May 2008 Archives

After a long trek home from Shepton Mallet thanks to the joys of the A303 and M25, here are the full sheep results. For all those of you wondering just which breed I put up in the interbreed group of three, it was the Blackface trio from the Jordan family of my old stomping ground, Chagford, which took top honours, while I gave the reserve to the Suffolks from Robert Lawrence.

Interbreed R Sizmur's Poll Dorset ram lamb; res, J A Darke's Devon and Cornwall Longwool ram.

Interbreed Group Scottish Blackface; res, Suffolk.

Black Welsh Mountain P Laws' pair of shearling ewes; res, P Laws' ram.

Bluefaced Leicester R H S Turner's ram; res, R H S Turner's ewe.

Charollais Messrs Norman and Vile's shearling ram; res, Watson and Grain's ewe.

Clun Forest R Vincent and D Searle's shearling ewe; res, Messrs Tooze and Rashley's ram lamb.

Devon Closewool M Scott's ram; res, A E Cook's shearling ram.

Devon and Cornwall Longwool J A Darke's ram; res, J A Darke's shearling ram.

Dorset Down W D Burrough and Son's ram lamb; res, W D Burrough and Son's ewe lamb.

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset R Sizmur's ram lamb; res, P Laws' shearling ewe.

Exmoor Horn R F Clark's ram; res, T Atkins and Sons' shearling ewe.

Greyface Dartmoor  S James' ram; res, C Nugent's shearling ewe.

Hampshire Down D Ritchie's ram lamb; res, D Ritchie's pair of ewe lambs.

Jacob J and A Milner's ram; res, M Biggs ewe.

Oxford Down G C Watson and C Grain's ewe; res, G C Watson and C Grain's shearling ram.

Scottish Blackface P Cornellius' shearling ram; res, W J Jordan's ewe.

Suffolk R Lawrence's ewe lamb; res, R Lawrence's shearling ewe.

Texel L E P Farms' shearling ewe; res, A J Carter's shearling ewe.

Zwartbles A R Simpson's ewe; res, R S Hurd and S Phillips' ram.

Commercial Sheep R Lyons' crossbred ewe and pair of lambs; res, R Lyons' crossbred ewe and pair of Texel cross lambs.

Commercial live lambs J Tucker's pair of Texel cross lambs; res, R Lyons' lambs.

Interbreed Sheep

D B Robert's Charollais ewe; res, K R Thomas's Suffolk shearling ewe.

Suffolk

K R Thomas's shearling ewe; res, T S Cox's ewe lamb.

Beltex

C Root's shearling ram; res C Root's shearling ewe.

Charollais

D B Robert's homebred ewe; res, R S and J A Gregory's ram lamb.

Any other rare and minority native breed

D Stanhope's Teeswater shearling ram; res, E Lamberts shearling ewe.

Jacob

G A and V Ridout and H VF Higginson's ewe; res, J N Simmon's ram lamb, Camster Lagon DA.

Ryeland

A G Anslow's shearling ram, Chase Jokin; res, C Shaw's shearling ewe.

Southdown

V E M and D Hulme's shearling ewe; res, K and A Stickel's shearling ewe, Stoneridge Molly.

Pictures are now uploaded from Bath and West Show - see if you can spot a certain British Blue breeder who's swapped her usual halter for something a little more native and smaller!!!

Here's a list of beef and dairy results from Staffordhsire County Show. One or two results are missing, so we'll update those when they come in!

Beef Interbreed

E D Marshall's Charolais cow Coteshouse Violet; res, A J Neachell's British Blue cow Tamhorn Uptown Girl.

Hereford

M J and H M Timmis's heifer Shraden 1 Alice 247; res, Thornley Bros' bull Dieulacresse Devon M.

Charolais  

E D Marshall's cow Coteshouse Violet; res,

Simmental

D Donnelly's bull Hazeden Telstar; res, S and S Keen's cow, Vingegard Salina.

Limousin

Cormack McDowell Partners' bull Greenhill Viper; Res, Walter Smith Farms' bull, Roughley Brilliant.

British Blue

A J Neachell's cow Tamhorn Uptown Girl; res,  

Commercial beef

R H Naylor's Limousin cross steer, Mr Mallarky; res, A Dickenson's Limousin cross heifer Ginger Spice. 

Here are the full pig results from this week's Bath and West Show.

Interbreed P Fowlie's Welsh sow Braemor Daffodil; res, I A D and M A Todd's Berkshire sow Smallicombe Stonebow 45.

Berkshire I A D and M A Todd's sow Smallicombe Stonebow 45; res, Kilcot Pedigree Pigs and K Sprigg's boar Kilcot Ambassador.

British Lop D Harrison's sow Penllyn Lola 22; res, D Harrison's gilt Penllyn Lulu 24.

British Saddleback J Newth's sow Prestcombe Dinah 45; res, J Sage's gilt Blewett Dinah 93.

Duroc or Hampshire S Loveless' gilt Portbredy Torntofte; res, S Loveless'gilt Portbtredy Nancy 766.

Gloucestershire Old Spots P Darvill's gilt Toller Muriel 541; res, M V Hicks' sow Windmill Princess 11.

Landrace G and J Owens' boar Lletty Riber 5; res, J Newth's gilt Prestcombe Doranda 448.

Large Black P G Snell and Sons' gilt Sock Doreen 169; res, Marquess of Salisbury's sow Crane Nocturne 56.

Large White S Loveless' gilt Portbredy Jean 1805; res, J Newth's gilt Prestleigh Queen 6.

Middle White G W and F M Jones' boar Mabon Revival; res, G W and F M Jones' gilt Mabon Fairlady 18.

Oxford Sandy and Blacks D Norman's boar Ansty Alexander 3; res, M F Case's sow Ansty Duchess 2.

Tamworth J Card and A Wormell's gilt Cranbrook Ruby 123; res, N L G Hunkin's boar Shutevale Golden Ball 770.

Welsh  P M Fowlie's sow Braemor Daffodil; res, H Tongue and J Flay's boar Churchstone Emperor.

Well, flash floods may have turned the roads around Shepton Mallet and the Bath and West Showground into rivers yesterday, but the showground has stood up well with the ground largely firm under foot this morning and stock looking well.

As I'm judging interbreed sheep groups later today I haven't ventured to the sheep lines yet, but I've done a tour of the cattle lines and while numbers are down on normal, the quality is as high as ever. Full results are listed below and pictures will follow later today....

BEEF

Interbreed D and A Wheeler's Limousin heifer Rosecroft Versace; res, P and M Richman's cow Lowerhope 1 Orange.

Interbreed Group Limousin; res, Simmental.

Aberdeen Angus C J Hutchings' cow Kingsbrompton Miss Ethel; res, A E and C R Bishop's heifer Warrenho Juliet Erica.

Beef Shorthorn B Wear's cow Redhill Bundaberg Lovely; res, LEP Farms' bull Meonhill Aslan.

British Blonde The Whitley Herd's bull Cassus; res, The Whistley Herd's cow Uncinate.

British Limousin D and A Wheeler's heifer Rosecroft Versace; res, C J Hutchings' bull Goldies Trophy.

British Simmental D B Mills' cow Wishful Lavender; res, R J Edmunds' bull Castle Tonto.

Devon G David and Family's bull Knowstone Fitzroy; res, M and D Cowell's heifer Barton Camilla.

Hereford P and M Richman's cow Lowerhope 1 Orange; res, P T English's bull Churchlands Estate 1 Batavia.

DAIRY

Interbreed Chettle Guernsey Cream's Guernsey cow Cracker Duchess; res, R K and S G Miller and Sons' Holstein cow Moorshard Jordi Tellar.

Guernsey Chettle Guernsey Cream's cow Cracker Duchess; res, M C Durbin's cow Bickfield Valerie 20.

Holstein R K and S G Miller's cow Moorshard Jordi Tellar; res, C B Cooper Partnership's Noremead Millenium Carmen.

Jersey C Wadman's heifer Wisteria Paramount Bon Bon; res, J R Daw's cow Sowden Juno Ceres 2.

Dexter P W Hunt's cow Saltaire Art; res, J Knight's bull Sollershope Tippet.

I've just uploaded the second batch of pictures from the Suffolk Show which includes the Beef Interbreed champion from Andrew Brown and a cracking shot of the overall Dairy champion which I'm hoping to use as a front cover shot this week!

As promised here's the full results list from the sheep and pig rings from Suffolk Show.

Sheep Interbreed

G Allenby's Charollais ewe; res, G Allenby's Hampshire Down ewe.

Suffolk

G and E Beddie's ewe lamb; res, S W Cobald's shearling ram.

Jacob

P Baker's shearling ewe; P Baker's ram.

Continental Breeds

G Allenby's Charollais ewe; res, G Allenby's Charollais ewe lamb.

Hampshire Down

G Allenby's shearling ewe; res, D Middleditch's trimmed ewe lamb.

Longwool

S Holdich's Wensleydale shearling ewe; res, S Holdich's Wensleydale ram.

Norfolk Horn

S E O Coke and K E Long's ewe; res, S E O Coke and K E Long's ram.

Whitefaced Woodland

R and P Baker's ewe lamb; res, C Steel's ewe.

Southdown

D M Jenkins'shearling ram; res, P J and E J Cresswell's ram.

Other Native Breeds

B Lugsden's Dorset Down ram lamb; res, B Lugsden's Dorset Down ewe lamb.

Commercial sheep

J Waspe's Texel x Charollais pair of lambs; res, R Partridge and Son's Suffolk pair of lambs.      

Here's a fuill list of beef and dairy results from today's Suffolk Show.

Beef Interbreed

Hardwick Farms' Aberdeen-Angus bull Hawstead Lodge Eurevine; res, L J Dowley's Simmental cow Theberton Rose.

Beef Pairs

Simmental; res, Limousins.

Group of Three

Simmentals; British Blues.

Red Poll

M Woolf's bull Oak House Ulysses; res, G M L Buckle's heifer Buntait Tilly 2.

Hereford

F W Cook and Son's bull Clipston Hold On; res, D C Smith and Sons' bull Laxfield Rugby.

