July 2007 Archives

There’s a new name on the Craven Dairy Auction trophy following a first championship win by the Grattan farming family at the second July show and sale at Skipton Auction Mart.

The Grattans, who farm at Warsill Hall, Warsill, Harrogate, took the title with a home-bred Holstein Friesian pedigree heifer, newly-calven 10 days before the show and giving 28 litres and was later purchased for £1480 – one of the highest prices achieved since monthly Craven Dairy Auctions were reintroduced at the beginning of 2005 - by Aubrey Greenhalgh, Preston.

With entries up by 25%, a higher overall quality of sheep on show and new exhibitors from a much wider area lining up, Skipton Market’s second national progeny show for Beltex further highlighted the growing impact of the breed across the country.

The day was dominated by two breed stalwarts, North Yorkshire-based Northern Beltex Club founder member David Findlay, who sent out the male and overall show champion, and first-time Cumbrian exhibitor Anne Story, responsible for the female and overall reserve show champion.

David and his wife Diane also exhibited a gimmer lamb chosen as reserve female champion, while Anne, of Hobbiesburn, Longtown, Carlisle, also chipped in with the reserve male champion, one of a group of three shearling rams by the same sire.

The Findlays’ title-winner, a two-shear ram, was bought as a shearling for 4800gns at Carlisle last year from husband-and-wife breeders Thomas and Hester Palmer, of Burnside Farm, Glenarn, County Antrim. The couple had travelled over from Northern Ireland especially for the show to see the ram’s success.

There's no stopping Colin Hutchings and his Limousin bull Goldies Trophy, as he took yet another breed and overall beef championship, this time at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, under interbreed judge Henry Dart.

Colin also took the Aberdeen Angus championship with another regualr to the show circuit, Logie Daredevil, under judge Alec McLaren.

In the dairy section, it was the Holstein from Mr and Mrs Coombes', that of Aldingham Stormatic Clarissa 5th, taking the reserve here was the Jersey Wisteria Sambo Bonita from Mr and Mrs Wadman.

In the sheep lines it was turn of the Charollais from Messrs J and A Griffiths and taking the reserve spot was Drayton and L E P farms' Texel.

Suffolk breeders enjoyed another strong trade at their annual fixture at Shrewsbury last Saturday, when the top price was once again a five figure deal for a Strathisla entry from Robbie Wilson.

However, this one was nearly one fifth of his Edinburgh topping bid of 48,000gns, with the hammer dropping at 10,000gns. Buyers for this lamb, a Glenho Gurka son out of a ewe by Glenhead the McCoy which had stood champion in the pre-sale show under judge John Elliot, were the Stuart family, Davishill.

Seaforde breeder Mark Priestley had plenty cause for celebration this evening after his outstanding ram lamb scooped the supreme championship at the Suffolk Sheep Society Northern Ireland Premier show and sale at Ballymena Livestock Mart.

The champion, sired by Birness First Choice, not only caught the eye of judge Neil Benzie, but in the sale ring the exceptional exhibit commanded huge interest before realising the top price of 4000gns.

It proved a highly successful afternoon for the Limestone flock, whose other offering, also bred by Birness First Choice, was knocked down for 1800gns - the second highest price of the day.

Pennines sheep farmer Craig Bradbury exhibited the champion pen of 50 Suffolk-cross lambs at the second show and sale of almost 4000 store lambs at Skipton Auction Mart yesterday.

Mr Bradbury, of Fairbanks Farm, Diggle, Saddleworth, was presented with the Robert Morphet Memorial Trophy, before seeing his charges sell for £35.80 a head to show judge David Findlay, of Coverdale, Middleham.

However, it was the third prize pen of Suffolks from Ron Airey, of Trawden, which made the day’s top price of £42.40 each, purchased by John Nutter, of Bashall Eaves.

Mr Nutter also paid £38.20 a head for the first prize Continentals class winners, a pen of 50 Texel-cross lambs from Chris Metcalfe, of Healey, Masham.

Skipton’s second seasonal store lambs show and sale saw total clearance achieved, with an across-the-board average price of £35.17 a head. There was a profusion of purchasers at the ringside eager to buy in long-keep lambs.

Britain's rarest pig breed, the British Lop, is the centre of attention at this year's Rare Breeds Show and Sale at Melton Mowbray cattle market in Leicestershire on the 7th and 8th September.

This is the only pig breed on display at this major event in the rare breeds' calendar and the weekend will see the judging of the British Lop Pig of the Year championships when pigs that have won at the major shows around the country this season will come together to select the very best.

For the sale, there is a choice of 12 in-pig gilts born since 1st July 2006 entered; 10 gilts born between the New Year and 31st March this year and nine boars the same age. These cover a wide range of the available bloodlines.

Caithness Livestock Centre will be the venue for the north of Scotland’s first store sheep sale of the season next month.

Monday, August 6th will feature the annual show and sale of Half Bred and North Country Cheviot ewe lambs and also incorporates the first sale of the season of all classes of store lambs, including annual consignments from some of the county’s major flocks.

Formerly held at Thurso Mart, the annual event is renowned for the high quality of stock that it offers and it is seen by many as an industry barometer and one of the highlights of Scotland’s seasonal sheep sales.

Commenting on this major event, Caithness Livestock Centre manager John Bremner said: “As the only livestock market left in the county, we are very much looking forward to being able to continue this prestigious and popular event which is sure to attract interest from the length and breadth of the country.

“We have been working hard on upgrading and improving Caithness Livestock Centre in recent months, and I am sure that the facilities we now have will be appreciated by buyers and sellers alike.

The British Belgian Blue Cattle Society is intending to change its name to the ‘British Blue Cattle Society’ in a bid to create its own identity and promote its cattle in the future as British Blues.

