The Shorthorn Society drew a keen crowd of buyers to its sale at Chelford Agricultural Centre, where prices for Dairy Shorthorn and Beef Shorthorn cattle hit 2500gns.

And it was an in-milk heifer from the long-established Hooton herd run by John Hayward at Newark, Nottinghamshire, that really put breeders in contention.

Hooton Red Rose started the day taking the supreme championship under judge Graham Bell. His decision earned the full support of ringsiders, who quickly took the price towards 2000gns.

But with two contenders in the final, it was left to south Wales breeders Ieuan Harries and Son to make the winning call and secure her for their herd at Pontardulais at 2500gns.

Hooton Red Rose traces back through the famous Lily Fair family and her dam has eight lactations topping at 9108kg.

And there was more cash heading Mr Hayward's way when Hooton Tip Toe 23rd - a calved heifer by Morwick Sand Ranger, by the Holstein sire Horizon Ranger Red - made 1450gns.

She stood second in her class to the champion and is another boasting longevity in her pedigree.

Her dam achieved eight lactations with a best of 8165kg. Tip Toe 23rd stays in Cheshire with Chester buyer Edward Crank.

Even the in-calf heifer section was led by a Hooton entry.

Hooton Legend 4th is by Hooton Fair Perfection and realised 1450gns to Messrs Harris.

The Beef Shorthorns were led by a 2500gns call for the Chapelton Provost daughter Colonywymott Broadhooks from the Prison Service farm at Leyland, Lancashire.

This second calver was sold with a heifer calf at foot by Dunsyre Scarlatti and heads for Swindon, Wiltshire, with S Horton.

Best of the bulls was Holmeere Dillinger from Warwickshire breeder Mark Holmes.

By Derryage Supreme, he realised 1600gns to E G Parry-Jones, Mold, Flintshire.

Averages: Dairy Shorthorn - 15 cows £779; eight cows in-calf £859; 26 heifers in-milk £984 and 10 maiden heifers £410.

Beef Shorthorn - eight females with calves £1055; three cows in-calf £689; seven maiden heifers £1027 and five bulls £784 (Marshalls).

jh@jeremyhuntassociates.com