March 2008 Archives

A large number of people were in attendance at Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ first store cattle show and sale of the spring season on Friday.

Edzell buyer A C Brown, Reidhall Farms, took advantage of the event to purchase three of the four prize winners on the day.

The overall champion was a 536kg September 2006-born homebred Charolais cross heifer which was exhibited by G & D Anderson, Brucewells, Netherley and sold for £980 to A.C Brown, Reidhall Farms, Edzell.

Winning the reserve championship was a 512kg homebred Charolais cross heifer from G Hendry, Heads of Auchinderran, Aultmore. It was also bought by A C Brown, Reidhall Farms, Edzell for £930.

It was the reserve champion and son of Tamhorn Sumo that got trade going at the British Blue's Dungannon sale on Saturday with a top call of 4200gns.

Ballydougan Brandy, put of Chatham Utility, from Barry Chambers, County Armagh, sold to James Winters, Louth.

Taking the chmapionship honours was Ballylucas Buster, a son of Dafydd D'Ochain. Forward from Downpatrick breeder Sam Cleland, he later sold to G Cowan, County Tyrone for 3500gns.

Participation in the British Limousin Cattle Society’s Herd Health Initiative has continued to grow with 128 herds, representing 4573 pedigree Limousin calves, having registered for the financially incentivised initiative. This represents an increase on the year of 20 herds and a further 740 calves.

This means that of the 18,348 pedigree calves registered with the Society last year a very encouraging 25% are from herds operating within industry-licenced health schemes.

The British Limousin Herd Health Initiative offers financial support to breeders who are making a long term investment into herd health assurance through being a member of a Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHeCS) approved scheme. Herds within a CHeCS scheme are able to make a claim each year based on the numbers of pedigree calves they have registered in the preceding twelve month period.

Topping trade at Bentham Auction Market's March Milker day was P and M Crackles and Sons' heifer which sold to A and E Johnstone and Sons, Carlisle for £2800.

The Johnstone's also paid£2300 for the champion again from the Crackle family.

The third prize ticket from R and E Butterfield, Bentham sold for £2200 to J R boothman.

In the freshly calved section, W J and J M Lawson, Westhouse sold to £1680 to D Mason and Sons.

Some 900 lots of poultry were on offer at Melton Mowbray on Saturday. Take a look at our on-line gallery for more pictures from the sale.

A British Blue-cross took championship honours for Ken Fawcett and Sons, of Dale Head Farm, Barden, at the annual Spring show and sale of young feeding bulls at Skipton Auction Mart yesterday.

It was the second year in succession that the Fawcetts had clinched the title with a ten-month-old home-bred BB-cross youngster. Like their 2007 victor, it is by Brookfield Vaughan, bought from Stephen Potter, Thirsk, and now in its third year as a sire on the Fawcett suckler herd.

Exhibited by John Fawcett, the 2008 champion sold for the top price of £960 to Steven Swales, York, who also bought last year’s title winner for £800, signifying improved trading levels this time around.

Trade for strong young beef cross calves continues at a high with Leyburn Auction Mart seeing prices well in to the £300 bracket.

Topping day's trade were G P and R Simpson, whose British Blue cross bull calf sold for £325 and whose batch averaged £271. Blue cross heifers also topped at £315 for one from A S and J K Leggott, their batch averaged £266.

Next to top were Limousin's when a heifer from J Pearson and Sons sold for £295 and a bull calf from J Dinsdale sold for £280.

J A Dent and Sons' Simmental crosses topped at £242 for bull calves and £205 for heifers.

On the same day 110 sheep were forward with in-lamb Mules hitting £50 a head and Mule gimmer hoggs selling to £59 a piece.

Packed with some real genetic giants, Borderway Mart’s spring Holstein bull fixture was termed by sale goers as one of the best yet, with a top call of 5300gns for the reserve champion.

Sale leader was Hunday Duplex, consigned by Messrs E Moffitt and Son, Stocksfield. Bred from the prolific Diana line, Duplex comes from six generations of EX or VG dams. He sold for 5300gns to the Firm of R Black, Lockerbie.

The March sale for the Lancashire Club again hit the magical £2000 barrier last Thursday with a top price of 2800gns was for the first animal in the ring.

Sale leader was a fresh second calver from Robert and Elaine Butterfield’s Ingleview herd. Purchased as a yearling at the Designer dispersal sale, this VG-86 2yr by Indro produced her second calf four weeks ago and sold giving 45kg to Messrs Booth’s Dowshawdale herd in West Yorkshire.

The Butterfield family also produced the top priced heifer when Ingleview Trudy 25, the reserve champion in the pre-sale show, sold to Graham Kirby for a client at 2600 gns. This Canyon-Breeze Storm Atom daughter bred from six generations of EX/VG cows tracing back to Alan Swale’s Summit Crest Elevation Trudy EX-93.

The championship went to Richard Bainbridge for a splendid young cow by Comestar Outside. Twinfields Outside Joyce PI VG-88 (3yr) was giving 46kg and sold to the Swinson Cattle Company at 2450gns.

The sale also saw the first Swedish Red cross, shown by David Ishmael, to go under the hammer at Lancaster, one of which made 2000gns.

Renowned for selling show potential calves past the £5000 mark, this year’s spring two day event at Carlisle didn’t disappoint with a little more than 2700 calves on offer and a top call of £5200.

And this year’s sale leader came from the 1349 heifers on offer. The Limousin cross heifer from Messrs J R Graham and Partners, Biggar caught the eye of many showmen and finally knocked down to Ewan MacPherson, Oban.

Taking the heifer championship under judge Alistair Vance, Whithorn, was a stylish Limousin cross heifer from Messrs Trafford, Keswick. By Waindale Potential and out of a three quarter bred British Blue cow, she later sold for £2800 to Mr Vance.

The reserve champion rosette went to Helen Claxton, Stocksfield for her British Blue cross. This roan heifer sold for £1900 to Alan Hall, Darlington.

More than 70 animals attracted strong interest at Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ annual Young Farmers Overwintered cattle competition at Inverurie’s Thainstone Centre last week.

Sale leader for the second consecutive year was Ewan Dow, Elgin. The Lower Speyside YFC member’s 422kg yearling Limousin cross heifer sold to A J Forsyth, Newton Stewart for £2000.

The second highest call came for the homebred champion from Balfour Baillie, Orkney. His June 2007-born Charolais cross steer weighed 448kg and sold to James Forsyth, Newton Stewart for £1500.