Society secretary John Fleming says that after 25 years, breeders have established a ‘British type’ of Blue, suited to the market demands of the meat trade, a trade with incredibly different objectives and attitudes from the continental trade in Belgium.

"We live in times where local sourcing of food is fast becoming a major issue in the UK. This is particularly important when it comes to branding a product for marketing purposes, so the name Belgian Blue does not sit comfortably in these changing times.”

It seems not all shows are challenged by bad weather, as Caithness sees a little sunshine, namely in the Charolais rings.

Ronnie Mackay, of Clyth Mains, Lybster, took the supreme cattle championship with Maerdy Acclaim, a two-year-old Charolais bull by Bally Brown Toby, and then went on to lift the champion of champions award.

In the sheep rings, one breed stuck out for judge Alastair Clark – the home-bred Texel ewe lamb, by Watchknowe Jimmy’s Pride, from Angus Sutherland’s Crosskirk, Forss, flock. The sheep champion went on to stand reserve to Mr Mackay’s supreme champion.

With 43 breeds out in front of him, interbreed sheep judge David Raine certainly faced a stiff test of his abilities on Wednesday afternoon. Picking his champion, the Charollais leader, he said it was an excellent example of its breed, showing excellent fleshing and well up on its legs.

Exhibiting the champion was last year's interbreed title winner Tim Pritchard with a homebred shearling ewe by Glatreys Dominator. The ewe was interbreed champion at the Three Counties Show on her only other outing this season and her mother’s sister was last year’s interbreed champion.

For all of you who missed out on the action at the Royal Welsh (or for those of you who were there and want to try and spot yourselves in the crowds), here's a picture round up for you from some of the judging rings.......

The Royal Welsh has battled on regardless of the weather, although judging by one or two of the pictures on Taking Stock, they did see a little sunshine at times, but shows up and down the country are having to cancel.

The Game Fair and Penrith Show has put out a cancellation notice for this weekends event as well as the Royal Lancs.

Other shows that Taking Stock have heard have been forced to cancel are:

Ryedale

Mid Devon Show

North Devon

Tenbury Wells

As every livestock exhibitor knows, showing in the rain and mud is no joke (just ask anyone from the Royal), but it's such a shame when weather conditions have forced these event organisers to shut shop, I only hope it hasn't cost them too much!

Let's hope for a drier 2008 summer show season - who knows the sun might come out for winter primestock shows at this rate!!

Keep us posted if you know of any other shows that have had to cancel.

The two French breeds with similar names took top honours in the sheep and beef pairs competitions this morning at the Royal Welsh Show.

In the sheep lines it was the Charollais pairing which beat the North Country Cheviots to the title.

The rain drenched cattle judging rings were the scene for today's interbreed dairy judging, with stewards resisting the temptation to move classes onto hard standing.

With just four breed champions competing for top honours, judge Tom Kelly, Co Louth, Eire had no trouble picking out his leader in the form of the Holstein champion from Seaton Farms, Shropshire and the Holgate family, Yorkshire.

Their winner was Allian Champion Isis, bred by the Holgates and currently giving 50 litres a day in her second lactation. Having given 13,100 litres in her first lactation, Isis is due to calve again in February having held to service just 50 days into this lactation. She was flushed to Picston Shottle as a heifer and the partners already have a Shottle yearling heifer on the ground from her.

Tension is mounting in the sheep lines with the interbreed pairs competition due to be judged at 10.30 this morning and the individual interbreed due to be decided this afternoon.

In the meantime, see below for the sheep results to date....

Welsh sow Braemor Nina 4 took this year's Royal Welsh interbreed pig title for breeder Phil Fowlie, making it a total of eight Royal Welsh interbreed titles for Mr Fowlie.

Homebred Nina 4 was interbreed champion at the Three Counties show earlier this year and interbreed champion at last year's Royal Show.

Standing reserve to her was the reserve Welsh champion, Teifi Evans' January 2007-born boar Gold Foot Leo 2.

The third day of this year's Royal Welsh has been greeted with more rain, although thankfully so far its only a light drizzle, rather than the torrential downpours of Monday.

Today see's interbreed judging take place in the pig, dairy and sheep sections, so its going to be a busy one for Taking Stock, check back here later for full interbreed results and championship pictures...............

Full judging rings in the sheep section were the highlight of the second day of the this year's Royal Welsh and many breed's were fortunate to have excellent displays of sheep to show the crowds which gathered.

Last year's interbreed title winner Tim Pritchard lifted the championship again in the Charollais section with a homebred shearling ewe by Glatreys Dominator.

The phrase if in doubt go local is a stock favourite of judges and it proved true for John Elliot when judging the Beef Teams of Five at this year's Royal Welsh Show.

Mr Elliot tapped out the Welsh Blacks as his champions, with the Limousin team in reserve.

This year's commercial beef title was claimed by Tudur Edwards with his Limousin cross heifer Shakira.

Bred by Andrew Davies, Shakira was one of two animals bought by Mr Edwards for a total of £2500. Shakira is likely to be back at Builth for the Welsh Winter Fair in November.

Breed judging has been completed in the dairy lines this morning at the Royal Welsh with the interbreed due to follow tomorrow. In the meantime here are the breed results and pictures.

Holstein Seaton Farms' cow Brinibower Gordon Charity; res, Sahara Holsteins cow Bricknell Stormatic Ethel.

Farmers from New Aberdour lifted the top honours in Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ summer show and sale of store cattle and weaned calves on Friday.

Messrs Smith were the buyers of the animal they chose as overall champion – a 580kg 22-month-old Limousin cross steer from A S and M Greig, Killyquharn, New Aberdour – and they paid £900.

The reserve championship was won by Brian Buchan, Clinterty, New Aberdour with a 400kg 12-month-old Charolais cross steer which fetched £610 to Blair Duffton, Bogie Street, Huntly.

