October 2008 Archives

Taking the British Blue suckler calf championship was Kevin Watret's October 2007 born bull calf Solway View Ceasar. Sired by Baron Du Bois Bauloye, he is out of the famous show cow Bringlee Sandy.

Taking the reserve overall spot and leading the way in the female championship was the rather striking black and white heifer Woodlands Diamante from Nicola Beardsley. This January 2008 heifer is by Felicien De Courriaux and is out of the homebred cow Woodlands Wildthing.  

The overall commercial championship in the cattle classes has just been awarded to keith, Mark and Shaun Harryman's Limousin cross heifer Black Beauty. Homebred and sired by the French bull Snoopy out of a Limousin cross dam, this is the first time Beauty has been shown and will next head to the English Winter Fair at Bingley Hall next month.

The Harryman family run 100 pedigree cattle and buy in 60 commercial heifers each year to sell with calves at foot back here in Carlisle. Overall it's been a pretty good day for the family who have picked up two red tickets, two thirds and two fourths.

Standing reserve and following Beauty through in the heifer section was Alister and Liz Vance's Limousin cross heifer Devine Diva. Bred by the Scott family of Thirlwall Castle and bought here in Carlisle, diva will next head to the Royal Highland Winter Fair and possibly Smithfield.

Taking the male championship was Elfed Williams' Limousin cross steer Stop & Stare, bred by the Powell family and shown by Neil Lloyd. Taking the reserve male ticket was the second prize steer to Stop & Stare, Honky Tonk (another Limousin cross steer) from the Rice Family.   

Leading the way in the Continental sheep classes with his Beltex cross entries weighing in at over 40.1kg was Andrew Baillie of Carnwath, Lanark. Andrew then went on to take the overall sheep title ahead of the reserve Continental sheep pairs from Hannah Brown - this pair came through from the Young Farmers classes.

Taking the hillbred championship was Andrew Baillie with his pair of Blackface lambs, while he also took the reserve section shampionship with his pair of Cheviot sired lambs.

Pictures to follow shortly.......  

The first championship of the day at Agri-Expo has been awarded in the Aberdeen-Angus rings as Brian Ronan's Jerusalem has just done the double scooping the overall and reserve overall title.

His show leader shown by Richard Rettie was Jerusalem Lord Jupiter, a May 2007 bull by Blelack Blacksmith out of the Dalrene Cruz daughter Netherton Lady Jane.

Taking the reserve champion was the female winner Jerusalem Duchess, this time shown by Richard's wife Carol. Homebred on both sides the February 2008 heifer is by Jerusalem Lord Hermes and is out of Jerusalem Duchess, a female that goes back to HF Data Bank.  

Judging is cracking on in the suckled calf classes at Agri-Expo, with some of the usual favourites picking up the red tickets.

In the first steer class Messrs Harryman took the top spot with Mr T a Limousin cross sired by Waindale Potential and bred by Messrs Trafford, Keswick. Taking second spot was Mike and Jean Dickens' Limousin cross steer Digby. Sired by Gunnerfleet polartian, he was bred by the Hutchinson family, Sedbergh, Carlisle.

Other class results:

Class 2: BE Williams' Limousin cross Stop and Stare; 2nd Rice Family's Limousin cross Honky Tonk; 3rd Neil Slack's Limousin cross T.G.

Class 3: Tecwyn Jones' British Blue cross Black Jack; 2nd Phil and Sharon Sellers' British Blue cross Big Bucks; 3rd Stephen Pristley's British Blue cross Bobby.

Class 4: Tecwyn Jones' British Blue cross Blackie; 2nd Neil Slack's Charolais cross Funky Monkey; 3rd J L White and Son's Limousin cross Aztec Red.

Class 5: Messrs G Sowerby's British Blue cross All Gold; 2nd W H Timms' Blonde cross Pinacolada; 3rd Messrs Harryman's Limousin cross Mr Muscle.   

Morning all!

Having just recovered from the Farmers Weekly Awards at the beginning of the week, I'm back in action this morning in Carlisle covering Harrison and Hetherington's major livestock event Agri-Expo.

Judging is due to kick off at 9.30 starting with the national suckled calf and primestock classes judged by John Peckitt. There will be some pretty hot competition in these classes with winning animals up from Countryside Live. Farmers Weekly are sponsoring the heifer and steer championship, so I'm looking forward to presenting our rather posh sashes to the winners. 

10 am will see the start of the national prime sheep classes judged by Paul Barker of Woodhead Bros.

Later on in the morning the Aberdeen-Angus suckled calf classes will kick off with Vicotr Wallace in action judging and then the British Blue classes wil be headed with Brian Wheatley in charge of class judging.

I'll try and keep you updated as possible with class results and section championships as they happen.  

Trade at the dispersal sale of the pedigree fully organic Englefield herd for Englefield Home Farms at Reading, Berkshire, was very level indeed. 

Top price of 1750gns was paid by D E Legge of Bromyard, Herefordshire, for Englefield Gordon Beauty which had calved her second calf four weeks earlier and giving 43.7kg daily.  The Delta Juror Gordon daughter had previously given 9006kg as a heifer.

The same buyer paid 1700gns for Westlove Bombay Citron, a daughter of BUY Mandel Bombay.  She was only 4 days into her 3^rd lactation.  In her 2^nd lactation she recorded 10,714kgs.

He's no stranger to the pedigree beef world and was out in force last week in Perth securing the top priced Charolais bull with neighbour Bill Bruce, but Monday night was Adrian Ivory's best so far, as he was named Farmers Weekly's Farmer of the Year.

Adrain had earlier in the night lifted the Young Farmer of the Year trophy as he impressed judges with his well managed, efficient and profitable beef and arable enterprise - Strathisla Farms, Meigle, Perthshire.

Adrian then beat the other 14 finalists to take the title of Farmer of the Year - FW's editor Jane King described Adrian as an inspiration for all young farmers. "He has a simple business approach that balances the demands of farm and family life very well. He sets himself tough targets and is completely focussed on achieving them."

For more information on the awards go to our dedicated awards website or check out the cracking pictures from the night - it certainly was a night to remember!!!! I'm sure those of you that know Adrian will join me in saying congratulations - you deserve it!!!! 

Interest in traditional breeds continues to grow apace, so it was no surprise that the biggest catalogued sale of Lincoln Red cattle held in the UK for 50 years pulled in a big crowd at Newark Livestock Market last weekend where bull bidding reached 2800gns and the 96 females on offer averaged £1143.

Pedigree and commercial buyers competed for stock throughout the day as breeders relished positive comments about what they described as the "modern" Lincoln Red.

Top call was 2800gns for Doncaster breeder Bev Wright's two-year-old bull Bevann Joker. By St Fort Dickens and with Colony breeding behind him, he heads for mid-Wales with Powys buyers E and H Chapman, Llanidloes for use on commercial sucklers.

Judge Lynda Haddon-Burditt found he champion in Beverley Kudos from R I Clough and Son, Spilsby, Lincolnshire. By Market Stainton Governor, he had been successfully shown this summer and made 1900gns to Dick Read, Horncastle. Meanwhile Michael Read collected the reserve championship with Hemingby Brigadier - a show winner this season by St Fort Essex. He realised 2500gns to Essex buyer Tom Dobell who will use him as the new stock bull in his Garnons herd.

Belted Galloway breeders went home happy at the weekend after the annual show and sale at Wallets Marts, Castle Douglas.

They saw bulling heifer sell at 6000gns, averages soar and a host of four figure prices.

The top price of the day was for the Belted Galloway champion shown by Messrs J and Z Kirk of Low Kirkbride, Auldgirth, Dumfries. The two-year-old heifer, Hunfield Kim, sired by Lullenden Adam 3439 and out of Huntfield Flora, was bought by Charles Godfrey from Cator Court, Widecombe, Devon for his herd on Dartmoor.

Mr Godfrey was the leading buyer at the sale and purchased 13 bulling heifers for a total of £26,000.

The second top price of the day was 4000gns for another bulling heifer sold by Adam Lawson, North Cassimgray, Fife. The April 2007 bulling heifer Mourneview Joy was junior champion heifer at the Royal Highland in June and was champion Any Other native breed at the Perth Show. This bulling heifer was second prize to the champion and was purchased by Howemill Estate, Ramsbury, Marlborough

It was a highly successful day for Cecilia Hislop, Waterbeck, Lockerbie. She sold sold her November 2006 heifer Waterbeck Honeysuckle for 3600gns to Howemill Estate, another at 1050gns and her 11-month-old calf Waterbeck Poppy for 2000gns to Peter Langforth of Whitehead Farm, Tattenhall, Cheshire.

A 3000gns bid was received by Messrs Scott and Son, West Kilbride, Ayrshire, for their June 2006 bulling heifer Bushglen Grace from Messrs Wilson of Cockermouth and they also sold another bulling heifer, Bushglen Geranium, born in August 2006 to the same buyer.

The top price in the bull section was 1200gns for the May 2006 bull Offthewall Andy from Tim Oliver of East Farm, Great Whittington, Newcastle.

Four top bids of 5000gns and an overall average of £1941 for 162 lots marked a successful sale to disperse the first part of the Williamson family's Wardle Holstein herd in Cheshire this week - but values of younger cattle and those furthest away from profit showed signs of easing.