The overall heifer champion from Darren Irvine of Keith YFC was next to go at £1050. His April 2007-born Charolais, bred by Neil Barclay, Crathes, sold to G Simpson, Huntly.

And having caught the eye of judge Scott Walston, Carnoustie was Darren’s brother and fellow Keith young farmer Martin Irvine’s March 2007 Charolais cross bred by G Cameron, Argyll. He tipped the scales at 414kg and sold at £1000 to S and M Brown, Little Brechin, Brechin.

Topping a line up of 28 bulls and smashing breed records to a new high of 14,000gns at Sedgemoor Livestock Centre, Somerset was Champson Defender, a 24 month old Red Devon bull from G Dart and Sons, Molland.

Judge Margaret Elliott of the Cutcombe herd told ring siders this champion was everything a Red Devon should be "total balance, tremendous presence, natural fleshing and outstanding locomotion".

Having had a first call of 5000gns, Greenslade Taylor Hunt auctioneer Derek Biss finally knocked him down at 14,000gns to Robert James for his Red Down herd, which he owns with his partner Kate Palmer.

Despite the introduction of new bluetongue surveillance zones and the resultant absence of entries from the Harrogate area and beyond, the March Craven Dairy Auction at Skipton Auction Mart attracted a quality entry of 28, with strong trading levels maintained.

Supreme champion for the fifth time was Robert Phillip, of Hellifield, with a fresh calved pedigree Holstein Friesian heifer by the Canadian sire Shoremar James, out of a home-bred heifer.

Giving 28kg she sold for £1900 to regular buyer Henry Wilson, Kelbrook.

Borderway Mart, Carlisle yet again managed strong trade for dairy cattle on Wednesday where the Border and Lakeland Holstein Club sold to a top of 2900gns with an overall average of just over £1900.

The show was judged by Holstein breeder John Loftus from the Weeton herd, who placed Logan Zen Edie first heifer in milk and overall Champion.

She was an Ocean-View Zenith daughter from an Excellent dam with tremendous production and sold for 2900gns to Messrs Sanderson, Burtholme Farm, Lanercost, Brampton.

The Riverdane herd, home of some of the Holstein world’s most famous show cows in recent years, has been sold in a private deal to Wills Bros of Cornwall.

Mark and Sue Nutsford have achieved phenomenal success with their Riverdane Holsteins which was run at Middlewich, Cheshire alongside Mark’s ET business. The 206 head will further increase the unprecedented collection of world-class black and white genetics that have been amassed by Wills Bros in the last few years for their substantial dairy farming business.

Two thirds of the cattle included in the sale are 95 point cows; among a host of superbly bred individuals are several stars including the second calver Riverdane Stormatic Beauty – All Britain Senior 2yr 2006 - who was champion at the Royal Show as a heifer and bred the 14,500gns top priced heifer at last year’s Borderway Black and White sale.

Nerves are jangling in Harrogate following the extension of the bluetongue surveillance zone which brought the Great Yorkshire Showground into the restricted area.

Livestock schedules for the 150th Great Yorkshire Show (Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 July) had just been sent out to exhibitors with a letter inviting entries from all areas, but saying that entry cheques would not be processed until closer to the show dates to reflect the most up to date situation. This remains unchanged.

Bill Cowling, Honorary Show Director of the Great Yorkshire Show said: “Until this latest announcement we had expected to get most of our cattle and sheep entries from the North of England and Scotland. The announcement reverses that and we now expect most entries to come from within the zone - south of Harrogate.

"Having said that I think it’s very likely that the restricted area will move again before July, hence we continue to invite all exhibitors to enter. I am sure we will have an excellent show of cattle and sheep, maintaining our standard for both quality and quantity.”

For further information please see the show's website

Calf trade rocketed at Bakewell Market last week when a suckled calf from M J Wells and Son of One Ash Grange Farm, Monyash sold for £1000.

The seven-month old Limousin cross steer was one of 777 cattle forward at the High Peak Livestock Society Sale. Purchaser was Andrew Dickinson of Bradbourne.

There’s no room for shy bidders around dairy sale rings in the west country as prices continue to firm across all categories of dairystock. And when the Westwayne Holstein herd went under the hammer this week at the Sedgemoor Auction Centre at Bridgwater there was another flying trade with served heifers almost equalling the milkers when they achieved an average of £1009.

The herd, offered for R L Jones and Sons, Wiveliscombe, Somerset comprised 207 head farmed on land rising to 700ft. And the most sought after was the second calver Westwayne Doris 9th – a daughter of Avenham Westminster giving 28.6kg on the day despite having been calved for over seven months. She heads for Taunton with P Down at 2080gns.

Gillingham, Dorset buyer S Simmons paid 2050gns for Westwayne Sunday 14th, a cow by Ridge-Star Justy that calved her fourth in January and was giving 37.4kg.

There were two bids of 1820gns – one to secure another second calver by Westminster and one for a third lactation non-pedigree entry.

Averages: 108 dairy cows £1197; 51 served heifers £1009; 21 yearling and younger heifers £536 and 15 heifer calves £500.

Store cattle continue to exceed price expectations as steers at Lanark yesterday averaged 146.4p/kg and topped 194.7p/kg for a pen of 357kg Limousin crosses from J and A Galloway, Lochlyoch.

Of the 552 heifers on offer, they averaged 138.8p/kg and topped at 176.8p/kg for another pen of Limousin’s from Messrs Galloway

Good, strong trade was witnessed at the Easter show and sale of prime lambs at Skipton Auction Mart on Monday.

The championship went to Robert Towers, of Camp House Farm, Farleton, Lancaster, with a pair of January-born Beltex x Charollais twin lambs that weighed in at 36kg.

They sold for the show-topping price of £102 each to show judge Ross Greenwood, who is selling them over the Easter period at his farm shop at Carleton, near Skipton.

A little something different I know and it's definately as ubject I know little about (although with 8 rather rare breed bantams at home I ought to I guess)....but I thought I'd bring you some news from the Craven Feather Auction at Skipton.

Ruling the roost (sorry) at the show and sale were Skipton-based, husband and wife poultry breeders Keith and Anne Chatburn who landed their third championship success of the year.

The couple’s trio of exhibition standard Large Black Orpingtons, hatched in 2007, won the large fowl class before going on to take the supreme championship and selling for the day’s top price of £110 to Mrs M Robson, of Cowling.

A strong entry of 350 head of mostly commercial dairy cattle were forward for Wright Manley's mid month sale at Beeston Castle Auction, whihc saw prices hit the £2000 barrier yet again.