The second day of the Royal Welsh Show has dawned with bright sunshine replacing yesterday's rain.

While car parking is still a nightmare for many, with visitors told to park in the first car park they find and then walk in, the show's organinsers are determined to go ahead, as are exhibitors.

As always, Taking Stock will bring you up to date results and pictures as judging progresses throughout the day.

Following an intensive day's judging at the Royal Welsh, the major beef cattle competitions were completed yesterday and here are the full listings. Some results are missing, but we'll update these as soon as we get them.

BEEF CATTLE RESULTS
Interbreed D E Evans’ Charolais heifer Maerdy Beauty; res, M W Jones’ Welsh Black heifer Deiniolen Non 12.
Interbreed Team of Five Welsh Black; res, Limousin
Interbreed Pairs Charolais; res, Simmental.
Welsh Black M W Jones’ heifer Deiniolen Non 12; res, G and M Phillips’ bull Dancoed Cymro 13.
Hereford A Owens’ bull Hermitage Commando; res, P J and A C Allman’s heifer Greenyards 1 Duchess.
Charolais D E Evans’ heifer Maerdy Beauty; res, Boden and Davies’ bull Thrunton Voldemort.
Blonde I C and S D Archer’s cow Marston Mill Penelope Pit Stop; res, D M Davies’ bull Fronfedw Rhyd-Y-Beirdd.
Limousin Smiths of Bloxham’s bull Wilodge Vantastic; res, P R Dawes heifer Dinmore Athena.
Simmental A Davies’ bull Hirwaun Rooney; res, Boddington Estates bull Sterling Hawaii’s Krumpet.
Belgian Blue Black N Blue Show Team’s cow Black N Blue UK.Com; res, I Philips’ heifer Balzer Waterlily.
South Devon W H Sandford’s bull Haughton SAS Joe Louis 1; res, W H D Scott’s heifer Z Grove Sorrel 39.
Aberdeen Angus E A and M C Jones’ bull Rull Evitus; res, J and A Price’s heifer Oakchurch Red Delia.
Longhorn G Woollatt's heifer Selborne Myrtle; res, B and M Llewellyn's heifer Carreg Ginkgo.
British White A Hamilton’s heifer Dadley Britannia; res, F W Cook and Son’s bull Albany Shilton.
Murray Grey H Davies’ cow Romany Eirmintrude; res, Otter and Co’s Ashrose Elizabeth 17.
Dexter T Drew’s cow Beechwood Gyspy; res, P Eagling’s cow Mostyn Beauty.
Beef Shorthorn M A Holmes’ bull Holmeere Alastair; res, E T and J R Gethin’s heifer Maxton Cinderella.
Devon A and J Benneworth’s cow Glebe Flirt 2; res, Stonegrove Livestock’s heifer Stonegrove Norrie 5.
Highland D T Handley’s heifer Furan Fraoch of Gilden Vale; res, A C Spawton’s heifer Collaidin 1 of the May.
Commercial Cattle T Edwards’ Limousin cross heifer Shakira; res, J E Jones and Co’s Limousin cross heifer Babe.

Welsh vet Esmor Evans lifted this year's beef interbreed title with his homebred Charolais heifer Maerdy Beauty.

By homebred sire Maerdy Padraic and out of Maerdy Omlette, this stylish, showy heifer was described by interbreed judge Neil Massie as exceptionally balanced and not too heavily muscled. "She had plenty of feminine charm to go with her fleshing."

Further judging in the beef lines saw the South Devons finish their judging, with W H Sandford's bull Haughton Sas Joes Louis taking the honours here. Louis is by Trevowah Joe Louis 11 and out of Haughton Vicky 2.

As promised Taking Stock can now bring you a selection of beef and sheep champions from today's judging at the Royal Welsh Show.

Leading the way in the Limousin lines was Smiths of Bloxham's bull Wilodge Vantastic. October 2004-born Vantastic is by Wilodge Tonka and out of Ravanelle.

The first of today's Royal Welsh Show beef champions was decided earlier, with veteran show cow Marston Mill Penelope Pit Stop taking the Blonde title for Ian and Sue Archer.

The National Aberdeen-Angus Show, to be held as part of Turriff Show on Monday, August 6, has attracted a record entry of 128 head from 31 herds covering the length and breadth of the country from Surrey to Orkney.

Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society chief executive, Ron McHattie, said the large entry would provide a magnificent showcase for the Aberdeen-Angus breed.

“We are grateful to the organisers of Turriff Show for agreeing to host our national show and providing us with such excellent facilities,” said Mr McHattie. “The cream of the Aberdeen-Angus breed will be on show, including some of the champions from major regional shows on both sides of the border.”

The Aberdeen-Angus cattle will be accommodated in a special marquee and the breed will have its own enlarged judging ring and hospitality facilities. Judging commences at the earlier time of 8.30am and the judge will be renowned breeder and former breed president, Willie McLaren, Netherton, Blackford, Perthshire.

The national Aberdeen-Angus Show has been held as part of Westmorland Show since its launch in 2005 but the Society’s Council has decided that the event should move around the country in future years.

This year's Royal Welsh Show is underway and Taking Stock is here to bring you all the latest results. Contrary to rumours, the show organisers are insisting the show will go on, despite the weather which meant a 2.5hr journey to the showground this morning, not bad for just seven miles!

Judging is underway in both the beef and sheep rings, with the first championships likely to be decided in the next hour or so.

Taking Stock will bring you pictures as they happen, so check back here later for full results. For more show news check out FWi's main News page.

Traditionally the breed’s leading sale in terms of prices, this year’s Suffolk fixture at Ingliston didn’t disappoint with no fewer than 11 five figure deals and a top price of 48,000gns.

