goldstraw, Audlem.

British Friesian in-calf heifers sold to £1,500 twice for entries from M.E. and R.A. Sadler, Aldersley, Chester.
Holstein maiden heifers sold to £1,280 for Hully Moscow Iolanthe, a September 2007 daughter of Robthom Moscow.

Averages: 201 cows and milking heifers, £1,414.69; 23 in-calf heifers, £1,568.26; 44 maiden heifers, £785.69; 3 heifer calves, £273.33.

Auctioneers: Wright Manley

THE market record was smashed last week at Bakewell market when the North West Midlands and North Wales Limousin breeders' club held their annual show and sale of bulls and females.

Topping the sale and breaking the centre record price at 5,600gns was the overall champion, Alwern Cernyn, from T.L.L. and C.P. Wynne, Corwen, Clywd.

This 19-month-old son of Cloughhead Umpire sold to the show judge, George Holling, Alfreton, Derbyshire.

At 2,700gns was Coachhouse Casanova from Messrs Heald and Co, Retford. This 21-month-old bull sold to D.N. and J.E. Renwick, Bakewell.

The sale of females topped at 3,700gns for a young cow - Roughley Abba and her February-born bull calf, Roughley Encore, by Goldies Terence. The cow was served again and sold to the judge Mr Holling.

Auctioneers: Bagshaws.

BLONDE bulls peaked at 4,200gns at the summer sale at Carlisle last week and it was a Druk Lance son, which made the top price.

April 2007-born Drumraymond Comet was consigned by Henry and Stephen Griffin, Toomebridge, Co Antrim, and sold to J. and J.E. Bradley, Skipton, Yorkshire.

Two bulls sold at 3,000gns. The first was Bilsington Ciboure, an April 2007-born bull by Bilsington Snowdon from P.A. De Giles, Ashford, Kent. The buyer was A. Baillie, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire.

The other was Sandrigde Christian, a two-year-old Druk Uriah son, from R.G. King, St Albans, Hertfordshire. The hammer fell to Llew Jones, Cynwyd, Corwen.

Averages: 6 bulls, £2,765; 1 female, £1,365.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

CHAROLAIS bulls sold to a top price of 3,100gns at the summer sale of pedigree bulls and unhaltered females at Carlisle last week.

Trade topper was Laverlock Concord, a Doonally New son from W. Richardson and Sons, Kendal, Cumbria. This rising two-year-old sold to G.T. and S. Coghill, Birsay, Orkney.

At 3,000gns was a Thrunton bull from J.H.C. Campbell and Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland. Thrunton Charmer, an October 2007-born Burradon Talisman son out of a Mowbraypark Orlando sired dam, was knocked down to R.C. Jackson, Holmrook, Cumbria.

Making 2,600gns was Stobarts Conquer, another Doonally New son, this time from D.T. and M. Stobart, Brampton, Cumbria, and selling to W.M. McCall and Co, Kirkcudbrightshire.

Cotehouse Donald, an ET son of Maerdy Orateur and out of Toberlane Glenda, sold for 2,500gns. Consigned by E.D. Marshall, Scropton, Derbyshire, the buyer was O.B. Pugh, Blakemere, Hereford.

Averages: 9 bulls, £2,625.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

A top price of 11,000gns for Sarkley Cromwell from E.H. Pennie and Son, Montgomery, Powys, led the summer sale of Limousin bulls and females held at Carlisle last week.

August 2007-born, Sarkley Cromwell is a son of Sarkley Voltigeur and is out of the Marron sired Sarkley Tarah.

The hammer fell to R. Dick, Mains of Throsk, Stirling, for the Ronick pedigree herd.

Bulls from Sarkley also sold at 6,200gns, 5,000gns, 4,000gns, and 3,800gns.

At 6,200gns was Sarkley Clyde, another August 2007 born bull, this time by Objat. Sarkley Clyde is out of the Heros sired dam Sarkley Onadette and sold to A. Griffiths, Llansawal, Llandeilo.

John Oakes, Harisseahead, Stoke, sold the September 2007-born Millstone Charlie for 5,200gns. By the A.I. sire Rocky and out of Millstone Unity, a daughter of the 2003 Royal Show Champion Tunnelby Scallywag, he was purchased by W.P. Hughes and Son for their Pabo herd at Rhosgoch, Amlwch.

A Vivaldi son, Sarkley Critic again from the Pennie's team, sold at 5,000gns. July 2007 born, Sarkley Critic is out of the Broadmeadows Cannon sired Sarkley Nicola. The buyer was E. Kellett, East Matsen, Newcastle.

At 4,800gns was Clury Cyclone from, W.F. Cruikshank and Sons, Dulnain Bridge, Inverness-shire. This September 2007-born bull is a son of Snoopy and is out of the Sultan sired daughter Clury Vogue. The hammer fell to A.G. Flaws, Quendale, Shetland.