The sale included a major reduction from Henry Ormrod of Marchweil and a complete milking portion from E T Jackson and Son, Birmingham, as well as the usual served and maiden heifers and cavles from various consignors.

Top price was £2180 for the pedigree heifer Cavenham Roy Palma from Richard Thompson, Derbyshire. This fresh calved heifer had been calved 10 days and sold giving 30kg a day to a regular Cheshire buyer.

Next in line was Wick Williams, Nantwich who gave £2150 for a pedigree heifer from Mick Gould, Shrewsbury. A further seven animals broke the £2000 barrier.

Just as we thought commercial show goers were spending wisely this spring, the championship steer at Penrith has sold for £6500.

Honky Tonky, a steer from Messrs Richardson, Ghyll House, Dufton, now joins Mr G Rice.

The first show of the 2008 spring season got underway at Caithness Livestock Centre this week with judge Mr A Shand, Ellon tapping out his champion in the form of a May-2006 born 729kg Charolais bullock from D A Budge, Brae Edge, Castletown which he purchased for £1180.

Top bid of the day at the Hereford Cattle Society's spring show and sale was a call of 5000gns to secure the reserve male champion from Phil and Alison Allman.

The 22 month old Greenywards 1 Caesar, weighing in at 852kg, is a double cross of two Royal Show champions, Onondaga Pure Gold and Broatch 1 June. Buyer was Sarah soanes of Kiplingcote herefords, East Yorkshire.

Two straws of Greensons Gigolo semen went under the hammer for £900 at the Limousin Spring Sale held at Dungannon. Offered for sale by W J Bradley and Son, Knockloughrim, Co Londonderry, the two straws sold for £450 apiece to Crawford Bros, Rathkeeland, Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh.

This is believed to be a United Kingdom record for beef semen sold through an auction ring and surpasses the £210 per straw price for Tarvis semen sold by Lanarkshire Limousin breeder Norman Cruickshank.

Greensons Gigolo was bred by Cambridgeshire-based breeder D and M K Green and Sons, Tunbridge Court, Bottisham. Born in January 1991, Greensons Gigolo was purchased by the Bailea herd of M T Jones and Son, Bailea, Sennybridge, Brecon in 1992 after being shown at the prestigious Limousin 2000 Show.

Charolais genetics seem to be going down well in Australia as one successful breeder has just sold 10 daughters of Bova Sylvain (a bull marketed over here by Rumsden Charolais) to average approx £7270 at 9 months old at the recent Palgrove sale in Australia, and sold to a top of 33,000 Aussie dollars (£15314).

The sale topped at 70,000$ for a donor cow that had been champion at Sydney Show. A pregnant recip carrying an embryo of that cow with Sylvain made 17,000$.

Charolais bulls met a ready demand selling to a top of 4200gns at Welshpool last Thursday, at an official show and sale organised by the breed society specifically prior to the reintroduction of bluetongue movement restrictions. The society’s annual spring fixture will continue next month.

Sale topper at 4200gns was Newroddige Beethoven, a two year old within the breed’s top 5% with a terminal index of 32. An Inverlochy Resolve son and out of a dam going back to Maerdy Naser, Beethoven was bred and exhibited by Danny Wyllie, Edingale, Tamworth and sold to T Jones, Ystrad Meurig, Dyfed.

In a week where some 3000 dairy cattle have gone under the hammer before the bluetongue vector-free period expires, vendors are understandably apprehensive about how many buyers would turn up to their sale.

But 57 buyers from all parts of the UK, including several that each came to the Granchester sale to fill a lorry ensured a strong trade throughout producing an average of nearly £1800. No less than 26 made 3000gns or more including seven over 4000gns.

It was late in the day when Grantchester James Nellie VG-86, lot 173 appeared. Pictured on the catalogue cover, this smart milking heifer, the 9th generation in a row to be VG or EX was still giving 34kg after 200 days and due again in May to the great Goldwyn.

Messrs C & S A Brassington & Son from Telford were in a determined mood buying four of the best cattle for their Cracking herd. They had to go to 6600gns to secure her.

Purchasers from ‘clean’ bluetongue areas made the most of one of the last opportunities to purchase dairy cattle from Dorset before it is closed down under movement restrictions. The announcement of the end of the vector free period meant a frantic rush for auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt to catalogue and farmer EG Cox and Sons to prepare, 340 Holsteins for sale at Higher Berechapel Farm, Clapton, Crewkerne on Thursday.

No less than 34 lots sold for over 2000gns to a top of 2600gns twice for a 60kg third lactation pedigree cow ‘Stourbere Tug Winnie’ by the homebred ‘Stour Tug’ bull. Her heifer calf by ‘Littlebredy Outsider’ sold for 450gns.

She was matched by the second lactation ‘Stourbere Mars Patacake 9th’ that had calved at the end of February. She was by Ricecrest Marshall and giving 41kg daily.

Hexham and Northern Marts had forward an entry of 1197 store cattle and suckled calves at their special March prize show and sale.

A fantastic show of cattle met a tremendous trade from start to finish and with a ring of buyers forward from as far a field as Laurencekirk in the North and Sussex in the South many would leave empty handed.

Prior to the sale the Judge and Angus and Limousin breeder Colin Hutchings, Kings Brompton Regis, Dulverston, Somerset awarded the Overall Champion to Messrs W & J A Longlands, Rusheylaw with their homebred Charolais steer which went on to make £940 and was bought by the Colin.

The reserve champion was awarded to Messrs R M & H J Lewis, Ryal Westside with an exceptional Black Limousin Steer which made £920 and was purchased by Cannon Hall Farm Ltd, Cawthorn, Barnsley

The first bull in the ring from Doug Mash has just gone through at 6500gns to a Mr Hughes.

By Brockhurst Revere, the 2004-born Brockhurst Vanquish is out of the famous show winning cow Ronick McAinsi.

Just following that was a call of 2800gns for Brockhurst Buccaneer, a Grahams Samson April 2004 born out of Ronick McAinsi. His full brother Brockhurst bullet knocked down at 3700gns.

Carrying an embryo with show winning potential is a Hereford cross cow selling for 3200gns.

The Samy and Ronick McAinsi pairing knocked down to Dougie McBeath of Springsett Limousins. Under bidder to this was Blounts Limousin.

Selling on the telephone at 700gns a piece were four grade A embryos by Samy and Brockhurst Blaze (a daughter of Grahams Samson and Ronick McAinsi).