British Simmental

L J Dowley's cow Theberton Rose; res, L J Dowley's bull Theberton Victorious.

Limousin

W J and S M Mash's bull Brockhurst Venture; res, P J Gooderham's heifer Sundale Bon Bon.

South Devon

G R Fountaine's heifer Portman Burtley Flame; res, J Archer's bull Goffe Cave Sturdy 6.

Highland

G J H Rainey's heifer Catriona 7 of April; res, R and D riley's bull Monarch 2 of Vidamir Tiddle.

Longhorn

A K Clark and Sons' heifer Wenham Glitch; res, A K Clark and Sons' heifer Trelawny Amber.

Any Other Breed

Hardwick Farms' bull Hawstead Lodge Eurevine; res, Hardwick Farms' heifer Hawstead Lodge Jewlonica Erica.

Commercial Beef

K W Ludgate's British Blue x heifer Big Bum; res, K W Ludgate's British Blue x steer Rolly Mo.   

Well I think the weather has managed to stay kind so far today - I must have brought the sunshine with me to Suffolk Show.

Overall it's been a good show of sheep and pigs but entries are a little thin on the ground in the beef and dairy lines.

The sheep rings were led by Graham Allenby who took the overall title with his two-shear Charollais ewe and reserve with his shearling Hampshire Down ewe.

Beef cattle were dominated by native breeds with Hardwick Farms winning with their 2005 born Aberdeen-Angus bull Hawstead Lodge Eurevine and a Simmental Theberton Rose standing reserve from L J Dowley.

A Jersey led the dairy rings, while a Saddleback took the pig classes.  

I've uploaded a picture gallery of the champions giving full details of section winners taken so far this morning and will add more later so keep looking back on here.

Neither the good weather nor the escalating prices in fuel, fertiliser and feed affected the large attendance and the demand for quality Limousin cattle at the British Limousin Cattle Society Show and Sale at Ballymena Livestock Mart on Monday 26th May 2008.

A solid trade resulted in 44 bulls and 33 heifers being sold at an 83% clearance rate. The average for bulls levelled at £2131, up £195 on May 2007, while the heifers averaged £1717, £59 better than 2007.

Prior to the sale Rob Kirton from the Ashledge Herd at Severn Lodge Farm, Kinlet, Bewdley, Worcestershire, ably judged the twelve classes.   

Topping the sale were two stylish heifers from the Fedneyhouse Herd of John and Margery Adams, Banbridge. Firstly was the Female Champion and Overall Reserve Champion - Fedneyhouse Crystal at £7350 - a record price for a Limousin at Ballymena, followed by £4300 for a second prize winner Fedneyhouse Colleen.

 Both these heifers were no strangers to the limelight as Crystal had been awarded the Female Reserve Championship at Balmoral earlier in the month by judge and Society President Mr William Cowx.

This sweet heifer is by the 'Elite' French bull Ulm and out of Lumbylaw Nellie, a cow that bred Fedneyhouse Brandy which finished fourth in the Limousin Bull Derby last year and later sold in Carlisle for £6000. Crystal now joins the Kendrom herd of David Kenwell, Dromore, Co Tyrone.

Colleen, also by Ulm, won her class at Castlewellan last year and went on to stand Second Reserve Champion. She was purchased by Alistair Graham, Tandragee.

Next at £3990 came Carmorn Cannonball, a Grahams Unbeatable son from Francis McAuley and ably shown by his young son Frank. Cannonball had been previously awarded Intermediate Male Champion and Overall Supreme Champion by Mr Kirton.

 As with the Fedneyhouse heifers, Cannonball was also no stranger to the show ring as he had won his class at the Annual Calf Spectacular in September 2007. With a Beef Value of LM+38 and a milk figure of +2, putting him in the top 10% of the breed, he was purchased by J McGeehan, Fivemiletown.

Two bulls sold for £3675 each. David Kenwell was first with his third prize winning bull Kendrom Bounty. Bounty is the first son of his new stock bull Homebyres Vista to be offered for sale.

Sporting a Beef Value of LM+28 and in the top 10% of the breed for muscle and growth, he now joins the herd of T McMaster, Larne. Next was the Reserve Intermediate Champion Carntogher Bruno from Lawrence McEldowney. Bruno is sired by Carmorn Rocky and out of Lumbylaw Tammy and was purchased by Sam Chesney for his suckler herd in Kircubbin, Co Down.

At £3570 was a showy heifer Ashhollow Blusher from James and Alison Callion, Dromore, Co Tyrone. Blusher is by Omar and out of Ashhollow Twinkle whose previous heifer calf sold for £3200 at 2007 Carlisle Red Ladies Day. She now joins the Madden herd of Alistair Graham.

Bidding remained brisk and £3045 was easily reached for two Sympa sons, the first being the red rosette winner Ampertaine Brutus from showman Barney O'Kane and then J Cunningham for his fourth prize winner Crandale Commander.

This was followed by the Reserve Junior Champion, a classy Hafodlas Volcano son Cwm Celt from Victor Keys, Dromore, Co Tyrone, at £2940 and now moves counties to Dromore, Co Down, for W Mackey.

The Northern Ireland Limousin Cattle Club wish to thank Neil Scott from Norbrook Laboratories for their generous sponsorship and all the staff at Ballymena Livestock Mart for helping to make the show and sale a success.

Other leading prices - bulls

£2887.50 - Heathmount Beggar from McKinney Bros, Maghera to F Lappin, Poyntzpass

£2730.00 - Glarryford Bourbon from Michael McKenna, Maghera to E Duncan, Ballycastle

£2625.00 - Millgate Cupid from Michael Loughran, Cookstown to Gary Stewart, Ballyclare

£2520.00 - Newhillfarm Conor from Mick McPolin, Hilltown to N McCracken, Limavady

Other leading prices - heifers

£2835.00 - Artnagullion Corny from William McAllister, Kells to Lawrence McEldowney, Kells

£2310.00 - Carrick Chubbers from P Foster, Cookstown to N McGarrigle, Cookstown

£2257.00 - Carmorn Brenda from Bryan McElroy, Dromara to Ian Harvey, Lisburn

£2100.00 - Dunnamona Cookie from Ivan Jobb, Fintona to Alistair Graham, Tandragee

Averages

44 Bulls £2131 (+£195)

33 Heifers £1717 (+£59)

Unfortunately, as I'm judging the sheep interbreed groups at the Bath and West tomorrow I haven't been able to head to Shepton Mallet today to catch up with the interbreed beef, sheep and pig competitions.

However, a quick scan of the show's online results pages indicates the Wheeler's Limousin heifer Rosecroft Versace took the interbreed beef award, this makes it two out of two for Versace after she took top honours at Devon County too (where the photo below was taken).

Colin Hutchings' Aberdeen Angus cow Kingsbrompton Miss Ethel stood reserve.

The sheep interbreed takes place today with ex-NSA supremo John Thorley doing the honours.

To see the show's results pages click here

Selling for a top price of 3500gns at Carlisle's multi breed sale last Friday was Tamhorn Zodiac from Danny and Jane Wyllie. By Bilsdale Wellington he is out of Cairnsmore Wanda and sold to A O bell, Gordon, Berwickshire.

Female trade topped at 2550gns for A and C Ivinson's Sandwick Magic Zabrina, a Croxtonpark Ken daughter who sold to T Severn, Halifax.

St Boswells saw sale of 280 clean cattle, 954 ewes, 891 hoggs and 803 spring lambs. Top price bullock was 181p from Pathhead selling to J Gilmour and Co Ltd. The 143 bullocks averaged 153.4p/kg, minus 1.9p on the week.

Top price heifer at 180p/kg from Fountainbleau was sold to M/s Cropper. The 116 heifers averaged 153.8p/kg, minus 0.3p on the week.

Young bulls averaged 141.5p/kg up 1.6p on the week and sold to 155p. The 75 beef type OTM averaged 121.5p/kg and sold to 151p. dairy type OTM averaged 110.3p/kg and topped at 110.3p/kg.

On the sheep front of the 891 hoggs they averaged 140p/kg and sold to 187.5p. The 954 ewes averaged 443.52 and sold to £74, up 0.84p on the week. The 803 spring lambs averaged 189.8p/kg and sold to 205.7p.

Hexham and Northern marts saw a poorer show than previous weeks with 79 cattle being put forward. A lower than usual overall average of 146.4p/kg was seen.  Limousin heifers topped at 163.5p from black Heddon with Charolais heifers making 162.5p from Flotterton.

Limousin steers topped at £1043.96, with Blondes making 1032.43 from Low Leam.

The over thirty month trade improved again from last weeks high return on overall average of 111.6p/kilo and £720.19p/head. Topping the OTM trade was a Blonde from Watch Currock selling for £1235.12.

Lamb trade was also slow to come forward due to weather. However, despite this heavy lambs sold to £87.50 for a Suffolk cross from Highwood and to 185.7p/kg for Texel cross from Ashcroft.

With very few quality prime hoggs, trade struggled. Topping the price was a superb Charolais cross hogg from the Whins selling for £79 and to 161.1p/kg for Suffolk cross also from the Whins.  

Quality animals were in demand at Colchester market, with 139 cattle going under the hammer.

All steers averaged 146.84p/kg, all heifers 145.58 and bulls 145.12p/kg. Top price for the day was £980.67 for a heavy steer, consigned by H H Cawston and Son Ltd and selling to C Humphreys and Sons. Medium steers also topped at £857.60.

A firm trade was seen at Lanark with the sale of 211 store cattle and 119 bullocks. Bullocks averaged 158.5p/kg to 184.3p/kg for a pen of 350kg Charolais crosses from W J A Davidson and Son, Poldean. £775 gross was reached for a 504kg Limousin Cross from J J and C McCallum, Strathnafanaig.

Heifers, 92 in total, averaged 146.8p/kg to 169.3p/kg for a pen of 446kg for a Limousin cross from T Walker and Son, Netherurd mains and £755 gross for a 446kg Limousin crisis also from T Walker and Son.

Outstanding success was seen at the sale of British Blonde cattle at Sedgemoor Auction Centre.

