February 2008 Archives

By my reckoning (and my maths was never quite that good at school), the Newstart dispersal has just grossed 316,000gns. I'd like to say a big congratualtions to David and Mary and wish all the buyers a great deal of success.

Although the word on the ringside is that Tansy, Viyella, Viper and possibly three others were bought back by David Cormack.

Having had a more than successful show history alongside the likes of Upsydaisy and Viyella, the Newstart stock bull Greenhill Viper has sold for 20,000gns over the phone.

Following that was a 12,000gns call to secure Newstart Buchanan, a Viper son out of Sarkley Nellie.

Topping the served and maiden heifers section of the Newstart herd, Newstart Upsydaisy's daughter Buddleia has sold for 13,000gns and joins Paul Dawes' Dinmore herd in Hereford.

Shortly following her was a telephone bid of 10,000gns to secure Newstart Cinderella, a Woodhouse Pugh daughter out of Rachels Stella.

Another with an impressive show record to match her stature was Newstart Viyella who has gone through at 18,000gns.

This Woodhouse Pugh daughter out of Rachels Stella (previously sold for 13,000gns) has a breeding value of +40 and was knocked down to a bidder on the phone.

Also selling on the phone was her heifer calf Newstart Christabella.

At 14,000gns Woodhouse Amy, by Goldies Oswald has gone through with her bull calf at foot.

Knocking down to Sussex-based Brian Baker of the Wealden herd (who could have been buying on behalf of someone else), Rivermead Rosebud sells for 22,000gns. By Rivermead Judge and out of Uplands Daffodil, she is a paternal granddaughter of Roncik Gains.

Just before that a call of 10,000gns was given for the 1997 born Sarkley Nellie, this Heros daughter with bull calf at foot has gone back to the Sarkley herd, bought by the Pennie family.

Following that jaw dropping call of 41,000gns, Newstart Vashti has gone through at 3000gns, while her Raysonhall Treker bull calf has sold for 1000gns.

Shortly after that the impressive pedigree behind Newstart Vieille has meant she has sold with her Newstart Apollo heifer calf at foot for 4000gns. By Woodhouse Pugh she is out of the Ryedale herd's most productive cow Ile.

Now the one we were all waiting for - the Royal Show Interbreed Champion Newstart Upsydaisy has just knocked down for wait for it.....41,000gns. I't's not confirmed yet but it looks like Mary Beeney has bought her to stay at home with her daughter Mary Cormack. I know who my money is on for under bidder!!

Just following her in to the ring was Newstart Ursa, a 2003 bred Iceman daughter selling for 5500gns. Her Poncho sired bull calf has sold for 2000gns.

One of my favourite lots, Newstart Uptowngirl has just gone through at 9000gns, while her bull calf by Grahams Poncho has just gone through at 3500gns.

Uptowngirl is another Nellie daughter, again by Iceman and is a maternal sister to the previously sold 20,000gns Newstart Tansy.

Just following that was a call of 5000gns for Newstart Uniamh, while her sweet heifer calf by Viper sold for 2500gns.

Now the action has really hotted up as a phone bid of 20,000gns has just secured Newstart Tansy, one of the many top lots on offer.

This powerhouse of a Woodhouse Pugh daughter out of the famous Sarkley Nellie is sold in calf to Greenhill Viper.

Just before that a call of 13,000gns secured Rachels Stella. Again another Iceman daughter, this 2001 bred cow has run with Greenhill Viper and has another impressive breed value of +31.

Well bidding has kicked off at Borderway Mart, Carlisle with a call of 4000gns for one of the earlier lots in to the ring for the Newstart Limousin dispersal.

Rachels Shula, the 2001 bred Ronick Iceman daughter has a breeding value of +31 and calving value of +2. her Dauphin sired bull calf Newstart Cesarwitch has gone through at 2800gns.

Following that was a call of 2500gns for Newstart Soprano. This 2001 cow is by Fenrose Orly and out of Brockhurst Opera.

Anticipation is likely to be mounting in the minds of many pedigree Limousin breeders this morning regarding Mary and David Cormack's Newstart dispersal.

The obvious choices will be last year's Royal Show champion Newstart Upsydaisy - the Ronick Iceman daughter. Her heifer calf won't be too far behind her in the sale stakes either -Buddleia.

Along with many others I'm sure, I don't think I would be wrong in predicting Peter Smith's phone will be a little hot today, unless he is gracing Borderway Mart in person!

Others jumping out of the catalogue are Newstart Tansy and Newstart Uptowngirl, both of which are out of the famous Sarkley Nellie (also for sale).

One thing is for sure, if you were looking for some quality bloodlines with good maternal figures, you wouldn't be far wrong taking home a Newstart female. If my hand was raising today I wouldn't mind having a stab at Utopia (a 2003 bred Iceman Daughter with heifer calf at foot) or even Ukelle (out of Ryedale Flute and with a calving value of +3 and breeding value of +28).

Watch this space.........I'll keep you updated throughout the day of course!

The weekly sale of cull cows at Shrewsbury Auction Centre is going from strength to strength with the average price per head of £585 achieved this week.

"For an entry of entirely dairy bred animals this is an incredible figure, with all good fresh cows making between 90p to 100p per kilo," said auctioneer David Giles, of Halls. "One would have to return to the heyday of the early 1990s to find a trade that matched the current level.

"It is indeed a great boost for the industry and with supply limited looks like a trend that is set to continue. It is interesting to note that at the turn of the year the average per head was returned at £350."

Winning the Thainstone commercial championship for the second time was Bertie Paton and his family from Kirriemuir. Bow Chicka Wah Wah took the title and later sold for £2000.

Taking the reserve title and a call of £2800 was K Mallarhey, Hatton.

Topping Charolais trade at Thainstone today was J A Wilson and Sons' Kinclune Barker. This Caylers Solomon (bought in Perth for 14,000gns) son is out of a homebred dam and sold for 8500gns. Brought out by Sandy Davidson, he sold to suckled calf producers Mark and Ian Baxter, Banff.

Also from the same stable and by the same sire was Kinclune Bruno, this time selling for 7500gns to F D Glass, Alford.

Next in the Charolais lines was a 4400gns call for one from neil Barclay - Hrestone Batman. This is a son of Mortimers Meridian and sold to C Addison, Methlick.

Judging is now complete at Thainstone for this year's Aberdeen and Northern Marts' spring show of multi breed cattle.

Topping the line up of cattle was the Limousin champion from David Work. Dumbreck Braveheart is by Sympa and out of Ronick Sonita and sells with a breed value of +36. Later in the day he sold for 4900gns to L J George, Rothiemay.

Just behind him was a call of 4800gns for John and Margaret Penny's Shannas herd, selling their reserve breed champion to G Grant and Sons, Bridge of Spey.

Taking the Charolais championship was J A Wilson and Sons' Kinclune Buster, a Caylers Solomon son out of Kinclune Ruby. He sold for 5000gns.

This week’s final dispersal of the Painley Holstein herd ended an era of accomplished breeding that has had a significant influence on the UK’s black and white genetics. So it was no surprise to see bidding reach a top of 10,000gns and the herd’s 100 cows and calved heifers level at £2257.

John and Valerie Barlow have long been stalwart supporters of the breed and consistently produced a steady stream of top-ranking cattle from their home at Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire.

Brought out in tremendous form by the indomitable herd management partnership of David Hastings and his son David, the Painley cattle attracted a capacity crowd but it was a cow bought from the Burrow family’s Stardale herd in Lancashire that proved the most tempting.

Stardale Jed Roxy – a second calver with a best of 11,721kg – is by Jed and out of the 13,761kg Stardale Leader Roxy. She was bought at the Stardale dispersal for 12,000gns and despite fuelling sustained bidding from the ringside it was a phone bid from Cornwall-based Wills brothers that finally snapped her up at 10,000gns.

The upbeat demand for store cattle continued with a cracking trade at Ulverston, Cumbria. Commented auctioneer Ian Walker: “A strong demand throughout the day with prices above expectations in many cases.”

The sale’s top price was £840 paid for a Limousin steer. Limousin heifers reached £708, Charolais £512, Belgian Blue £665. In the steer section Belgian Blues sold to £700 with South Devons reaching £552, Charolais £825 and Holstein Friesian £542. Collecting the championship was a Belgian Blue heifer from Stan Edmondson, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria. She realised £630 to Mark Towers, Colt Park, Ulverston.

Selling prices went through the roof at February’s Craven Dairy Auction at Skipton Auction Mart this week when 11 cattle sold for over £2000 and the top-priced animal set a new record at £2,650

A fresh calved Holstein Friesian heifer from Robin Jennings, Ripon, established a new high when knocked down to Derek Calvert, of A Calvert and Sons, Paythorne. Mr Calvert also paid the day’s second highest price of £2520 when securing the show champion, a freshly calved heifer giving 30kg from Robert Phillip, Hellifield.