Shieldrigg Cashmir, an Oxygene son from A.R. Afsari, Blackford, Carlisle, made 4,600gns when selling to T. Walker and Son, West Linton, Peebles.

Selling at 4,200gns was the October 2007-born Fieldson Corker from J.W. and M.C. Fieldson, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. Sired by the Bailea Olympia son Ronick Valeur and out of the home-bred Fieldson Ulreka, this bull was purchased by B.W. and M.M. Thomson and Partners, Llanharan, Pontyclun.

The Fieldson herd later sold Fieldson David for 4,000gns. This January 2008-born bull is sired by the 16,000gns Goldies Uppercrust. The purchaser of Fieldson David was N. Hicks, Billinghurst.

Nebo Dei, a son of Bailea Spunkie, made 4,100gns for M.L. Thomas, Llanwrst, Conwy, and selling to G. Tyson, Cockermouth, Cumbria.

The Sarkley herd sold their fourth animal in the top ten prices when Sarkley Chieftain made 4,000gns. Another son of Vivaldi, Sarkley Chieftain sold to C. Harle and Sons, Brandon Village, Co Durham.

The day sale also offered a sale of unhaltered females with 51 head forward.

Heading the trade at 2,900gns was the nine-year-old cow, Glenrock Rene, from Stephen Illingworth, Lockerbie, Dumfries. Sold with her fifth calf at foot, the bull calf Glenrock Exile by Bremore Artist, Glenrock Rene is by the French sire, Nans, and out of the home-bred dam, Glenrock Honey. She was knocked down to L. Thomas and Sons, Belmont, Hereford, who purchased a further twenty lots of females on the day.

Averages: 29 bulls, £3,723.88 (+£813); 7 cows and heifers served and/or suckling, £2,212.50 (-£329); 34 bulling and maiden heifers, £1,322.69 (+£46).

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

RAMS from Scotland, England and Wales must be vaccinated for bluetongue before being sold at the Kelso ram sales.

The rams from these areas must have been vaccinated, either by a vet or the farmer, between September 11, 2008 and July 31, 2009 and arrive at the show with a veterinary certificate or a self-declaration form.

Other conditions of sale set out by the local Scottish executive divisional veterinary manager, Trading Standards and the Border Union's veterinary surgeon, include;

• Rams from Northern Ireland will not need to be vaccinated but if they then remain in Scotland for more than 14 days they must be vaccinated by the purchaser.

• No rams from NI consignors will be allowed to return to Northern Ireland until vet vaccinated and then 60 days thereafter or following a specific time delay after vaccination as specified by DARD and according to which vaccine is used.

• Any consignor wishing to sell rams eligible for export to Northern Ireland direct from the sale must have their rams vaccinated by a vet. This must be done either 60 days before coming to the sale (the latest date for vaccination being July 10, 2009) or following a specific time delay after vaccination, as specified by DARD and according to which vaccine is used. The sheep may be blood tested to confirm effective vaccination.

The Kelso ram sales will be held at the Border Union Showground, Springwood Park, Kelso on Friday 11 September.

A small entry was forward for the early summer sale of pedigree native breed cattle at Chelford.

Earning the day's top call was a two-year-old Beef Shorthorn heifer, Lanarth Cressida, from K. and S. Mitchell, Ceredigion.

The heifer, sold in-calf and due to calve in November, made 3,450gns selling to Messrs Birtles for the Flowery Fields herd, Biddulph, Stoke on Trent.

Best of the Longhorns was the March 2004-born heifer, Bollin Freeze, from Bollin Valley Partnership, Wilmslow, Cheshire, which sold with her January-born bull calf at foot. The pair made 1,020gns going to Stephen Wright, Longstanton, Cambridge.

The Hereford breed was led by a young bull - Whartonspool Elgar - from Messrs Nash, Alsager, Cheshire. The hammer fell at 1,320gns to M. and J. Holden, Edgeworth, Bolton.

Auctioneers: Marshalls

Auctioneers repored a steady trade for lambs and good trade for OTM cattle.

Hoggs averaged 103.1p/kg with a top price of £55.50 a head for R. and J.M. Wills, Coffinswell.

Lambs, weighing 39.1kg-45.4kg, averaged 161p/kg with a top price o £74 a head for C.E. Wilton, Ogwell. Besst price per kg was 164p/kg for A. Chudley, Howton, and R.H. and F.P. Harvey, Widecombe in the More.

Lambs, weighing 45.6kg-52kg averaged 161p/kg and peaked at £74.50 a head for R. and J.M. Wills.

Auctioneers: Rendells

THE loose housed herd of Holstein Friesian cows and in-calf heifers sold to a top of 2,200gns when dispersed on-farm at Montacute, Somerset, on behalf of Vincent and Christopher Baker.

The day's top price came for an Aquila Patron Lucente daughter, which had calved her second last October and was served again in December to the Simmental. The hammer fell to the Symms family, Sherborne, Dorset.