First at 5000gns was Goostrey Coll 225. By Kemview Vanetas Vision she is out of an Ex93 13,442kg dam by Delta Lava and was AI'd in September to Braedale Bambam. She goes to J Lomax and Son, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Ridgefield Ghost Lee was bound for John and Doreen Loftus' Weeton herd in Lancashire following a winning bid of 5000gns. Out of a Shoremar Milan dam and with two yields over 13,000kg she was also sold fresh from a September calving and giving 43kg.

Hi, well having made it home late last night from Countryside Live I've now managed to get the photos from the event into a gallery for you all to take a look at, so check them out and see who you can spot lurking in the background!

Phil and Sharon Seller's British Blue sired heifer has just clinched the overall beef championship at this weekend's Countryside Live, Harrogate. The heifer, Limited Edition, took the championship having earlier clinched the heifer championship under judge Kevin Ludgate.

The winner, bought out of Ruthin suckled calf sale for £2500, weighed in at 580kg and has been shown seven times this year, picking up a red ticket on every single outing. She now heads for Agri-Expo at Carlisle, the Royal Highland Winter Fair and the Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair.

Bedale-based Martin Broan has just clinched the Farmers Weekly/Taking Stock sheep championship at this weekend's Countryside Live, Harrogate, with a 91kg pair of Beltex lambs from the 600-ewe flock he runs with his wife Val and daughter Hannah.

Judge Steve Gibbons, Hay on Wye, said the lambs were presented on the point of perfection and had been firm favourites from the moment they won their class.

The same pair of lambs had taken the champion ticket at Skipton's show of Beltex sired lambs in early August said Mr Brown and he also took the overall title at the Great Yorkshire Show in July with another team of Beltex.

Mr Brown also took the reserve Continental championship and reserve overall titles with another pair of Beltex crosses, this time a duo which tipped the scales at 78kg. He also clinched the best single lamb award with one from the winning pair.

Taking the native championship was Mike Allen with a pair of Suffolk x Texel lambs from his 200-ewe flock. These tipped the scales at a combined weight of 105kg.

Northumberland show calf breeder John Smith Jackson of Haltwhistle has just take the Baby Beef title here at Countryside Live with a Limousin x Limousin cross heifer weighing in at 309kg. Sired by Shire Apollo and out of a homebred cow, Mamma Mia was botn in April and was on her first show outing. John intends to sell her next spring at one of the leading calf sales, although I have a feeling there might be a rash of offers coming in before then for her.

The first two of the five baby beef classes have been judged here at Countryside Live this morning, with the steers first under the spotlight. In the lightweight class it was Messrs Bell taking the honours with their April born Limousin cross Bertie which tipped the scales at 303kg.

Second in that class went to John Smith Jackson's British Blue cross Wor Geordie, a 283kg entry, while third went to K Hurst with her British Blue sired 229kg entry Banjo.

In the heavier of the two steer classes Willie Orme took top honours with his pure Limousin entry Red Bull, this one weighed in at 334kg and was born in January. Second spot went to F Jones and Son with their Limousin sired Big Phil, while third place went to Sussex based Jason and Sarah Wareham with the Limousin cross British Blue steer Marmiute, this one weighs 371kg.

The second day of Countryside Live has dawned and its championship day here in Harrogate, but before that the Baby Beef section gets underway at 10am.

Sheep champions are under the spotlight at 1pm, with the beef champions entering the ring at 2.15pm, so check back later for results and photos.....

Steve Gibbons had done and dusted in the Countryside Live sheep lines for today and with some strong classes in front of him he wasted no time picking out his winners.

Taking first place in the class for Continental breed sired lambs with a combined weight of less than 70kg were a 68kg pair of Beltex crosses from Messrs A M and H V Brown. The Browns repeated their success in a further three classes, taking the honours in the 71-84kg weight range for Continental sired lambs with a pair of 78kg Beltex crosses and also the red ticket in the first half of the class for lambs weighing 85-90kg with an 85kg pair of Beltex.

Their final success of the day came in the last Continental sired class with their 91kg pair of Beltex crosses picking up the title in the 91kg and over category.

In the heavier end of the 85-90kg class Messrs A C and S A Hutchinson took first place with their 88kg Beltex crosses.

In the Horned lambs class top place went to K R Flintoft with a pair of Scotch Blackface which tipped the scales at 86kg.

As in the beef classes the sheep championships take place tomorrow, so check back then for more results and pictures from the event. But from the list of results above it's a fair shout to say Messrs Brown might just sneak it!!

Well, after a marathon stint in the ring beef judge Kevin Ludgate has finished his duties for today, so I can bring you the section championships.

Leading the way in the Limousin steers was the Rice Family with their 536kg steer Honky Tonk and reserve was Elfed Williams with his 552kg entry Fingers.

In the Limousin heifers the champion was Julie Sedgewick's 534kg October 2007 born heifer Pikachou, while reserve spot went to Neil Slack with 530kg Talulah.

In the British Blue sired steers the leader was Tecwyn Jones 584kg May 2007 born Black Jack, reserve here was R J Wilkinson's 604kg Molly's Boy.

The British Blue sired heifer title went to Phil Seller's Limited Edition a 580kg April 2007 born entry, reserve spot here went to J L White's 564kg March 2007 born White's Dream.

The Yorkshire championship for the best beast bred and exhbited by a Yorkshire-based exhibitor also went to White's Dream with the reserve title going to Messrs Cormack abnd McDowell's Limousin sired 499kg heifer Martini Girl.

In the pedigree championship the honours went to Messrs Cooper's Limousin heifer TomsChoice Chanel, a 556kg entry with the reserve ticket going to Messrs W Hardy and Sons Limousin heifer Millington Cabouchon.

Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until tomorrow for photographs as we've given the Taking Stock photographer the day off after his week in Perth.....

Results are in from the Royal Smithfield Club's National Festival of Meat competitions here at Countryside Live and taking the championship honours in the Beef Ribs competition was Michael Read with a Limousin cross heifer which had a carcass weight of 302.8kg.

Reserve champion here went to T V Davie's heifer which stood second to Michael in the class. This was also a Limousin cross and had a carcass weight of 333kg.

In the Saddle of Lamb competition the winner was W Evans with a saddle from a 19kg Beltex x Texel wether lamb. Reserve was the second placed lamb from the same class, a saddle from a 20kg Charollais x Mule wether from Messrs Pritchard Bros.

Juding continues apace here in Harrogate at Countryside Live, with results coming thick and fast in the cattle and sheep sections.

Among the beef classes Keving Ludgate has just made a start on his first heifer class, having sorted through the Continental steer entries already.

Leading the way in the second British Blue sired class was Tecwyn Jones with May 2007 born steer Black Jack, this one tipped the scales at 584kg. Claiming second place was Phil Sellers with Big Bucks, a 586kg April 2007 born entry, while third place went to Steve Priestly's Bobby, who weighed in at 584kg.

In the Charolais sired steer class, Neil Slack took top honours with Funky Monkey a 634kg July 2007 born entry, second went to F Jones and Sons with Gucci a May 2007 born 544kg entry, while third spot was claimed by Will Owen with Cracker Jack who went over the scales at 497kg.

The final steer class was for those by any other Continental sire and this one went to C Beale with her steer Bugg-a-Luggs a 588kg Blonde cross, second here was taken by L E Swales Simmental sired entry Ronaldo which went 453kg.

In the sheep section judge Steve Gibbons is pressing on well and had sorted the first three classes in quick time. In the first for native sired shortwool lambs under 80kg Messrs Allen took first and second places with their Suffolk crosses.

The second class for the lambs bred the same way, but over 81kg Messrs Allen again claimed first place with another pair of Suffolk crosses, while Prendwick and Rothill Fams took second and third places again with Suffolk crosses.

In the class for longwool sired lambs first place went to Messrs Brown with a pair of Mules, second to Messrs Allen with a duo of Mashams, while third prize went to J, K and M Dale again with a pair of Mules.

More judging results to come later.....

Judging is underway here at Countryside Live in the beef section, with judge Kevin Ludgate making a thorough job of the classes so far.

Taking the honours in the first class were the Rice family with their 522kg Limousin cross steer Honky Tonk. Second in this class was Phil Sellers with the Phantom a Limousin cross British Blue and third was Neil Slack with T G a 538kg entry.

In the second class Elfed Williams took top spot with 552kg Limousin cross Fingers, this one was born in October last year. Standing a close second was Bernard Price's 576kg Limousin x British Blue entry Bernie, while third was Judy Fountaine's Just Amazing weighing in at 566kg.

Judging in the sheep section gets underway at 11am, so results from there will follow in due course.

Well, the winter show circuit starts here I guess. Having spent much of today at the Great Yorkshiren Showground ahead of tomorrow's Countryside Live event I'm delighted to report it looks like it should be a cracking weekend.

Cattle and sheep have been pouring into the showground all day and after a quick tour of the stalls it's fair to say there's a good offering of both to test the judges tomorrow and Sunday.

For our part Farmers Weekly/Taking Stock is sponsoring the sheep section of the event and will be offering live reporting of both cattle and sheep results over the two days. However, tempted as I am there will be disappointment for a few readers - I'm not going to be covering the pigeon classes I'm afraid!!