From M Baul and Partners, Harrogate, the third prize in the class sold for £2500 to Henry Wilson, of Kelbrook, while the second prize freshly calved heifer, also from Mr Jennings, made £2120 when sold to G Parker, Huddersfield.

Best of the fresh calved cows was an entry from A Lawson and Son, Otley, which joined Abbot Bros, Harrogate, for £2200. The runner-up from T and E Simpson, Ripon, sold for £2300 to John Whittaker, Laneshawbridge, Colne.

The 125 cattle forward included a dispersal sale of the entire 63-strong Humberside Holstein Friesian dairy herd of Andrew and Susan Wells, Hull.
They achieved joint top prices of £1880 for a freshly calved heifer sold to Martin Jennings, Cowling, and a third calver that joined John Whittaker. Their in-calf heifers sold to a top price of £1540.

At the recent Border British Blue calf show at Carlisle, the male championship and overall championship was awarded to Mark and Elaine Hartley, Roughlee, Nelson with Pendle Catterpillar ET a January 2007 son of Serum D'Anloy (IS) and out of the Pendle Wave Flush.

Annual progeny show judge Ernie Hemmings, of the Paulern herd, presents the young handler award to Thomas Hartley, of Nelson, Lancashire, centre, and his helper Robert Capstick.

Hard on the heels of the outstanding demand for the Limousin at Carlisle last weekend, the Limousin Spring Sale held at Dungannon met with a tremendous interest, a crowded sale ring, and a brisk sale which saw a total clearance of all 55 lots forward and with some remarkable prices realised.

Leading the way and selling at £6720 was an impressive seven month old heifer, Lenagh Classy, by Glenrock Spartacus and out of Kype Veronica from Mark Stewart’s Lenagh herd.

This special heifer had caught the eye of Judge Harry Emslie from Peterhead in Aberdeenshire when he placed her first in class, then Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion.

Two of the championships at Scotland’s South West Dairy Show held at Castle Douglas have gone to Wigtownshire breeders.

More than 60 of the top dairy animals in the region took part in the competition held at Wallets Marts with the championship in the Ayrshire classes going to Messrs M W and A Stevenson of Kirminnoch, Stranraer, with their second calver Stevenson's Buttercup 50 which was born in June, 2003 and was sired by McCornick's Nelson.

Buttercup produced 8700 litres at 4% butterfat as a heifer with 3.3% protein. The Stevensons who currently run a herd of 160 cows also won the exhibitor bred championship and the award for the best udder.

With 16 young cows and heifers making over £2000 and an overall average of over £1800
for a 100% sell out, the monthly Border and Lakeland Holstein Show & Sale at Borderway was again an tremendous success and a reflection of the current fierce demand for dairy stock.

The overall quality was very good with an abundance of excellent uddered heifers and cows on sale, including several consistant batches from Northern and Scottish breeders, some being new vendors.

The top two prices of 2700gns and 2600gns were for a couple of very smart, well bred heifers from Stephen and Ann Morley of the Petteril Herd, the leading price being for a Miss America by the udder specialist, Ladino Park Talent purchased by A Bargh, Woodclose, Skelton, Penrith.

The 2600gns supreme champion was also home bred and from the Knowlesmere Jo family, by Canyon Breeze Allen purchased by H F Vance and Co, Low Barledziew, Sorbie, Newton Stewart.

Topping trade at Ruthin was this Limousin cross from Trefor Jones selling for £3000.

The overall champion was a Blue x Limousin from B and J Griffiths, Newtown, selling for £2400.

Well, having finally got back from Perth early this morning, I've had a chance to upload the pictures from last Saturday's Limousin sale at Carlisle to a gallery.

Apologies for the delay in uploading these, Perth slightly got in the way!! Anyway, enjoy the photos and come back soon for more sales coverage from across the UK

Well that's it for Perth trading for this time round - overall I'd say the Charolais Society won't be particularly impressed with trade from this sale. By my calculations we're looking at just shy of 80 bulls not sold and I wouldn't be suprised if the average is down considerably.

I hope we've kept you up to date as best we can, I'll update the picture gallery as soon as possible with bulls from today's sale ring........but remember I do have a 9 hour journey home!!!

Now back to the other half of the day job - clearing pages for this week's Farmers Weekly!!

Hamish Goldie's Goldies Bulldozer (lot 1377), by the 34,000gns Goldies Uppermost has just sold to pedigree breeder Bob Leggat for 11,000gns.

Another Doonally New son from the Short's Woodpark Barnaby (lot 1427) has gone at 6000gns.

At 5500gns Danny Sawrig sold the second prize Swalesmoor Bailiff (lot 1422) to Mr Cooper.

Nearing the end of the catalogue, James Milne's Elgin Benledi (lot 1433) has gone through at 5200gns.

Having backed him before he stepped in to the ring my favourite bull Fury Breeze from P Hacket (lot 1337) with a second prize ticket on it sold to Sutherland Estates for 9000gns. By domino he is out of Fury Treasure.

From Newhouse, Buckaneer (lot 1349) has gone through at 7000gns to Mike Clark.

The first prize to Fury Breeze the homebred on both sides Edenhurst Bobby (lot 1338) from P W Vasey sold for 6000gns to Mr Miller.

James Milne's Elgin Berlin (lot 1367), a Rumsden Samurai son has sold to Mr Fisher, Stranraer for 7000gns.

Selling for 8000gns was the junior champion Balnuith Brutus (lot 1348) from Neil Caul sells to a joint partnership between Messrs Nicol and Drysdale.

The reserve to him Allanfauld Bobo (lot 1428) from the MacGregor's has gone for 6000gns to a bidder on the tic tac.

Buying a new stock bull for his Stobarts herd, David Stobart has just dug deep to take home Woodpark Bishop (lot 1304), a Rumsden Tsar son for 13,000gns.

From the Campbell family Thrunton Bullet (lot 1318) sold to Mr Proven for 9000gns. This one is by Burradon Talisman.

Another from Graeme Massie sells at 8000gns. Blelack Blackberet (lot 1293) is by Thrunton Socrates and sells on the tic tac.

The battles on the tic tac continue as Inverlochy Beefeater (lot 1265) has just gone through at 7000gns. By Glenlivet Singlemalt, he is by a homebred dam.

The first prize winner from Sandy Innes Moyness Brutus (lot 1283) has gone through at 6500gns to Mr Young. He is by Fairway Vandieman.

At 4800gns johnJeffrey sold Kersknowe Boxer (lot 1321) for 4800gns and Kersknowe Buccaneer just before that at 4200gns.

Going back to the South West is the best so far from the Newhouse stable of Bob and Drew Adam. Newhouse Benson (rightly named David!!!) is by Mowbraypark Torpedo and out of a homebred dam. He was bought by Jane Hall on behalf of Mr and Mrs White.

Another from the same stable, but this time in the name of the Adam's children, Glamis Benefactor (lot 1246) by the same sire has sold for 10,000gns.

Having taken the intermediate and overall championship under ian Miller, the Campbell family sold Thrunton Bonjovie (lot 1205) for 10,000gns. He is by Solwayfirth Union and out of a homebred cow going back to Haymount Jetstream and sells to Harold Stubbs, Northern Ireland.

The reserve to him came from Hamish Goldie, Goldies Bandit (lot 1238), coming through from the intermediate section also, sold for 6000gns to commercial producer Mr McIntosh, Dumfriesshire.

Following that was a call of 8000gns for Maerdy Bronx (lot 1206) selling to Mr Radar.

Topping trade so far is a call of 14,000gns from George McCulloch to take home Sean McGovern's Dartonhall Brandy (lot 1177). He is by Ashleigh Victor and out of a homebred cow.

But in a bizarre twist it appears Mr McCulloch is not the eventual buyer. Apparently the bull was bought on behalf of Gregory Donnelly, Derry, Northern Ireland for his Beechdale herd. However, that isn't the end of the story, Mr Donnelly we're told already owns a third share of this bull, with Mr McGovern and Martin Donaghy owning the remainder.

So, it seems Mr Donnelly has paid 14,000gns for the remaining two thirds of this bull. Confused? Its certainly exasparated plenty of the press here today as we try and make sense of it all ahead of today's print deadlines!!

The first bull from Neil and Graeme Massie has sold for 8000gns. Blelack Bellringer (lot 1152), by Blelack Rodger it has a milk figure of +7.

Following that was another from the same stable Blelack Badger (lot 1153), another Roger son selling for 6000gns.

Blelack Boomtime (lot 1166) has gone through at 6500gns to the underbidder of a previous Massie bull.

At 5800gns Archie MacGregeor has sold Allanfauld Benlomond, by Harestone Tadorne.

At 5200gns was Balthayock Boris (lot 1160) from Major Walter.