A Scotchills Patriot daughter that was due with her second calf by Moet Brinstar Sirius in a month sold for 1,900gns to an undisclosed buyer from Bridgwater who also paid 1,850gns for a May fourth calver by Cherry Crest JBT Candid, which was giving 35.5kg daily.

Heifers due in October to the Hereford bull sold to 1,480gns for a daughter of Radical. Others by Pasquero Banderas sold to 1,380gns.

The three bulling heifers on offer sold for 1,080gns each.

Averages: 148 dairy cows and heifers, £1,138; 28 in-calf heifers, £1,320; 3 bulling heifers, £1,134.

Auctioneers: Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

BIDDING peaked at 7,000gns at the first major sale for 20 years of cattle from Sam Noble's Deehaven herd of Holsteins held on-farm at Puddington, South Wirral.

The recent news concerning Dairy Farmers of Britain going into receivership did little to boost confidence among buyers but the elite cattle health status of the herd was definitely an attraction with fellow members of the scheme being the strongest buyers. The entire milking herd and crop of down calving heifers were up for sale and the herd has been accredited free of BVD, Lepto, IBR and Johne's disease for over 12 years and has always been free from digital dermatitis.

The top price of the day was paid for Deehaven Magnet Alma 4, an EX94 cow hotly tipped as a future show animal.

The hammer fell to W.P. and E.G. Williams for their Waliswood herd, Cardigan.

Her daughter by Shoremar James made 4,000gns. Milking in her second lactation she sold to Steve Pinniger, who purchased 10 head for his Pinnupp herd in Wiltshire.

Geoff Ullyott, Tankersley, Yorkshire, paid 4,400gns for a red heifer by Talent from the famous Erland family. Having given 13,796kg in 427 days as a heifer, Deehaven Talent Erland Red sold nearly dry and due in September.

At 3,600gns was Deehaven Lorenzo Fancy, a VG89 Lystel Lorenzo daughter out of an EX94 83-tonne production cow from the Fancy family. She had given almost 11,000kg in her second lactation and was due in July to Magor Bolivia Allen. The buyer was W.D. Thomas, Llanpumpsaint.

Messrs Williams were in the market again picking up Deehaven Solto Monica, one of the in-calf heifers, which met a flying trade. Monica is bred from three generations of EX cows and was due in July to an embryo by Goldwyn out of the VG88 Deehaven Outside Milly. This package fetched 3,400gns - top price in the in-calf heifer in the group.

A total of 50 individuals sold at 2,000gns or more with the young cows selling particularly well.

The 49 milking heifers, at various stages of lactation averaged just short of £1,800.

A yearling bull by Dudoc Mr Burns from the Flood family made 2,500gns selling to J. Paterson for his Carrochan herd in Scotland.

Averages: 158 cows and calved heifers, £1,688.30; 18 served heifers, £2,187.50; 1 bull, £2,625; 177 head overall, £1,744.36.

Auctioneers: Norton and Brooksbank.

BIDDING peaked at £4,830 when the Felton herd of Limousins and the Broomhill herd of British Blues were dispersed on behalf of Mr and Mrs P.T. Bayliss at an on-farm sale at Felton, Hereford.

Topping the trade was Broomhill Bramble, a July 2006 heifer with her first cross-bred heifer calf at foot. The hammer fell to P.B. and F.B. Baldwin, St Willstons, Monmouth.

Wilodge Regal, an in-calf British Blue, due in July to Bringlee Waldo sold for £3,730.

A yearling Blue heifer, Broomhill Divine, a January 2008-born daughter of Bringlee Waldo realised £1,840.

In the Limousin section, empty heifers peaked at £2,520 for Felton Dynamite, a January 2008 daughter of Marden Voyager. She was sold to E. J. Simcock, Preston Wynne.

Other heifers sold from £1,760 to £2,050 and an overall average of £2,110 was achieved.

In-calf Limousin heifers sold from £2,415 to £2,835. Top price went to the home-bred Felton Bernice topping this section at £2,835 and selling to Mark Bricknell, Little Cowarne, Herefordshire.

Marden Bunarnia, a July 2006-born heifer, sold for £2,730 to Richard Price, Ullingswick, Hereford.

Felton Sophie, a homebred in-calf Limousin sold for £3,100. With a heifer calf at foot by Felton Beauregard the pair were knocked down to L. Thomas and Son, Hereford.

The home-bred Limousin bull - Felton Dallagilio - a 14-month-old son of Mas Du Clo sold for £2,680 to Mark Bricknell for his Meadow Court herd.

Auctioneers: John Amos and Co.

THE reduction sale of Highland cattle from the Clemlawrie and Aldercarr Farm folds at Lawshall, Bury St Edmunds, saw prices rise to 3,000gns.

Sale topper was a three-year-old heifer Shene 3 of West Mercland. An eight-year-old cow with calf at foot, Julie 6 of Craigowmill, realised 2,100gns.

A 1996-born cow with heifer calf at foot made 1,200gns with other cow and calf outfits mainly selling between 900gns and 680gns.

