The 20 month old Charolais bull, Lowerffrydd Benhurr has been sold in a private deal for £15,000 to Welsh commercial suckled calf producer, Andrew Powell of Knighton, Powys.
Bred by John Evans, Powys, Benhurr is within the breed’s top 1% with a Beef Value of CH35. He is by Doonally New and out of Lowerffrydd Penny, a Moyness Lincoln daughter and claimed to be the top breeding female in his six cow herd.
Benhurr is the highest price bull sold since the herd was established 12 years ago, explains Mr Evans. “We focus on selecting for growth and conformation together with accompanying estimated breeding values, and this bull reflects everything we attempt to achieve.”
Benhurr is destined to run among Andrew Powell’s 140 cow suckler herd, noted for producing strings of quality calves including two Smithfield champion heifers and countless prize winning commercial cattle on the national and regional show circuit. “After a 20 year absence, we decided to reintroduce Charolais to the herd to improve calf growth rates, in particular the heifers,” he explains.
“We’d been searching for a bull for some time when we initially spotted Benhurr on the breed society’s stand at the Welsh Winter Fair. This bull has shape, style and cleanliness and he comes backed up with a very high Beef Value. We are confident that he will prove to be a good investment.”