Paying this figure was northern Irish breeder and former breed president Harry Stewart, Castlewellan. His choice was Robbie Wilson’s first lamb in from his Strathisla pen.

This weekend's sale of Suffolk ram lambs at Edinburgh was dominated by Irish breeders, both buying and selling.

Leading the way for them were leading lights from both Northern Ireland and Eire, with former breed president Harry Stewart, Castlewellan, topping the spending at a whopping 48,000gns for the first of Robbie Wilson's Strathisla entry.

This January born lamb is by homebred tup Strathisla Schumacher and out for a homebred dam which is by Glenhead the McCoy. This dam is full sister to noted sire Strathisla Rock of McCoy who has sold sons to 24,000gns and grandsons to 32,000gns.

After a lifetime of milking cows, David Harris decided to disperse his highly respected Ellerdine Herd of pedigree Jerseys. The Ellerdine Herd has been to the fore of the breed for many years and has bred many great individuals including the reigning Royal Show Champion, Ellerdine Lester Amberlight 2 owned by Smiddiehill Jerseys.

The top price of 2700gns was achieved for Ellerdine Midnight Crystal, a young dry cow sired by Giprat B Midnight Thunder bred from three generations of VG/Ex dams who was due in September to Family Hill Avery Signature. She was purchased in a three way split between specialist cattle fitters Cameron Baty and Steve McLaughlan and Liz Tomlinson of Bilsborrow, Preston.

Although not quite as expensive as last week's Sarkely Limousin sale at Carlisle, the South West Limousin Cattle Breeders Club put forward a good line up for their show and sale, which topped at 6600gns with an "almost" clearance.

The sale topper went to Matt Brunton's two year old heifer he has been showing this summer, Sheelin Anne. The Grahams Unbeatable-sired heifer out of one of the herd's most prolific breeders Sheelin Jan, sold to Carolyn Runnalls, Newton Abbott.

Second top came from Nick and Lisa Hill, with a call of 5400gns for their show cow Sloughpool Tasmine, a Strathallan Diplomat daughter born in 2002. She now joins the herd of Paul Cairns and Helen Burton, Notts.

Castlewellan Show saw the Northern Ireland Limousin Cattle Club and the Irish Limousin Society join together to stage a unique event – a Show of Young Limousin heifers and bulls made up of animals pre-qualified and drawn from both the North and South of Ireland.

A keenly-fought competition in the judging ring resulted in shared honours, as the North took home the bull championship with the South gaining the heifer title, while the Challenge Shield for the overall highest points gained went to the NI Cattle Club.

Some 13 heifers and 12 bulls had pre-qualified and, despite some fairly stringent rules imposed by the animal health authorities, the parades in front of Scottish judge Archie McGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, Glasgow were sensational and much appreciated by the huge crowd.

The overall heifer champion was the November 2005 born Milbrook Ainsi II, a Mas du Clo daughter and out of Milbrook Monique, exhibited by William Smith, Millbrook, Oldcastle, Co Meath.

The champion bull title went to James McKay of 88 Kilrea RD, Upperlands, Maghera, Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland with the March 2006 born Ampertaine Bravo, sired by Sympa and out of the dam Ultra.

Export storeis normally come from the cattle industry on Taking Stock, but I'm pleased to shout about the 15 Poll Dorset ewe lambs and a ram leaving Rob Hole's Sherborne Flock, Sherborne, Dorset.

Heading for Kasendorf, Southern Germany the buyer has purchased the sheep through the flock's website and will be the first Poll Dorsets in Southern Germany, where they will be used to produce lambs for a local butcher. The breeds ability to lamb in any month of the year, naturally, will be eventually used to supply fresh lamb all year round.

This year's Kent County Show saw a line up of champions fresh from other wins this year.

Leading the way in the sheep lines was one half of the Royal Show interbreed champion pair, Messrs Wakeham Dawson and Harmer's Southdown shearling ewe.

Standing reserve to the ewe was the Texel champion, a shearling ram from John and Kate Marshall.

One of the north east’s leading stockmen, Steven Nesbitt, of Alwent Hall, Winston, Darlington has been elected chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society’s council of management. He succeeds Jimmy Wilson, of Barnyards, Mintlaw.

Steven has had an involvement breeding pedigree Charolais cattle on his family’s 200 acre mixed unit for more than 25 years since he established his Alwent pedigree herd which has grown to 25 breeding cows and produced a number of successful cattle at breed society official shows and sales, including the 13,000gns Royal Highland junior champion, Alwent Osprey and the Perth 2004 reserve champion, Alwent Ultimate.

Drew Adam, of Newhouse of Glamis, Forfar, Angus has been elected BCCS president. His noted 50 cow Newhouse pedigree Charolais herd which he farms in partnership with son, Bob is renowned for producing consistent entries for the official Perth bull sales and maintaining itself within the top 10 herd averages.

Iain Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirling is the society’s newly elected vice chairman. The latest members elected to BCCS Council are Martin Donaghy, Dungannon; Ben Harman, Chesham; Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green; and Alwyn Rees, Machynlleth.

As was evident in the first of the Nanhoron dispersals from North Wales at Lancaster, the purchase of the entire Olympian herd from Messrs Spiby in Sussex proved a shrewd investment.

The star family from Alvere and the Sunrise family from Quietcove in the USA, both established in the Olympian herd produced the top price of 2200gns at the sale this week. Messrs R E Hodgson and Son from Caldbeck near Wigton were in unstoppable form purchasing many of the best cattle, including Nanhoron Star 2 PI at 2200gns, a Comestar Leader heifer, 4 months calved and giving 34kg daily.