So, come back tomorrow to find out who's been taking the red tickets in Harrogate and don't forget to comment to, its good to know you're out there.

I've just had the catalogue through for the East of England Winter Stock festival. In an attempt to provide an additional selling place for pedigree breeders the East of England Agricultural Society has joined forces with Newark Livestock Market to host a show and sale at the showground in Peterborough and a show of commercial show stock.

I've had a flick through the entries for the pedigrees and they have a good number of Charolais, Simmental and Hereford cattle, along with a few Limousins, British Blues, Salers, Blondes, Aberdeen-Angus and Shorthorns.  

The commercial entries are pretty impressive - it seems the world and his wife is turning out for Hugh Dunlop, who will be judging the entries. Judges for the pedigree classes include James Playfair-Hannay, P Dowlman, Northants and Adrian Ivory, Perthshire.

For more information click here for a PDF of the catalogue.

Morning!

Back in the land of living now....well Sutton! I've just gone through the many pictures Tim sent down last night and have uploaded them to the Perth gallery so you should have most of the big money boys and girls in there now!

Overall, I don't think many will complain on the week's trade, although when you take the top two prices of each breed out of the equation the averages are a little different!

I hope you've enjoyed the coverage - we've certainly enjoyed being there - I'm off to write up the Charolais report for next week's issue and then it's down to jonathan to bring you the commercial cattle news from Countryside Live. And to pre-warn you - things could be a little quiet at the beginning of next week - it's the Farmers Weekly Awards and will no doubt be a night and a half - if any of you are going come and find me for a glass or two!!!!!

The Oliver family have just sold a Doonally New son, Clanabogan Charlie, to former Charolais society chairman Murray Lyle at 6800gns. This one is out of Clanabogan Tifany and stood reserve breed champion at Omagh Show earlier this year and has a terminal sire index of 25.

And as the last few lots come through the ring, the Elgin herd has just passed one through unsold at 5400gns, they're braver men than me to refuse that money!

Finally, the last bull in the ring from the Bothwells and by Dunlon Ulick has been knocked down at 6000gns. He's out of Killadeas Venice and has a terminal sire index of 28.

Well that's it for us from Perth this October, we hope you've enjoyed following the sale with us and don't forget to check out the picture gallery to see the bulls that made the money. The Taking Stock photographer has been busy out there in the rain, so it''ll make his day if you take a look at the pics!

For all those of you interested in the primestock show scene I'll be at Countryside Live this weekend so check back then to catch up with all the action from Harrogate.

Harestone Count, an ET bred son of Maerdy Impeccable out of Harestone Perche made 8000gns to Caylers Charolais. Trade hd been a tad slow for a while, but Count put a spring back in auctioneer David Brown's step as he sold.

A few lots later and David has really got himself going again with Tedd Commander from Stuart Hunter drawing a flurry of bids from the tic tac man top sell at the same money as Count. This one is by Indurain and out of Tedd Uptowngirl.

And then the next lot, Mowbraypark Cavalier, another Talisman son out of Mowbraypark Undy made 7000gns to Messrs Lindsay.

The next from Neil Barclay's Harestone outfit, Harestone Cruz, a son of the imported sire Harestone Tyrol made 6500gns.

The last bull of the day from Hamish Goldie has just made 6000gns. By Goldies Unbeatable and out of Kinclune Petula, Goldies Crusader has a terminal index of 33 and a self replacing index of 38.

And two lots later Major Walter had his best sale of the day, achieving 6500gns for Balthayock Cosmo, a Dingle Hofmeister son out of Esgob Premier daughter Balthayock Twilight.

After a lull in proceedings a 7000gns has just re-awakened interest around the ring with the Shorts of Woodpark selling Woodpark Cain, a Rumsden Tsar son. Out of Woodpark Regina, a Skidoo Imbattable daughter, Cain has a terminal sire index of 21.

The next from the Goldies also caught the attention of a few bidders, Goldies Carnival (I expect there'll be one tonight in Dumfries after that 38,000gns sale) made 9000gns to Gilbert Crawford, Northern Ireland. This one is, yes you've guessed it, another Talisman son and is out of Killadeas Legend daughter Goldies Usabelle. He has a terminal sire index of 26.

Anne MacPherson, Blackford, has enjoyed a solid sale and her last lot in the ring was no exception with Blackford Chieftain netting her an 8000gns sale. Chieftain is by Talisman (another one!) and out of Blackford Suzy and has a terminal sire index of 26.

The Atkinson's of Mowbraypark had a good sale too, making 7000gns of Mowbraypark Councillor, a Mowbraypark Paramount son out of a cow by the legendary Brampton Chopper who bred plenty of shapey stock.

Then Bill Bruce, Balmyle, came back to reclaim some his expenditure and did well, taking 10,000gns for Balmyle Churchill, a Dingle Hofmeister grandson by Balmyle Statesman.

The junior champion and reserve junior champion have drawn a flurry of bids from an expectant ringside with the reserve junior taking the day's top call of 38,000gns to Adrian Ivory, Cardean and Bill Bruce, Balmyle. This one, Goldies Champion from Hamish Goldie is by Goldies Unbeatable and out of Kinclune Pipper. He carries a terminal sire index of 33 and a self replacing index of 38. He'd been one of our picks at judging yesterday and was hotly fought for at the sale.

The junior champion, meanwhile, could only muster a bid of 8500gns. This was Killadeas Charade from the Bothwells and he also sold in a two way split. He's by Dunlon Ulick and out of Killadeas Novelty.

Thrunton continue to make money out of Solwayfirth Union sons, selling Thrunton Consort out of Thrunton Juliet at 8500gns.

And the next lot from the Massies at Blelack made money too, selling Blelack Canasta, a Balbithan Vespasian son at 9000gns, despite being marginally overshot.

An ET bred full brother to the sale champion has just sold at 7500gns. Again from the Swalesmoor outfit of Danny Sawrij, Swalesmoor Cavalier went to Mr Dalrymple.

 Soon after and the Bothwell family were in the money, selling Cuillmore Casper at 6000gns, he'd stood second in the show and is by a Doonalley New son which sold for 22,000 euros.

Then, Elgin were back in the ring, selling Elgin Cassanova at 5000gns. He's by Harestone Uruguay.

Alistair Houston reclaimed a little of his outlay when selling Gretnahouse Calypso at 7500gns, this one is by Talisman (how many more are there??) and out of Oldstone Egbert daughter, Gretnahouse Ugesse.

And talking of Talisman, his owners the Campbells came back again to sell Thrunton Cheviot at 6800gns. But this time he's by Solwayfirth Union and out of Maerdy Location sired dam, Thrunton Roxanna.

John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, is having one his best days at Perth for some time with another Talisman son coming through the ring at 6200gns. Kersknowe chairman has a terminal sire index of 22.

The next lot up is Doonalley New son Lislea Con, out of Lislea Majella this one sold at 7500gns.

A few lots later and Danny Sawrij's Swalesmoor herd is back in the money, selling Swalesmoor Cannon and ET bred son of Dingle Hofmeister out of Logie Romany at 7500gns to Garngour.

The next was another ET calf bred the same way, but less in demand from the ringside, selling at 2600gns.

The Campbells of Thrunton have continued their strong run of sales with a 15,000gns bid for Thrunton Colorado, another Solwayfirth Union son. Colorado sold in a two way split to Greg Murray and Mr Harvey.

He takes a terminal sire index of 29 with him and a self replacing index of 38.

Then the Kersknowe team came back at it again with Kersnowe Cadet, another Viscount son and sold him at 7500gns to Mr Warren.

Michael Massie's Elrick herd has sold well with Elrick Cassius making 7000gns to Mr Morris, Tay. Cassius is by Blelack Roger and out of Blelack Phelia and has a terminal sire index of 29.

Trade for the lower end of bulls though is definitely not here and buyers are rightly buying only those they believe will leave quality calves.

Just a few lots later and John Jeffrey was looking to recoup some of his earlier outlay with Kersknowe Chief coming under the hammer. Again by Talisman, Chief sold with a terminal sire index of 18 at 9000gns to Mr Jack, Woodend.

A few later again and Michael Massie is back in the ring with another, Elrick Casanova. Again by Blelack Roger this one sold at 4000gns.

John Jeffrey sold again immediately afterwards, taking a 6000gns bid from pedigree Charolais and Suffolk breeder John Christie, West Carse, for Kersknowe Clansman. This one was by Melfre Viscount and out of Kersnowe Tessa, a Kersknowe Ravissant daughter.

Anne MacPherson's first in today, Blackford Clansman has just found a new home at 7500gns. Clansman is by the legendary Talisman and out of Thrunton Intouche, a Haymount Jeststream daughter and was Charolais champion at Black Isle and Grantown shows.

He had a terminal sire index of 20 and a self replacing index of 26.

Having picked up the overall championship yesterday, Swalesmoor Cupid from David Sawrij has been bought by the judge Colin Wight, Midlock, at 12,000gns. This one is by Goldies Uppermost and out of Blelack Una and marks a rapid rise to the top by the Swalesmoor herd of businessman Mr Sawrij.

He had a terminal sire index of 38 and a self replacing index of 45.

Selling in the same interlude in the normal proceedings, the reserve intermediate champion Hindstones Cruiser from W J Whyte took a bid of 7000gns to sell locally to Pitlochry.