One or two sweet heifers have slipped through the net at cheap prices in the maiden heifer section at the Brockhurst sale. Two bids of 900gns are holding the top call with the first coming for Brockhurst Premier. This Glenturk Ultrasolid daughter is out of Turquise.

The other at the same price was Brockhurst Baiza. This time by Loosebeare Superman and out of Brockhurst Uni, she went to Messrs Graham.

Topping trade so far with a call of 3000gns is Brockhurst Ontibet. This Spage Master 1998-born daughter is out of the famous cow Himalaya and sells with her bull calf at foot to peter Smith of Smiths of Bloxham.

Selling for 2600gns via a phone bid from Mr Adams was Causeway Rosy. This Fenrose Oliver daughter is out of Fenrose Joline. She sold with her Brockhurst Timbukto heifer calf at foot.

Trade is continuing in the 2000gns for the 2002-born French bred Turquoise. This Pikao sired Fabuleus daughter sold with her Brockhurst Stoke bull calf at foot.

Just after that was a call of 2000gns on the telephone to H&H's Heather Pritchard from Argyll-based Mr Adams. He bought Brockhurst Ula, a Ronick Lenor duaghter out of a Lumbylaw female. He also paid 2200gns for Fenrose Scarlet, a Nickleby daughter out of Grahams Olive.

David Tomlinson has kicked off pedigree Limousin trade with a call of 2400gns to Mr Carr. He bought the 97-bred Tredon Nita, by Broadmeadowns Jet.

First of the hombred lots Brockhurst Upstream, by Genial with a heifer calf at foot by Brockhurst Venture has gone through at 1700gns to Hole Farms.

The 2003 born Brockhurst Clementine by Dringwick Orage with her smart Stoke calf has gone through at 1650gns.

Commercial trade has kicked off with auctioneer Simon Draper selling at Doug Mash's Brockhurst sale on behalf of Thame Auction Mart before David Tomlinson kicks off for Harrison and Hetherington.

The first animal away is a British Blue cross cow having run with Brockhurst Vanquish with a Limousin heifer calf at foot, this outfit sold for £950.

Just following that was a bid of £810 for a Hereford cross cow with Limousin cross calf at foot by Brockhurst Premier.

The next Blue cross cow due to calve in April to Brockhurst Vanquish in to the ring has gone for £800.

Well it's a quick bacon sandwich and a cup of tea before I head up the road to Doug Mash's Brockhurst Limousin production sale. I reckon we could have some sport today what with midnight tonight being the cut off point before bluetonge zoning comes in to force.

There's always one or two suprises coming out of a Brockhurst sale - I've had a flick through the catalogue and we might see one or two flyers. It will be interesting what his one or two golden oldies do as there are a couple in there born in the 90's, but they've got some good lines behind them.

As usual watch this space...............

The Aberdeen-Angus breed is enjoying a mini-export boom with the sale of 12 young bulls from four Cheshire breeders to France and six bulls and 51 heifers from 15 Irish breeders to Portugal and the Azores.

This follows the sale at Perth last month of two bulls to Germany at 10,000gns and 6000gns, another to Romania at 5200gns and five bulls from two Scottish herds to Denmark.

“The development of export sales has been a priority for us during the last two years,” said Ron McHattie, chief executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.

“The time and effort our members have put in attending exhibitions and promoting the breed in Continental Europe is now beginning to bear fruit and benefiting breeders throughout the UK and Ireland.”

Taking top honours at last night's Bentham and District Farmers' Auction Mart's Easter Show and Sale of spring lambs, J D and V Towers from Farleton sold their 44kg champion exhibits for £126 a head to Bowland Foods.

The Towers' family also took the reserve ticket with their 40kg exhibits going to the same buyer, this time for £92 a head, as well as selling their first prize winners from the under 36kg class for £64 a head to A Shan.

The relocation of the Peevee herd to Somerset's Sedgemoor Auction Centre from their home in Kent proved a wise move for the Vicary family, with their efforts rewarded with a 2400gns top call for Peevee Igniter Cavail, a Summershade Igniter daughter.

This December 2007 calved first lactation heifer was giving 35kg/day and was served again to Hennikers Sam.

Nine lots sold to more than 2000gns all of which were first and second lactation animals, barring in Peevee Meadow Lord Emma, a VG85 rated thrid calver which made 2050gns and had given 11,000gns in her second lactation.

Two and half year old heifers sold to 1700gns, while four in-calf heifers sold on the day to reach 1550gns for the Igniter daughter Peevee Igniter Min.

Averages: 101 cows and heifers £1241, 12 calved heifers £1362, four in-calf heifers £1567.

A tremendous trade at the Wysall dispersal sale on behalf of Leics-based David Onions and his family saw prices peak at 4200gns and every head averaging £1300.

The sale included 12 animals owned by herdsman Peter Mellors and it was one of these that took the top honours at 4200gns.

Weeton Terrason Jacklyn was purchased out of the Holstein Genetic Elite Sale back in 2004 and had just gone 91 points having calved fresh with her fourth. By Innwood Terrsason, her grand dam was the 12,049kg Walkerbrae Raider Jacklyn EX93 11*.

Sold giving 37.2kg having given 8616kg in her third, she caught the eye of Richard Gay of Axminster Devon who took her home to join his Walkabout herd. Her 86 point daughter by Braedale River made 2500gns joining the Kilton herd of Messrs Baddiley, Notts, with her Regancrest Dolman calf reaching 1050gns to Mr Jones of Wexham.

The Annual Easter Show and Sale of Spring Lambs at Chelford usually heralds the start of the new lamb trading season and, despite the very early Easter this year, yesterday's show and sale was no exception, with vendors from Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire putting together an entry of some 60 newly reared lambs.

In addition, the market’s usual weekly entry of in excess of 1000 old season lambs attracted the usual quota of wholesale and butcher buyers from far and wide.

Local breeder, John Gate chose a strong 34kg Texel Cross Lamb from Robin Smith, who farms at Basford, Nr. Leek as his champion.

A sale of “crowned” ewes – those of known pedigree breeding – produced a top price of £1900 when 53 head were offered at Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

Topping the trade was a gimmer shearling from noted breeders Geoff and Carol Marwoo, Long Green, Richmond, North Yorkshire. The gimmer stood third in its class and was bought by P and P Raine, Bowes.

The day’s leading priced older ewe, which had been scanned for triplets, also stood champion.