The top price in the bull section was 2,200gns paid for a 2003 stock bull with one-year-old and two-year-old bulls selling for between 600gns and 450gns.

Top price in the un-served heifer section was 1,000gns paid for a 2007-born heifer with other young heifers selling for between 350gns and 400gns.

The Aldercarr Farm fold included a selection of served cows selling for between 820gns and 580gns with older cows peaking at 500gns.

Auctioneer: Peter Crichton

TOP price at the sale of the milk portion and crop of down-calving heifers from the Deehaven Holstein herd was 7,000gns.

This was paid for Deehaven Magnet Alma 4, a Donnerdale Magnet daughter and the sixth generation of VG or EX cows.

Her VG87 daughter, Deehaven James Alma, by Shoremar James made 4,000gns. She sold in-calf to Ladino Park Talent.

Other leading prices included 3,600gns for Deehaven Lorenzo Fancy, a third calver classified VG89 and the fifth generation of VG cows.

Deehaven Talent Erland Red, a Ladino Park Talent daughter, in-calf to Sterndale Rose Royce Red made 4,400gns. In-calf with her second she gave over 10,000kg in her heifer lactation.

The Deehaven herd, which has an elite status for herd health, was sold on-farm at Puddington, South Wirral, on behalf of Sam Noble, who has decided to cease milk production.

A Braedale Freeman third calver, Deehaven Freeman Milly, made 2,400gns. This cow, AI'd to Gillette Final Cut, is the eight successive generation of cow classified in the top two grades.

Another by the same sire, Deehaven Freeman Jean 2, realised 2,600gns.

Deehave Talent Erland, a Ladino Park Talent daughter, which had calved her second last month made 2,500gns.

My spy at the sale said the big, framey in-calf heifers towards the end of the sale sold well to a smaller than anticipated crowd of buyers.

A full, detailed sale report and averages will follow tomorrow.

 SHEEP

Beltex (D. Weaver, Worcestershire) Supreme and female, K. Marshall; reserve and male, L. Gregory; res. fem., K. Marshall; res. male, L. Gregory.

Border Leicester (R.W. Evans, Wrexham) Sup., and fem., M.J. and W.M. Pile; res. and male, S.D. Martyn; res. fem. and res. male, M.J. and V.M. Pile.

British Charollais (R. Gregory, Shropshire) Sup. and fem., Norman and Vile; res. and male, C. Hopper and Son; res. fem., A. Selway; res. male, C.E. Irwin.

British Vendeen (R. Davenport, Cheshire) Sup. and male, C.J. Vernon Miller; res. and res. male, Mr and Mrs J.W. Durman; fem., C.J. Vernon Miller; res. fem., B. Drury.

Devon and Cornwall Long-Wool (B. Drake, Devon) Sup. and male, J.A. Darke; res. and res. male, R.E. and D. Snell; fem. and res. fem., J.A. Darke.

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset (J.J.W. Attrill, Isle of Wight) Sup. and male, R. Sizmur; res. and fem., A. Palk; res. male, C. and T. Clarke; res. fem., A.J. and A.C. Kingdon.

Greyface Dartmoor (A. Sturrock, Cheshire) Sup. and male, V. Pratt; res. and fem., M.G.V. Thompson; res. male and res. fem., V. Pratt.

Hampshire Down (R. Vincent, Carmarthenshire) Sup. and male, C.J. Westlake; res. and res. male, Mr and Mrs D.C. Ritchie; fem., C.J. Westlake; res. fem., M. Adams.

Jacob (S.V. Taylor, Worcestershire) Sup. and male, D. Ruscombe-King; res. and fem., D.J. and M.M Biggs; res. male and res. fem., D.J. and M.M. Biggs.

Lleyn (I.O. Jones, Abergele) Sup. and fem., res. and male, J.M. and G.C. Adams; res. fem., Mr and Mrs D.C. Stacey; res. male, J.M. and G.C. Adams.

Roussin (D. Powell, Somerset) Sup. and fem., R.D. and A.E. Molyneux; res. and male, S.M. Reed; res. fem., A.J. Carter; res. male, R.D. and A.E. Molyneux.

Scotch Black-Faced (A.V. Hamilton, Dumfries) Sup. and male, J.C. Heard and Sons; res. and fem., P. Cornelius; res. and male and res. fem., W.J. Jordan.

Suffolk (H.W. Francis, Denbighshire) Sup. and male and res. and fem., R. Irwin; res. male, C. Hopper and Son; res. fem., M. Smith.

Texel (N. Gibbs, Shropshire) Sup. and male and res. and fem., E.W. Quick and Sons; res. male, S.M. Reed; res. fem., E.W. Quick and Sons. 

Zwartbles (L. Murray, Staffordshire) Sup. and fem., A.R. Simpson; res. and male, R.J. Hoadley; res. fem. and res. male, A.R. Simpson. 