The Campbell family's Thrunton Bonanza has gone through at 4000gns to Mr Grove, while Bill Bruce's Balmyle Bonanza (lot 1155) has gone to Mr Logan for 4500gns.

At the same price was Thrunton Bouncer (lot 1162) from the Campbell's.

Having taken the senior champion under judge Ian Miller, Caylers Blake (lot 114) from Caylers Charolais, by Maerdy Uniroyal has sold for 5200gns to Gregg Farms.

First prize winning Solo Blast from C and R Currell (lot 1139) by Doonally Olmeto and out of a homebred cow has gone through at 5800gns.

Archie MacGregor's Allanfauld Bennevis (lot 1148) has gone to Mr cooper for 4800gns.

At 4500gns Major Walter has sold Balthayock Bruno (lot 1150) for 4500gns.

Topping trade so far is a bull from W R Baillie, Baillieston Bobby (lot 1113), by Mowbraypark Umpire and with a milk figure of +10 has gone through at 9000gns to Mr White.

Bill Bruce's Gretnahouse Bomber (lot 1098) has gone through at 6000gns. By Derryharney Outstanding, he sold to Ian Maclean for his North Kent-based suckler herd.

At 6000gns was H Forster and Sons' Piatroon Brigadier (lot 1136), with a third prize ticket on it, he also has a milk figure of +3.

Hamish Goldie's Goldies Bertie with a first prize ticket on it has gone to a bidder battling on the tic tac for 5800gns.

Newroddige Biston (lot 1090) has gone through at 5000gns to Mr Campbell. This is by Simpsons Gregg.

Another Ulex son from the Goldie's stable, Goldies Boyo (lot 1130) has gone through at 4000gns to a commercial producer in Dumfriesshire.

The first of the shown bulls in the money is the third prize bull Newroddige Bonanza (lot 1085) by Simpsons Gregg. This bull was part of the winning group and sold for 6000gns.

First prize winning Barrance Bionic from W Brown (lot 1086) has gone through at 5500gns to Mr Young.

Of the non-shown bulls in the ring Esmor Evans has just sold Meardy Anaconda for 3500gns to Mr McDonald, while the MacGregor family sold Corrie Bobby for 4000gns.

Another from Esmor, Maerdy Bonny, a Padraic son has just gone for 4200gns to Mr Niven who bought females last night.

Well it's that time of day when I'm starting to fade having had a jam-packed day of Charolais judging and female selling as well as Simmental male selling.

So I've updated the picture gallery to include some highlights from today's activities....there's more to come but I need some food first!!!

Esmor Evans' draft from his Maerdy herd has been drawing bids from the packed ringside, with his first entry, Maerdy Awell, heading back home with Messrs Thompson at a final bid of 2100gns.

Two lots later and Maerdy Adorn, a stylish heifer with plenty of growth, took the same bid when selling to Mr Niven who also bought earlier the afternoon - whether its a new herd or merely an expansion of an existing herd I'm not sure.

And 2000gns seems an increasingly popular call for these Maerdy heifers with the next one through, Maerdy Adverse making the same money. This one is by Maerdy USA and out of Maerdy Teresa.

Thrunton Venice, the first entry from the Campbell family's draft put a fresh spark in the Charolais female trade selling with a stunning heifer calf at foot and in-calf again to the sire of today's show champion for 2400gns.

The herd's next heifer in the ring, Thrunton Vixen, pushed bids further, taking a 4200gns bid and again selling with a sweet heifer calf at foot. This one was by noted sire Burradon Talisman and out of Thrunton Melissa.

And the third heifer from Thrunton, Vikki, also caught the crowd's attention when selling at 2500gns to Mr Niven. This one was scanned in-calf to the 22,000gns Newhouse sire the Campbell's purchased at Perth last November.

Murray Lyle's draft of heifers from his Loganbar herd has put a kick in the female trade here at Perth, with a top bid of 3400gns coming for Loganbar Annabelle, by Caithness Torpedo and out of Loganbar Solution.

The next highest call so far is 3000gns for the powerhouse Loganbar Aganeiska a March 2005 born Caithness Torpedo daughter.

This one, out of Loganbar Tranquility sold in calf to Maerdy Ulterior. Next top among this entry was a 2200gns bid for Loganbar Vendee, Murray's first heifer through the ring. She's by Billingley Robocop and out of Loganbar Snowdrop.

Charolais judge for today Ian Millar from Lochend, has just dug into his pocket to bid 1500gns for R W Baillie's heifer Baillieston Bubbles, by Mowbraypark Umpire.

Immediately following this came the top call so far in this afternoon's sale, a bid of 1700gns for Baillieston Bryony from the same home and by the same sire, this one is out of Baillieston Snowdrop.

Charolais female trade at Perth was slow to start and failed to excite early in the sale, despite the entry into the ring of the champion, Jim McConachie's Advie Balsam which went under the hammer for 1600gns. She is by Gretnahouse Perfect and out of Advie Ogle.

Judging has just finished in the Charolais bull classes and it was a winning day for the Campbell family of Thrunton, Alnwick.

Taking the intermediate and overall champion for Colin and sons Ian and John was Thrunton Bonjovi, by Solwayfirth Union and out of homebred dam Thrunton Odaisy, herself by Haymount Jetstream. Thrunton bulls have a habit of making top money here at Perth, so we'll just have to wait and see if the addition of a championship rossette adds to Bonjovi's value.

Standing reserve overall was the reserve intermediate, Hamish Goldie's Goldies Bandit. This one is by Balthayock Ulex, which goes back to the legendary Dingle Hofmeister, and out of Kinclune Primrose.

We may be nearing the end of the catalogue now, but T J Hamilton has just sold his solid dark coloured third prize bull Slatequarry Tommy for 7500gns. This Woodhall Premier November born junior bull is out of Celtic Rose.

Gerald Smith's Drumsleed Tartan (lot 984) has just gone through at 7500gns to Clive Houldey.

Selling at 6000gns on the tic tac and topping non-champion trade in the junior sections was Messrs Brown's Urrvalley Tornado (lot 933) by Curlieu Knight.

Messrs Fitton and Sons' dark coloured Simply Thomas (lot 940), by out of Carbery Pippa and by Wroxall Fortune a bull going back to Strathisla Capricorn sold for 5500gns.

At 4500gns was Gerald Smith's Drumsleed Tower. By Beeches Kestrel and out of Drumsleed Princess, he has a calving ease figure of +6.8.

Having taken the junior championship, Lachlan Quarm's Annick Talisker (lot 967) by Sterling Talisker sold for 20,000gns to Hector MacAskill of Woodhall Simmentals, East Lothian.

Coming in behind him was the reserve junior bull, Pat kelly's Ashland Trevor (lot 956) sold for 7000gns on the tic tac.

Selling for 6500gns to pedigree breeder Mr McGeoch of the Hazelden herd was Finlay and Neil McGowan's Dirnanean Trustee (lot 887). By Halenook Panache he has a milk figure of +6.

The next in from the Corskie stable was the second prize bull corskie Toro (lot 903) selling for 6000gns on the tic tac.

At 5500gns was Messrs Chartres and Farrell's Lakeside Tom (lot 912) selling for 5500gns.

Third prize ticket Innerwick Thor from L Moffat sold for 5000gns to Mr Smith. Also at 5000gns was another from Iain Green, this time selling Corskie T-Bone (lot 914) for 5000gns to John Grant.

At 4000gns was D and R Durno and Sons' Auchorachan Topper (lot 922).

Selling for 3800gns was W J Barclay's Whiteknowes Tarves (lot 898), selling for 3800gns.

At 5500gns was John Young's Skerrington Top of the Pops (lot 868), this first prize bull went to John Geoffrey for 5500gns.

Just following him was another from the same stable, Skerrington Tankard (lot 869) for 3000gns. And following that was a good ended bull with a third prize ticket on it, Skerrington Troy (lot 870) selling for the same price to Mr Walker.

Messrs C and D Chartres and Farrell's Lakeside Tommy (lot 876), having stood second to the champion sold for 7500gns.

Having taken the interbreed and overall championship Billy Robson's Kilbride Farm Tarrant has just sold to Iain Green of Corskie for 10,000gns.

The reserve to him came from W E Nelson - Drumacritten Titan and has sold for 7000gns.
Coming in the ring just after that was one from Gerald Smith - Drumsleed Troy (lot 859) for 5000gns.

Selling for 5800gns to the Duke of Fife was D Lowry's Millburn Tazy (lot 864).

The reserve senior champion Blackford Tonka (lot 839), much admired by many round the ring side including myself has sold for 11,000gns to Mr Maclean.

Following that was call of 4500gns for Clive Houldey's dark coloured Manor Park Tango (lot 841) and just after that came 5000gns from Mr Christie for Finlay McGowan's Dirnanean Tisio (lot 842).

The second prize bull Glenturk Thumper (lot 836) from Brian Allan has sold for 4800gns. This bull is by Whitemire King Kong and out of Milnafua Helga, which goes back to Solitude Challenger and has a milk figure of +9.