Top price of the day was £6300 for Stephen Potter's Whistley Bell, a bull with size, shape and good legs, weighing in at 860kg. Bell, who was placed first in the senior bull class and Champion was bought by Mr N C Roberts, Norfolk.

Stephen Potter also got reserve champion first prize junior bull for Whistley Caras Rose, who sold to £2730 and was bought by G M Boyer, North Newton.

Last Friday saw a strong entry of beef breeding cattle at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, where Keskadale-based Keith Harryman's run of heifers averaged £2127 and topped at £6500 for a British Blue cross cow with a Limousin cross heifer calf at foot. Purchasers were Messrs Birrell and Co.

Messrs Dodd of West View sold Limousin cross heifers and calves to average £2171 and topped at £3800 for a Limousin heifer and calf, also purchased by Messrs Birrell and Co.

A strong show of 706 bulling heifers were also forward with pens selling for between £900 and £1200. Leading the heifer entry was a British Blue cross from Brian Hall, she sold for £2300.

Leading an impressive sale of Aberdeen-Angus bulls at Carlisle last week was Hallington Walter from Newcastle-based Alan Lawson, who sold for the day's top price of 10,000gns.

Sired by Blelack Prince consort out of Blelack Wistaria, Walter has a self replacing index of +21 and an impressive milk figure of +17. He sold to Tom Rennie.   

More to follow shortly.......

Exhibitors at Surrey County and Herts County Show on Sunday and Monday suffered a down pout for most of the day, but that didn't dampen spirits as British Blue and commercial show man Paul Barwood points out!

Click here for pictures and more information on the show winners.   

A sale of pedigree Holstein cattle, held in conjunction with the weekly offering of commercial dairy cows, produced a top price of £2600 at Gisburn Auction Mart, Lancashire last week.

From the long established Garsby herd owned by the Cornthwaite family at Claughton-on-Brock, near Garstang, Garsby Chapter Irene 3 was sold fresh to top the trade. By Calbrett Chapter she goes to C Middleton, Whalley, Lancashire.

At £2280 the calved heifer Copdon Talent Nora 80 from G Donkin, Blackburn sold to J R Dodgson, who also gave £2000 for a Crackholme Comestar Paymaster calved heifer from the same vendor.

A £2100 call from Alan Outram, Bury was good enough to claim the Weeton Jackson freshly calved heifer Affetside Ella 65 from S and C Thompson, Longridge, Preston. Mr Outram also paid £2040 for another by Jackson form the same home.

Ingleview entries from Robert and Elaine Butterfield's herd at Bentham, Lancaster met with the usual support. Their most expensive was Ingleview James Heidi, a Shoremar James calved heifer taken by G T Blezard, Ribchester at £2020.

Hellifield, Skipton vendor Gordon Beresford realised £2260 for a Maco Scotty calved heifer from his Tripleblue herd bought by C Middleton while an in-calf heifer due in June and consigned from the Walverdene herd of P K Smith and Sons, Burnley, made £1900 to S R Shuttleworth, West Marton, Skipton (Richard Turner and Son).

The first of the shows in the south east started with a bang at the weekend for Rupert Taylor Ltd's Charolais herd as they took both the interbreed and reserve overall tickets in the beef cattle lines at Heathfiled Show, East Sussex.

Although entries were down considerably this year, with classes having to be emalgamated, the string of Charolais cattle led out by Robert and Fiona Temple dominated proceedings.

Their champion and overall female champion was the March 2006 heifer Rumsden Bianca, by Burnside Taz. Standing reserve to her was their male champion Rumsden Cruiserweight, by Roundhill Rocky. Both exhibits were out of the same dam, Rumsden Tatania.

The Sussex breed dominated the reserve line up with the Milson family taking the reserve female title with Trottenden Terpischore 91 and Trottenden Major 2 from the same holding taking the reserve male title.

In the any other breed section, Jason and Sarah Wareham took the best British Blue ticket with their August 2006 Gitan son Wareham's Billy, while Sue and Tim Watson took the best Limousin ticket with their yearling heifer Thorndean Cracker.

Thorndean also led the way in the commercial section with their purebred Limousin heifer Thorndean Cheeky.

Cantus of Langmo, a son of the British bred poll Charolais bull, Pentervin Universe, has sold for a Norwegian breed record price of 95,000 Norwegian Krones (approximately £10,000) after achieving a national record DLG of 2.116kg per day while on performance test.

Buyers were Rannveig and Tore Solberg who run a 30 cow pedigree herd near Frederickstad, in south east Norway.

The Norwegian Charolais Organisation imported 110 straws of Pentervin Universe from his breeders, David and Sadie Littlehales, who run the 20 cow poll Charolais herd at Minsterley, Shropshire. Three Universe sons were independently selected to enter the Norwegian Beef Breeders' Association's Star test performance station based at Hamar, at an average 200 days of age, toward the end of last year.  

"Cantus of Langmo has demonstrated the highest performance ever by a Charolais bull on the Norwegian performance test station. Furthermore, all Pentervin Universe sons are proving to be easy calving," commented Erling Gresseth who runs the 130 cow Veistad pedigree herd, one of Norway's largest.

"We were in the market for new genetics and Universe, the first poll bull to be imported from UK is proving to be an outstanding success," he said adding: "Charolais superior performance has led the terminal beef sire to grow in popularity over all other native and Continental and recently take pole place with 40% market share."

A top of 2400gns three times meant G R Morgan and Partners at Rockfield, Monmouth, of their dairy herd had a successful dispersal.

P A Rymer of Caldicot was the first to pay the top price for the March calved 3^rd calver Clark Flora by Bo-Bar-Ran Elton Clark.

The same buyer paid the same money for Rhaglan M Lord Copper, a daughter of Eastview Meadowlord which was five weeks into her second lactation.

The third cow to make the top price was Rosparry Hunter Lady 19, a second calver by Hunter out of a 9651kg Rosparry Thor dam, purchased by G W J Turbutt for a client.

The first cow in the ring made 2000gns.  Denver Lotus, a second calver by Shanail Formation Denver had calved on New Year's Day and was three months in calf to a British Blue.  The buyer was Mrs G M Jones, Newent, Gloucestershire.

Worcestershire buyers, L Grainger and Son, Bewdley, paid 2000gns for the third calver Rhaglan Connie, giving 39kg after calving six weeks earlier.

Served heifers sold to 1750gns given by P D Birchall and Sons of Cirencester, Gloucestershire, for Eddie Amy, a daughter of Weaverline Bench Eddie six months in-calf to a Limousin.

Maiden heifers peaked at 1020gns paid by R J Wilcox of Clevedon, Somerset, for Rhaglan Marbella, a daughter of Comestar Outside off a Hanoverhill Raider sired mother. 

Heifer calves sold to 900gns for Milkmaid, a Picston Shottle daughter, the buyers being P J Watkins and Son of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

A good crowd of purchasers were in attendance at Blore Farm, Hales, Market Drayton on Thursday for the sale of the entire Bloreheath Herd of pedigree Holstein cattle, except for heifers under 12 months of age, on behalf of J W Lea and Son.

The top price was 2350gns achieved on two occasions; firstly for Bloreheath Lee Olwen, a daughter of Comestar Lee who calved her third calf on 19^th April and was giving 36 kg. She was purchased by I C Wakley of Taunton, Somerset who also bought Bloreheath Ruben Lorna, a second calf daughter of Bosside Ruben who also calved in April and was giving 38kg. 

The May Border & Lakeland monthly Club Show and Sale saw a small show of fresh pedigree Holstein cows and heifers.

Top price of the day went to the 2^nd prize cow in milk, Ingleview Cousteau Asta VG85 from the famous herd owned by R&E Butterfield, this stylish young cow was bred from 5 Generations of Very Good or Excellent dams and sold for 2500gns to JT Marrs, Broomhills.

Second top price went to W Armour's Roylane Jordan daughter, Annandale Jordan Liz, giving 40kg a day and bred from 6 generations of EX or VG dams she sold for 2400gns to CD&C Somerville, Braehill Farm, Carrutherstown.

A 21-month-old Limousin bull from Peter Goldsbrough, Manor House Farm, Northallerton, was supreme champion at the annual multi-breeds show and sale of pedigree beef breeding cattle at Skipton Auction Mart. (Wed, May 21)

By Oxygen, a member of Christine Williams' Shropshire-based Wilodge herd, out of a home-bred cow the title winner sold for 1,200 guineas to J&E Medcalf, Sicklinghall.

The show of breeding bulls and females again offered significant appeal for pedigree, commercial, beef and dairy herds. Judge was well-known West Yorkshire Limousin breeder Steven Priestley, Bradford, whose Brontemoor herd had been responsible for the champion at the previous three annual fixtures.

  A month after bagging a first-ever Craven Dairy Auction championship, M Baul and Partners, of Watergate Farm, Bishop Thornton, Harrogate, pulled of a second consecutive success when again taking the title at the May show. (Mon, May 19)

As in April, the spoils went to a newly-calven heifer from the Bauls' Ravensgate pedigree Holstein Friesian herd, a product of the young, up-and coming Genus bull Coldsprings Hatley, out of a home-bred dam.

Awarded the BOCM Pauls Dairy Cup, the title winner, giving 35 kilos, sold for £2,000 to show judge Ian Dobson, of Sowerby Bridge, who also netted a £60 cash bonus as purchaser of the champion from Farmers & Mercantile Insurance Brokers, of Boroughbridge.

Top price at the monthly fixture, sponsored by Chris Pearson, of animal health products specialist Pearsons Farm Supplies, West Marton, fell to the third prize newly-calven heifer from Mark Falshaw, of Gargrave, sold for £2,140 to Roger Wood, of Cross Roads, Keighley.

Those of you familiar with Taking Stock will notice two chages to the site today. First of all we have a new blogger - Sarah - who many of you will have been reading content by her in the magazine. Sarah has now been on the livestock desk for a couple of months and is loving every minute of it......well I would say that wouldn't I??!!

The other change is the addition of an on-line sales and events diary. Some of you will have been pestered by me to take part in uploading Google calendar and I'm pleased to say with a little help from some other FW staff it's now live in the right hand column of the blog.