Store lambs returned to the fold for the opening seasonal show at Skipton Auction Mart. With 2140 lambs forward, entries were down on the corresponding fixture in 2006, though this could be put down to the fact that, with lambs well ahead of last year in growth terms, many farmers are taking advantage of favourable trading levels at weekly Skipton prime lambs sales, coupled with a clash of the fixture with the Great Yorkshire Show.

With total clearance achieved, a 40-strong pen of Texel-cross lambs from Trevor Shackleton, of Hebden Bridge, took first prize in the Continentals class, selling for £39.20 each to W F Alton, of Wetherby. Top price in class at £41.40 per head went to the second prize pen from Annabelle Sugden, of Laycock, Keighley, bought by Les Skipton regular Thackray, of Mickley, Ripon.

The first and second prize Suffolks 40's both came from Michael Parker, of Winterburn, and both went to the same buyer, show judge, John Nutter, of Hurst Green, Clitheroe, for the same price of £39.60 each.

An across-the-board average price of £36.56 per head, compared to £34.68 in 2006, was achieved.

The second store lambs sale at Skipton on Wednesday, July 25, also features a prize show for Down-cross lambs, while the Robert Morphet Memorial Trophy will be awarded for the best pen of 50 Suffolk-cross lambs.

It was a hard choice, according to judge John Gribbon of Lancashire, when faced with four such fantastic examples of the dairy breed.

But, showing angularity, good legs and feet and a great, understated udder it was the third lactation Ayrshire cow, Haresfoot Pamela 5, of David and Anne Alderson and shown by daughter Katheryn, which impressed most.

One of 10 Ayrshires in a 120 Holstein herd based in Northallerton, Pamela is currently giving 39litres/day and averaging 60litres/day in her first lactation and also took the Senior Cow in Milk champion.

Taking reserve was Brian Whitfield's sixth-lactation Holstein Avenham Jolt Companion 2, out of Avenham Integrity Companion to Second Look Jolt.

Having given six calves, judge Mr Gribbon said: "This cow is fantastic value, with great angularity and udder. A fine example of the breed."

The final of the 2007 NPA Pig of the Year competition culminated with what must have been a record ringside crowd at the Great Yorkshire Show with Selby-based judge, William Gregory, placing Steve Loveless' Large White Boar, Port Bredy Prince overall champion for the second year running.

Sponsored by Cranborne Estates, the traditional breed meat company of the Marquess of Salisbury, heats are held at County Shows around the country from which pigs qualify for the final at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Prince reigned triumphant at the Royal Cornwall Show, qualifying him for the competition and also took the breed championship on Tuesday.

Full results of the show classes are below:

Interbreed C D Vaughan’s Welsh boar Vinery Workman; res, J Newth’s Large White sow Prestleigh Beryl II

Any other pedigree breed (modern) R and P M Horsley’s Hampshire sow Blencarth Judy; res, N L G Hunkin’s

Any other pedigree breed (traditional) C Turners sow Farlane Clare 6; res, C Turner’s Farlane Clare 7

Berkshire T Bretherton’s sow Wedlock Louise 4; res, C Impey’s gilt Fairoaks Fairwell 15th

British Lop M V Hicks’ sow Windmill Excelsa 15; res, D W Harrison’s sow Penllwyn Lulu 15th

British Saddleback J Newth’s sow Prestcombe Dinah 45; res, D Beeby’s sow Brydges Babble

Gloucestershire Old Spot M V Hicks’ sow Windmill Bluebell 2; res, S J and A L Booth’s sow Chapel Dolly

Large Black S J Richardson’s boar Tyldesley Super 105; res, J Mathews’ sow Lowpark Grandeur

Large White S J S Loveless’ boar Port Bredy Prince; res, J Newth’s sow Prestleigh Beryl II

Middle White E Paddock’s sow Eaves Dorothy 3; res, E Paddock’s sow Lewin Dorothy 3

Tamworth C Horsley’s boar Templeson Ruby 27; res, L M Farrington’s sow Beechwood Luck Lass 234

Welsh C D Vaughan’s boar; res, R and P M Horsley’s sow Gillbeck Tessa 3418

Of nearly 3000 sheep entries at the Great Yorkshire Show, it was the second year a North Country Cheviot ewe took the Interbreed title.

William Thomson's homebred, four year old ewe out of a Crookstone sire was a fine example of the breed, with good udder and strong mouth, according to the panel of judges.

Kelso-based Mr Thomson commented that after taking breed and Interbreed at the Royal Highland Show he was tempted to retire her, but she still seems in fine fettle!

Northern breeds were represented well in the competition, with a Swaledale two-shear ram taking the reserve.

Bought for £8500 at Kirby Steven Market in October, this was the first outing for John Bradley's tup, part of a 500-strong flock based in Skipton.

Interbreed W Thomson’s N.C.C ewe; res, J Bradley’s Swaledale ram

Leicester B W and D J Glaves and Son’s shearling gimmer; res, D A Goodman’s shearling gimmer

Teeswater D A Chandler’s shearling ram; res, A J Fisher’s shearling gimmer

Bluefaced Leicester G Shapiro’s ewe; res, H J Stenton’s ewe

Lincoln J C Nichael’s yearling ewe; res, M D and J Coney’s shearling ram

Despite fears last week that the Great Yorkshire Show would be cancelled, true Yorkshire determination showed that the 'show would go on'. And on it did, with record livestock entries (there were nearly 3000 sheep on the showground) and by the looks of yesterday, record attendance on the second day of the event.

Soon to be a TV star as well as a regular show stopper, the Crawford Brothers' Limousin bull, Sauvignon took the coveted Interbreed beef title.

Commenting on the win, Raymond disclosed to Taking Stock that after an appearance at the Royal Welsh in a couple of weeks time, Sauvignon would return to Northern Ireland to feature in a BBC/UTV documentary.

Placed reserve was the outstanding Charolais bull of Dermot Small, shown by David Cormack and heading for the Royal Welsh Show for another head to head with Sauvignon.