Messrs Telford and Rawcliffe's Halenook Time Piece (lot 845), by Starline Klassik has gone for 3600gns.

Messrs Peile's Pasturehouse Toffee (lot 848) has sold for 4800gns to Mr Park.

Henry Widdicombe's Starline Trump Card (lot 850) by Blackford Northern Light with a terminal sire index of +22 has gone for 3500gns.

Hamish Gilbert's first prize winning Whiteridden Torra (lot 853) by Curlie Major has sold for 4600gns to Campbell Graham.

Although John Young couldn't make the sale due to be tucked up in bed getting over a stroke, his son William has just sold Skerrington Talent (lot 828) for 10,000gns to Mrs Doyle. I'm sure John will be pleased with that! As David Leggat has just called out - we all wish him well!

Geraldine Strachan's Balmaud Torpedo (lot 826) has sold for 4500gns. By Corrick North West, he is out of an Austrian dam Zirle.

Jim Strathern jnr's Fog Thumper (lot 815) has just gone through at 4800gns, again not bad for a bull which went unsold in November at 2200gns. This bull is by Desswood Majestic and sells to Mr Black.

Henry Widdicombe's bull Starline Talisman (lot 819) has just joined that wagon to the Black's selling for 5000gns.

The fourth prize ticket from Tillymaud Farms, Tillymaud Tam O'Shanter (lot 820) has gone for 3200gns.

Iain Green's fifth prize Corskie Toby (lot 823) sells at 3500gns.

Messers Telford and Rawcliffe have just sold Halenook Thor, a Starline Decision son with strong female breeding females. He has a calving ease of +2.4 and milk figure of +7. he also has a self replacing index of +33. He sold for 7000gns on the tic tac.

The first prize bull from Tillymaud Farms, Tillymaud Tweed has just gone through at 6200gns. This bull is by Delfur Pedro and out of a homebred dam.

The second highest figured bull from C Bruce, Bemersyde Tribute with a self replacing index of +43 has just gone through at 5000gns.

Selling for a joint breed record of 22,000gns was the senior champion from Finlay and Neil McGowan. Dirnanean Typhoon is by Halenook Panache and out of a homebred dam, he was bought by Swindon-based David and Nikky Field, who bought a string of females last night.

Off the 148 bulls forward under judge Gerald Smith of the Drumsleed herd, David Leggat has kicked off trade knocking down the fourth prize dark coloured Hollywood Turnbull from B Phillips for 2400gns to Mr Mathers.

Second prize ticket and part of the champion group from Iain Green of Corskie, Corskie Ted has just sold for 3000gns to John Mackintosh.

Well the sale ring is gradually packing out in anticipation for what could be a strong sale of Simmental males. There's plenty of pedigree men looking for bulls as well as some commercial faces willing to pay well for good crossing bulls. I wouldn't mind betting one or two of the darker, good back-ended bulls go to commercial guys for good money...........watch this space!

Taking the first of the champion tickets this morning in the Charolais ring is Jim McConachie, whose April 2005 heifer Advie Balsam (lot 994) has just won the female champion ticket.

By Gretnahouse Prefect, she is out of a homebred female going back to Maerdy Influence.

Taking the reserve ticket was R E Hall's Barleyfields Brillian (lot 1005), homebred on both sides.

Bull classes have just kicked off with W Brown's Barrance Bionic (lot 1086), by Tullygarley Uni taking the first class and Hamish Goldie winning the second senior class with the Balthayock Ulex son Goldies Bertie (lot 1103).

Well it's another cold start to the second day at Perth, where today will see Charolais males and females shown, with judging starting at 9am this morning.

At 11am the bell will ring for the start of Simmental male selling, where trade will no doubt carry on in the brisk fashion it was in last night for females. I'm still banking on the Blackford bull making the money, I've seen one or two big pedigree names looking over him so we'll wait and see.

As far as my Charolais predictions go, there are three bulls being talked about, the first is one from the large string from Esmor Evans, Maerdy Bronx is a well grown June bull by Maerdy Super. The other two causing a stir is Neil Caul's Balnuith Brutus. Out of Ellern Noisette this September born bull is by the 30,000gns private bought Moyness Vivacious.

An outside chance in the sale ring tomorrow could be Andrew Hornall's Fallenich Balig by Mortimers Tebay.

As usual Taking Stock have made their nightly trip down to McDonalds for free wireless internet connection to bring you pictures from today's showing and judging......maybe if you all emailed United Auctions we could try and get wireless connection at the market and I would be able to bring these to you quicker!!!!!

So have a flick through the updated pictures and always if there's anything i've missed let me know - it's always good to hear your comments......now back to my Big Mac!!!

Continuing a strong run from the Tillymaud stable is the Lancer daughter Tillymaud Kathy 30th selling for 3200gns, she sold with her heifer calf by Innerwick Jaguar.

Selling at 2900gns was Tillymaud Danielle 29th, scanned in calf to the homebred bull Saracen.

At 2800gns was Hayley Clarke who came in to buy Tillymaud Malvenas 58th.

Trade for served heifers kicked off with a call of 2200gns for Tillymaud Tulipe 61st and a call of 3200gns for Tillymaud Tulip 62nd.

At 6000gns was a call from Leslie Weatherup, who bought Tillymaud Danielle 30th.

At 3500gns was David and Lesley Sapsed again who bought Tillymaud Malvenas by Hockenhull Maverick, while at 2100gns was neil Barclay who bought Tillymaud Malvenas 62, this time a Delfur Pedro daughter.

Selling for the highest calf price from the Tillymaud dispersal is Tillymaud Viscount, by Blackford Lancer. This May born calf sold for 3500gns and joins it's mother Tillymaud Tulipe 39 who sold to Lesley Weatherup, Co Antrim again for 2800gns.

At 4500gns was Tillymaud Malvenas 55th, by Wroxall Fortune selling to N Glasgow, Co Tyrone.

At 2600gns was Tillymaud Tulip 49th, this Lancer daughter sold with her October born heifer calf.

At 2200gns was Tillymaud Danielle 25th while her June born bull calf sold for 900gns.

Danielle 23rd by Kilbride Farm Elgar sold for 1700gns to Jim Bell.

The best so far to come from Tillymaud is Danielle 26th, with a cracking bull calf at foot by Reformer has just sold for 6500gns to Leslie Weatherup, Ballyclare, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Following her in the ring was Tillymaud Kathy 11th with her heifer calf selling for 2200gns to John Maxwell, Glasgow, while Tillymaud Tulipe 43 sold for 2800gns to Tom Henderson, Perthshire and her heifer calf this time by Blackford Lancer went for 1600gns.

Tillymaud Tulipe 48th has just gone with her bull calf for 5200gns to Tom Henderson.

Tillymaud Malvenas 37th has just sold for 3000gns to Gerald Smith, Drumsleed.

One of the favourite cows in the herd, Tillymaud Malvenas 42nd, by South Park VIP and dam of last year's Perth female champion sold for 4000gns to Hayley Clark. her bull calf by Lancer sold for 1500gns to G and E Lloyd, Carmarthenshire, Wales.

The first of the dispersal from Rob and Helen Smith's Tillymaud herd, Tillymaud Malvenas 40th, sold for 1800gns. Her bull calf by Blackford Lancer sold for 1400gns to Norman Innes.

Tillymauid Kathy 27 has just sold for 4000gns to John Maxwell, Glasgow..

Tillymaud Helga and her July born bull calf sold for 2500gns to J and E Peile, while Tillymaud Jools 22, by Camus Brandy sold with her heifer calf again by Blackford Lancer for 3500gns to R MCCulloch, West Lothian.

Another nice pair, Tillymaud Tulipe 51, by Lancer with her bull calf at foot by Dirnanean Reformer sold for 2500gns to A M Walker and Sons, Angus.

At 2400gns was Tillymaud Jools 21, selling to Mr Walker again with her Lancer heifer calf at foot.

The next in from Boddington with a first prize ticket on it - Sterling Nigella's Victoria, by Corskie Principal sold for 4200gns to David Sapsed again.

Second prize winning Torbeck Princess Ruby from Edward John Kublin sold for 3000gns to John Henderson, Northern Ireland.

With a fourth prize ticket on it another from Boddington - Sterling Joyfull's Vanessa sold for 2600gns to an un named bidder.

The last haltered heifer to go through the ring was Sterling Mercedes Vanilla from Boddington selling for 1050gns to Mr Holliday.

The champion female from Boddington Estates, Sterling Jool's Tanya has just gone for 6500gns to Mr Hollingsworth, Sheffield.

The reserve champion from Colin Fordyce, Blair Tiffany, by known female breeder Corskie Pascal and in calf to the top priced Simmental bull Omorga Samson, sold for 3800gns to Mr Fielding.