Harrison and Hetherington have updated their information and so have East of England Agricultural Society along with some breed socieiteis and other auctioneers. If anyone wants to upload thier dates let me know and I will email you the information. It's easy to do and most of all it's free!!!  

It was a seven-year-old mid-brown female from Lanarkshire breeders David and Christine Akerman that created most interest and made the top price of 2500gns. She was sold with a two-week-old female cria at foot to Cheshire buyers David and Yvonne, Congleton.

A capacity crowd produced a blistering trade for dairy cattle and left buyers with some hefty averages when Holstein and Jersey cattle were offered at a collective sale at Sedgemoor Auction Centre in Somerset. Bidding reached 2550gns with calved Holstein cows levelling at £2128.

Nick Goss of Devizes, Wiltshire entered four smart calved heifers from his Camelot herd to average £2307. His first in the ring - Posh Allentown Berinze - topped the day. By Bluenose Allentown, she'd been calved nine days and was giving 27kg.

David and Valerie Norman consigned 16 head from their well known Ciderhouse herd at Sherborne, Dorset and achieved a best of 2290gns for a calved heifer by their own bull Ciderhouse Promotion. Two 11-month-old heifers from the Ciderhouse herd led the youngstock at 1320gns each.

Hexham and Northern Marts saw the largest show of the season with 732 ewes and lambs passing through the ring.

Top price for Texel cross hoggs with lambs was £150 from Townfoot. B D Maine hoggs with lambs topped at £148 from Lough Green, with Mule hoggs with lambs making £136 from Brownsleazes.

Texel cross gimmers with lambs made £130, with Suffolk gimmers at £125 and Mule gimmers at £110.

Texel ewes with lambs topped at £145 from East Fourstones, with Suffolk's making £115 from West Wharmley and Mule ewes topping at £116, from Middle Farm Cottage.

Jerseys swept the board at last week's Devon County Show, taking the dairy interbreed championship, group and pairs ahead of the tri-annual World Jersey Cattle Bureau conference.

S & S Murray's  third calver Whiteoaks Julian Flower improved on last year's champion Jersey spot by scooping the interbreed prize with handler Ollie Dain. "It's been a tremendous show," said owner Emma Murray, who plans to head to the Royal Show and local Midlands shows later in the year. By Valleystream Julian and out of Watchbury Centurion Flower VG89, Whiteoaks Julian Flower is currently giving 30kg a day.

"This cow is clean boned with a well attached udder fore and rear," said Canadian judge Brian Sayles. He chose Ian Chave's Holstein cow Peacehay Fairy 26 for the reserve spot at her first ever show, based on her "outstanding strength with a tremendous udder". By Comestar Stormatic and out of Peacehay Fairy 17, this homebred second calver is yielding 50kg a day.

A cracking sale of British Blue's has led to an increase on the overall average of £1128.83 on last year's sale.

28 senior bulls - £4912.50

34 intermediate bulls - £5759.56

22 junior bulls - £5092.50

84 overall - £5302.50

Female averages to follow shortly......... 

Selling has just finished so here's an up to date price list for some of the females that made good money today........I only wish I'd brought my cheque book as there were one or two rather sweet show heifers go through at reasonable money!

Marsh Blue Bluebell (lot 125) 4800gns Sharplaw Farms, Kelso  

Croftends Belle (lot 126) 2700gns Jewitt, Barnard Castle

Marsh Blue Black Buster (lot 127) 4500gns Mel and Diane Lucas, Co Antrim

Osborne Bonnie (lot 137) 3100gns to David Ellis, Cornwall, 

Betws Baba (lot 138) 3400gns to John Metcalf, Armouth, Carlisle 

Nether Hall Betty Boo (lot 139 female champion) 7000gns Redmond, Carlow, Eire

Nether Hall Brandy (lot 142) 9000gns Redhead and Sharplaw Farms (1/2 share)

Due to difficulties in bringing you up to date information from the British Blue males selling this morning, I thought I'd give you a list of any sale toppers.

Twyning Ash Vandyke (lot 1) - 4400gns to Alan Fotheringham.

Ruaig Am the man (lot 4) - 4300gns Muir, Orkney

Stonebyres Barney (lot 12) - 4800gns Clayton Partnership, Cheshire

Croftends Bruno (Lot 14-senior champ) - 14,500gns to J B Bowness, Penrith.

Stockmerle Boy Named Sue (lot 15) - 9000gns Hunter of Woodlands hall, Co Durham

Terrington Bandit (lot 21) - 4600gns David Ellis, Cornwall

Pendle Black Jack (lot 25) - 6000gns to Mr Rutherford, Hexham.

Solway View Braveheart (lot 26) - 4600gns David Ellis, Cornwall

Greystone Bobcat (lot 27) - 4500gns Harvey, Cumnock

Continuing a good run of females from Nether Hall Farms, another by Bringlee Volkawagon, Nether Hall Clever Girl (lot 154) has just sold to Adam Neachall of Cromwell Blues for 8500gns. With a first prize ticket on her she is out of Zwierig Et Vd Wildebeek.

At 4100gns the Hartley's sold Pendle Cauldron, a Blue Stone Union Jack daughter, while a belter of a heifer calf and first prize ticket from last week's Ayr show, Topflite Cally from Grant Anderson sold for 4000gns.

Another first prize ticket, this time from the cow section, Woodview Universe knocked down for 3600gns, while a strong ex-show cow Piggots Vavavoom, bred by Anita Padfield and forward from A and C Bethell sold for 6500gns to Andrew Gibson.

Andrew also bought Springfield Wilma from the Wilkinson's for 4100gns.

The reserve overall and intermediate champion Nether Hall Buster, by Bringlee Volkawagon out of Kilboy Victoria (full brother to the 9000-gns heifer) has sold for 17,000gns

Having taken the senior championship to add to a host of championship tickets won on last year's show circuit, Andrew Bellas' Croftends Bruno has sold for 14,500gns to Mr Morris.

The reserve senior champion Bringleee Bouncer out of a personal favourite cow of mine Bringlee Sandy, and by Baron Du Bois Bauloye, followed Bruno in ot the ring and knocked down for 9000gns to Mr Mason.

keeping with the senior bulls E and S Thomas sold Betws Byron, a Gitan Du P'tit Mayeur son out of Park Rose for 9500gns.

Topping trade for the bulls at Carlisle is Graham Coates' Greystone Bonzer. By Adagio De Stordeurout of Greystone Velcro, he has gone through at 18,000gns.

Just shy of that price was the reserve overall champion fropm Nether Hall Farms. Nether Hall Buster, again by Bringlee Volkawagon and out of Kilboy Victoria (full brother to the 9000gns heifer sold earlier), he sold for 17,000gns to Mr Innes.

Apologies for the break but I'm pleased to say Taking Stock is back in action at the Blue sale at Carlisle.

I'll update you with bulls in a bit but currently female trade is topping at 9000gns for Henther Hall Brandy. The second prize female by Bringlee Volkawagon out of Kilboy Victoria has just gone in a joint deal to Mr Watson and Sharplaw Farms.

Having a break from auctioneering David Thomlinson has given over to young James Little - he's doing a cracking job!

Here are the full results listings for the sheep, pigs and dairy cattle from Balmoral Show.

SHEEP RESULTS

Interbreed M Miller's Texel ewe lamb; res, J Aiken's Charollais shearling

ewe.

Interbreed Pairs Charollais; res, Suffolk.

Border Leicester J Aiken's ewe; res, T Horner's ewe lamb.

Suffolk J H Stewart's shearling ewe; res, W T Tait's shearling ram.

Texel M Miller's ewe lamb; res, A Gault's shearling ewe.

Ile de France Porter and Hyndman's ewe; res, D M Mulligan's shearling ram.

Bluefaced Leicester W Bell's ewe; res, S Laverty and Sons' shearling ram.

Blackface R Crawford's ewe; res, H Crawford's shearling ewe.

Greyface Graham and Knox's shearling ewe; res, Graham and Knox's ewe.

Hampshire Down J Fletcher's shearling ram; res, K McCarthy's ewe lamb.

North Country Cheviot D Robinson's shearling ewe; res, N A J Robinson's ram.

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset T Wright's shearling ewe; res, G Cubbitt's ram lamb.

Rouge de L'Ouest M and J Graham's shearling ewe; res, Graham and Knox's ewe.

Charollais D Christie's ram; res, J Aiken's ewe.

Beltex E McAllister's shearling ewe; res, E McAllister's ram.

Kerry Hill S and F McAllister's ram; res, S and F McAllister's shearling ewe.

Rare Breeds W and K Carson's shearling ewe; res, Linmow Rare Breeds' ram.

Zwartbles M Woods' ewe; res, S Girvan's ewe lamb.

PIG RESULTS

Interbreed S Smyth's saddleback sow Whinney Hill Fidra 50; res, L T J Bradley's Large White boar.

Large White L J Bradley's junior boar; res, A E Martin's junior gilt.

Landrace A and R Todd's junior gilt; res, A and R Todd's junior boar.

Traditional Breeds S Smyth's Saddleback sow Whinney Hill Fidra 50; K and J Gracey's Saddleback boar Forthill Rasah.

DAIRY RESULTS

Interbreed Clandeboye Estate's Holstein cow Clandeboye Champion Willow; res, Fleming Family's Jersey cow Potterswall Connection Lady.

Interbreed Pairs Holstein; res, Jersey.

Interbreed Group Holstein; res, Jersey.

Ayrshire J W Suffern's cow Ravenhill Tulip 53; res, J and M Hunter's cow Ardmore Janet 59.

Jersey Fleming Family's cow Potterswall Connection Lady; res, Fleming Family's Potterswall Paramount Glamour.

Holstein Clandeboye Estate's cow Clandeboye Champion Willow; res, S and J McCormick's cow Hilltara Champion Echo.

Phil Halhead's Norbreck Genetics has had more than a successful show so far at Carlisle as eight of the classes were won by sires marketed by the company. This included the Reserve Supreme Bull (lot 70) Netherhall Buster by Bringlee Volkawagon and the Overall Female Champion Netherhall Betty Boo by Dafydd D'Ochain.

The sires included Dafydd D'Ochain, Bringlee Volkawagon, Blue Stone Union Jack and Tamhorn Sumo.