Commercial sheep (T. Highmoor, Cornwall) Sup., N.A. Phillips; res., Mr and Mrs S.K. Elsworthy.

SHEEP entries equalled the show record, set in 2007, and it was a Texel shearling ram from Bill Quick and Sons of Crediton, Devon, which took the inter-breed title.

The ram, by Lyonshall King of Clubs - a previous Royal Show winner - was being shown for its first time with Mr Quick commenting he thought it was 'yet to reach it's peak'. The inter-breed judge, Colin Ponting of Faringdon, Oxfordshire, described his champion as a 'good all-round sheep'. "It's good on it's leg, has a tremendous back-end and top and has good wool."

Reserve inter-breed went to a Charollais aged ewe from Simon Norman and Marjorie Vile of Taunton, Somerset. The ewe was bred by Louise Brewer of Padstow, and bought by the Norman and Vile partnership last year at a society sale at Sedgemoor. Part of the 10-ewe Haydon flock this ewe was also out for it's first time having been out in the field until a couple of day's before the show.

The Charollais breed also reigned supreme in the pairs and ram lamb championships.

The champion pair were exhibited by Robert and Pauline Hopper of Tiverton, Devon, and consisted of a shearling ram and a shearling ewe. The ram, which took the male breed championship, was previously male champion at Devon County show and the ewe was breed champion at Devon and also the Bath and West show.

The ram lamb championship went to Brandywells Ivor from Carol Irwin of Umberleigh, Devon. It is by a Rockvilla Ferrari sired ram - Hyde Havoc.

Melton Mowbray

Many more finished lambs forward led to trade easing slightly from last week's returns. The overall average was 186.p/kg and the bidding peaked at 233p/kg for a medium weight Texel cross lamb.

Ashford

An increased number of lambs on offer this week met an easier trade with overall averages back by some 8p/kg partly reflecting a slight downturn in demand nationally and also the quality on offer compared to recent weeks. Best continental cross lambs held their values relatively well in excess of £2/kg with 36kg Texel lambs topping the standard weights at £77.50 per head (215.27p/kg).

Kirkby Stephen

A total of 1,128 prime sheep were forward at Kirkby Stephen today and the auctioneers reported 'trade was again good' with a sale average of 210.18p/kg.

Top price was 227.10p/kg for a pen of Beltex lambs weighing 33kg.

Sedgemoor

The best of the 1,221 lambs on offer at Sedgemoor today were selling above 200p/kg. They averaged 12.21/kg and topped at 208p/kg. In the hoggs section trade peaked at 178p/kg and levelled at 151.28.

After a few days in the office concentrating on the pedigree sales side of things I'll be heading down to Wadebridge tomorrow for the Royal Cornwall Show. Let's hope the weather keeps fine for it as it's a really lovely show.

Although I'll be concentrating on the sheep and pig judging while I'm there I'll do my best to get some other results to you (internet connection permitting!)

THE monthly show and sale of prime cattle and lambs was supplemented by a special Craven dairy auction this week.

In the dairy ring, the championship went to a fresh Holstein Friesian heifer from M. Baul and Partners, Bishop Thornton, Harrogate, winning the title for the third time.

By Shoremar James, this home-bred heifer, which had calved a week before the show and was giving 30kg, sold for £1,920 to John Whittaker, of Laneshawbridge, Colne.

The same buyer also paid £1,640 for the reserve champion, a fresh cow from the Whinhill Holstein Friesian commercial herd of Malcolm and Robert Swires, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate. This second calver, giving 35 litres, is by Comestar Lheros.

There was strong demand for the second herd dispersal sale of in-calf dairy cattle from Richard Wood, Lees Moor, Crossroads. Best of his 18-strong consignment at £1,760 was a cow in-calf with its third.

In the prime cattle classes the championship went to Jimmy Baines, who has farms in both Gisburn and Trawden. His winner was an 11-month-old white British Blue-cross heifer, which sold for £1,059 (219p/kg) to a Cross Meats, Bacup, Oldham.

The prime lamb championship fell to a pen of five 37kg Beltex cross Charollais lambs from Robert Towers, Farleton, Lancaster. They sold at £94 per head (254.7p/kg) to show judge Mick Etherington, buying on behalf of Stuart Price Butchers, Crossflatts, Keighley.

The reserve champions, a pen of 48kg Suffolk-cross lambs, from Richard Shepherd, Pateley Bridge, sold at £98 to Andrew Atkinson, Kettlesing.

The individual prime lamb section was headed by a 51kg Charollais from P. and J. Sedgwick, Trawden. It sold at £112 per head to Nick Dalby, Harrogate.

The 429 spring lambs forward averaged 221p/kg.

Auctioneers: Craven Cattle Marts.

TRADE at the Shorthorn Society's summer show and sale of Dairy Shorthorns, sponsored by Farmers Guardian and held at Chelford, was led by the champion at 2,480gns.