Following that was a call of 2600gns for Andy Wilson's Cairnview Beth selling to Mr Fielding. He also took home Steven Evans' Astcote Tofee for 2400gns.

At 2200gns was the first prize winning Annick Madelaine's Tiffany from Lachlan Quarm to David and Lesley Sapsted, Hertfordshire.

Bids for females kicked off at a pace with a call of 2600gns for R and P McAlister from Isle of Bute to Mr Fieding.

He then bought Brian Allan's Glenturck Susan by Whitemere King Kong for the same price.

Boddington Estates' first heifer in to the ring, Sterling Joyfull's Scarlet (first prize winner at the Highland Show last year) sold for 1800gns again to Mr Fielding, I'm guessing looking for foundation females for a new herd, having bought a load of females in November.

Another from Brian Allan with a third prize ticket on her, Glenturk Tanya sold for 2200gns again to Mr Fielding.

Fourth prize ticket from Boddington, Allercott Tracey sold for 2300gns.

Taking the overall male championship title was Billy Robson and Sons’ Kilbride Farm Tarrant by Seaview Prince. This August 2006 born is out of Kilbride Farm Lotus, one of the best breeding females in the herd and has a milk value of +5 and self replacing index of +25.

Taking the reserve title was Finley and Neil McGowan’s Dirnanean Typhoon. By Halenook Panache, this bull went unsold at Perth in November at 1400gns.

Section winners:

Senior champion: Finley and Neil McGowan’s Dirnanean Typhoon (lot 796); res, Billy McPherson’s Blackford Tonka (lot 839).

Intermediate champ: Billy Robson and Sons’ Kilbride Farm Tarrant (lot 891); res, W E Nelson’s Drumacritten Titan (lot 908).

Junior champ: Lachlan Quarm’s Annick Talisker (lot 967); res, Pat Kelly’s Ashland Trevor (lot 956)

Pics to follow shortly.........

Now my predictions aren't normally spot on, but I've started well this morning having selected the Simmental female champion.

Gerald Smith of Drumsleed taped out Boddington Estates' Sterling Jool's Tania (lot 230) as the champion. By Corskie Prinsipal and out of Sterling Alpena's Jools, she has a milk figure of +6 and self replacing index of +33.

Galloway breeders were in confident mood after their annual Spring show and sale at Castle Douglas, as those forward topped at 4000gns and five were bought for export to Germany and two for Ireland.

The top bid came for a two and a half year old bull, Klondyke Nimrod shown by Klondyke Farms Ltd, Shancastle, Moniaive, Dumfries and bought by Messrs J M and D Maxwell, Blairvockie Farm, Drymen, Glasgow.

Second top price of the day was 3400gns for the 15-month-old bull Penninghame Oregan from Andrew McConchie, Mains of Penninghame, Newton Stewart, which was bought by Barb Heyes Land Improvements, Rainford, while Messrs McConchie's senior champion bull Penninghame Overlord was bought at 3200gns by Cneur Estate in Brecon, Wales.

The supreme champion from William Wallace and Sons, Hannaston Farm, Dalry, Castle Douglas sold for 3200gns. Two-year-old bull Ronaldo of Fingland was bought by Messrs J and J W Ions, Thornieburn, Hexham, Northumberland.

The female champion and two-year-old heifer Drumhumphry Janice 350 shown by Andrew Brown of Drumhumphry Farm, Corsock, went under the hammer at 2600gns to German farmer Bern Schlichterle who also paid 1500gns for the reserve female champion, Countess Nolene shown by Peter Hunter Blair of Nether Cleugh, Dalry.

Averages: 20 bulls £1876. 88; 19 heifers £1876; 37 bulling heifers £1010.66 (Wallets Mart).

Well first thing to report is it's bloody cold!!!!! The sun may be shining in Perth for the second week of the bull sales, but it's definately fresh!!!

I've taken a look round and one or two Simmentals have already caught my eye. Of the females, the Sterling line up is very strong, with lot numbers 624, 628 and 630 being topping my choice. Of that Sterling Jool's Tania, by Corskie Principal, stands out for me.

In the males, there seems to be a fair bit of fuss around one of the Blackford bulls - Blackford Tonka (lot 839). This May bull is by Drumsleed Pagan and weighs in at 1055kg - definately one to keep an eye on in the judging ring tomorrow.

A baby with a bright future stole the show on Craven Champions Day, the annual show and sale of commercial store cattle with future show potential at Skipton Auction Mart.

The six-month-old home-bred Limousin-cross heifer from Dalesman Chris Akrigg, of Manor Farm, Cray, was first chosen as champion in the halter-led classes before going on to take the overall supreme championship in the hands of Mr Akrigg’s son Tom.

By the renowned Irish Limousin sire Rocky, out of a Limousin-cross dam, the victor went on to impress in the ring when sold for the show-topping price of £1680 to Steven Swales, of York.

A cold but sunny day in Brecon for McCartneys show and sale of show potential calves saw some quality entries forward. Altough short of 20 calves due to recent changes in bluetongue movement restrictions, which meant the zone stopped short of the roundabout down the road from the market, the standard of calves on offer today lived up to expectations.

Taking the championship and top call of £2350 was a sweet purebred Limousin heifer from Gwyn, Hazel and Chris Davies, Dryslwyn, Carmarthenshire. Fancied by many ringsiders (including myself) to take the championship, she sold to one half of the judges - Robin Roberts via a telephone bid.

MORE PICTURES

Bidding kicked into frenetic mode for the junior champion and reserve when they entered the ring. Taking the top call of 32,000gns was the much admired reserve junior champion from the Vaughan family. Their entry Dolcorsllwyn Brynmor took the crowd's fancy and sold to join the Gunnerfleet herd of Messrs Handley.

By Nenuphar and out of Dolcorsllwyn Patsi, he sold with a beef value of 32.

Taking the 22,000gns call were the Ridley brothers, Matt and Craig, with the junior and reserve overall champion Haltcliffe Brazil. This one is by Cloughead Umpire.

Brian Jones' Bailea herd has just reaped a 10,000gns call for its September 2006 born entry Bailea Bullion. This well muscled son of French sire Requin heads across the water to Ireland after being bought on commission by H and H ring master David Thomlinson.

Two bulls have just come under the hammer at 10,000gns and more. The first was one the pre-sale rumour bulls from George Hutton's Cloughead herd. George's entry had been making all the running in the pre-sale talk and this bull matched up to expectations, drawing bids from a packed ringside.

Next up at five figures were Messrs Green when they sold their Grahams Unbeatable sired bull Derriaghy Bobyouruncle at 10,5000gns to Messrs Pritchard.

Beyond the top prices there is a steady and surefooted commercial trade with plenty of bulls making 3000gns and above.

A bull many ringsiders had much admired yesterday came through to take the top call of the day so far at 28,000gns.

Paul Dawes' Dinmore Bandit, again by Wilodge Tonka and out of Fleethill Sal, sold to Messrs Jenkinson, Penrith for their pedigree herd.

And just one lot later came a 22,000gns call for Messrs Little's reserve intermediate champion Guards Boomer. this one sold to Messrs Brown, Northern Ireland.

Something had to wake this trade up and the last two bulls have certainly given it a kick, on now with the juniors....

Paul Dawes' first entry from his Dinmore herd earned a bid of 9000gns for Wildoge Tonka son Dinmore Bentley.

This one is out of Fleethill Sal and is one of a flush of embryos taken from her. A smart, well balanced bull, Bentley sold to Newark market auctioneer Paul Gentry, buying on behalf of a client.

Ironstone Brandy doubled up the 11,000gns bid earned by his herdmate, Bomber, when selling as champion just a minute ago.

Out of the record price female Baillea Umandy, Brandy failed to set the sale ring alight as many had thought he might. Pictures will follow later once I've got the technology working!!!

A two-way tic tac battle has pushed bids to 7000gns for the second of Martin Conway's Craigatoke bulls at today's Carlisle sale. Both bulls carried tremendous width and power about them and looked cheap on the day.

Taking the 7000gns call was Craigatoke Bomber, by Haltcliffe Underwriter and out of Craigatoke Redrose. Martin's previous entry, Craigatoke Barty, just one lot before went to 4000gns.

John Burnett, Spittalton, also sold well, making 6000gns of Spittalton Baron just one lot before Barty. Three good bulls which may look cheap by the time the day is done....

Threaphurst Brutus has just gone through the ring to take a final bid of 8700gns in a sale which caught auctioneer David Thomlinson in humorous mood.

Buyer at this money was Andrew Ewing, Dumfrieshire. Brutus is by noted sire Tunnelby Monkeytricks and out of a homebred dam.

The bid was nearly matched two lots later with the first of the Goldie family's entries, Goldies Bullet, by Goldies Uppercrust and out of Goldies Undo. This one made 6500gns

The first of the offering from Ironstone has just set the tone for the day, selling for 11,000gns.