It was a clean sweep for the intermediate male championship as all 4 class winners were by Norbreck sires. The champion bull by Volkawagon went on the be Reserve Supreme Champion, standing reserve to him was Pendle Bulldozer by Dafydd D'Ochain.

Going one better than the junior championship earlier awarded Stephen and Gill Potter's Westside Bob has taken the overall British Blue championship.

Although many ringsiders would have predicted an older bull might take the title before the event it was the junior line up of bulls that caused more of a stir shining quality throughout.

The reserve overall spot came from the intermediate section - Nether Hall Buster.  

Pictures from today's judging will follow shortly..........

Half brother to the 2007 Carlisle reserve junior British Blue champion, Westside Bob has gone one better and taken the junior championship today for owners Stephen and Gill Potter, Thirsk, Yorkshire.

By Blak du Baty D'eprave, he is out of Westside Sophie, a Brookfield Napoleon daughter.

Taking the reserve spot in the junior line up was Darren Russell's Blue Rock Boxster. By Bringlee Talbot, this blue and white bull is out of Blue Chip Tempest.  

Having already dominated female judging proceedings earlier, Nether Hall Farm were back in the action taking the intermediate British Blue title at Borderway Mart.

Nether Hall Buster is a powerful, well muscled black and white bull is by Bringlee Volkawagon, son of Bringlee Sandy and out of Kilboy Victoria.

Taking the reserve intermediate title was Mark and Elaine Hartley's Pendle Bulldozer. Another by Dafydd, he is out of the homebred cow Pendle Wave.     

Having had a successful show season last year and a good start to this year's show, Croftends Bruno from Andrew and Jonathan Bellas has just taken the senior British Blue championship.

By Tintin De My, this January 2006-born blue roan bull (lot 14) is out of Clonberton Queen. He has a breed carcass yeild of +21 and a milk figure of +2. No doubt he will sell well tomorrow.

Standing reserve in the senior section was another strong bull likely to take the attention of many potential buyers - Bringlee Bouncer from Graham Brindley.

By Baron Du Bois Bauloye, he is out of the show winning brood black cow Bringlee Sandy, a daughter of Elite De L'Orgelot.

The first British Blue championship of the day under Belgian judge Geest De Paepe (president of BBG) at Borderway Mart in Carlisle goes to the female champion Nether Hall Betty Boo from Kirkby Lonsdale-based Nether Hall Farm.

Betty Boo, born July 2006, is by Dafydd D' Ochain and is out of the Gib Van Het Negenbond daughter Wood Hall Vicky.   

Standing reserve to her was G and R Bellis' white heifer Betws Blanco. By Philipper De Remichampagne, the June 2006 heifer is out of Currarie Primrose.

The Texel champion, a ewe lamb from Martin Millar's 70-ewe flock, by Mellorvale Masterpiece, a 3500gns purchase from Lanark two years ago, and out of a dam by Haltcliffe Caeser has just clinched the interbreed sheep championship at Balmoral Show, Belfast.

Well I've been for a wander round, caught up with a few familiar faces and taken a look throught the cattle lines, it certainly is an impressive show of both beef and dairy cattle here at Balmoral Show once again.

Full beef results are:

Interbreed A anfd T Clyde's Limousin bull Ironstone Bomber; res, S McGovern's Charolais bull Ashleigh Victor.

Aberdeen Angus J Porter's heifer Old Glenort Precious Pollot; res, J and A Henning's cow Drumlister Willow.

Hereford J E, R I and W Haire's bull Dorepoll 173 Jonathan; res, J Graham's bull Graceland 1 Colin.

Charolais S McGovern's bull Ashleigh Victor; res, G Henderson's bull Sandleford Curtis.

Simmental R Forde's cow Mullyknock Princess; res, W Abraham's heifer Dripsey Twilight.

Limousin A and T Clyde's bull Ironstone Bomber; res, D B Mairs' cow Ronick Money.

British Blonde Pinehill Blondes' heifer Pinehill Bonny; res, Ivaniskey Blondes' bull Doncombe Aga Khan.

British Blue A Craig's heifer Woodview Britney; res, Z Chestnutt's cow Clougher Wilma.

Salers J and E A Elliot's cow Unity; res, J and E A Elliot's bull Cesar.

Commercial Cattle S A Milliken's Charolais cross heifer Ruffles; res, J Killen's Charolais cross steer Crunchie.

Picking up the Balmoral Show interbreed dairy championship was the Holstein leader, Claboye Champion Willow, from Clanboye Estates. By Calbrett-1 H H Champion and out of homebred dam Clanboye Storm Willow, Champion Willow gave 11,535 litres in her second lactation and is currently in her third.

Belfast this morning is overcast and grey, but after queuing through roadworks myself and Taking Stock's trusty photographer Tim Scrivener have made it to the showground, so I'll update you on a few of the leading sheep results -  beef and dairy will follow a little later after we've stretched our legs.

Among the Suffolks it was another Balmoral championship win for Harry Stewart's Castlewellan flock, this time with a shearling ewe. Reserve to this was Willie Tait's shearling ram.

In the Texels it was Martin Millar's ewe lamb which took top honours, with Alistair Gault's shearling ewe reserve.

Charollais champion was Diane Christie's ram with second spot going to Jonathan Aitken's ewe under judge Charles Sercombe of Leicestershire.

And finally for now in the Hampshire Downs Jim Fletcher's ram took the silverware and Kvin McCarthy's ewe lamb was reserve.

Topping trade at Tuesday's annual store sale at Middleton in Teesdale was a second prized Limousin steer from J C and J white, Rigg Farm selling for £1150 to T D Hough and Sons.

The champion on the day also came from the White family and sold for £960 to J Fenwick.

For all of you out there who plan to be keeping up with the action on Saturday for live sale coverage of the British Blue sale in Carlisle I have a huge apology to make.

We're currently going through loads of technical changes to the way blog posts go up (too technical to bore you all with and believe me I don't really understand them either) and I've just been informed that Taking Stock will be out of action on Saturday as it is undergoing more changes.

This obvioulsy means I might not get live coverage of the Blue sale out to you until later Saturday afternoon or even later that evening - sorry! I'll do my best I promise!

I will be ringside at Borderway Mart on Friday afternoon so should be able to bring you the section championships, as well as a few predictions on the sale. If anything big happens I'll keep you updated on the Farmers Weekly forums during the sale.

Carlisle's annual Limousin youngstock sale featuring stock from Hudscales, Beck, Hafodlas and Gunnerfleet herds, saw demand for quality youngstock, forcing prices up.

Topping trade at 3500gns was a heifer from the Gunnerfleet herd, from Mr J Hanley. The stylish Gunnerfleet Belivy, born November 2006, with a calving index of +4 is by Tunnelby Monkeytricks and out off Gunnerfleet Ivy. She sold to R Stevenson, Kirby Stephen, Cumbria.

The Gunnerfleet's success continued with a call of 3400gns for 15 month old Gunnerfleet Celiny, one of the herds best bred heifers offered for sale.

Sired by Heros and out of Gunnerfleet Liny, she had a breeding value of +25 and was sold to E W Williams, Oswestry, Shropshire. The average price paid for 13 Gunnerfleet heifers on the day was £1631.54.

Hexham and Northern Marts May sale of beef breeding cattle saw prices topping at £1850.  

Sale leader was a British Blue x Friesian heifer with a Blonde x heifer calf at foot from Mirlaw House. Following close behind was another Blue cross from West Wharmley selling for £1820.

A Limousin cross heifer with calf at foot saw high prices of £1750 being made from Palm Strothers and West Wharnley.

Stock cows met a sharp trade selling to £1750 for a Bazadaise cross second calver with a Lim cross steer Calf from Demensne Farm, Bellingham. A South Devon cross second calver from Wydon made £1380.

Bulling heifers were in demand selling to £900 for a Limousin x British Blue from High Highlaws.

Bulls sold to 4000gns for a two year old Limousin by Limo Tenant, Glebe Farm, West Butsfield.

Taking the Border Leicester championship at this week's Balmoral Show was James Aiken with his ewe. Standing reserve was Dr T Horner with a ewe lamb.

Check back later for more results as they come........

Having been purchased from Peter Smith's Smiths of Bloxham herd at Carlisle in February for 11,000gns, the Uniprix son and Limousin bull Ironstone Bomber has just won the beef interbreed at the Balmoral Show this morning for his owner Tom Clyde.

As much as I would love to be in Belfast for three days, I can't get to the Balmoral show until tomorrow, but I am eagerly checking the show's website for results. So far few have been uploaded, but what I can tell you is that Elizabeth McAllister scored a double in the Beltex, taking both champion and reserve.

Top spot went to her shearling ewe, with her aged ram standing reserve. In the Zwartbles classes it was a championship win for Michael Woods with his ewe, with Stephen Girvan's ewe lamb reserve.

Meanwhile, among the Ile de France it was Messrs Porter and Hyndman's ewe which stood champion, while David Moutray's shearling ram was reserve.

I'll bring you more results as I get them and will endeavour to provide a full listing tomorrow, along with photos too.

Taking the Simmental championship at yesterday's Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland was Mullyknock Princess from R Forde.

 Standing reserve to her was the reserve female champion Dripsey Twilligh from W Abraham.

In the males it was Ashland Vagabond from P Kelly, while Ranfurly Vigilante V10 from David Hazelton.

More results and pictures to follow shortly...... 

Results are beginning to trickle in from Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland with the first championship of the day happening in the British Blue classes with Andrew Craig's homebred cow leading the way.

Here's a list of British Blue championship winners so far with pictures to follow shortly........

Supreme Champion - Woodview Britney - bred & exhibited by Andrew Craig

Reserve Supreme - Clougher Wilma - bred & exhibited by Zara Chestnut

Champion Male - Magheradroll Benjy - bred & exhibited by John Young

Champion Female - Woodview Britney bred & exhibited by Andrew Craig

Senior cow - Clougher Wilma - bred & exhibited by Zara Chestnutt

Pairs - Springhill Coconut and Springhill Barbie - bred & exhibited by Martin Bros

Bidding reached 2550gns at Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart in North Yorkshire where the North of England Simmental Society held its spring sale. The call came for the bull Beechtree Turbo from D C Burkill, Driffield.