She was also consigned by the Marwood family and sold to Andy Fawbert, Farndale, Whitby. Collecting the reserve title was a ewe from Patrick Sowerby, Mossdale, Hawes. She was taken at £1400 by Lancashire flock owner Tom Robinson, Catlow, Slaidburn who also gave another £1400 for a ewe from the same flock.

Another £1400 call came for a ewe from Paul Hallam, West Stonesdale, Richmond. She was bought by Gordon Cartmel, Cockermouth, Cumbria.

Averages: 59 ewes £633. (Harrison and Hetherington).

A two-month-old Belgian Blue bull calf from Geoff and Margaret Booth, of Lower Dowshaw Farm, Lothersdale, was champion at the annual Craven Farmers’ Spring calf show at Skipton Auction Mart.

The victor sold locally for £295 to Ian Ibbotson, of Oakworth, with the reserve champion, a Limousin heifer calf from Frank Spence, of Sutton, knocked down for £220 to Tony Binns, of Clint, Harrogate.

Some of you have missed this comment from Simon Gill in Poland.

"Not only a Hereford! I also took delivery of A South Devon (Brafferton Trooper) a Galloway Bull (Braquhill Black Prince) and fifteen pedigree Galloway Heifers (four in-calf) on our transport organised by Eggsport and Norbreck Genetics we also had two British Limousin bulls for Top Farms in southern Poland and a pedigree Charolais bull for North East Poland.

"We have a "Club" formed now as the "British Pedigree Export Group". As dear Henry lewis and Rob Wills have been saying for years (see BLG) now is the time to re-establish the UK as the Stockyard of the World......Now is the time for practice and no longer preaching! If you want more info about export markets please contact BLG or other companies mentioned above.

"If you are interested in more information about Poland and its markets, or those in New Member States contact me at simon@agroirlandia.pl or sg@abcpoland.com.pl"

The opening Skipton Spring sale of ewes with lambs at foot saw a top price of £85 achieved for a pen of broken-mouthed Mule ewes with twins from Michael Dudgdale, of Giggleswick, sold to Keith Downs, Bingley. Texel ewes with twins sold to £82.

I've just had all the pictures through from Beeston British Blue sale now, so take a look............I know she was sold open to serve, but I think the wilodge female (Tofleur) was a steal at 3200gns!

Even the regular move from Chelford to Beeston didn't deter strong bidding at the weekend's British Blue Show and Sale.

Topping the day's trade at 9200gns were local producers Keith and Janet Belfield, Derbyshire. Having already regarded Boothlow Batman as the best bull they have ever bred, he has already had a successful show season. Batman is sired by Affute out of a Hazelwood Freshman daughter and was knocked down to Davies and Millichap, Mid Glamorgan.

It seems it's not just the Charolais breed who have had success in getting cattle over to Poland. History was made last week when the first Hereford bull bred in Scotland, and the first from the UK for 41 years, left for Poland.

Romany 1 Cosmonaut, a 22 month old bull from J R B Wilson and Sons, Cowbog, Kelso has at last gone after being bought by Simon Gill, AgroIrlandia, Warsaw, last summer. Although selected seven months ago he has been unable to move owing to FMD and BTV export restrictions.

Westcountry livestock auctioneers Kivells have seen seven very busy days at their trio livestock centres this week with over 7000 head of stock going under the hammer including 1400 store cattle selling up to £815 for steers and £740 for heifers.

Last year saw a 39% increase in store cattle trade through Kivells despite various animal health restrictions which limited the number of sales. However, 2008 has seen fantastic entries of up to 600 head/sale.

Cull cow trade is also going from strength to strength with auctions of 120+ being a regular event at Holsworthy Market (Devon) with this weeks prices selling to 109 p/kg (£791) and averaging 88.24 p/kg (£576).

The first ever Charolais bull to be exported to Poland was made at the weekend when Goldies Bonanza left Ruthwell, Dumfries for Warsaw, following a private deal for an undisclosed amount agreed between Hamish Goldie and facilitated by Norbreck Exports.

The 16 month old Bonanzo was the first pick of an entry of 10 Goldie bred bulls destined for the Perth February sales. The remaining nine sold to average more than 6000gns a piece.

“Bonanza was chosen for his all round exceptional conformation, ease of calving and good locomotion,” explains Mr Goldie. “He was also accompanied by a superb blend of genetics.” Bonanza was the first son of Newroddige Venture, the Royal Show junior champion and 10,000gns Perth reserve intermediate champion.

Venture’s dam was the highly acclaimed Royal Show Burke trophy champion, Mowbraypark Gigi. Furthermore, Bonanza’s dam, Goldies Uptowngirl is one of five full sisters to the 25,000gns Perth supreme and Royal Highland junior interbreed champion, Goldies Unbeatable.

Charolais met a strong trade peaking at 4900gns in Dungannon on Saturday at the Northern Ireland Club’s official spring fixture. The event attracted one of the largest ever entries and a near total clearance with 54 lots selling to average £2468.

Leading trade at Dungannon for Charolais bulls over the weekend was Rowandale Burbon, selling for 4900gns. Burbon is an 18 month old Anneskeagh Sandman son out of a homebred cow going back to the 10,000gns Harestone Nighthawk. Bred and exhibited by Darren McKay, Ballymena, this first class prize winner sold to Martin O’Kane, Dungiven.

Topping a rather poorly attended Charolais sale at Carlisle today was David Fattorini whose Fairway Bandtogether sold for 2800gns.

Homebred on both sides, he has a calving ease of 2.1 and milk value of 3.

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

Topping feamle trade with a call of 2000gns was John Langhorn's January 2006 daughter by Cromkill Sandy. Dalton Betty is out of Brownhill Uno and won first prize at the Great Yorkshire Show and 2nd prize at the Highland last year.

Hillhead Blondes are leading Blonde trade at the moment selling Hillhead Brilliant for 5300gns. By the herd's new French sire Palace who is already leaving bulls with plenty of length and loin, this son is no exception.

Hitting the 5000gns mark in the blonde selling ring is P Weightman and Sons with Hallfield Bonzo. This Easterton Tsar April 2006 son is out of a homebred cow - Stella and now heads to Messrs Scott, West Woodburn.

Just after that and all the way from Kent is Peter de' Giles who sold his first bull Bilsington Biarritz for 2400gns and Bilsington Brilliant for 3500gns. Both these bulls are out of Bilsington Snowdon.

Selling has got underway for the Blonde Society at Carlisle with a call of 3500gns for the champion from David Knight. Doncombe Bucephalus is by David's successful stock bull Druk Lance and out of Doncombe Umbria.