Ironstone Bomber, a noted show circuit regular last year is herdmate to yesterday's champion Brandy and is by Uniprix and out of Torpedo.

It's been a while coming, but Ironstone have now made their mark on the Carlisle sale ring as a vendor after many years of paying top dollar to source leading genetics for the herd

Ironstone Brandy from Peter Smith's Ironstone herd took top honours in yesterday's pre-sale judging of bulls at Carlisle's opening Limousin fixture of the year.

With the sale just half an hour from kicking off, there has been plenty of interest in this bull in the lines this morning, particularly as bluetongue restrictions mean this may be the only time the Ironstone herd can consign to Carlisle this year.

By Unisco and out of Baillea Umandy, Brandy stood champion ahead of an entry from Matt and Craig Ridley's Haltcliffe herd. This one is by Cloughead Umpire and out of homebred dam Haltcliffe Uldale.

Prospective buyers are now starting to fill the sale ring and Taking Stock will bring you regular updates throughout the day with leading prices reported live from the ringside, check back later to see if Brandy can follow up his winning ways with a top price....

Well I'm just about to head off in the car for the 4-hour journey to Brecon for their show potential show and sale tomorrow. If last year was anything to go by we might see some strong bidding as last year's champion went under the hammer at over £7000!!

I'll keep you up dated with pictures and prices as always and look out for next week's Farmers Weekly as I will be featuring the sale as an Under the Hammer at the back of the magazine.

This weekend also sees Taking Stock bringing you up to date news and views from Borderway Mart, Carlisle for the sale of Limousin Bulls. I've taken a look through the catalogue and there's a few names in there sure to cause a stir. Personally I'm dying to know what a couple of the Smiths of Bloxham bulls will make....it's been a long time coming!

Gisburn Auction Marts saw the best prices for OTM Cattle since the return of cull cattle entering into the food chain, with three cull cows achieving over £1000.

First under the hammer was a farm-assured Charolais, 2003 born cow which weighed 1068kg and sold for £1442 or 135p/kg.

The next lot was a farm-assured Belgian Blue, 2002 born cow which weighed 812kg and sold for £1060 or 131p/kg. Finally M & E Hartley, Roughlee, Nelson, Lancs, sold their Belgian Blue cow which weighed 790kgs and sold for £1047 or 133p/kg.

Purchasing them all was Dunbia (Sawley), Clitheroe, Lancs. The beef from all these animals is destined for Holland.

Averages Premium 100p/kg; Prime 84p/kg; Other 67p/kg; Males 83p/kg; Dairy Culls 84p/kg

They’ve often caused a stir in the show ring as well as round the sale ring when they’ve been buying, but now all eyes are on Smiddiehill as they sell their noted Holstein and Jersey herd next month at Bristol.

In just six years, the extravagant rise to prominence of these two remarkable herds is a story that will be part of cattle breeding history for some years to come. And with 47 prize winning animals catalogued, there’s no doubt the sale will rise to the occasion.

Under the management of David and Bev Bostock, the herd has 16 Excellent and 25 Very Good cows and an average of 11,628kg, 4.21% fat and 3.20% protein and in the smaller Jersey herd 5 Excellent and 4 Very Good cows and an average 7657kg and 5.42% fat.

Smiddiehill have won 30 breed championships and have dominated the most recent National Holstein show winning all four banners. The herd is ranked third on PLI in the UK and averages 89 points for the Holsteins and 90 points for the Jerseys.

Unlike the previous week, export buyers at Ashford Market, Kent were particularly busy with home buyers reluctant to pay the price.

Averages were in excess of 125p/kg and up to £64 a head for Texel crosses. The majority of hoggets ranged from £50 to £60 a head and up to £66.

Trade also improved for store sheep with stronger ones from the best crossbreds readily in excess of £40.

The top half of the finished cattle entries averaged 129p/kg with yearling heifers grossing £667 and 24 month old steers grossing £977. A mixed bag of store cattle saw Limousin cross steers topping £428 (Hobbs Parker).

Bentham Auction held its annual Super Two Challenge last Wednesday where prizes were given for the best pair of Continental prime hoggetts.

Some 29 pairs were presented for show and judged by Stephen and Antony Swales of Knavesmire Butchers, York who awarded the champion prize to Robert Towers of Farleton, Nr Lancaster for his 38kg hoggs sired by the Beltex ram our of Charollais x Berrichon Ewes.

The champion hoggs were purchased by Paul Watson of Hellifield for £170 or 447p/kg.

Second and third prizes were awarded to Messrs Taylor Bros of Rathmell realising £94 (or 229p/kg) and £76 (194p/kg) selling to J Hadwin of Kirkby Lonsdale and the judges Messrs Swales.

Aberdeen and Northern Marts are set to offer some 100 exhibition cattle and 73 of the North East’s premier pedigree beef bulls as part of the 2008 Royal Northern Spring Show at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie on Wednesday, February 27.

The annual multi-breed show and sale of pedigree beef bulls, sponsored by Clydesdale Bank, comprises 30 Charolais, 24 Limousin, 9 Simmental, 9 Aberdeen-Angus and 1 Blonde D’ Aqutaine which will be judged by Mr J Muirhead, Firhills Farm, Arbroath.

This year’s show will start at 8.30am and the sale will begin at 11.30am.

Also taking place as part of the 2008 Royal Northern Spring Show will be a show and sale of about 100 exhibition cattle. This event will begin with the show at 10.30am and the sale will commence at 2pm with the presentation of trophies.

From Cumbria to Kent, prospective buyers gathered at Beeston Castle Auction for the sale of the entire milking portion of Bedfordhsire-based Gary Spiers’ Caddington Herd of pedigree Holsteins, which saw prices top 2300gns.

The sale followed the decision to temporarily stop milking which will enable him to carry out necessary alterations to the buildings and to install a new slurry system on the farm.

Topping the day at 2300gns was Caddington Integrity Pearlette 44 (VG88), a daughter of Robthom Integrity giving 31.5kg having calved her second calf in July. Taking her and a further 100 other lots was Johnathan Fisher, Edenhall, Penrith, for restocking following foot-and-mouth in 2002.

Next in the price list was the milking heifer Caddington Outside Lead 15 who calved last September and was still giving 34.8kg a day. She sold to A and L Greenwood, Shotwick, Chester.

Dairy cull cows met a strong trade at Holsworthy last week where prices peaked at 113p/kg for a Holstein Friesian from W and W Northmore, Dartmoor.

Auctioneer David Kivell said Kivells were now seeing regular numbers of 80-100 cows which still isn’t enough to satisfy those buyers keen to secure full loads. “The increase in cull cow trade is also seeing buyers attending the price cattle pens with last week’s trade seeing a top price of 132p/kg for a heavy steer from G Woodman, Chawleigh.”

It’s been a long time coming but Luing breeders have finally hit the big time. After a successful sale last year breeders had even more to smile about after last week’s sizzling trade at Castle Douglas where demand pushed bull bidding to 14,000gns and took female trade to 2300gns for bulling heifers.

A bigger entry proved no handicap on this bonanza day for a breed whose supporters are enjoying well deserved recognition among suckler breeders looking for genuine, hard wearing cattle. There was an overall clearance of 97% with more bulls sold on the day than at any breed sale for almost 30 years.

Making the top call for his boss was Neil Anderson who manages Prof Penny’s herd at Harehead Farms in the Lammermuir Hills, Duns. His 14,000gns bid - matching the previous breed record - came for the March 2006-bred bull Nunnerie Harvey from Biggar breeders C C MacArthur and Co.

This roan polled bull – a heifer’s calf – was bringing home breeding back to Harehead. By Harehead Davy-Dee and out of a home-bred dam by Harehead Zambeezie he weighed 840kg on the day.

John Douglas of Ervie herefords, Stranraer and Graham Stratford of Aultoun Herefords, Hampshire have joined forces to send a consignment of 16 Herefords to Giel Hermans in the Netherlands.

Ten of the in-calf heifers are homebred, four of which are by the Canadian import sire Bannerlane Hi Standard 45H.

Yorkshire Dales Swaledale sheep supremo Roy Nelson retained the title for the fourth year in succession at the 2008 annual show and sale of Swaledale prime lambs at Skipton Auction Mart.

Roy, who trades as C Nelson and Sons at Lainger Farm, Bordley, struck yet again with a pen of ten hoggs, chosen as champions by James Dewhirst, Lothersdale, who followed up his judgement at the ringside when purchasing the 59kg victors for £57.80 a head on behalf of Skipton-based Stanforths Butchers.

Selling prices were notably higher than the corresponding fixture last year, with regular Skipton buyer Paul Watson, of Hellifield, snapping up all other prize winners in both the Swaledales and other horned lambs show classes.

Well I'm back from Perth now and one thing is for sure - I'm definately in the South as the sun is beaming through the office window which makes a change from the cold, damp weather I've been used to these last couple of days.