By Brinkton Talent, a son of Lodge Major, he stayed locally with A Guthe, Thirsk. Tadcaster breeders Mr and Mrs D Pick's Scarthingwell Viceroy made 2000gns to J Grant, Easingwold, York. He's by the 15,000gns Perth bull Popes Laird and joined the trip home with a heifer and calf from the local herd of Mrs A Wise's Swaleside herd taken at 1450gns.

Charolais bulls met a ready demand selling to 4100gns at the breed society's Northern Ireland club official show and sale in Ballymena.

Topping the fixture at 4100gns was Burnside Cedric, a 13 month old youngster, from father and son team, Brian and William McAllister, Kells, Ballymena to James McCurdy Broughsahe for 4100gns.  Cedric was out of a homebred dam by Moorlough Palo and one of the first sons to be offered by the 16,000gns Perth reserve junior champion, Balmyle Vagabond, who was later selected for the former MLC's Young Bull Promotion Scheme.

 Three animals commanded a 4000gns price tag. The first was the supreme champion, Altnaveigh Beeforsalmon, from Samuel Thompson, Newry. This Doonally New son was out of a Maerdy Impeccable daughter and sold to Kelly Farms, Londonderry.

Another Doonally New son, this time the class winner Kiltrom Bosco from John Quinn, Pomeroy made 4000gns to John McGarry, Glarryford, while the third 4000gns entry, Killadeas Cain bred and exhibited by Stuart Bothwell and his son, Stuart, Ballinamallard went home with Ivan Loughery, Limavady.

John McHenry, of Ballymoney secured 3500gns from M Dowdall, Newry for his Doonally New sired Kilmahamogue Brazil. Next in the price stakes at 3000gns was the day's reserve supreme champion, Killadeas Comber, a Dunlon Ulick son and out of a Harestone Nighthawk sired dam. The buyer was W Rogers, Newry.

Dearest cattle trade of the spring was seen at St Boswells, with 409 feeding cattle and 335 ewes up for sale.

Topping Bullock trade at £800 were Aberdeen Angus crosses from both Pogbie and Borthwickshiels.

Limousin crosses saw topped at £795, with Charolais crosses coming in at £740. Blonde crosses topped at £680 and Galloway’s at £570, both consigned by Belford on Bowmont.

A British Blue cross heifer topped the female trade at £755, with Aberdeen Angus heifers selling for £675

Suffolk cross ewes with twins topped at £111 for Headshaw, L, with Texel cross Gimmers with twins coming in at £110.

The North Wales and North West Limousin Breeders Club held its spring show and sale at Bakewell where bidding twice reached 2500gns.

The day’s champion, Coachhouse Barrister from Retford, Nottinghamshire breeders Heald and Co, shared the top price. By Haltcliffe Picasso, he stayed in Derbyshire with buyer D Holling, Huthwaite.

The Heald partnership also collected the reserve title with the Bailea Ulsterman son Coachhouse Baron. He also went to Mr Holling at 1900gns.

A late entry from well known farmer Billy Wright, Chesterfield shared the top call making 2500gns to D Critchlow, Sheen, Derbyshire. Shropshire breeders J S Vance and Son offered a “choice” of one of three in-calf heifers from their Winington herd – but buyer Terry Thompson,
Sheen decided to take all three at 2050gns apiece.

Averages: eight bulls £1979; five females £1570 and 20 youngstock £954. (Bagshaws).

Commercial dairy cow prices continue to rise and at the dispersal of the Charles family’s herd at Frankley near Birmingham bidding reached 2300gns.

The call came from local buyers S and A May, Bromsgrove for a first calver that was due with her second to Joylan Roxell in August. The same buyers also gave 2100gns for a Painley Knightingale daughter that dropped her second last September but was still giving 35kg.

There was no shortage of bids over 2000gns: another Knightingale second calver made 2100gns to J G and C A Bayley, Nuneaton with Cheshire dairy farmers G and M Platt, Macclesfield giving 2050gns for a first calver due again in August. Served heifers reached 1550gns. Averages: 11 calved heifers £1593; 87 cows £1122; 12 served heifers £1345 and 17 bulling heifers £848. (Gwilym Richards and Co).

Having taken the championship honours at Bristol Sales Centre's Simmental show and sale on Saturday, Grangewood Trademark from A and Y Leedham sold for 3300gns to Messrs Brickell, Cirnecester.

The reserve to him, Wishful Vegas, from D and C Mills, Wellington, Somerset then sold for 2800gns to commercial producers Woolhanger Farms.

Taking the female championship was David Barker's Heywood Viola 4th, who later sold to David and Nikky Field, Swindon for 2000gns to join their recently established organic Burytown herd.

Having taken the senior and overall championship under Northern Ireland breeder David Thompson, Richard Mowbray's Droit Boxer topped Blonde trade at Carlisle on Saturday at 5100gns.

By Ardmore Steakhouse and out of Droit Sally he heads to I Woodhead, Thirsk, North Yorks.

Next highest was a call of 4000gns to secure Ewan Burgess' Criffel Braveheart.

Having taken the female champion ticket, A J and C D Stott's Hilltop Cinderella sold to W H and M Hutchinson for 1000gns.

Well after making the trip home again yesterday afternoon I've now managed to collate all the results from Newark yesterday and load all the photos into a gallery - click here to see them

Full results are listed below. The next outing for the Taking Stock team will be this week's Royal Ulster Show (Balmoral), so lookout for pictures and results later in the week.

Well, summer it seems has arrived and with it comes the start of the main summer show season. The Taking Stock team will be travelling the length and breadth of the country to report from the major shows, bringing you live reporting from many and of course plenty of pictures and the inside line where we can get it.

And this year for our sins, both myself and Chrissie have picked up a plethora of judging jobs at various shows. For me it is of the sheep sections where you'll be able to find me, my first outing was due to be Hertfordshire County, but a lack of entries due to bluetongue means my first stint will now be the interbreed group championship at Royal Bath and West.

From Shepton Mallet, next stop is Aberystwyth where I revert to my own breed and place the Southdowns. Next up is Lincolnshire County, where its the interbreed championship.

Following that will be a stint selecting young handlers at the Royal and then to wrap up the season I'm back to Southdowns again at Moreton-in-Marsh.

Chrissie, meanwhile, sticks to what she knows - beef cattle. Her first engagement will be Alyth Show, Perth, where she has the task of placing the interbreed line-up. Then the next day is fast trip south to do the heifer sweepstake and young handlers at East of England. Her final outing for the year will be Border Union, where its the interbreed once again as well as commercial beef.

Of course, we'll also be on the other end of a halter at some point over the summer - it wouldn't be a show season otherwise!

So, if you're out and about at the shows this summer be sure to stop us and say hello and if you happen to come under us as judges be sure to remember that when it comes to drinks mine's a whisky and Chrissie's is a gin - strictly after judging of course!!

No strangers to the limelight, the Campbell family of Colin and his two sons Ian and John topped Charolais trade at Carlisle on Saturday with Thrunton Bravado. By the successful Burradon Talisman and out of Thrunton Treat.

This October born, who previously stood reserve senior champion, with a self replacing index of +35 sold for 10,000gns to J M Robinson, Tenbury Wells, Worcester.

Taking a bid of 9500gns was Esmor Evans' Maerdy Bermuda. By Maerdy Padirac out of a homebred dam, he sold to Greystoke Castle Farms, Penrith.

At 8500gns T Bell and Son sold Hallbankgate Brazil, an Alwent Vougeot son out of Hallbankgate Vera - full sister to a bull sold for £10,000. He sold to J and W Wilson, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire.

Limousin breeders saw a good trade at Brecon on Saturday for males with the top priced animal going at 6200gns.

Lowerffydd Buzz is from J D Evans, Powys (buyers details to follow shortly).

E H Pennie and Sons' best lot from their Sarkley herd made 5800gns.

Dyfri Buzz from D J and M J Edwards made 4700gns.

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

I'm just flicking through the catalogue for British Blues at Carlisle and we could be in for a little treat on Saturday.

Anyone care to take a punt on how much Woodview Witchy (lot 183) from Andrew Craig is going to sell for?

Described in the catalogue as one of the best breeding females from the Woodview herd, Witchy is out of the herd's most prolific cow Trixie who has 33 calves registered in the herd book under the Woodview prefix alone.

In terms of bulls it will be interesting to see what the Belgian judge does with last year's show winners, namely Croftends Bruno (lot 14) - last years male champion from the RHS, junior male champion from the Royal Show and reserve overall male champion from the Yorshire.

Selling for 2950gns at last weeks dispersal of the Fairburn Holstein herd at Borderway Mart, Carlisle was a Joylan Roxell daughter out of a VG 87 dam.

Having calved in February she sold giving 29kg to W R Stewart, Mauchline, Ayrshire.

N and S J Sanderson, Lanercost, Brampton purchased an Aquila Patron Lucente daughter for 2100gns in calf to Calypso due at the end of June.

Also at the same money was Fairburn Trusty, a Roylane Jordan daughter. This wide uddered heifer was purchased by C D and C Somerville, Carrutherstown, Dumfries.

Heading back to the Highlands was Fairburn Kay purchased by P Stephen, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire for 2000gns. Sired by Stardale Beattie, she recently calved on the 1 March giving almost 30kg. Her dam was a Chairman Valiant daughter with more than 11,000kg in both third and forth lactations.

Two strong animals in the youngstock section were both purchased by Messrs Fiddler, Southwaite, Carlisle, for 2000gns. The first was sired by Joylan Roxell from an EX Grand dam and the second by Brilea Canyon from a Jordan dam.

The Jersey champion, Les Ormes Milky Chris, from the Ravensfield herd of the Heath family took the dairy interbreed award this morning at Newark, ahead of the Holstein champion.

Fourth calver, Milky Chris, was imported from Jersey two years ago and is currently giving 32 litres a day.

Beaten into second place here was the Holstein champion from J and S Arrowsmith, Pastures New Golden Rose. She is currently giving 47 litres a day and is one of 130 Holsteisn milked by the family.