John Jeffrey, Kersknowe, has just claimed the first through the ring from Neil Caul, Balnuith, taking Balnuith Carvalho at 8500gns.

This one is by Balmyle Victor and out of Blelack Rebecca and sold with a first prize ticket and a terminal sire index of 36 and a substantial calving ease score of +5 - you don't see many of those in the catalogue!

Then, two lots later Gareth Jones, Esgobb, sold Esgobb Campbell, a Talisman grandson at 7500gns.Campbell had stood Charolais champion at this year's Royal Welsh and interbreed junior male at the same show.

Having passed two through the ring unsold, Bill Bruce, Balmyle, has just got his first bull sold at 4000gns.

Balmyle CasinoRoyale is by Sackville Adonis and out of Balmyle Omega and sold to Brian MacTaggart, Douganhill Farms, Dumfries, despite the name it hardly look's a gamble at that money.

And next up D and M Campbell, Caithness sold well with their Caithness Campbell making 10,000gns to Mr Innes.

Jeremy Price's first from his Oakchurch herd has just sold at 6000gns to Mr Swanson, Caitness. This one, from the herd which spent 12,000gns on Dunesk Unesta yesterday has a terminal sire index of 35.

Next in was another Thrunton entry, Thrunton Carbiner a first prize senior from the show. Carabiner sold at 7500gns and is by Solwayfirth Union and out of Blelack Jaguar sired Thrunton Neige.

Thrunton Camelot, the senior champion and full brother to 25,000gns Thrunton Socrates, has drawn a flurry of bids from the crowd after attracting a lot of pre-sale attention, with a terminal sire index of 37 and a self replacing index of 47, this one sold at 25,000gns to Alistair Houston for his Gretna House herd and Hamish Goldie for his Goldies herd.

Matching his full brother's price must make his dam one of the best earning and consistent cows in recent years, its certain that Thrunton Inspiration will be one of the Campbell's favourite cows after today.

Blelack Cognac from the Massies has just been knocked down at 5500gns, this one is by Balbithan Vespian and out of Blelack Opuntia.

Meanwhile, the first of Bill Buce's Balmyle entries has just passed unsold, however, I suspect the Balmyle entry will more than make up for it later in the day when some of their younger bulls come forward.

Just a few lots are now to sell before the first possible big price of the day, the Thrunton senior champion.....

Sandleford Curtis the reserve senior champion from the Hendersons has been under the audience's gaze for the last few minutes and drew attention from a number of corners, knocked down to a tic tac bid at 9000gns, Curtis is by Goldies Usher and out of a homebred Drummer Major daughter, Sandleford Velvet.

He sold with a terminal sire index of 24 and a self replacing index of 31.

Two lots later another Usher son from Sandleford also made fair money selling at 5200gns, this one is also out of a Drummeer Major daughter and was interbreed performance bull at this year's Balmoral Show, Ulster.

The first of the show prize winners, Elgin Caeser from the Milne family has just been knocked down after a spirited patch of bidding at 6000gns.

This one is by Gower Versace and out of a homebred dam by Rumsden Samuarai and picked up a first prize ticket in the show yesterday.

Next up was Harviestoun Cosmic from Mrs Poett, selling at 5000gns. By Airdlin Mandell and out of Barochan Magenta, Cosmic took a fourth prize yesterday.

The first bull forward from the Massie family's Blelack herd has just caught the ringside's attention, selling for 5000gns.

This one is by Cargriff Victorious and out of Blelack Olivia, a Thrunton Damien daughter and carries a terminal sire index of +29 and a self replacing index of +39.

Trade has kicked off for the Charolais bull entry here in Perth and early on the first bull in the ring, senior bull Maerdy Uniroyal, bred by Esmore Evans and offered for sale by Caylers Charolais, sold at 6000gns to the Wights of Midlock.

Uniroyal is by Kilboy Liseron and out of Maerdy Pastry and has already sired sons selling to 10,000gns.

After a few technical difficulties - and I'm assured it wasn't operator error - we've managed to get most of yesterday's photos loaded into the gallery, including the Simmental top price photos, so go take a look

Charolais photos to follow later as the sale progresses

Well it soon comes round - today is the last day of Perth which sees Charolais males sold. There was plenty of talk yesterday about today being a rather good day - but at 9.30am it's rather quiet out there - I guess they have all chosen their potential purchases are waiting for David Leggat to kick in to gear!

My money is on this one doing some damage today......the reserve junior champion Goldies Champion from Hamish Goldie.  

Also - just to let you know I have a whole host of pictures from yesterday to load but technology is failing me this morning and I'm having a job to load them up - I promise to get them up as soon as possible!

The first from the Elgin draft - Elgin Beauty by Gower Versace out of Elgin Sabrina has gone at 2500gns. Just following her Elgin Bliss by Harestone Uruguy out of Elgin treacle with a calving ease of +12.9 has gone at 1600gns.

A rather fiesty Elgin Anastacia by Allanfauld Tenessee with a bull calf at foot by Harestone Tyrol has failed to go at 2200gns.

Andrew Hornall's Shoyswell Toyah by Oscar out of a homebred cow has gone at 2000gns to Mr Taylor.

The first from the Dunesk draft of the McMillan family Dunesk Octavia by Seawell Icon has gone at 1400gns. Her October born heifer calf Dunesk Cleo by Shiraden Talisman had gone at 3000gns - however Mr Leggat had his wires crossed and she had to come back in the ring for another go.

This time she went at 3200gns to Andrew Taylor.

Following her was the Joyau Del sired Dunesk Supreme. At seven years old with a calving index of +2.2 and self replacing index of +33 she knocked down at 1500gns.

Now for the entertaining part of the day..........the one and only Dunesk Unesta with a whole host of prize winning tickets and in calf to Burradon Talisman. She sold for 12,000gns to Sarah Jane Jessop buying on the phone on behalf of Jeremy Price for his Oakchurch herd at Hereford.

Her bull calf Dunesk Dubai by Brampton Albert has followed her at 2200gns to Mr Taylor.  

Having taken the female championship Derryharney Bethany - homebred on both sides, has gone at 3800gns to the Wicks family.

The second prize heifer from Mortimers Farms - Mortimers Beladonna - again homebred on both side has gone at 2000gns. From Balbithan Charolais - Balbithan Bluebell has gone at 2500gns with a third prize ticket on her to Ronnie Mackie.

The reserve female champion Elgin Ballad by Gower Versace has gone at 2500gns.

Kicking off with the shown portion of the Charolais females J H Christie's have sold Westcarse Alberta with a third prize ticket on for 2000gns. She is by Derryharney Outstanding.

Following her was the second prize Westcarse babe from the same herd by the same sire. she failed to sell at 2100gns.

Well it's that time at Perth that many have been waiting for - the sale of Charolais females which include a draft sale from Jim and Margaret McMillan's Dunesk herd. He's offering his famous show cow Dunesk Unesta along with her bull calf and a few other quality females. I've said it already on here, but although the cow will no doubt make good money, it's the young heifer calf Cleo I'd have a go at - she's a beauty!

We'll see....sale starts in 5 minutes!

Taking the overall male Charolais championship today was D Sawrij's Swalesmoor Cupid. This embryo bred son of the 34,000gns Goldies Uppermost is out of Blelack Una and took the junior Charolais championship and junior interbreed at the Royal Highland Show this year.

Following him through from the interbreed section was William and George Whyte's Hindstones Cruiser. By Trefaldwyn Valiant out of a homebred dam.

Senior champion: J H C Campbell and Sons' Thrunton Camelot by Mowbraypark Orlando out of Thrunton Inspiration (I don't have to eat my hat afterall!!!!!); res G Henderson's Sandleford Curtis by Goldies Usher out of Sandleford Velvet.

Intermediate champion: (as above in copy)

Junior champion: S and D Bothwell's Killadeas Charade by Dunlon Ulick out of Killadeas; res, Hamish Goldie's Goldies Champion by Goldies Unbeatable out of Kinclune Pipper.  

By Corskie Proton out of a homebred cow, Skerrington Vanguard has just gone at 10,000gns to Finaly McGowan for his Dirnanean herd, while, Hector Macaskill has just sold Woodhall Vauxhall, homebred on both sides for the same money.

From the McGeoch family, the first prize winning Hazelden Vindaloo has gone at 5000gns.

Well that's it for Simmental males.......we'll be back in action later for Charolais females, but before that Jonathan should put up the results from Charolais male judging.

I'm away now to find the news on the buyer of the Simmental championship!!!!  

Having taken the junior and overall championship under judge Robin Boyd, Boddington Estates' Sterling Viking 2nd by Sterling Rochester out of Sterling Helen's Lyric has failed to sell at 10,000gns. They have reserved the right of 200 straws of semen for private use.

Although he was knocked down as sold to a Mr Bush from Cirnecester it appears he hasn't sold and will return back to Boddington.   

The reserve junior and reserve overall Corrick Viscount 2nd went at 8000gns.  

From Robin Boyd, the judges bull Slievenagh VIP (lot 676) by Kilbride Farm Newry out of a homebred cow has gone at 8000gns to the McKnee family.

Another from Iain Green Corskie Vision by Ballinlare Farm Nightrider has gone at 4000gns - he has a self replacing index of +32.