The champion, and sale leader, was Rodway Grey Rose 19, consigned by Graham Madeley, Telford, Shropshire, and tapped out as the show winner by Mary Collins of the Churchroyd herd, Dewsbury, Yorkshire.

This September 2005-born second calver was knocked down to Robert Kite, Milwich, Staffordshire.

Reserve champion was the September 2006-born heifer, Chatsworthpark Jordan Alicia, from J.C. Hayward's Hooton herd at Newark, Nottinghamshire. This heifer, calved a fortnight, sold for 2,000gns to David Platt, Gawsworth, Macclesfield.

Young breeder - Edward Whittaker, Knutsford, Cheshire, attending the sale with his father and grandfather, sold an August 2006-born Poos Stadel Classic sired heifer - Dee Lady 6 - for 1,980gns. The buyer was Robert Kite, who also bought another from the Whittakers - this time Broadland Wildeyes 8, a September 2006-born heifer, at 1,950gns.

The Dent family, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, sold to 1,900gns for Winbrook Twink 2, a July 2005-born second calver giving 40kg make 1,900gns. The hammer fell to J.G. Williams, Wrenbury, Nantwich.

Maiden heifers and calves sold to a top price of 920gns for Wensley Veracity 2, an October 2007 heifer from Messrs Iveson, Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

Another heifer from the same home, Wensley Lady Hermione 4, made 910gns.

Messrs Dent also put forward a September 2007-born bull - Winbrook Derrick. This Marleycote Maverick son sold for 1,080gns to Ithell Bros, Chester.

A total of 24 lots made over 1,500gns.

The sale also included a January-born heifer calf, Rodway Marie 74, kindly donated by Graham Madeley, which was sold to raise funds for the youth exchange programme - where one young breeder will travel to Australia.

The heifer was knocked down for 700gns to Wendy Young of the ClippaHolics preparation team and is likely to appear at summer shows this year.

Averages: calved cows £1,553; in-calf cows £1,077; calved heifers £1,559; in-calf heifers £840; maiden heifers and calves £602; bulls £1,134.

Auctioneers: Frank Marshall

Ludlow

Standard weigh new season lambs peaked at 273.5p/kg at Ludlow today and averaged 217.1p/kg. Medium weights sold to 232p/kg and levelled at 210.9p/kg.

Last Friday's entry of 464 calves sold to a top price of £398 for a British Blue cross bull with the same section averaging £311.60. The 130 black and white bull calves on offer topped at

Beeston

£235 and averaged £78.79.

Newton Abbot

At the first show and sale of lambs for 2009 at Newton Abbot market, Devon, the best pen of medium lambs was consigned by J.E. Vallance, Brixham, Devon. They sold for £84.50 per head.

The rosette for best pen of heavy lambs was awarded to P.S. Robinson, Ipplepen, Devon, and they went on to sell for the top price of £86.

CHAROLAIS bulls sold to a top of 8,000gns in Dungannon on Monday at the breed's Northern Ireland club official late spring show and sale.

Sale topper was the junior male, male and overall supreme champion, Corcreevy Dingle, a 13-month-old by Domino and out of a home-bred cow going back to Allanfauld Vagabond. Bred and exhibited by Desmond Orr, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, he sold in a joint bid to Gilbert Crawford, Maghera and Noel McCrae, Coagh.

Next at 3,500gns was the 17-month-old Corrick Domino from Cecil McIwaine, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone. A Doonally New son and out of a home-bred cow by Roundhill Ohoh, he sold to B. McLean, Armoy, County Antrim.

Two lots shared a 3,100gns price tag. First to go was Mountjoy Denver from Desmond McAskie, Omagh, Co Tyrone. This 16-month-old by the 16,000gns Balmyle Vagabond sold to Sean McGrath, Omagh.

The second 3,100gns entry was Tandaragee Dynamite, a 15-month-old from Philip McCrory, Sixmilecross, Omagh selling to Nigel Matchett, Portadown, Co Armagh. A Pirate son, he was out of a home-bred dam by Hollywell Untouchable.

The reserve overall and male champion, Beechdale Dancer, Gregor Donnelly, Ardmore, County Derry, realised 2,800gns selling to P. Murphy, Mullaghbawn, Newry

This 14-month-old is a Maghermore Ulster son and out of a home-bred dam going back to Coolermoney lines.

The female trade was led at 2,700gns by the reserve female champion, Mountjoy Cyan, a 20-month-pld from Desmond McAskie, Omagh, selling to A. Ellison, Fivemiletown. Cyan was by Mozart and out of a Gaer Positive sired home-bred dam.

Averages: 19 bulls, £2,564; 8 females, £1,988

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers' Mart

A smaller entry than usual - just 74 cows and heifers and four bulls - was forward at the Western Holstein Club's show and sale last week at Beeston.

The top bid of the day was 2,800gns for Tattyknuckle Shottle Berry from Enchanted Holsteins, Preston, Lancashire. This heifer is by Picston Shottle and bred from six successive generations of cows classified in the two top grades and was sold giving 35kg.