In a repeat of last year's cattle interbreed result, Limousin bull Greenhill Viper has just clinched the championship title, having pipped James Webb's Charolais bull into reserve.

Viper, by Nenuphar and out of Nana, was shown this year under the ownership of the Comack McDowell partnership, having won last year when owned by David and Mary Cormack.

The Webb's bull, Newrodoige Bruno, is by Burradon Talisman, who has bred many top priced bulls for the Thrunton herd and out of Clinerty Stephanie.

Pictures to follow......

Show favourite and everyone's friend Brian Upchurch set off too winning ways this season with the overall championship at Newark. Taking the title was his sow, Greenway Harmony.

Standing reserve to Brian was the Brown family with their Large White gilt, Calderbrook Primrose.

Pictures to follow.....

A Suffolk shearling ewe from David and Julie Inman clinched the interbreed sheep championship yesterday under judge Chris Holmes, Worcester.

The ewe is a daughter of a ewe gifted by the Inman's to their grandson Tom on his birth three years ago and is by a Santon sire and out of a ewe by Solwaybank Ranger. She previously stood breed champion at last week's Leicester Show.

Standing reserve to the Suffolk was the Charollais champion a ewe lamb from Percy Tait. This one is homebred and by Dogtanion a tup bought from Debbie Marwood.

Jennifer Atkinson and David Smith's team of three Hampshire Downs took the interbreed group award, with Mr Tait again taking second spot with the Charollais.

A crisp, bright and warm morning has greeted the second day of the Newark and Nottinghamshire Show, with all the main interbreed awards to be decided this morning its set to be a busy day for all concerned.

Looking throuugh the breed results from yesterday makes interesting reading. There were no Suffolk Sheep classes, with the breed included in the any other native section, with the same fate befalling the Lincoln Red cattle.

Among the beef lines my eye has been already been drawn to the Limousin results. Greenhill Viper, last year's interbreed winner here has already take his first breed championship of the season, check back later to see if he can the double and take the interbreed here again.

Lancashire Limousin cattle breeder Paul Fletcher secured the Limousin championship honours at Skipton yesterday with his home-bred March, 2006, bull Siddall Barney, by the Neuphar son Sarkley Viking, out of Siddall Tanya, who is herself a product of Paul’s main stock bull Wintles Oak.

The title-winner went on to sell for the day’s top price of 2900gns to D and S Hollings, Hebden Bridge.

A full market was seen at Colchester this week with an entry of 171 prime cattle, 21 stores and 10 over 30 month's cattle.

Competitive trade saw prime cattle making more than £1000 on several occasions, topping at £1047.51 and averaging 141.2p/kg. Top price was paid for a heavy steer consigned by R Partridge and Son to Mick Barber.

Heifers averaged 138.63p/kg with top price of £882.77 for a heavy heifer from G H Blythe to C Humphreys and Sons.

Bulls averaged 188.52p/kg with top price of £761.72 paid for a medium bull sold by K W and A C Benson to M Newman.

Sheep also saw an excellent entry and trade, with new season lambs making top price of £94 for a heavy well finished lamb, consigned by The Little Farming Co.

Older season lambs averaged 139.37p/kg with top price of £74 paid for a heavy lamb sold by W A Ketley and Sons.

Harrison and Hetherington held their annual special prize show and sale of store cattle at Kirkby Stephen Mart on Monday where an entry of 1315 head was forward. Trade for quality stores was exceptionally strong resulting in an overall average of £638.76 up £75.63 on the year.

Judged by Andrew Geary, the champion went to D and C E Marston, Easegill Head, whose British Blue cross heifer later sold for £2300 to I Pickup.

Exceeding all expected proceedings is how Newark Livestock Market auctioneer Paul Gentry described last weekend’s dispersal of pedigree and commercial Bazadaise cows and calves.

Topping the dispersal from Richard and Julie Chantler was a March 2004 born cow with her bull calf at foot. Wreake Valley Vivien is by Wreake Valley Rebel and out of a Western green dam. Vivien sold having run with Edmarc Apollo for £2600 to R H and R G James, Chippenham, Wiltshire.

Second highest from this herd was Wreake Valley Tamsin, a 2002 born cow with heifer calf at foot. This time by Edmarc Merchant, she sold to Messrs P T and T Akers, Charlton, Wiltshire for £2500.

Of the commercial cattle offered from the Chantler’s a top call of £1850 secured a British Blue cross cow with her Blue cross heifer calf at foot. The outfit went to Messrs R W Barker and Son, Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Buckinghamshire-based Mike Hayter offered £1800 for a Bazadaise cross cow with a Blue cross calf at foot, while Angela Tarry-Smith secured another for £1650.

A pen of three 45kg Charollais lambs took Skipton Auction marts prime lamb title as well as making a top price of £102 a head.

The lambs exhibited by Martin Preston, Bingley based Robston partnership, sold to Mick Etherington on behalf of Dan Woodend, Woodened Butchers, Leeds.

Mr Etherington also bought reserve champions for £100 a head, the first prize pens of 42kg Suffolk lambs, shown by Graham Fort, Steeton, for West Yorkshire butchers Mark and Darren Spauls.

Graham Fort was also third in the Suffolk class for his 38kg charges selling for £84 a head to show judge Richard Binns, RC and B Binns Butchers, Saltaire. The 43kg runners up from Mark Evan, Steeton, sold for £90 each to Stuart Price Butchers, Keighley.

Young Farmers shined at Skipton Auction Mart, with the opening show of mule hoggs with lambs at foot.

First winner was 28 year old Robert Johnson, Summerfield farm, Harrogate, with runner-up slot being awarded to Claire Gratton, 25, of Warshill Hall Farm, Ripon. Third place was local man Sam Berry, 26, New Hall farm, Bradley.

Regular Skipton sheep buyer Les Thackray bought all three prize-winning pens, paying £150 a outfit and top price for champions, £130 for the runners up and £114 for third place.

Record prices were seen at Midlands South Devon Cattle Breeders annual sale, with Juniper Geronimo, a two year-old bull topping at 5800gns. Sired by Welland Valley Grazier, out of Juniper Zaraffa, he sold to R and ML Drew, Cornwall from A and P Rickett.

Champion bull and breed champion was Goffe Cave Sturdy 6 a homebred bull by Trevassack Trusty 4. He sold for 5500gns to a Norfolk buyer from Mr Richard Ford, Leicestershire.

Female Champion making top female price of 1800gns went to a two-year old heifer by Sexton Centurion, out of Upper Norton Elderflower. Consigned by M and S Kettlewell, Oxfordshire she went to Miss C Hanton, Norfolk.

Charolais and Simmental bulls dominated sale bids at Perth's multi breed event on Monday, with both breeds selling to 5000gns.

Topping the Charolais entries was Thrunton Bluechip, a 21 month old from the Campbell family, Alnick.

Out of a homebred dam, Bluechip is by Burradon Talisman, sire of the 55,000gns Perth intermediate champion Thrunton Voldermort.

Buyer was K M fraser, Fife.

Here are the champion honours from Perth multi-breed event today......

CHAROLAIS

Champion - B Leggat's Bonnykelly Bertie (by Ravensworth Osbert and out of Lendor Nicola).

Reserve Charolais champion - D F W H walter's Balthayock Bedlam (by dingle Hofmeister and out of Balthayock Virtue).

SIMMENTAL

Champion - Messrs J Telford and A Rawcliffe's Halenook Topper (by Starline Klassik out of Halenook Mindy).

Reserve champion - Iain Green's Corskie Theo (by Ballinlare Farm Nightrider out of Corskie Wren).

As we near the end of the Haltcliffe run, Haltcliffe Chico has just been snapped up by Elgin Jones. By Umpire and out of a homebred cow, Elgin finally went away happy as he was an underbidder on the 25,000gns bull from Haltcliffe.

Just after that Procters Farm sold their first Vermount son for 8000gns. By the 100,000gns bull he is out of Procters Tiara.

First prize bull Carntogether Carlos from Laurence McEldowney (lot 281) has just gone at 12,000gns to J and P Kearney, Co Derry.

The last bull of the day from George and Pat Long Millbrow Challenger has completed Limousin proceedings by going un sold at 2100gns.

I'm away now to chase some pictures for you and tidy up some buyers details......so bare with me!

We've had a bit of a quiet run, but A and G roberts have sold Hafodlas Caio (lot 257) for 6500gns. This Garnedd Vance son is out of Holly Fool and carries a breed value of +25.

John Logan's fourth prize bull Homebyres Charles (lot 262) has gone after a slow challenge between two bidders for 4500gns.

Another from Haltcliffe, Cracker (lot 264) has gone at the same money.

At 6000gns Ballyrickard Colin (lot 273) has sold. He is by Neuf and out of a homebred cow.

Taking a call of 10,500gns, Messrs K and I Jones have sold an Omer son Garnedd Bonheddwr (lot 230) to J Ward Farming, Lincoln.

Just before that Derek Hume sold a Cloughhead Umpire son Culnagechan Bandit (lot 229) for 7000gns to T and B Williams, Shropshire.

Another from Derek, this time Culnagechan Bombastic again by Umpire (lot 232) went at 4200gns.

The second prize Craigatoke Butch (lot 239) from Martin conway has gone at 5800gns. By Haltcliffe Underwriter he is out of a homebred dam.

The reserve junior champion (lot 236) Haltcliffe Braveheart by Choughhead Umpire has gone at 25,000gns to Keith Redpath - pretty impressive for just a half share at Matt and Craig Ridley made a good decision to keep half back!!!!

Just before that the junior and overall champions under Michael Massie yesterday, Hannem Bean (lot 252) from M S Potter went at 8200gns to D and I Owen, Holyhead.

He is by Bailea Vantage and out of a homebred cow.

Selling for 7000gns was Ampertaine Bailey (lot 181) from the McKay's. By Sympa he is out of Kype Tanya and has a breed value of +29 and goes to G and D Reid, Perthshire.

The first prize ticket Clury Beast (lot 183) from W F Cruikshank has gone at 5000gns. By Sultan he is out of Lumbylaw Topaz.