I've updated the picture gallery to include pictures of Limousin money makers and the odd Blonde and Blue as well.

Now I've got Simmental and Charolais week to look forward to - I hope to see you there!!

Well that's me done for today chaps!! The Taking Stock team are officially signing off for today's trading and making the seven hour journey home!!

I'll bring you updated pictures and sale prices tomorrow morning when I touch base back at head office, so keep an eye on the gallery tomorrow and of course this week's Farmers Weekly.

Topping British Blue trade at Perth this week was the champion exhibit from Kevin Watret. Solway View Berti, an embryo bred January two year old is by the famous Dafydd D'Ochain and out of Annanwater Venice. He sold to Messrs Wootten, Ravensend.

Sharing that price tag was Goodyhills Baz from N B and I A Armstrong. This Netherwood Umpire son went to D E and J Birkett, Berwickshire.

Continuing the rising fashion for Black coated Limousin, the Bob and Drew Adam partnership have just sold the other Greenhaugh Utwo son, Newhouse Black Billy for 12,000gns to A G Howie, Peterhead.

So with a new centre record of 25,000gns I'd say the British Limousin Cattle Society will be more than happy with their day's achievements, let alone Brian Jones!!!!

It's rare for some of the smaller entry of breeds to sell so well at Perth, but the Blonde's certainly caused a stir when D M C Grant's Ardmore Braveheart stepped in to the ring.

Homebred on both sides he sold for the day's top price of 6500gns to W M Young and Son, Kirkaidy.

Now the bull I wanted to see go through was Bob and Drew Adam's Newhouse Black Bandit who took the reserve junior title. Unfortunately it didn't cause as much a stir as Matthew Jones' one, but this did sell for 8500gns.

Coming in a fraction lower was the junior champion from Messrs W McLaren, who sold McLarens BNB for 7000gns.

Well I predicted these Black bulls would sell, but I didn't think we would be up in these figures. Pedigree breeder Harry Emslie has just dug deep to secure Matthew Jones' intermediate champion Bailea Black BMW for 25,000gns!!!!!!

By Requin and out of Belldoon Dutchess, he has a more than impressive breed value of +45 and a muscle depth index of +7.90.

Selling a champion for the first time in Perth, Mr Common has just sold Crossdykes Bobby for 7500gns. This Sarkley Thunderbolt son is out of a homebred cow.

As yet we don't have a picture of this bull as the owner is un-willing to take him out on the board, but I've got Tim on the case so fingers crossed!

Just after this sale, Michael Massie was finally successful selling for a worthy price as his second prize bull Elrick Brando sold for 7000gns. By Croftlimousin Spencer he has a breed value of +34.

Topping trade so far is a Limousin bull from James Thomson. The second prize winning Beath Braveheart by Ravageur has sold for 8500gns to Messrs McLaren.

And off the same dam line as the successful show cow Tangerine, Millington Grange Estate's Millington Brandy has just gone for 7000gns. By Sans Coeur, this cracking bull has a breed value of +43.

Kicking off the intermediate section was the first prize winning Maraiscote Byron from John Nimmo who sold for 3500gns to Mr Stobart.

David Orr's Keirsbeath Bismark, a Dyfri Target son has sold for 4000gns to the Crofters Commission, while David Work's second prize bull Dumbreck Bergkamp has also sold for 4000gns.

One of the big ended bulls from Brian Jones with full French breeding, Basilic, has just sold for 4000gns. He goes back to Simbad and Ferry on the sire side.

David Work's senior champion Dumbreck Blockbuster has just sold for 6500gns to the Thompson family. This Greenbank Star son is out of Drysgol Matilda.

Keith redpath's third prize bull Redpaths Bradley has just sold for 6000gns to Messrs McMillan.

The reserve senior champion from Tom Cooper, Tomschoice has just sold for 5000gns to an un named bidder on the tic tac. This is a Ronick Member son is out of a homebred cow and has a breed value of +25. Not bad seeing as this is the Cooper's first time in Perth, I'm sure he will be back in the ring with another cracker shortly.

Well if you're like me you'll be wondering whether the Limousin Cattle Society can end a fantastic week's trading at Perth this week.

Selling is due to start at 11am so everyone is frantically doing that last minute wash and brush up. I'll keep you posted as and when the big prices happen, as I'm sure they'll be one or two big deals done today!!

Well as I think about signing off for today and switching my attention to writing hard copy for this week's Farmers Weekly, I thought I'd update you with some pictures from today's selling.

It's certainly been a fantastic day for the Aberdeen-Angus Society with prices reaching 32,000gns, I certainly won't forget the look on Bob Lane's face as he realised what his bulls were selling for - well done Bob!!

The Shorthorns also had a good day reaching 12,000gns for one from Bill and Jane Landers, mind you I think that was all down her to her fantastic marketing ability in the ring making everyone crack up laughing - congratualtions to you too!

So that leaves me thinking what tomorrow will bring and I'm sticking with my early predictions that Newhouse will be there or there abouts in terms of topping trade, Their Black Bandit bull is certainly what to take a look at.

What ever happens I'll try and keep you posted!

Having taken the intermediate Limousin title earlier in the day, the Common family, Lockerbie, Dumfrieshire took the overall title under commercial producer and judge Robert Struthers, Lanark.

The Sarkley Thunderbolt son was born May 2006 and is out of a homebred dam. Going back to Igolo on the sire side he has a breed value of +30.

Taking the female title was R Aitken's Ronick Hawk daughter Lourie Avie out of Bailea Uptowngirl.

More details and pics to follow shortly..............

Having saved the best to last a rather excited Jane Landers sold her reserve junior champion Cairnsmore Zidane for 12,000gns, which if my memory serves me correctly could be a new record at Perth.

This sweet, but stylish bull is by Cairnsmore Nike Sportsman and is out of Rothes Mennah, commerical and small pedigree breeder Doug Bell, Berwick was the lucky man to take the bull home.

Biggar-based Chesterhalls Park Farm have just sold Gregors Zip for 6800gns to Campbell Graham, Causgow.

Carey Coombs' fourth prize winning bull Dunsyre Nazibar sold for 4600gns to Ormsary Farmers.

Termed as Donald Biggar's favourite bulls from his Chapelton herd, first prize winning Chapelton Zurich sold for 3200gns to the Crofters Commission.

Topping trade so far was the champion from Donald Biggar, Chapelton Zodiac. The powerful roan Chapelton Typhoon sold for 8000gns to Tony Wood of the Abbots Reading herd, Cumbria with Christopeher Marler running as under bidder.

The junior and reserve overall Tofts Regent from Playfair Farms sold for 4500gns to B and Q Farming Partnership, Selkirk.

At 5200gns James Porter's Uppermill Jumbo, bred by James Durno sold to Mr McAdie, Thurso. This February 2006 born bull is by Chapelton Touchstone.

And with comments like "he's got a bigger arse than me and that takes some doing" Mrs Landers of the Cairnsmore herd certainly caused a stir when she stepped in the ring to sell her reserve senior champion Cairnsmore Zorro Prince for 3200gns to W Graham.

Gerald Turton's first bull in to the ring Virginian of Upsall, by Trunley Soldier has started Shorthorn trade off to a good start with a bid of 4000gns to D and S Calder, Aberfeldy.

One or two have snuck through un sold, but I'd say the breed should have a good sale overall - although not sure we'll see a 32,000gns bid!!!

An average of £4104.55 for 152 bulls sold more than satisfied the new Aberdeen Angus Cattle Saociety president John Coultrip.

Speaking to Taking Stock minutes after the sale, he said he was really pleased with how the sale went and the quality of the cattle forward. "We've had a tricky year with many breeders at cross roads in terms of bluetongue restrictions, but this sale has renewed confidence for many producers."

Causing a well deserved applause in the sale rings was Shropshire-based Bob Lane from the Penguin herd who sold his first prize winning bull for 32,000gns. Penguin Mr Elevate by Basin Prime Cut now joins Ryan Air owner Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown herd at Mullingar.

Allan Rennie's Mosston Muir Lord Ringo, by Mosston Muir El Krugerrand sold for 11,500gns to N A and J De Cogan, Co Cork.

The champion bull from the Campbell and Tilson family has not suprisingly topped today's trade so far selling for 24,000gns. Wedderlie Blackdown sold to John Moores of The Moss.

The reserve overall from Gordon Gray, Ettrick Katmandu and with Wedderlie breeding behind him sold for 5500gns to R H Gladstone, Dumfries.

Lord and Lady Glendyne's senior champion Hurdcott Elgar sold for 4500gns to Mr Mylius, Fife, with the reserve senior from the Quayle family Ballavitchel Champion sold to Terry Coghill, Orkney for 3200gns.