At 2000gns Hillhead Blondes' sold Hillhead Berty. Homebred on both sides Berty is by Victory and out of Trickle.

Just following that was a call of 2000gns for one from David Knight. Doncombe Balthasar is by Druk Thor and out of a homebred cow. He has a breed value of +15.

Judging is underway at Borderway Mart, Carlisle for the Blonde early spring offering.

Stepping up to the challenge is Leanne Workman of the Rorysglen herd, Co Down, Northern Ireland. The catalogue looks like it should have one of two crackers in it, namely the Calderbank's with their Blackwater offerings and David Knight with bulls from his Doncombe herd.

I'll keep you updated with champion tickets and sale prices as the day goes on......

The South Devon Herd Book Society enjoyed a record-breaking show and sale in Exeter last week, where a polled bull smashed the previous top price by 1500gns.

Henry Laity’s three year-old bull Z Polkinghorne Nimrod set the ring alight, with the hammer eventually falling at 7800gns. Sired by Z Countisbury Cracker 2 and out of Z Polkinghorne Nobly Blitz 44, he has fully polled bloodlines on both sides.

The triumphant buyer was Richard Wright of Oxey Farm, Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire, chairman of the society’s polled group. He plans to use the bull to improve the polled genetics of his own herd.

The British Blue Cattle Society website, was accessed by 6673 visitors in January, making it the most popular UK beef breed on the internet, according to the society.

Visitors read 36,434 pages on a breed. “That the British Blues have the most accessed website of the 22 beef breeds in the UK reflects the steadily growing role of the internet in communicating with progressive farmers,” says breed secretary John Fleming.

It was all change at the Suffolk Sheep Society annual meeting, held in Derbyshire last week.

More than 80 members heard that the Society's commercial director, Robyn Hulme, had resigned from his post of the past four years, due to farming and family commitments.

Robyn, took up the role of commercial director as the Society sought to drive through an agenda of change and set out a revised strategy for the future of the breed. He said: “I believe the SSS has made massive advances in recent years concentrating all its energies on ensuring its members are in a position to meet the needs of their commercial customers.

“The days of a breed society merely offering pedigrees and registrations are well and truly over and I believe that the Suffolks are at the forefront of a new era for breed societies where genetic improvement of members stock will become the main driver.

"The society’s championing of performance recording, gene-marker technology and commercial attributes of the sheep produced by their members will ensure that the Suffolk breed continues to have a long and successful future.”

The meeting also saw Jim Fleming step down after four years in the chair. He is to be replaced by Stephen Cobbald, from the breed’s home county, who was retiring as President of the Society.

Charles Harding, of the Bentley flock, Warwickshire takes the role of President, with Arthur O’Keeffe, of County Cork, Eire stepping in as president elect.

Three new council members were elected namely: Michael Weaver - vice chairman; (West Midlands and Monmouthshire); Ron Greig, (North Scotland) Matt Legge (South East).

Carrying triplets the Champion at the Swaledale female sale held at Kirkby Stephen came from R Marwood, Long Green and sold for £1700 to Messrs Fawbert.

More info to follow shortly.....

I've started wading through the many pictures we took from yesterday's Smiddiehill Sale, so take a look. There's more to come though!

Well it might not have been the fastest sale I've ever attended, but it was certainly one of the most exciting, all be it a nightmare for so-called "modern technology"!!

I have to say other than the 50,000gns calf being sold, the other highlight for me is Harrison and Hetherington's Glyn Lucas ability to get a bid out of anyone, not to mention the bizare sounds he makes while selling!!

I'm sure all involved will go away happy from the sale, apart from Anthony Wills' bank manager who could be coughing a bit over his breakfast tomorrow when he hears how much the brothers spent in total - best of luck to them though, I look forward to following their success.

So it's up the M4 for me, I'll endeavour to upload the picture gallery in the morning once I've got them through from my photographer! I'll also update with a full list of prices tomorrow. Keep an eye for next week's FW for a double page spread on the sale.....selling dragged on a bit too long for press likings today so you'll have to wait a bit longer to see it in the magazine!

Hope you enjoyed the coverage!

Well we knew there were going to be some big prices today and I had a feeling there would be a 50,000gns call, but I hadn't foreseen it being for a six-month old calf.

Smiddiehill Goldwyn Pledge comes with what the auctioneers describe as the hottest pedigree on the planet, being by Braedale Goldwyn and out of Windy-Knoll-View Pledge and with a back pedigree which includes both Comestar Outside and Startmore Rudolph. And her new owners are those heavy bidding Cornish gents, the Wills brothers.

Related to Pledge and selling for 18,000gns was Smiddiehill Dundee Promis, by Regancrest Dundee and out of Windy-Knoll-View Promis, the grand dam of Pledge. This one sold to Bev Baker.

A heifer carrying Dundee and Indianhead breeding has just sold to Mike Halliwell for 17,000gns.

Smiddiehill Dundee Treasure is by Regancrest Dundee and out of MS Indianhead Treasure, she is full sister to Smiddiehill Dundee Tina, sold previously for 4600gns and maternal sister to 9559kg yielding Idianhed Redmrkr Tobi

The reserve champion from last year's National Holstein Show has just passed through the ring at 9000gns selling to Pam Coombes.

Ridgefield Progress Rose was bred in John Barker's Ridgefield herd and is by Duncan Progress and out of Bosdale Storm Rose. She gave 14,492 in her second lactation and is currently giving 50 litres a day.

As the Smidiehill dispersal enters its sixth hour the herd's strength in depth continues to shine, with Smidiehill Goldwyn Erle secured by Northern Irish breeder Aubrey Patterson for 13,000gns.

This one is out of Smidiehill Insp Progress Erle and by Duncan Progress. There are another 25 or so lots to go and with last year's National Holstein Show reserve champion yet to come, the money is likely to keep flowing for a while yet.

An absolutely stunning red heifer bred by the Schauf family at Indianhead Holsteins, USA, has just come under the hammer at the Smidiehill dispersal, fetching 15,000gns.

Indianhead Rubens Rachel Red is an ET calf and is bred from six generations of Excellents and it shows. By STBVQ Rubens and out of Sellcrest No Rachel Red, this one sold to an undisclosed buyer.

A mini spending-spree at the Smidiehill dispersal has seen five lots gross 67,000gns with a top call of 18,000gns coming from Stellar Genetics to buy Denmire Gibson Marie, a VG 88 rated cow by Silky Gibson.