At 7100gns Stephen Irvine's Anside Benjamin (lot 196) by Fleethill Talisman sold to R A Cadzow, Northumberland, while L and R Allison's Scotchtown Butler by Homebyres Visitor (lot 198) went at 7500gns to G Roberts, Conwy.

It seemed 7000gns wasn't enough for James Quail to shift Lynderg Bergerac (lot 211). With a first prize ticket I wouldn't mind betting that might come out in a show ring this year.

The intermediate champion and another Sympa son from Howard McFarland - Rahoney Bartimaeus (lot 163) has gone at 7000gns to Messrs Evans, Wales.

The reserve to him from the Quicke family Loosebeare Bananaman (lot 156) by Rainbow Simon sold for 10,000gns to J Ward Farming, Lincoln.

A goldies Tony son Gunnerfleet Bestbull (lot 170) from the Handley family has gone at 7000gns to David Yeoman.

At 5100gns Gordon and Helen wilson sold Bankdale Bullion (lot 179), a Sarkley Volt son.

The next from the impressive Haltcliffe line up is the full brother to the 43,000gns Ullswater. Haltcliffe Ben (lot 148) is by Sympa and out of a French cow Renonclue and sells for 14,000gns to Nigel Matthews.

Full brother to him Haltcliffe Bill (lot 149) has gone at 10,000gns to Bruce Goldie, Dumfries.

From John McGrane, Carrefour Ben (lot 128) and bred by John kenny, Eire, he knocked down at 20,000gns to an undisclosed buyer. By Elite Popsi Tolp he is out of Marlhill Stasia.

John Logan's Homebyres Brodick (lot 123) has just gone through the ring at 7500gns. Homebred on both sides, he is by Homebyres Vanhee and has a breed value of +27.

The first bull to be offered from the 100,000gns Haltcliffe Vermount from Matt and Craig Ridley. Haltcliffe Boss (lot 131) with his second prize ticket sold for 5500gns.

The other by Vermount, this time with a first prize ticket on Haltcliffe Brigadier (lot 140) went at 6000gns. This one is out of a Sympa daughter.

Another from the Cruikshank team Normande Brad (lot 102) sells for 5500gns. This bull has been DNA tested and is sired by Ravageur and not what is stated int he catalogue. He is out of a great Dauphin cow.

Bailea Beefcake (lot 104) has sold the best for Matt Jones so far, knocking down at 4800gns.

The first prize ticket bull Craigatoke Bart (lot 106) from Martin Conway sold for 6500gns to John Penny's Shannas herd.

But going better than the overall champion, the first from the Matt and Craig Ridley, Haltcliffe Bravo (lot 116), a Sympa son has knocked down to Messrs Fieldson for 19,000gns.

Bravo is full brother to Haltcliffe Underwriter, sold to Ireland for 10,000gns.

Going back to normal proceedings was another from Norman Cruickshank, Normande Butch (lot 79) went at 4800gns.

Messrs Griffiths sold Mynach Bigboy (lot 95) for 5000gns to Messrs Howard.

The first of the champion lots for this morning was the overall and senior champion Normande Bruce from Norman Cruikshank.

By Ravageur, he is out of a homebred cow and now joins the herd of Doug Edgar.

With a first prize ticket on him, a long powerful Kype Orkney son - Cowin Benboyr (lot 75) has knocked down at 11,000gns to the Sarkley herd.

He sells with 170 straws with him as Dyfan James retains 250 straws for his own use. He has a breed value of +36.

Teleri Thomas' Cwmpedran Braveheart (lot 65), a Greenwell Major son has knocked down at 3500gns helping to pick the pace up a little from a run of cheaper bulls in the 2000gns mark.

Trade is slow to get going, with a few already not sold at 1700-1900gns not sold!

The second prize bull Cloghhead Barney from George Hutton has gone at 5000gns (that's a little more like it!).

Selling a second prize bull Bowers Barney (lot 46), Keith Redpath sells his Samson son for 2800gns to Mr Potts.

At 3000gns E D Griffiths and Co has sold Mynach Bandito (lot 58), a Sable son.

Just following that was a call of 3000gns for Bailea Bayeaux (lot 59).

Andrew Horn's Griseburn Blakeney (lot 62) with a second prize ticket sold for 3000gns.

Kicking off proceedings this morning at Carlisle with a novel twist to a sale was the sale of a L1MMY number plate from Bruce White.

Unfortunately though Mr White thought it was worth more than the phone battle that led to a 9500gns bid.

Well I've had a quick look round the bulls so I've now taken my seat round the ringside to keep you informed of today's Limousin proceedings.

The champion is a fair bull indeed, however, I'm not all that sure it will be top price today! The Haltcliffe bull with a second prize ticket on is some meat machine! There's alot of attention round that one - we'll just have to wait and see.

Kick off is at 10am this morning so I'll keep you posted as much as possible........off for a quick brew now!

The major Perth store sales often hits the dizzy heights and today's sale was no exception with a first prize winning Simmental heifer pen selling for £1050 a head.

full report to follow shortly.......

Having taken the Limousin female championship at Carlisle earlier this evening, Messrs A W Owen and M W Grieves-Owen sold Unicete, a 2003-born Omer daughter out of Institutri for 13,000gns.

Having been flushed twice producing 37 embryo's she now belongs to Nigel Matthews of the Pye Brook herd.

Mr Matthews also bought Bridgeford Amber, a 2005-born Milbrook Tanko daughter out of the RUAS champion 2004 Bridgeford Saskia for 4500gns.

Having taken the senior championship earlier in the day the Cruikshank family took the overall championship with Normande Bruce, a Ravageur son out of a homebred cow with an EBV of +35.

Standing overall reserve was Hannem Bean from M S Potter. By Bailea Vantage he is out of a homebred cow with a 400 day weight of 687kg.

Taking the Limousin senior championship under judge Michael Massie this morning in Carlisle was Norman Cruikshank's Normande Bruce. Carrying an EBV of +35 he is by Ravageur and out of a homebred cow.

Taking the reserve senior section was Matt and Craig Ridley's Sympa son Haltcliffe Bravo. Full brother to the 10,000gns Haltcliffe Underwriter he has an EBV of +40 and is out of Ronick Ricole.

In the intermediate section Howard McFarland took the honours with another Sympa son. Rahoney Bartimaeus is out of a homebred cow. Standing reserve was the Quick family's Loosebeare Bananaman. By Rainbow Simon he is out of a homebred female.

Taking the junior championship was M S Potter's Bailea Vantage son, Hannem Bean (lot 252). Standing reserve was a Cloughhead Umpire son Haltcliffe Braveheart from Matt and Craig Ridley (lot 236).

Pictures to follow shortly..........

Following the death of Doonally New last summer, the supply of semen from this very influential Charolais bull has now run out.

However, new to the market place in May 2008 is semen from a superb son of New, bred in Southern Ireland out of an Indurain dam.

Limkiln Bosco was reserve champion senior calf at the Irish National Charolais Show in September 2007 at a year old. His semen is now available in mainland UK from Rumsden Charolais.

Taking Stock are going to be kept busy this weekend with a jam-packed schedule of pedigree livestock sales.

Judging is underway this afternoon/evening at Carlisle for the May Limousin sale and I'll get pictures up as soon as possible. I'll be ringside tomorrow to keep you up to date with live coverage of the sale - who's taking bets on what these sons of the 100,000gns bull are going to make then???

As ever I'll try and get most things up on the day - but you may have to allow a little time for picture uploading - I'm letting myself loose with a camera so who knows what could happen!!

Saturday also sees a busy sale ring at Newark Livestock Market where a pedigree and commercial suckler herd and small sheep flock will go under the hammer.

Carl Smith of Inspired Holsteins claimed top price at the May Lancaster Sale with a fresh heifer Inspired Chapter Jolene PI. She is bred from 3 generations of Ex cows and sold four weeks calved giving 31kg. Aubrey Greenhalgh made the winning bid of 2800gns for D C Hall.

The champion heifer, judged by Charlotte Berry, came from Messsrs D J and S Tomlinson made 2400gns to a telephone bid from Steve Miller of Shanael Holsteins in Worcestershire.
Bilsrow Starshine Lavender was four weeks calved and producing 40kg a day.

A good number of people were in attendance at Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ latest show and sale of store cattle on Wednesday.

The overall champion was Murray Rainnie, Loanhead, Logie Coldstone with a 468kg May 2007-born Limousin steer which sold to judge Colin Scott, Wester Biffie, Maud for £800.

Taking the reserve champion title was a 412kg March 2007-born Limousin heifer from Leys Farm, Leys Castle, Inverness. It was also bought by judge Colin Scott for £700.

A strong turnout of sheep and cattle gathered at the Culm Valley, Honiton and Totnes YFC 61st show and sale.

Honiton YFC saw top price of £172 being made for best ewe, also seeing third prize for Daniel Reed. First prize winner of best lambs and best ewe and lamb and top price of £190 was presented to Stuart Perry. First prize winner and topping the best pen lambs at £161 was Anna Stephens.

Culm Valley YFC saw beef heifer class top prize and top price of £1380 being presented to Mark Davis. Beef steer class saw second place Raymond Spiller making £1220. Beef out of dairy class had a top price of £720 made for second place Richard Barton. Dairy down calving heifers topped at £3000 for first place Rob Norton.

Ewes and lambs also saw top prices with second place Mark Saunders topping the price with £148.

Top price gilts and litter was £207 going to first place Sarah Spiller.

Top call of the day for steers in the store rings at Ashford Market on Tuesday was £682 for a 27 month Limousin steer from D R Miles. A good run of prices were seen for a group of 14-18 month old Blondes from J C Plommer whose steers sold to £655 and heifers £535.

Numbers of young suckled cattle were poor, although prices were unaffected with a top price of £510 securing a batch of 13 month old Limousin x Angus/Simmental steers from G C Amos. 12 month Murray Grey x Simmental steers from Tom Lawrence sold for £495, while 10-11 month Angus steers from G R and B G Cannon made £430 and heifers £360.

Dairy bred stores saw a mixed demand, affecting prices slightly. A good run saw the sale of 14-18 month British Blue x Friesian heifers from Sternberg Farms selling to £562.