Results

Beef

Interbreed Crawford Brothers’ Limousin bull Sauvignon; res, D Small’s Charolais bull Cretlavane Albert

Beef Shorthorn M A Holmes’ bull Holmeere Alastair; res, J L Dunlop’s Tarrant Yucca

Lincoln Red H M Needler’s bull Walmer Jenson; res, H M Needler’s cow Walmer Lobelia F2

Aberdeen Angus T Rennie’s cow Mosston Muir Jennifer Erica; res, T Rennie’s bull Warrenho Emperor D140

Hereford B Ellis’ cow Leo’s Pride 1 Chance; res, P T English’s heifer Churchlands Estate 1 Leslie BT1

Galloway J and S Ross’ cow Doon Of Urr Nerys 42nd; res, J and S Ross’ heifer Daisy 308 of Romesbeoch

Belted Galloway M Arbib’s bull Howemill Indigo; res, J E Taylor’s cow Tobergill Heidi

Highland K Logan’s cow Ban Iarla Morag 3rd of Munlochy; res, J Price Edwards’ bull Robbies 2nd of Hellifield

South Devon W H D Scott’s cow Grove Willowherb 34; res, J P Harrison’s bull Brafferton Starbuster 9

Longhorn D and A Blockley’s heifer Southfield Gypsy; res, J Close and Son’s cow Linton Dwynwen

Topping the dispersal of Tony Reed’s Holstein Withycombe herd, ahead of emigrating to Alberta, Canada, was the 10 month old ET-bred calf Withycombe Skychief Burgandy, which sold for 3800gns to Anne Harrison of the Bassingthorpe herd, Lincolnshire and Morsan farms, Mr Reed’s new employers.

The Haselor-based Marstonsicca herd of G C Hodges came in at 3200gns for Wagtail Storm S Bliss, a September Storm in-calf heifer from the famous Eagleriver Matinee Bliss line. Three lots later, he acquired panda Silky Roxy Rainbow for 3000gns.

This lightly bulled heifer by Silky Gibson is out of Bassingthorpe Prog Roxy, a large framed cow that gave 11,500kg as a heifer. she sold for 2600gns earlier in the sale to Messrs Oughton, Gloucestershire.

Fresh heifers were keenly sought after with a top of 2200gns for Withycombe James Laura, a daughter of Shoremar James, purchased by the auctioneers for Andrew Worhting, Whitland, South Wales, who took six animals in total to restock after TB losses.

Averages: 135 cows and calved heifers £1163; 23 served heifers £1307; 43 maiden heifers £687 (Norton and Brooksbank).

A new face among the Charollais ranks came up with the goods at the breed society’s show and sale at Worcester last weekend and earned the day’s highest price of 7600gns.

Peter Vaughan was making his debut at the breed’s premier fixture and it was his ram lamb Kingsland High Flyer that began his headlining ascent after being given a Gold Award in the pre-sale ram assessment. With no shortage of admirers, this son of Southam Exotic, was finally taken by Eire-based breeder Michael Power who runs the Ballyhibben flock in Co Limerick.

Mr Vaughan, who already has a 150-strong flock of Texels at his farm at Kingsland, Herefordshire, bought the ram in-vitro through the purchase of its dam from Lionel Organ’s Southam flock in Carmarthenshire last autumn.

The statement in the front of the Sarkley production sale catalogue certainly rang true last week when yearling and two-year old Limousin heifers from Glyn, Chris and Nigel Pennie met a roaring trade at Carlisle.

And it was usual big spender Peter Smith of Banbury-based Smiths of Bloxham who got proceedings going, securing the top priced heifer Sarkley Arriana for 28,000gns. Sired by noted sire and Talent sire Ronick Gains and out of Sarkley Narriane, one of the herds top brood cows, this June 2005-born heifer sold with some impressive bloodlines behind her.

It seems rain is the centre of attention at most shows recently, with heavy down pours coming in over night and throughout the morning, St Clears Show in West Wales could almost have been a wash out.

But battling the rain to come through triumphant in the dairy section was Helen and Nicola Evans with their fourth calved Jersey Hilloath Valentine's Elsie.

Richard and Bethan Thomas took the champion Holstein ticket with their May third calver Chuchvale Jordan Butterfly. They also won the overall heifer ticket with Churchvale Rose 26, due to calve next month.

In the beef lines it was Alan Thomas' Scottish-bred Hereford bull Grennyward 1 Baron that took the overall spot.

Charollais entries from David Jones stood triumphant in the sheep section with a shearling ram taking the top ticket, as well as being part of the winning group.

Some 860 of the county’s top store cattle will be present at a new event due to take place at Caithness Livestock Centre next monday (July 9).

Notable consignments due to go under the hammer include 80 from Stainland and Sibmister Farms, 60 from Hoy at Castletown, 40 from Forsie and 35 each from Hillhead at Lybster, Rattar Mains at Castletown and Quarryside at Castletown. A total of 40 breeding cattle will also be on sale. The show will commence at 9am with the sale starting at 10am.

The day is part of Caithness Livestock Centre’s revised calendar of sales for 2007, formed following consultation with farmers in the county. The Centre is also currently undergoing major upgrading and improvement work, with additional penning and upgraded weighbridge and handling facilities being installed in time to cope with the busy autumn season.

Here's a few more pics from the Royal Show this year.......

Winning the Dexter championship was Stuart and Rosemary Creasy with their cow Langley End Nicotiana, a cow that won at the Royal Show two years ago. They also took the reserve championship ticket with Langley End Alison, another red female which has had a successful show season this year.

Judging gets underway in the beef interbreed.........