Her two ET daughters followed her into the ring and met a similarly fierce trade, selling at 12,000gns and 11,000gns to the Philip Haffery and the Tomlinson family respectively. The first of these was Smiddiehill Shottle Marie, while the second was Smidiehill PS Marie, both were 2007-born.

The final two lots of the five figure flush were claimed by the Wills brothers, Cornwall, as they paid 14,000gns and 12,000gns.

At the higher price was Smidiehill Goldwyn Sharon, a May 2006-born in-calf heifer who is bred from nine generations of VG and Ex cows.

At 12,000gns was Riverdane PS Sara, a Picston Shottle daughter out of leading show cow Copywood Integrity Sara Red.

The end of the Jersey sale at the Smidiehill dispersal has seen some the return of the Holsteins to the ring, with some notable cows collecting top end bids.

Highest price of the day so far at 27,000gns went to Smiddiehill Toystory Ambrosia, a stunning cow from the famous Toystory line and is a full sister to Ernest Anthony Amarylis, sold for $85,000 last year. She now joins the Sahara herd of Sheika Binta Nora and was bought over the phone by herd manager David Jones.

Next up at 23,500gns was Smiddiehil Goldwyn Melanie, the only daughter of Hillcroft Leader Melanie outside of the USA. This one sold to Mr McMurray, Ireland.

The Haffey brothers all spent well, claiming Smidiehill Durham Ashlyn at 15,000gns and following closely behind in the price stakes was Toystory Ambrosia's full sister Smidiehill Toys Ambrosia who sold at 13,000gns to join Alistair Laird's herd.

The Wills brothers, Cornwall, have also been back in spending form, laying out the more modest sum of 8500gns for Portval Gibson Maeve, a Silk Gibson daughter.

Second top price among the Jersey's so far was claimed a few moments ago by Smidiehill Hallmark Marbel, a July 2007-born ET calf. She sold at 7500gns to Graham Kirby, while her full ET sister, June 2007-born Smiddiehill Hallmarks Marbel made 3800gns to the same buyer.

An Ex93 rated cow has just hit the top bid so far for Jerseys at today's Smidiehill dispersal sale.

Taking the 8000gns bid was Fourcrosses Sambo Petunia, by Lester Sambo and out of Fourcrosses Centurion Celadine, she was reserve breed champion at AgriScot 2005 and gave more than 8000 litres in her second lactation. She now heads home with Stelar Genetics

Topping Jersey trade so far with a bid of 4500gns for Bluegrass Jades Blondette (lot 54). Originally bred by Barry and Jenny Daw, this previous show winner on numerous occassions heads back home there.

At 3200gns was Smiddiehill Justintime Legacy. This ET bred VG 2 year old is out of Grahmar Lemvig Legacy and by Rapid Bay Just Wait. She heads to Mr Morgan.

Joining her is Saxdown Dukes Blossom, this time by Elliotts Renaissance, selling at 2800gns.

Calf trade has topped at 2600gns for Smiddiehill Amedeo Marine, an ET bred by Piedmont Grove Amedeo. Mr Morgan bought that as well.

The first on offer from the wonderful Formation Erle line (a cow remaining at Smiddiehill), Smiddiehill Forbidden Erle (lot 27) has knocked down to Stella Genetic for 21,000gns who had the choice of her and her sister. Her daughter, Smiddiehill Dreamy Erle (lot 27A) has gone at 8000gns to Maurice Jones.

The full sister Smiddiehill Sandy Valley Erle (lot 28) has gone at 9000gns. Her bull calf by Goldwyn has gone at 4700gns.

The first Red to come in to the ring this morning, Huddlesford Jodie Red (lot 23), bred by the Cope family has just gone through at 13,000gns to Stuart Mullin.

By Valleyriver Ruben Redman she is out of Fradon R Mark Jodie-Red. This one was sure to cause a stir seeing as the first bid on here was a call of 6000gns to get things going!

Smiddiehill Sept Storm Regenia (out of Mr Sams full sister) and bred from seven generations of EX cows (lot 26) has gone at 4000gns to Graham Kirby. Her two embryos by Dudoc Mr Burns have just sold for 550gns each on the phone.

Full sister to Indianhead Black Beauty Smiddiehill Durham Becka (lot 25) has just gone through at 3000gns to Messrs Bourne.

One of my picks of the day Smiddiehill Goldwyn Dacia (lot 15), the Goldwyn Feb 2006 born has just knocked down at 15,000gns to a breeder in Holland.

Goldencalf SR Dacia, bred by the Golden Calf Co (lot 14) she sold for 7000gns on the phone to Dennis Hughes.

Smiddiehill Shottle Delight, an August yearling out of Cogent Lucente Delight, sold for 6500gns to Cornwall-based Anthony Wills of the Wills Bros. Joing her was her mother (lot 13) at 4600gns.

I wouldn't be far from saying the mood round the ring is a little cautious, but the fourth animal in to the ring, Smiddiehill Goldwyn Jennifer, carrying an embryo by Jasper and the famous Field of Dreams Formation Erle has just gone through at 5800gns to Barbican Farms, the home of the Erle line.

Just before that her mother Primo Gibson Jennifer has gone to Hugh Fish, Ireland for 4800gns.

A John Barker bred December 2005 heifer Ridgefield Sept St Ghost (lot 6) has gone through at 5400gns to Peter Jones, Monmouthshire.

The junior champion from the Royal Show, Smiddiehill Marbel Mavis, having given 11,734 litres in her first lactation and goes to Brian Clothier, Somerset for 1500gns. Her daughter by Damion (lot 8) has gone through at 2400gns to a Cornish buyer (not the Wills!).

Born in Ireland by the Border Mist Syndicate, Bodermist Talent Rhoda (lot 9), the VG 87 2-year has knocked down at 2800gns to Peter Jones.

The dispersal of the Smiddiehill Holstein and Jersey sale has got underway with Tom Brooksbank doing the first stint of selling of Norton and Brooksbank, before H&H's Glyn Lucas gets going later. And beleive it or not we even have the Eye of the Tioger blaring out of the speakers before the first entry enters the ring with Bev Bostock at the halter.

The first in to the ring is Smiddiehill September Marie, an August 2005 heifer by Pursuit September Storm, having calved in November and just been served to Damion. Milking 40 litres a day She sells for 4100gns to a Scottish buyer.

Second in the ring is Inspired C C Helen, bred by Carl Smith. This 88 pointer on her second calf is by Calbrett HH Champion and goes for 3800gns to the Wills Brothers, Cornwall.