The hammer fell to an undisclosed buyer from Mid Wales client who also purchased a heifer by Braedale Goldwyn - Lowerwield Goldwyn Kitty - from A.E.J., B.L. and S.L. Harris, Alton, Hampshire.

Malcolm and Margaret Pearce, Whitmore, Newcastle purchased Fowlerbrook Luke Ruby 5 for 2,500gns from Tom Crook, Preston.

Also at 2,450gns was Hully Shottle Eclipse 15 from Mark Bowden, Malpas, Cheshire, and purchased by Rob Bell, Knutsford, Cheshire.
The championship went to a fresh heifer, Rowarton Jordan Daisy, by Roylane Jordan out of a daughter of Outside from Roger and Pat Sutton, Congleton, Cheshire. It later made 2,300gns selling to A.R. Cox and Son for their Steveacre herd, Marston, Stafford.

The top priced cow at 2,200gns was a second calver - Stokehall Jordan Peggy - from Jack and Barclay Taylor, Myddle, Shrewsbury, and selling to H.W. Evans, Oswestry.

There was a 70 per cent clearance for a good entry of embryos and the top price was 440gns for a package of five Goldwyns out of Ridgefield Rubens Laurie, a sixth generation member of the Laurie Sheik family.

Averages: 10 cows, £1,771.35; 56 heifers, £2,079.94; 1 bull, £997.50; 67 head overall, £2,017.72; 53 embryos, £363.23.

Auctioneers: Wright Manley.

THE Roundhillsfarm herd of Holsteins sold on-farm on behalf of W. Green and Sons, Horninghamsham, Wiltshire, peaked at 2,550gns.

A total of 29 lots sold at over 2,000gns.

Top price was paid for the March calved heifer Roundhillsfarm Justice Vicky. This daughter of O-Bee Manfred Justice was giving 40kgs.

At 2,500gns was the December second calver - Roundhillsfarm Lucente Beth. By Aquila Patron Lucente she was out of a Starbuck VG85 dam.

An April calved VG85 second calver, Roundhillsfarm Allen Gloria by Canyon-Breeze Allen with two VG dams behind her sold for 2,150gns.

In addition to the Holsteins there were 10 pedigree JerseyÕs carrying the Baycliffe prefix. A December calved heifer by Q Zik sold to the top price of 2,100gns to an undisclosed Leicestershire bidder.

Averages: 173 cows, £1,507; 15 calved heifers, £1,754.90; 188 head overall, £1,527; 10 Jersey cows and heifers, £1,183.35

Auctioneers: Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

HAMPSHIRE Downs peaked at £1,200 at the breed association's official show and sale in Stratford last week.

The sale leader was a six-month-old Millfields bred ram lamb by Parkstock Pride, out of an Owlesbury sired ewe. Bred by Geoff and Jean Boyles, West Worlington, Crediton, he went to join Charles and Sally Horrell's 70-ewe Pode Hole flock, Thorney, Peterborough.

The same buyers went on to invest £550 in a ram lamb this time from Henry and Hilary Derryman, Yarcombe, Honiton. Sired by the New Zealand bred Bilberry Oak Supreme, he was out of a home-bred ewe by Owlesbury Princess.

Next highest at £655 was the champion, another six-month-old ram lamb from Jim Cresswell, Wattisfield, Diss. Sired by Wattisfield Topper and out of a home-bred ewe, he sold to Jim Birkwood, North Thoresby, Grimsby.

Another entry in the money from Mr Cresswell was Wattisfield Top Not, a shearling by Yarcombe Erroll and out of a home-bred ewe going back to Wattisfield What Next. The buyer was David Coulson, Market Rasen who also went to £360 for the day's highest shearling ewe, a Pode Hole sired entry from Jennifer Atkinson and David Smith, South Kelsey, Market Rasen.

Two ram lambs by rams sired by Bilberry Oak Supreme, shared a £400 price tag. First to go was an entry from the Atkinson and Smith partnership by Owslebury Yeoman. The buyer was Jennifer Borsey, Waen, St Asaph.

The second £400 bid was made by Dutch breeders, Gert Smit and Bert Hadderingh, Ruinen, for an entry from the Derrymans, by Yarcombe Surprise and out of a Yarcombe Echo sired home-bred ewe.

Averages: 5 shearling rams, £344; 12 ram lambs, £445; 9 shearling ewes, £275; 8 ewe lambs, £189.

Auctioneers: Brian Pile and Henry R. Bletsoe and Son.

FRESHLY calved cows and heifers sold to 2,200gns at the May collective sale of dairy cattle at Sedgemoor auction centre.

Topping the section was Lilylane Wildman Roma 43 from Les and Karen Bennett, Templecombe, Somerset. This heifer is descended from three generations of VG dams and is by Ladys-Manor Wildman. The 10 heifers from the Lilylane herd had the day's highest collective average of £1,997.10.