Now with David Brown selling, Stuart Stronach has sold Islavale Viscount, by Darsham Lucky out of a Whitemire bred cow has gone at 5000gns to Mr Miller, while Balmaud Victorious has gone at 4500gns to Mr Logan.

Another from the Stonach's Vagabond by Lucky has gone at 4500gns.

Continuing their strong run, Blackford Vivaldi has gone at 4800gns to Gerald Smith's Drumsleed herd. By Curlie Knight he is out of a Rosten Barney daughter Blackford Harmony.

Now for my favourite........the first prize bull Dirnanean Vincent by Starline Nelson out of a Richwood Bruno daughter. And he didn't disappoint as he's leading trade so far at 12,000gns heading to a Mr King.

Billy Robson and Sons' intermediate champion Kilbride Farm Viagra - by Seaview Prince Charming out of Kilbride Farm Iris, a daughter of Kilbride Leader has gone at 9000gns on a telephone bid.

From Joe Wilson, Omorga Veron by Glebefarm Reputation and reserve intermediate champion has followed at 7000gns to Brian Allan, Glenturk.

Back in normal running, Iain Green has sold Corskie Vault by Strathisla Nuggat out of Corskie Belinda.

The first from the McPherson's of Blackford have sold Blackford Voltage 2nd by Curlieu Knight out of Blackford Lucie and has gone at 4800gns.

The best so far from Hector Macaskill Woodhall Virgil has gone at 6500gns.  

Having taken the senior championship under judge Robin Boyd - Chestermann Varney from the Gwynne family has gone at 8000gns to Stuart Stronach, Islavale. He is by Blackford ringleader and out of Deerhurst Madame and was reserve breed champion at the Royal Welsh.

Just following that was a call of 3500gns to secure Balmaud Viscount from the Strachans.

The reserve senior champion Ashland Vagabond from Pat Kelly has gone at 3200gns. By omorga prince he is out of Raceview Natasha-Beauty and again with that breeding I would have thought he would have gone for a bit more!

At 3800gns Mr Sleigh has sold Tolquhon Vanquish, by Corlesmore Razor out of a homebred dam.

Selling at 5000gns was Messrs N and N Gwynne's Chestermann Vladimir, by the same sire as the senior champion Blackford Ringleader he now heads to John Jeffrey's Kersknowe herd.

Fourth prize Corskie Viking 2nd from Iain Green has gone at 7000gns - he is by Popes Laird out of a Corskie female.

From R A Forde Mullyknock Victorious with a second prize ticket on has gone at 3000gns. I'd say this was relatively cheap - this dark bull has some pretty impressive Raceview breeding on both sides and has won various tickets back home in Northern Ireland.

Just following him Lachlan Quarm's Annick Vesuvius, by Innerwick Lancelot out of an Annick cow has failed to sell at 2200gns.

Just after that Rhys Grenham sold his Boars Head Volcano bull by Omorga Prince out of a Swallowhill cow for 1800gns.

Starting Simmental trade is a call of 4500gns to secure the first bull in the ring which wasn't shown from Dan Evans - Wroxhall Timekeeper is by Fole Juggernaut and heads to mr Smith who was buying females last night.

Straight after the first prize winning powerhouse Hollywood Tinsley from B Phillips has gone at 10,000gns. This giant is by Whitemire King Kong out of a Brooklyn dam and now heads to Mr Wilky's pedigree herd at Aberdeenshire.

Charolais judging has kicked off this morning and the first championship of the day has been awarded to H C Stubbs' June 2006 heifer Derryharney Bethany. Homebred on both sides she has been running with Thrunton Bonjovi.

Taking reserve female spot was Elgin Ballad from the Milne family. She is by Gower Versace out of a homebred cow.

Bull classes are also underway with a strong display from the Campbell family's Thrunton herd. Although he is a tadd sleepy looking this morning - if Thrunton Camelot (lot 816) and full brother to Thrunton Socrates doesn't take the senior championship I'll eat my hat..........or scarf as I don't have a hat!!! 

Well I'm pleased to report today has been a better day! Limmies had a pretty good day with a better trade than Carlisle at the weekend. The Scottish were buying which helped a good deal - that's some bull Robert Graham bought!

I watched most of the Simmental judging and although I wasn't bowled over with anything exceptional, quality was solid throughout - the commercial man will definately have a good pick tomorrow and I reckon trade could be solid. The talk is obviously about the Sterling bull so that will be worth following.

Personally I like the Dirnanean bull - Dirnanean Vincent (lot 671) and I think he was robbed of a section championship earlier today - but there we go!

Anyway.......it's back to basics for myself, Jonathan and Tim as we're taking advantage of free wireless in McDonald's to load pictures - so take a look!

Starting the draft sale of Brian Allan's Glenturk females is Glenturk Tessa, by Whitemire King Kong out of Balmano Hilary. She sells with a milk figure of +5 and self replacing index of +15 to Leslie Weatherup for 4400gns.

Following her Glenturk Tasha, by Balmano Horatio went at 1700gns to tom Gillespie, while Glenturk vicky, again by King Kong out of Glenturk Rosetta went at 2500gns to Norman Innes.

Another King Kong daughter Vanessa, with a +9 milk figure has followed Tasha at 2400gns, while at 2200gns Glenturk Verity, again by King Kong went to Mr Addison and Venice by the same sire went at the same money to Messrs Lylle. The last one from this draft, Vanity (a sweet June born heifer) out of Balmano Hilary went at 3200gns to Mr Fullerton.      

The female champion Sterling Jools Vienna from Boddington Estates has just gone at 2800gns. 

By Sterling Sterling Rochester (sire of today's champion) out of Sterling Alpena's Jools, a female by Sterling Dougall she has a self replacing index of +25. She has already taken tickets at Royal Cornwall and Norfolk shows earlier in the summer.

The reserve female champion Annick Prudence's Victoria, by Annick Lachie out of Annick Prudence went at 3200gns to Mr Mill.

Just following that was a call of 1400gns for Starnhill Jackie 3rd out of Starline Decision, while another from the same stable Starnhill Tollie by the famous Camus Brandy went at 1500gns.

Another from the Wilson's Cairnview string - Cairnview Noon by Cairnview Style out of a Midhope cow has gone at 1900gns, while a powerful heifer from John Skerrington - Skerrington Susan 16th, with a 2nd prize ticket on her out of Corskie Proton went at 2600gns to Miss Francis.

Just following her was another from the Boars Head team with a third prize ticket. Ravensdale Vanity is out of Swallowhill Miranda and by Beeches Navaho and sold at 1000gns.

More pictures click here   

Cairnview Andrea 6th from the Wilson family, by Annanwater Pioneer has gone at 1600gns.

East Sussex-based Rhys Grenham has sold his third prize Astcote Ranger daughter Boars Head Purdie for 1300gns to Tom Gillespie's Southpark herd.

Another from Gerald Smith, Drumsleed Tammy by Hockenhull Maverick out of Drumsleed Nadia, a Beeches Kestrel daughter has gone at 1200gns. Gerald's favourite Drumsleed Twinkle with a second prize ticket has just failed to sell at 2400gns. Overall trade for heifers is quite patchy!  

Iain Green's Corskie herd started Simmental female proceedings with a call of 3500gns for Corskie Topaz. She is by Burghbridge Lane out of Corskie Skylark and heads to Miss Wilkin.

Just following her was another from the same herd, Corskie Toffee. By this year's Royal Highland Simmental champion Strathisla Nuggat out of Corskie Reni. She went at 2200gns to Messrs Lyle.

Another, Corskie Tamra out of Ballinlare Farm Nightrider out of Corskie Belinda failed to sell at 2000gns.

The first of Gerald Smith's Drumsleed females Drumsleed Tia, by Beeches Kestrel out of Drumsleed Ebony has gone at 1500gns.

Well there has been a fair bit of hype about this bull and rumours of turning down good money on the summer circuit are flying about the place, but Sterling Viking 2nd didn't disappoint stockman Jimmy McMillan today.

Having taken the junior championship under judge Robin Boyd, the Sterling Rochester bull out of Sterling helen's Lyric then went on to take the overall title. And he's no stranger to winning ways either having shone throughout the summer show circuit nothing up titles at royal Cornwall and Norfolk.

It's been a joyful today for the Sterling team as earlier in the day Jimmy took the female championship with a half sister Sterling Jools Vienna. She also took tickets at Cornwall and Norfolk and will be sold later on this afternoon.

Simmental section champions:

Senior - Messrs N and N Gwynne's Chestermann Varney (by Blackford Ringleader out of Deerhurst Madame).

Reserve senior champion - Pat Kelly's Ashland Vagabond (by Omorga Prince out of Raceview Natasha Beauty).

Intermediate champion - Willie Robson and Sons' Kilbride Farm Viagra (by Seaview Prince Charming out of Kilbride Farm Iris).

Junior champion and overall - Sterling Viking 2nd (by Sterling Rochester out of Sterling Helen's Lyric).

Reserve junior champion and reserve overall - Cecil McIlwaine's Corrick Viscount 2nd (by Cankern Titan out of Corrick Eleanor).

Pictures to follow later..............  