Here's a full listing of the sheep section champions....plus a big well done to livestock editor and regular Taking Stock contributor Jonathan Long who took the interbreed pairs title with a homebred Southdown shearling ram.

Interbreed P Tait’s British Rouge shearling ewe; res, D F Chave’s Texel shearling ram.

Interbreed Pairs Southdown; res, British Rouge.

Interbreed Group of Three Hampshire Down; res, Texel.

Badger Face Welsh Mountain J M McLeod’s shearling ewe; res, J A Langford’s ram.

Beltex K Buckle’s ewe; res, A D and R M C Bishop’s ewe lamb.

Berrichon du Cher R Graham’s shearling ewe; res, R Graham’s ram.

Black Welsh Mountain P H Laws’ two shearling ewes; res, L e Cockerill’s ram.

Bleu du Maine T s and E J Goldie’s ewe; res, T S and E J Goldie’s shearling ram.

Bluefaced Leicester A Fotheringham’s shearling ram; res, G Shapiro’s ewe.

Border Leicester P M and N J Brown’s ram; res P M and N J Brown’s shearling ewe.

British Rouge P Tait’s shearling ewe; res, Garlic UK’s shearling ram.

Charollais C R Sercombe’s shearling ram; res, D B Roberts shearling ewe.

Clun Forest G L Smith’s ram; res, D Searle and R Vincent’s shearling ewe.

Cotswold D Stanhope’s ram; res, P Froehlich’s shearling ram.

Devon Closewool H Marks’ shearling ram; res, Gervase and S Thorne’s shearling ram.

Devon and Cornwall Longwool M L Snell’s shearling ewe; res, B Thomason’s shearlign ram.

Dorset Down B Lugsden’s shearling ewe; res, R H Burrough’s ewe lamb.

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset J Dufose’s shearling ewe; res, P H Laws’ ewe lamb.

Exmoor Horn D M Ridd and Son’s ram; res, F J Hayes and Sons’ ram.

Hampshire Down J Ritchie’s shearling ram; res, C Horrell’s shearling ewe.

Jacob J and A Milner’s ewe; res, J L and J Emberton’s ram lamb.

Kerry Hill G Pugh’s shealrign ewe; res, E O Williams’ shearling ewe.

Leicester Longwool D Stanhope’s shearling ewe; res, D C Winkfield’s ewe lamb.

Here's a full listing of the pig results from this year's Royal Show 2007..............

Interbreed P G snell and Sons’ Large Black Sock Doreen 161; res, C D Vaughan’s Welsh boar Vinery Workman 4308.

Interbreed pairs Welsh; res, Large White.
Berkshire T K Bretherton’s sow Wedlock Louise 4; res, T K Bretherton’s boar Bruisyard Orlando 8.

British Lop J collings’ boar Liskeard Charles 19; res, J collings’ sow Liskeard Pride 120.

British Saddleback J Newth’s sow Prestcombe Dinah 45; res, D Beeby’s sow Brydges Babble 170.

Duroc S J S Loveless’ sow Seaborough Hover; res, A P and P C Rose’s sow Maddaford Hjornegard.

For all you beef fanatics out there, here's a full listing of results from the beef lines at this year's Royal Show. A big well done to David and Mary Cormack of the Newstart herd who swept the board with their Limousin cow - a personal favourite of mine from the show.

Interbreed D and M Cormack’s Limousin cow Newstart Upsydaisy; res, J H and V G Wood’s Simmental cow Popes Nelly’s Princess.

Interbreed Pairs Limousin; res, Charolais

Interbreed Team of Five Limousin; res, Belgian Blue.

Aberdeen Angus E Jones’ bull Rull Evitus; res, J and A Price’s heifer Oackchurch Red Delia.

Beef Shorthorn M A Holmes’ bull Holmeere Alaistair; res, D and J Wyllie’s heifer Tamhorn Zara.

Belgian Blue M k Wilde’s bull Ridge Dean Artiban; res, J E Bellas and Son’s heifer Croft Ends Black Beauty.

Belted Galloway M Arbib’s bull Howemill Indigo; res, C S Fletcher’s cow Barwise Maggie May.

Blonde D’Aquitaine I C and S D Archer’s cow Marstonmill Penelope Pitstop; res, Hackleton Farms’ bullHayton Upstart.

British White A V and A K M St Jopseph’s bull Tollesbury Nelson; res, R Hamilton’s heifer Dadley Brittania.

Charolais Boden and Davies’ bull Thrunton Voldemort; res, D E Evans’ heifer Maerdy Beauty.

Devon G M Hunter’s cow Tilbrook Cashtiller 9; res, A J Thomas’ bull Bollowal Nimrod.

Hereford D and E College’s heifer Hawkesbury 1 Passion; res, A G Wright and Son Farms’ heifer Hermitage Carol singer.

Today has been an exceptional day for Taking Stock, with my Southdown shearling ram taking the sheep interbreed pairs title at the shortened Royal Show. Coupled with the breed champion, a shearling ewe from Wakeham Dawson and Harmer, they beat off stiff competition to take the title.

Regular readers may remember my win at South of England with the same tup. Having taken the gamble and brought him to the Royal, I'm delighted with the win and he's now heading for showring retirement before being sold at the Southdown Premier Sale at Maidstone in early August.

Leading the way in the pig interbreed at this year's Royal Show was the Large Black sow, Sock Doreen 161, from Martin Snell, Yeovil, Somerset.

By homebred boar Sock Attempt 9 and out of Sock Doreen 155, Doreen 161 stood ahead of the Welsh champion from Christine Vaughan. This one was 2006 born boar Vinery Workman 4308 which is by Churchstone Workman 5 and out of Vinery Empress 4226.

The sheep championship at this week's Royal Show went the way of the Rouge De L’Ouest once again, with Percy Tait’s shearling ewe clinching top honours ahead of the Texel leader, a shearling ram from David Chave.