The intermediate champion from the Tilson and Campbell family, Wedderlie Kansas sold to Glassel Farms, Kincardineshire for 10,000gns with the reserve intermediate Skail Duke from past society president Colin Davidson sold for 9000gns to a joint share between the Castle of Mey Trust and Russell Balundauch.

Logie Lustre from Messrs Bruce and Partners has just gone to John Best and Sons, Poynts Pazz, Northern Ireland for 11,000gns. The Skail Dot Com has a terminal sire index of +30 and joins the females bought last night who will eventually head across the water.

Third prize ticket from Neil Massie, Blelack Lord Harmony sold for 6000gns to Mr Ritch.

The high figured bull Threebrunford Leander by Rawburn Transformer has just gone to Phil Halhead of Norbreck Genetics of 5200gns. With a terminal sire index of +40 and a milk index of +19 he certainly will be one to keep an eye on in terms of semen sales.

A bull that had caused a bit of a stir in the stalls, but only managed a fourth prize ticket under Donald Biggar. With a 600 day figure of +100 and a milk figure of +12, Rawburn Ravovo from John Elliott has just sold for 10,000gns to G R and S C Brooks, Malton, N Yorks.

Well David Leggat has already started bobbing with an electric kick of to Angus trade as the first bull in to the ring selling for 5000gns. Hugh Blackwood's Auldhouseburn Marcus (lot 104) now heads to Mr Wooten, Bedfordshire.

His second bull into the ring Auldhouseburn Balckadder has just sold for 6000gns to undisclosed bidder on the tic tac.

Anticipation is building and the sale ring is gradually filling up.........there's still some talk on the Donald Biggar bull, but also for the intermediate champion from Wedderlie, I've even seen a semen company looking at him so who knows what will happen!!

One thing is for sure David Leggat will woprk hard to get the bids rolling!

Limousin judging is underway at Perth with the female championship going to R Aitken's Ronick Hawk daughter Lourie Avie. The reserve title went to Archie MacGregor's Ardbrack Taketime May two-year old Allanfauld Bezique.

Angus males are just getting ready to start selling and for the first time I'm going to attempt to bring you sale prices as live as possible by taking the lap top in to the sale ring with me. I can't promise we'll be successful, but I'll give it a go.

In the mean time the remainder of the Taking Stock team, plus a little help from a willing Scottish farmer, are filming a video on health status, so that should be available soon.

I'll keep you posted on what could be a big money day if the rumours live up to expectations!

Check out the Taking Stock (well Tim Scrivener's) pictures so far from Perth Bull Sales.

There's some crackers on here I'd love to know what you're favourites are, personally I love the sun shining down on the Limousin when he's being washed!

And yes as always the heads are cut off in the gallery, but open them up and they're fine....more to follow tomorrow from Angus and Shorthorn male selling and Limousin judging.

Well I said I'd get some gossip for you and my usual sources are coming up trumps........

In terms of spending round the Angus rings tomorrow, a certain Donald Biggar bull is creating alot of attention with some of the big pedigree names being drawn to him. There has been talk of a 50,000gns price tag.....so watch this space!!!!!

The Aberdeen-Angus judge Donald Biggar took the Shorthorn male title with Chapelton Zodiac. Homebred on both sides, the Typhoon sired son has a terminal sire index of +14 and was first prize at the Royal Highland Show and junior male champion at the Royal show last year.

Taking the reserve title was Playfair Farms' Tofts Regent. Again homebred on both sides, this May 2006 born Captain son has a terminal sire index of +14 and scores +3 for milk.

More to follow shortly..........

Well at least one of my predictions have come true........a stronger show of Shorthorn females than November, Danny and Jane Wyllie's Tamhorn Zara shone through without doubt to catch the eye of judge Simon Farmer to take the female championship.

By the Canadian bred CCS Equity's Charmer and out of HC Myrtle, Zara was junior native champion and Shorthorn female champion at last year's Royal Show.

And taking that little beauty home for the female top price of 5000gns was new breeder Jerry Henchey from Northern Ireland. Jerry already has the Friarstown Angus herd, but is branching into Shorthorns with this addition going home to his five other cows.

Second top price from the shown female section was a call of 3300gns for James Porter's Uppermill Lovely Lupo, bred by James Durno. This roan coloured Uppermill Bartle daughter went to another new breeder from Northern Ireland, Fred Duncan, Crumlin.

Here's the section leaders from today.............I'm open to bets on what these will make tomorrow!!

Senior champion: Lord and Lady Glendyne's Hurdcott Elgar (by Wedderlie Ebtide).

Intermediate champion: Messrs J and J Campbell's Wedderlie Kansas (sired by Wedderlie Blackadder).

.....And Wedderlie continue to shine!

Topping Angus female trade so far is a cow and calf outfit from the draft offering of Jenny Campbell and Marion and John Tilson's Wedderlie herd, Berwickshire and owners of today's Angus male champion.

The sale topping bid came from David Walker who will be taking Wedderlie Ellana E076 back home to his Galcantray herd. A Wedderlie Blackbest daughter with a stylish heifer calf by Wedderlie Glen More, the October 2005 born Ellana is due to calve again to the same bull.

David Walker also took home Wedderlie Namosa E036, this time an August 2005 born Blackadder daughter with her Lorabar Jasper Eric sired bull calf at foot for 5000gns.

At the same bid was Wedderlie Elneve E007 who sold with her bull calf to J Best, Northern Ireland. Mr Best also took home Wedderlie Duchesse E031.

Also in this draft Mullingar-based Michael O'Leary featured heavily taking home Wedderlie Privola E894 for 4200gns, Wedderlie Espirito E881 for 3500gns and Wedderlie Privacy E032 for 3000gns.

At 3100gns, G Pilcher, St Ives, Cornwall took home Wedderlie Netlass E067.

Having fought off some strong competition Berwickshire-based Jenny Campbell and Marion and John Tilson's junior champion Wedderlie Blackdown has taken the overall male champiopnship in the Aberdeen-Angus section at the Perth Bull Sales.

Blackdown may have been badly behaved in the ring, but Angus judge Donald Biggar stayed with this young bull throughout.

Sired by Coldstream Bonnie Doon from the family of the renowned Knights Blackbird line, the August 2008 born bull has a terminal sire index of +22 and a milk figure of +13.

Well a good start to a rather cold morning (well I am a soft Southerner!) in Perth see's Turriff, Aberdeenshire-based Hamish Sclater take the Aberdeen-Angus female championship.

The first animal to be catalogued, Deveron Proud Imogen E153 is a May 2005 female by Gigginstown Toy Boy and out of a home bred cow. Going back to Ebon Hill Extra Gold on the sire side, Imogen is no stranger to the show ring having taken a second prize ticket as a baby heifer calf at the 2005 Black Beauty Bonanza show.

Well after the seven hour drive, the Taking Stock team has arrived at Perth for the February Bull Sales....and I'm pleased to say it's not snowing....but it is cold!!!

We've had a look round the Aberdeen-Angus, Limousins, Shorthorns (and the odd Luing, Saler, Blue and Blonde) and stock looks well.

I'd say many Limousin breeders are hoping to emulate the success of Newhouse Limousins who sold well last February with their two black bulls, as there are quite a few Black bulls in residence....including a smart one or two from Newhouse again.

Tomorrow kicks off with judging of the Angus females at 8.30 so we'll keep you posted with class results (my money could be on a rather strong Penguin or Oakchurch heifer!). Following the females, Angus males will take to the ring where I will be interested to see how a certain Rawburn bull stands out, there's certainly enough buzz about in him in the lines.

I'm also looking forward to a strong show of Shorthorns, particularly the females, with three rather smart young heifers from Danny Wyllie having already caught my eye in the pens....we'll wait and see!

So it's off to the bar for a drink or two....or three or four to find out what pedigree news, gossip or scandal I can lay my heads on, or any other scandal for that matter!!

I'll report back in the morning!

Kivells, auctioneers, who run livestock centres at Holsworthy, Liskeard and Hallworthy, have seen a very impressive increase in trade in stock for 2007 compared to 2006.

The biggest change was in the sale of store cattle where a 39% increase was seen with total sales just shy of 20,000 head of stock. In the dairy cow auctions, auctioneer Mark Bromell also saw a significant increase with their business improving nearly 8%.

In the prime cattle section it was a similar story of a 7.2% increase and in the store sheep section an increase of 14%. Auctioneer and partner of Kivells, David Kivell, said, “It is really exciting to see our livestock sales improving at an impressive rate with both cattle and sheep sales showing real improvement.

Our livestock markets offer tremendous competition between an increased number of buyers which gives potential for high returns on stock values and they also play a vital role in the social calendar which does much to dissolve the rural isolation experienced by many in the farming world”.

Kivells have now introduced two new regular auctions to their sales calendar in the livestock markets to include weekly sales of prime stock, cattle and sheep at Hallworthy in North Cornwall and regular monthly red markets of TB-restricted cattle and cows at Holsworthy.