One of the less regular breeds at Perth, the Salers have enjoyed a robust trade, topping at 3800 for a black, polled bull from the Pye family's Rigel herd.

Rigel Hubert Pye, by Rigel Othello and out of Havane sparked a flurry of activity before being knocked down. Immediately after the Pyes also sold Rigel Monty Pye, a Rigel Milan son to Mr Mackintosh of Stranraer, while the breed's champion Cumbrian Cracker from Farmstock Genetics made 3000, also to Mr Mackintosh.

That concludes the action in the bull ring for today, but the Simmental females sell at 3pm so be sure to check back then for a trading update.

Bulls from the Martin family and sired by the old stager Ronick Hawk have netted the family to tidy sales, one at 7000gns and another immediately after at 4800gns.

The first, Ashmara Chasseur is out of Brockhurst Surfina, while the second is out of homebred cow Ashmara Undine.

One of the most admired lots in the market this week, Millgate Clinker from the Loughran family has just stirred the trade in a remarkable frenzy late in the sale with a 30,000gns bid from Robert Graham for this Nenuphar son with a breeding value of +28.

Pictures from today's trade click here

Out of Millgate Tango, Clinker was subject to a fierce bidding war which saw at least four different herds attempt to secure him for their cows, but in the end no once could match Mr Graham's spending power and he heads away to Stirling to the Grahams herd.

Bruce and Jim Goldie, Dumfries, have just sold at 10,000gns a bull Jim reckons is one of the best he's brought to Perth, Goldies Commander.

By Goldies Terrence and out of Goldies Tansy, a full brother to 12,000gns Goldies Ultraspecial, Commander sold with a beef value of +33 for commercial use - perhaps someone out there does have confidence in the beef sector after all?!

The pre-sale show reserve junior champion Elrick Colombus from Michael Massie has taken a 6000gns bid and joins Mr Cunningham on the island of Islay.

Meanwhile, the junior champion Grahams Colombus from Robert and Jean Graham has notched up a 5200gns sale to Mr Reed Southpark.

Michael Massie's next in the ring, Elrick Colossus made 5000gns. This one is by Croftlimousin Spencer and out of Elrick Uranium.

And then some two lots later the Nimmos next Maraiscote Carlos netted 5200gns. Carlos carries a beef value of +27 and is by Tyddyn Mei.

David Baillie's Calla herd has just notched up a 5000gns sale with Calla Conan. This Middledale Scoobydoo son sold with a beef value of +32 and is out of Normande Tangodancer.

Then, just a few lots later the Nimmo family took 6500gns for 2nd prize Normande Urquhart son Maraiscote Charlie with a beef value of +26 and dam line back to Broadmeadows Cannon.

Taking an 8000gns bid for a bull with a beef value of +28 was Terry Adams, Fedneyhouse, with his Ulm sired Fedneyhouse Callum out of Fedneyhouse Sally.

Interestingly, following the massive money paid for Black Limousins in February there has been markedly less money chasing them this time round, with commercial men the main buyers rather than the pedigree herds. Quality of blacks on offer may be playing a part, but some useful black genetics have been available to those wanting them.

Jim Logan's Homebyres Clayton, a third prize bull from yesterday by Homebyres Vanhee and with a beef value of +41 has just gone at 5500gns. A good clean bull, Clayton is out of the Ferry sired dam Homebyres Rosemary.

Then a few lots later Mr Coleman's Glarryford Carlos made 4500gns to Mr Brisbane. This one is by Fedneyhouse Vagana and out of Millbrook Titanya.

The first sale past 10,000gns has come for Windsole Chancer, a well muscled clean bull from Messrs Lawson.

Having stood 2nd in his class yesterday and 2nd at the Royal Highland earlier this year, Chancer by Rocky and out of Windsole Rosemary sold for 12,000gns to Mrs Chrichton.

The steady trade for Limousin bulls is rolling on here in Perth with the first from the Goldies team making 3500gns. This one is by Cloughhead Umpire and out of brood cow Julie.

The next lot in the ring, Westhall Black Capital from the Fotheringhams took a bid of 2000gns, while a few lots earlier the Irvine family were back in the ring to sell Dentview Choco at 3600gns.

Later on William Campbell sold Spage Charlie for 4000gns. This one is a Elrick Vanguard son out of Milbrook R2K sired Spage Velcro.

The best from the Spittalton herd of the Burnett family has just been under the hammer taking a final call of 5500gns for the Ryedale Paragon sired Spittalton Caragon. This one had stood second in his class and sold with a beef value of +29.

A few lots later the Irvine team re-entered the ring with another from their Anside herd and saw bids march on to 5000gns for Anside Cally, another Fleethill Talisman son with a beef value of +30

Robert Graham's senior and overall champion Limousin Grahams Constable, by Plaisan and out of Ultime has just been through the ring and taken a fair price on the trade of 6000gns, selling to Mr Innes.

But with the trend for EBVs, Constable's beef value of just +17 could have been one of the factors holding bidders back.

Archie and John MacGregor of Allanfauld have just sold one of their best, Allanfauld Basilbrush, by Ardback Taketime and out of Tweedside Vixen for 4000gns.

A few lots later Peter Walker sold Walkers Czar, a Walkers Temari son out of a Ronick Hawk daughter for 4800gns.

But as suspected there are a good number of bulls failing to find new homes as the trade is expectedly sticky.

The reserve senior champion Limousin from Messrs Irvine has just kicked the trade into life just a few lots into the sale.

Anside Busby, by Fleethill Talisman and out of Anside Vikkie sold at 7000gns to Messrs Thomson.

The Irvine's next in, Anside Blade, again by Talisman also caught the attention of the ringside, making 5000gns. This one is out of Broadmeadows Cannon granddaughter Cragiebanck Sarah.

And to round of the Anside run, Anside Ben, another Talisman son made 3000gns immediately after Blade.

At the start of the second day of Perth bull sales it is the turn of the Limousin bulls to enter the fray and seek new homes. However, it is fair to say there hasn't been much talk of a high trade and I expect it to follow the current steady trend set by the breed at Carlisle last Saturday and picked up by the Angus yesterday.

I am, ogf course willing to be proved wrong and will keep you up to date with the trade as the sale progresses....

Three commercial steer topped the £1000 mark with several also exceeding £900 at a successful prize sale of 750 store cattle at Bishop Castle Auction, attracting buyers from across the country.

Topping the sale at £1100 was a 575kg Limousin from A and J Speke, Woodbach. Overall steers averaged £732 a head and 163.4p/kg.

Heifers peaked at £810 for two 435kg Limousin and 194.8p/kg for two 385kg Limousin for £750 both consigned by S H Hillage and Sons, Whittingslow.

There was also strong competition with the Tom Gittins cup at stake, but the silverware was awarded to S J C Morris and Sons, Whitcott for the best steers.

Leading the way under judge David Orr in the Perth Limousin rings was no strnager to the limelight Robert Graham.

His leader came through from the senior section. With full French breeding on both sides Grahams Constable is by Plaisan - a son of Laurel - and out of the Neptune daughter Ultime.

The reserve overall spot also came through from the senior section in the form of Stephen Irvine's Anside Busby, by Fleethill Talisman out of Anside Vickke - a Ronick Sidney daughter.

Other section champs as follow:

Intermediate champ William Campbells Spage Charlie by Elrick Vanguard out of Spage Velcro.

Reserve intermediate champ K J Gill's Craiglands Cracker by Shire Milton out of Balavil Nancy.

Junior champ Robert Grahams Grahams columbus by ushula out of Grahams Trendy.

Reserve junior champ Michael Massie's Elrick Columbus by ryedale Paragon out of Elrick Masterpiece.  

Pictures to follow in the morning.....

Shorthorn females enjoyed a resoundingly solid trade on Monday evening with a top call of 5200gns coming from a smart, shapey heifer from John Gibb's draft from his Glenisla herd.

Taking the days top price was the March 2007-born roan heifer Glenisla Crocus. By Fearn Wyvish and out of a dam of the same name as herself, Crocus sold in calf to Glenisla Zambesi to Mr Bell, Eden Lodge.

Next top price was a 3200gns bid for another of Major Gibb's run, Glenisla Sally Broadhooks. Again a March 2007-born roan heifer, Broadhooks is also by Fearn Wyvish and sold to M Christiansen, Woolocombe Valley.

Following smartly behind in the price stakes at 3000gns was the pre-sale show champion, again from Major Gibb. This one, Glenisla Eva Broadhooks, is also by Fearn Wyvish and is out of a Glenisla Mississipi sired dam. She sold in calf to Glenisla Zambesi to the judge Brenda Wear, Bristol, who had the courage of her convictions.

Major Gibb sold another from his draft at 3000gns, this time Glenisla Lovely Gazelle sold to Mr Taylor, Orkney. Gazelle is again by the well breeding Fearn Wyvish and is out of a WF Torpedo-sired dam and sold in calf to Glenisla Zambesi.

In the money at 2800gns were Glenrinnes Farms with their April 2006-born red and white heifer Glenrinnes Zoe. By Cairnsmore Sam and out of Glenrinnes Sally Broadhooks, this one sold to Mr MacGregor, Dinn, Glenfarg.

As a well known shop keeper used to say.....it's been a funny old day!