Close behind with five heifers averaging £1,978.20 were Roland and Simon Bugler, Bridport, Dorset. They topped at 2,100gns for Bettiscombe RSVP Suzette 53 a Kamps-Hollow Convcd RSVP daughter giving 32kg daily.

The sale also included the dispersal of the milking and heifer portion of the Sakara herd of Holsteins selling on behalf of D.R. Glanfield, Wellington, Somerset.

The top price was 2,300gns paid for a red and white March calved heifer Sakara Checkers Red - a daughter of Lotto Red.

Heifer calves sold to 700gns for the March-born Sakara Vonny 3 a Sterndale Roseman Red daughter. Her EX90 dam in her sixth lactation realised 2,000gns.

The dispersal was followed by some Jersey yearlings from the Jayherd, which averaged £435.75.

Several consignments of in-calf heifers were sold to 1,680gns twice.

Averages: May collective sale - 6 cows, £1,438.50; 21 calved heifers, £1,920.50; 3 bulls, £934.50; 32 in-calf heifers, £1,526; 1 heifer calf, £556.50; 1 calved Jersey, £630; 6 Jersey bulling and younger heifers, £435.75. Sakara herd - 36 cows and heifers (including 'A' lots), £1,937.54; 6 heifer Calves, £591.50.

Auctioneers: Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

THE champion pen of lambs at Clitheroe auction's spring show and sale of new season lambs sold for 218p/kg.

The pen of four Texel lambs from Tim Robinson, Longridge, Preston, weighed in at 41kg and sold for £89.50 a head.

In the light weight continental class, F. Cleary, Darwen, Lancashire, took first prize with a pen of four Texels weighing 36kg. They went on to sell for £80 per head to Dunbia Meats, Bamber Bridge, Preston.

In the Suffolk breed classes first prize in the heavy weight classes went to G.A. and C.A. Whittaker, Clitheroe, with a pen of four lambs weighing 45kg and selling at £87 per head. 

First prize in the lighter class went to T. and M. Johnson and Son, Bolton by Bowland whose 37kg lambs sold at £79 per head also to Dunbia Meats.

Top price of the day was 223p/kg.

Prime hoggs once again in demand with prices to £80 per head and a top of 170p/kg.

In the cast ewe section over 300 sheep met a fast trade. Continentals sold to £99.50, Mules to £85.50, Suffolks to £77.50 and hill sheep to £71.50.

Auctioneers: Clitheroe Auction Mart.

THE centre record price for Welsh Black Cattle was set at Llandovery market when the champion bull sold for 5,200gns.

Sale topper, Waundderw St David, a two and a half year-old bull from Geoff Jones, Builth Wells, Powys, sold to new society members H.E. and M.A. Evans, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire. The bull was sired by Neuadd Addewid 68 and out of Tyddewi Non 6.

At 3,000gns was the two-year-old Eiddwen Tomos from Mary Davies, Trefenter, Ceredigion.

This Obell Morgan son is out of Eiddwen Iona. The hammer fell to Grant Powter, Newmarket, Suffolk.

A home-bred bull, Alltgoch Rhydian, from Dylan Morgan, Talybont, Ceredigion, realised 2,000gns. Rhydian, sired by Hafodesgob Rhydian and out of Gors-Goch Lowri was bought by Angela Winsor, Moylegrove, Cardigan.

The female champion, Castell Fanny 156, sold for 3,000gns to Charlot Estate, Watchet, Somerset. This in-calf heifer was consigned by Gareth and Jane Davies, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.

From the same herd was the reserve champion female, Castell Seren 259, a three-year-old cow with her two-month-old heifer calf at foot, sold at 2,800gns.

The pair were knocked down to Nigel Williams, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.

Another female from the Castell herd, Castell Fanny 159, sold for 2,700gns. This two-year-old in-calf heifer sired by Sylen Cai and out of Castell Fanny 127 sold to Charlot Estate.

The Davies family also sold another two-year-old in-calf heifer by the same sire for 2,000gns to Cilwrgi Farm, Torfaen, Monmouthshire.

Other Casteel in-calf heifers by Sylen Cai sold for 1,700gns and 1,500gns.

The champion maiden heifer, Gerddi-Bluog Rhinogwen 2, made 3,000gns. Bred and exhibited by Jessica Angharad Evans, Harlech, Gwynedd this heifer sold to Nigel Williams, Bethlehem, Llandeilo. The heifer is by Rhydygarnedd Brenin 6 and out of Gerddi ÐBluog Rhinogwen.

At 1,800gns was Crwys Camilla 6 - a two-year-old maiden heifer from Messrs Evans, Gelli, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, selling to Charlot Estate.

Averages: 3 bulls, 3,467gns; 4 females over three-years-old, 1,068gns; 46 females two-three-years-old, 1,100gns; 19 females one-two-years-old, 1,028gns; 69 females, 1,078gns; 72 head overall, 1,178gns.

Auctioneers: Clee, Tompkinson and Francis.