The Rouge, led out by Kate Gunn, is by a homebred tup and out of a homebred ewe, the dam is out of a ewe Mr Tait bought from leading Rouge breeder David Jane.

Beef breeds judging at this week's Royal Show was dominated by Limousins, with the breed clinching all three major titles. Heading up the breed’s championship run were David and Mary Cormack with their outstanding homebred cow Newstart Upsydaisy.

Here's a full listing of the dairy section champions from this year's Royal Show........

Interbreed Riverdane Holsteins’ and Almond Holsteins’ Holstein cow Almond Stormatic Avis; res, E T Tomlinson and Son’s Ayrshire cow Sandyford Clover 10.

Interbreed Pairs Ayrshires; res, Holstein.

Interbreed Team of Five Holstein; res, Jersey.

Ayrshire E T Tomlinson’s cow Sandyford Clover 10; res, Messrs G Timbrell and Sons’ cow Millford Lark 20.

Dairy Shorthorn I R G Collins’ cow Churchroyd Lilian 2; res, G A Madeley’s cow Rodway Barrington Duchess 9.

Dexter S R Creasy’s cow Langley End Nicotiana; res, S R Creasy’s heifer Langley End Alison.

Guernsey H Guinness’ cow White Ladies Ruby 91; res, H Guinness’ heifer White Ladies Gillian 71.

Holstein Riverdane Hoilsteins’ and Almond Holsteins’ cow Almond Stormatic Avis; res, I and J Mallinson’s cow Carhall Lyster Elizabeth.

Jersey Smiddiehill Holsteins/Jerseys’ cow Ellerdine Lesters Amberlight 2; res, S Murray’s cow Whiteoaks Julian Flower.

Much interest this afternoon has centred on the dairy lines where breed and interbreed titles were decided.

Once again it was the Holsteins which took the silverware, with Riverdane Holsteins’ cow Almond Stormatic Avis leading the charge. Second calver Avis is currently giving 62 litres a day at 4% butterfat and 3.3% protein, she gave a heifer yield of 11,050 litres.

Judge David Baynes described Avis as a powerfulcow who filled the eye from the minute she entered the makeshift showring erected due to the inclement weather conditions.

This lunchtime has seen the culmination of championship judging in a number of breeds at the Royal Show.

Beltex classes were won by K Buckle's ewe.

Judging continued apace today at the Royal Show, with dairy cattle joining the fray. With cattle rings decimated by yesterday's torrential downpours, most beef and dairy judging was moved to the tarmac at the rear of the cattle sheds.

This was largely a result of the Show's decision to reseed the cattle rings in April of this year.

Among the sheep lines there was nothing short of complete amazement as stewards informed exhibitors that the show had run out of prize cards and so none were available to be presented.

Surely someone in the livestock office at RASE can count?

In the Bluefaced Leicester ring it was first Royal victory for novice exhibitor Alan Fotheringham, interbreed beef judge at last week's Royal Highland Show. His leader here was a shearling ram.

This afternoon's cattle judging saw animals paraded in rings which can be described as nothing short of a swamp.

Heading up the Beef Shorthorn lines, which were judged by United Auctions chief David Leggat, was the senior bull Holmeere Alastair from M A Holmes and led out by Richard Rettie.

As Taking Stock predicted earlier today, there is a little controversy in the commercial lines.

Not only did showmen have to battle the muddy depths of the rings before being taken back to the tarmac for judging of the overall championship, judge for the day Elgin Jones tapped out both his champion and reserve champion from Jim Hollingsworth.

Taking the championship was the Limousin cross heifer Katherine from Mr Hollingsworth, which narrowly beat the hot favourite for the day, the Limousin cross heifer, Just-In-Time, from Mike and Jean Dickens which stood reserve champion female to Katherine.

Taking the overall reserve ticket was another animal from Mr Hollingsworth, this time the purebred Limousin steer Bling Bling. Reserve to this was Phil Sellers' Limouisn steer Johnny Cool.

Judging continued this morning at the Royal Show through a torrential downpour, with championships awarded in both the Devon cattle and the Lincoln Longwool sheep classes.

Leading the way in the Devon's was Mr G Hunter's cow Tilbrook Cashtiller 9. This one has a Kiwi influence as it is by New Zealand sire Rotokawa 688.

Politics often dominate judging proceedings at a show, but this year's Royal Show has taken it to a new level in the commerical lines.

As the breeders prepare to dress cattle for Welshman Elgin Jones to judge later this afternoon, some showmen are questioning why one particular exhibitor is present at the show.

Although regular exhibitor and pedigree class winner from Beef Expo, Jim Hollingsworth is judging the Royal Welsh Show later this month, he's here with two exhibits, Katherine a Limousin cross heifer and Bling Bling, the successful Limousin steer from Beef Expo.

Judging starts at 2pm later today so watch this space for the results..........

The first championships of this year's Royal Show have already been awarded and first to clinch top honours was the Wensleydale champion, a shearling ram from Graham Steventon and Lynn Clouder.

While cattle, pig and sheep judging is domninating today's proceedings at the Royal Show, Taking Stock contributors have been for a wander across the showground.

Unfortunately, there was little to see, paticularly in the Outdoor Pig Keeping area.

Now we know the pig industryhas had some hard times in recent years, but surely there are some pigs left in the UK?

Judging at this year's Royal Show, Stoneleigh, is now underway with the native breeds parading in the beef lines.

Sheep, pig and cattle entries are once again strong for the UK's premier livestock show, but many exhibitors are once again questioning how much longer the show can continue in its current form, with trade stands noticeably absent.

Rain look's set to dominate the show, but that won't deter Farmers Weekly's livestock team from bringing full results and pictures from the show, so check Taking Stock regularly for updates.