There hasn't been the usual buzz about the place today which has been strange, but as promised I've uploaded pictures from today. The weather has been b****y miserable to say the least and trade hasn't been great!

The taking stock crew are now enjoying a quiet few drinks while sorting pictures and copy before getting our heads down to start another day.

See you tomorrow!

I know it's been a few days, but with hot footing it to Perth and relying on pretty poor internet connection it's taken me this long to get a picture gallery up and running from Carlisle.

Take a look at the Limousin pictures from Carlisle.

I'll have a Perth one from today up in a bit!

Now it's the turn of the Shorthorn females to tempt buyers and with some strong show classes earlier there should be a fair run of prices.

And they haven't disappointed with the second heifer in the sale from Glenrinnes Farms, Glenrinnes Zoe, taking a call of 2800gns. This one stood second in her class earlier today after standing first at the Highland. She's by Cairnsmore Sam and out of Glenisla Sally.

Cardona Edwina, by Tegnose Karboy and out of Cardona Edwina has just come under the hammer and caused a stir around the ring. This stylish, strong cow saw an intense bidding war which was eventually won by David Walker, Galcantry st 8000gns.

The Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society's Autumn Show and Sale at Bristol saw a good turnout from across the country, resulting in  a top price of 9100gns being met.

Beeston Pamela and her bull calf Beeston Predator was secured by the top bid of the day for Archie Smith-Maxwell, as part of his dispersal of the noted Beeston herd.  The outfit joins Messrs Robertson Nightingale herd at Bishampton, Worcestershire.

All Beeston cattle were hotly contested with in calf cows peaking at 2250gns again from the Pamela familu by Shadwell Black Brigand. This young cow, in calf to Glympton Mr Bruar was secured by Melview Farming Co, Gloucester.

In calf heifers topped at 2000gns for Beeston Jacata Erica by Wedderlie Netmark purchased by Tony Foster, reading.

Bulls were in strong demand with a top bid of 300gns for Glympton Mr Bruar, the service sire in the Beeston herd going to G Nichol, Bristol.

The draft from Robet Galloway's Cardona herd is continuing to sell well, with a flurry of bids coming for Cardona Plaviot, a Jeremy Eric of Bridgefoot daughter resulting in a sale of 5500gns to Mr Wilson, Newbank.

Earlier, Cardona Black Barbara had made 2800gns. This one is by Lochdu Elfking and out of Cardona Black Barbara. And just after Plaviot Cardona Proud Isla sold for 3500gns to Orkney. Proud Isla sold with her heifer calf at foot by Eastfield Fusilier and is herself by Lockerley Eastern Cruz.

Then, another by the same name and this time by Lochdu Elfking made 3200gns to Newbank. Cardona Esmay, by Rawburn Transformer and out of Early Sunset Coalition sired Cardona Esmay made 3500gns.

Alexander Grieve's Aberdeen Angus female champion, Carhurlie Ellen has just been through the ring and made 5000gns to David Walker, Galcantry.

By Blelack Blackstorm and out of Carhurlie Eminence, Ellen was subject to a strong bidding war from early on, but Mr Walker remained determined.

Just a few moments earlier Idvies Pinky Poly from Messrs Fraser had made 2600gns under David Leggat's gavel.

And then a couple of lots later the draft from the Cardona herd of Robert Galloway entered the ring to a strong start with the first lot, Cardona Fiona, by Tegnose Karboy and sold with a heifer calf at foot by Eastfield Fusilier sold to Messrs McLaren, Netherton for 4500gns.

And so, following the sale of Aberdeen Angus, Shorthorn, Luing and Hereford bulls it's the turn of the Angus females to enter the ring.

So far they're off to a solid start with Messrs Fraser's Idvies Eyra the first in the ring selling to 1800gns and John Elliot's stylish heifer Rawburn Early Bird, by Ankonian Elixir making 4200gns.

The champion (lot 96) from Donald Biggar Chapelton Alamo - homebred on both sides has gone at 3000gns.

Second and reserve overall Colnvalley Aladdin from the McMillan family has followed but failed to sell at 2500gns. This bull was junior interbreed champion at this year's Royal Show and is homebred on both sides.

Earlier to that was another from the same string, one of my picks from teh Shorthorn line ups - Colnvalley Zodiac. By Uppermill Ling out of Tofts Ruby he went at 7000gns to Campbell Graham.   

Now continuing with usual sale proceedings lot 91 - Alvie Archibald from Mr and Mrs Williamson has gone at 4200gns to Craigie Farms. He is by one of Christopher marler's stock bulls Wavendon War Emblem.

........let's hope it's a little more exciting!

And just as I was praying for something exciting Shorthorn trade is just as slow! So far David Macleod is leading trade with Glengloy Zulu by Uppermill Milfoil - he sold at 2300gns to mr Taylor.

Just after that the McMillan family sold Colnvalley Zestful (lot 86) homebred on both sides for 2000gns.  

Angus bulls are failing to set the pace today, with trade running at a steady pace for the last 10 lots. Since the champion lots the only other highlights have been Blelack Rubbins from neil massie selling for 4000gns to Terry Coghill and another from the Massie's Blelack Jury Eric (lot 49) for 3000gns.

Messrs Gilmour have sold Belhaven Black Boy (lot 69) for 2500gns, while Messrs Marsh sold Bardrain Eiger for 2200gns. This bull is homebred on both sides.

We're nearing completition so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for something flash!

The first prize bull Cairnton Carlose Bandito by blelack Evergreat out of a Cairnton cow has gone at 4000gns.

I think that will be about it for Blacks today i'm afraid - it's nearly as depressing as the weather - that's chucking it down!!! I guess the only saving grace from today will be that the photographers haven't had to spend much time outside on the board!

The junior champion Tonley Julian from Neil Wattie has gone at 3200gns to Mr Bell, Fife.

Just after that the reserve junior champion Glassel Eagle Knight (lot 54) from Muir Lockhead has gone at 2800gns on the tic-tac. He is by Blelack Knight.

Unfortunately Tom rennie's reserve intermediate champion Mosston Muir Bold Mosston failed to sell at 2800gns.

Back in normal sale proceedings Messrs Taylor Farms have sold Moncur Emperor (lot 34) by Curzon Entertainer for 5800gns.

The champion from the Angus section - Bunlahy Biltzy (lot 30) from the Irish family of Gerrard, Aiden and David Reynolds has gone through at 10,000gns.

By Jerusalem Faraday out of a homebred cow he now heads home with the judge David Lucas for his Cheeklaw herd.

Just after the reserve overall champion and senior champion Auldhouseburn Prince Gold from Hugh Blackwood has gone at 6500gns to Mr Rendall, Orkney.

The reserve senior champion Cairnton Karoo (lot 4) from Kenneth Howie, by Blelack Evergreat out of Wedderlie Karisma has gone at 6000gns.  

Previous to the champion lots, a cracking dark red bull Auchincrieve Red Elation from Messrs McCombie went at 7000gns.

Blelack Janson Eric from the Massie family has just gone at 5200gns. Again by Ernie, this September born bull is out of Morven Jury Erica and has a milk figure of +15. Another from the same string has gone at 3000gns. Blelack Predator is by Blackstock and out of a homebred cow.

The first from lady glendyne Hurdcott Eldom has gone at 2500gns. By lorabar Roshan he is out of Hurdcott Elinda.

At 4800gns Messrs Montgomery have sold Lorabar Rob Roy, a bull by Ankonian Elixir out of a homebred bull. With a milk figure of +17 and self replacing index of +34.

Hamish Sclater's first - Deveron Barrister by Netherton Figo out of Deveron Belle has gone at 5000gns.  

Donald Biggar's Chapelton herd has clinched yet another Perth Shorthorn championship, with March 2007 born Chapelton Alamo. This son of Chapelton Typhoon is out of a homebred cow and sells later today with a terminal sire index of 19 and a self replacing index of 16.

Standing reserve to the Chapelton entry was Mr McMillan's Colnvalley Aladdin, a son of Colnvalley Titanic, Aladdin is out of a dam by Chapelton Fulcrump and has a terminal sire index of 14.

Aberdeen-Angus trade has just kicked off with a bid of 2000gns for Ballavitchel Blackjack - slightly marginal on his front teeth this Coldstream Dominator son has gone to the Orkneys for commercial use.

The first from the Massie string Blelack Empire Builder (lot 5) by Nightingale Ernie has failed to sell at 4000gns.  

Robin and Alison Tuke's Hardiesmill Blackmark has gone at 2000gns to Mr Forsythe, while Richard and Carol Rettie's Hurdcott Beacon son Retties Priceless (lot 10) has gone at 2200gns on the tic-tac.

John Gibb's Glenisla herd lifted the Perth Shorthorn female championship honours earlier, with March 2007 born heifer Glenisla Eva Broadhooks taking the spoils.

Eva Broadhooks is by Fearn Wyvish and out of Glenisla Eva Broadhooks and will sell later today with a terminal sire index of 16 and a self replacing index of 14.

Standing reserve under judge Brenda Wear was Chesterhall Parks Farm's heifer Gregor Anemone. She is by Uppermill Bush and out of Gregors Yoga.

Irish breeders Gerard, Aiden and David Reynolds are the happiest men in Perth today as their intermediate bull Bunlahy Bilty has just taken the overall Aberdeen Angus championship under judge David Lucas.