Her Damion calf, a real beauty when she entered the ring went just after for 3000gns to Jerry McDonald, Northern Ireland.

Well the sun is shining on a day that promises to be a rather interesting day in terms of Holstein and Jersey trade.

On the day of the herd's 50th birthday from when the late Ian and Willie Montgomery originally set up the Smiddiehill herd, now under the ownership of Michael and Oliver Eaton, Shropshire, crowds are busy studying the catalogue and pacing the lines of beautifully prepared cattle.

One thing hot on the lips of many this morning, is Smiddiehill Dundee Paradise, daughter of the cloned cow Vandyk-K Integ Paradise is not forward, along with her two brothers. The decision was taken by the Eaton's to withdraw her in light of innacurate scare mongering and reporting from the national press, particularly the Daily Mail.

If the catalogue is anything to go by tomorrow's Smiddiehill dispersal at Bristol Livestock Centre is going to be a scorcher.....I can't wait!

I shall attempt to bring you updated coverage from the ringside providing "modern technology" lets me!!

I'm not even going to hazard a guess at what will make the money.......I had a chat with auctioneer Tom Brooksbank of Norton and Brooksbank the other day and we're both of the opinion we could see some serious money spent. Trade for quality dairy cattle is going through the roof at the moment - we've already seen bids in the 10,000gns region at the Painely sale a couple of weeks back so who knows what this one will do!

Rest assured the world and his wife will be out on force tomorrow! I just hope the daughter of a certain cloned animal doesn't take the edge of things. I've read some pretty stupid stuff in the national press about it - I just wish these reporters would speak to people in the know to get their facts. I had to laugh when the Daily Mail ran a picture of her, or so they thought. She did well to calve down and have a full bag seeing as she was only born last year!!!!

I've just been scanning the catalogue for the Leyburn Spring Spectacular sale of show potential cattle and it looks like the judges should have some good entries in front of them.

Taking on that challenge will be Louise Todd from Market Rasen, she'll be judging the steer classes and in the heifer section Elizabeth Vance will be in control.

As usual the Limousin breed is dominating proceedings with entries from John Smith-Jackson, Blue Taylor, Dent's, Keeble's, Hird's and Dinsdale's to name but a few. Suprisingly though there are fewer Limousin heifers than I thought there would be.

I'm sure trade will be good, if my memory serves me correctly they topped at £3500 last year and being the 15th March (day before bluetongue movement D-Day) - I'm sure buyers will be in strong spirits.

Judging is due to start at 9am followed by a young handlers class to be judged by reigning Smithfield Champion exhibitor Mark Hallam.

Farmers Weekly have booked a photographer so keep an eye for a picture gallery to appear after the sale.

For more information on the day's proceedings go to Leyburn's website or call 01969 623 167.

Fresh milk to turn grass into cash encouraged lively bidding at the dispersal of Crab Farms’ Hemsworth Holstein herd at Blandford, Dorset. And it was a member of the herd’s noted Fairy family that led the trade at 3500gs.

The VG85 second calver Hemsworth Sinatra Fairy calved in November and was giving just over 43kg. She stayed locally with an undisclosed Dorset buyer.

A third calver by Moet Rio Grande, giving 60kg from a December calving, made 2300gns to a Devon buyer who left with 23 purchases. Silverpost Sinatra had made a big impact on the herd and another of his daughters due in May led the in-calf heifers at 1520gns. She was bred from an 11,000kg dam hailing from the Noreen family at Terling.

Heifers due in Octo0ber to Roylane Jordan reached 1450gns on a day that saw a flying trade for all youngstock. Averages: cows and heifers £1360; in-calf and served heifers £1323; bulling heifers £1080; yearling heifers £801; calves £506. (Greenslade Taylor Hunt).

As promised I've updated the picture gallery from the recent Hereford Show and Sale at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

Feel free to add any captions!

A pair of 41kg Beltex lambs from Jim Baines, of Trawden, Colne, was the pick of the crop at the March Spring lambs show at Skipton Auction Mart.

Judged champions by Mick Etherington, of Stuart Price Butchers, Crossflatts, they went on to make a healthy £168/head when knocked down to Paul Watson, of Hellifield.

Paul also secured the second prize pen of 43kg Texel-cross lambs from Mark Evans, Steeton, at £84 each, while the third prize pen from S Pepper, of Oxenhope, sold for £80 each to another mart regular Andrew Atkinson, of Kettlesing, Harrogate.

Over 1000 hoggs and 223 ewes passed through the ring on a busy day at the mart, with an overall average price of 119.9p/kg achieved.

Sustained interest in Sussex cattle was maintained last week at Ashford Market with a flying trade for females of which 27 maiden heifers averaged more than £800 and in-calf heifer trade hitting 980gns for two from Trevor Kemsley, Maidstone.

The 27 maidens from six breeders sold between 700gns and 1050gns. Top price was 1050gns for Boxted Lock Heedless 81 from Les Stevens and Sons purchased by Ann Rumsey for the Wetland Trust at Icklesham near Rye. The Trust were eventual purchasers of 11 females with others going to Middlesborough, Leicestershire and as well as East Sussex and Surrey.

Bulls, however found buyers more selective, of the seven forward, Les Stevens and Sons topped trade at 1600gns and another at 1500gns, going to Simon jenner, Mayfield and J and H robinson, Lewes.

Leicestershire breeder Michael Mills made 1100gns and 1000gns from his two Poll Duke bulls, while the one senior bull offered from Messrs Ruthven made 660gns going to Yalding with Michael Gibb.

Breeders averages - B W Kemsley and Sons 2 In calf heifers 965gns; L Stevens and Sons 4 heifers 917gns; J C & C Lewis 12 heifers 720gns; J & S Harmers 3 786gns and John Hickman 4 heifers 895gns. Overall maiden heifer average £829 (Hobbs Parker).

Taking the Galloway male championship title at Carlisle on Friday and selling for 2600gns was R and M Fergusson's Barlaes Freeman.

Homebred on both sides, this March born is by Barlaes Challenger and out of Robina 14th.

Taking the female championship and selling for 1150gns was Barlaes Brownie 176th from the same stable.

Topping Hereford trade at Carlisle yesterday was Kelso-based JRB Wilson and Sons with their November 2006 born Romany 1 Diamond. By Crickley 1 Figurehead he is out of the homebred Lily line and has a terminal sire value of =28 and milk figure of +8, ranking him in the top 10% for the breed. He sold for 3000gns to J Brown, St Momans, Anstruthers.