By Jerusalem Faraday, a Royal Stockman son, and out of homebred cow Bunlahy Beverly, a Jeremy Eric of Bridgefoot daughter, Bilty has an impressive show record having stood Irish national calf champion last year and taking the Irish two year old bull title earlier this year.

Standing reserve overall to Bilty was the senior champion, Auldhouseburn Prince Gold from Orkney-based breeder Hugh Blackwood. This one is by 7000gns sire Duncanziemere Judge and out of Lockerley Princess.

The first championship ticket of Perth week goes to Alexander Grieve's Carlhurlie herd as he has taken the Aberdeen-Angus female championship with Carlhurlie Ellen. This June 2006 heifer is by Blelack Blackstock and is out of a homebred cow by Fairfax Ayre of Bronte.

Standing reserve to her was George McFadzean's Cherrybank Edwina, who is sired by Calfward Flyer out of a homebred cow By Blelanck Prince Consort.

Male judging is underway so we'll bring you section champions as soon as they happen!

Pictures to follow shortly......

Well after a trip up the road from Carlisle yesterday here we are in Perth for the first day of the autumn bull sales.

Taking a look round last night there are a few highlights among the entries, but overall it would be fair to say the standard isn't as high as in previous years and, like the Limousins at Carlisle the trade could be patchy.

This morning sees the Angus males and females come forward for judging and we'll be bringing you full results and pictures later, so remember to check back later to see who's taken red tickets.

Later today the Angus will sold, along with the Shorthorns, Herefords and Luings, while Limousin females will also come under the hammer.

It may sound like a solid average of £5025.25 but for just 90 sold, it could be viewed as a reflection of the times. The credit crunch seems to be banging at the door of most people today, with many bulls struggling to hit the 1500gns mark.

Overall the standard of bulls was strong, but it's even more evident that health status and figures play a huge part in proceedings. There are still one or two breeders not recording (for what ever reason) and I've seen one or two pretty low EBVs - down at just the +7 mark! Those that have figrues are definately selling!

So that's it for Carlisle - we're off up the road to Perth now where we'll keep you informed of proceedings throughout next week.

Pictures will follow later this evening and I'll have a picture gallery up and running on Monday.

The best of Banbury-based Smiths of Bloxham's string has sold to a top of 9000gns. By Wilodge Vantastic, Ironstone Colonel out of Wilodge Relisa has a beef value of +34. This good back-ended bull also has a muscle score of +5.3 and now heads to Gordon Wilson's Bankdale herd.  

Earlier, their first prize Ironstone Calzaghe, again by Vantastic, this time out of Ardbrack Princesspatti sold at 5800gns.

Another from the Ridley string, Haltcliffe Curtis (lot 174), again by Sympa out of Panda with a first prize ticket on has knocked down at 9500gns to Messrs Gass.  

The other from the Grahams stable has just sold for 8000gns Having taken a red ticket at the Royal Highland Show this year Grahams Chieftain by Utah out of a homebred cow has a beef value of +23 and now heads to Mrs Pattinson.

Haltcliffe Chief has gone at 5500gns - by Cloughhead Umpire out of Sariette, while Haltcliffe Connor (lot 191) has gone at 2500gns.

Derek Hume's Culnagechan Carlsberg (lot 205) has knocked down at 7200gns. With a beef value of +31, he is by Ronick Hawk out of Carmorn Unit.

At 5800gns John Smith Jackson has sold Hightown Cassius by Shire Apollo out of Waverbank Pandora to Mr Alexander, Northern Ireland.  

Messrs Ridley's junior champion Haltcliffe Chieftan and overall reserve champion again by Sympa, this time out of Roncik Red has gone through at 16,000gns to Messrs Armstrong.  

The dam line goes back to Broadmeadows Cannon and has a beef value of +39.

The reserve juniopr champion another from the Ridley's and another by Sympa out of Haltcliffe Vicky has gone at 12,000gns to Messrs Stevens (I believe).  

Trade has just picked up again with a 10,000gns call for Peter Murphy's Carrickaldreen Cracker has just sold to E H Pennie and Son.

By Pacha he is out of a homebred cow and sells with a first prize ticket on him with a beef value of +32. This strong bull is out of a Dauphin cow and has had a pretty good show career this summer in Ireland.

Another strong bull from the Procters string Procters Cavalier has just gone at 28,000gns to pedigree and commercial breeder Harry Emslie, Peterhead, Aberdeen.

By the 100,000gns Haltcliffe Vermount, he is out of Procters Prunella and has a beef value of +27 and was another of my favourites here today.

Continuing Sympa dominance at Carlisle, Messrs Ridley have sold Haltcliffe Carlos for 5500gns to Messrs Wood, Kennington. This April 2007 born bull is out of Radio and sells with a beef value of +33.

Greenwell Corinthian from the Natress family (lot 134) has gone at 5000gns. By Vagabond out of Greenwell Val he sold to a Norfolk buyer.

Another Sympa son has just gone through at 6600gns Lot 101 from Gareth Roberts - Myfyrian Classic is out of Tremlows Uphee and has a beef value of +31 and a calving value of +3.

Fleethill Clipper (lot 102) from M J Gray and Son has gone at 4800gns. He is by Maraiscote Volt out of Fleethill Veda.

A good bull from the Quicke family has gone at 4500gns. Loosebeare Crayon (lot 108) is by Tomschoice Usurper and is out of a homebred cow.

Lot 116 Carntogether Cracpot from Laurence McEldowney has gone at 5800gns. By Woodhouse Vince out of a homebred cow Crackpot took the reserve junior championship at Royal Ulster this year.

Procters Cracker - sired by Haltcliffe Vermount - has gone at 4500gns, while the second prize and first from the Haltcliffe string, Haltcliffe Classic by Sympa out of Rafale has gone at 4000gns.  

The intermediate champion Ampertaine Cedric from W J and J Mckay (lot 154) has just gone through at 13,000gns across to the Isle of Mann.

By the noted sire Sympa - a bull responsible for many high priced bids at Carlisle  - and out of the homebred cow Ampertaine Vanity he sells with a breed value of +35. He has a string of success at shows back home in Northern Ireland including the Royal Ulster.

The reserve intermediate champion Kype Cassius from the Cruikshank family has sold at 4000gns He is by Ulster out of Kype Phoenix and has a beef value of +40.  

One of the best from the Procters string has just gone at 10,000gns. Heading across the water with an undisclosed Irish buyer is Procters Cantona, he is out of a homebred cow Procters Tilly and sells with a beef value of +25.

Tremlows Calzaghe (lot 69) by Normande Urqhart out of Holly Icarie with a beef value of +38 has just sold for 4000gns.  

Lot 83 - Reddings Coco has just sold for 6200gns. He is the first bull to be offered by Redstroke Valentino who was purchased here in Carlisle for 10,000gns in May 2006.   

Taking a call of 5000gns was the best from Scotland's Robert Graham. Grahams Colossus (lot 30) with a third prize ticket on him is by Grahams Unbeatable and out of Revision and ranks in the top 1% of the breed with a beef value of +43.

George Hutton's Cloughhead Crafty (lot 35) has just gone at 5000gns. He is by Djerk and out of a homebred cow. A paternal brother (loot 36) has just followed at 2200gns to Mr Watton.

Living up to all expectations, Wilodge Cerberus has just sold in an eerie quiet ring for 50,000gns. The usual uzz of a high priced bull was missing today as trade has been so slow to get going. But a bidding war between only two people finally meant he sold for 50,000gns (I beleive a personal best for Christine) to Messrs Jenkinson.

The reserve senior champion from Procters Farms by the 100,000gns Haltcliffe Vermount - Procters Commander (lot 68) has gone at 22,000gns to Messrs Ridley's Haltcliffe herd.

The first of Christine Williams' bulls has just knocked down at 5000gns. Wilodge Cutabove (lot 20) is out of the noted show cow Ravenelle and sired by Nouvelle Prospect. He is paternal brother to the 31,000gns bull Wilodge Thumper and maternal brother to Wilodge Vantastic.

I'd say she'd be a little disappointed by that - he's worth a lot more!

Well we're here and have had a wander round Borderway Mart and yes the Wilodge bull has lived up to expectations. Christine has often mentioned throughout the year how pleased she is with him and if he'd been on the show circuit this summer he would have definately done some damage!

I'm really looking forward to seeing him go through. There was plenty of talk about him last weekend at Beef Expo with the usual price predictions going round. Some are saying he is a 50,000gns bull some are saying even higher.

The other bulls that have caught my eye are one from the McKay family Ampertaine Cedric (lot 154) - he took the intermediate title last night and is by Sympa. Robert Graham has a real power house of a bull - he's incredibly tall and will make a fantastic cow maker. Living up to his name Grahams Colossus is by the famous Grahams Unbeatable and out of Revision.

Smiths of Bloxham have two very smart youngsters with red and blue tickets on them - these boys are by Wilodge Vantastic.  

We'll keep you posted as the day goes on with trade.......any any gossip that might find its way to me!

Well as suspected it was a Wilodge bull which lifted the championship award at yesterday's pre-sale show of Limousins at Carlisle.

The Wilodge bull which has been talked about for a few weeks now and has been described by some who've seen it as exceptional took the show's senior championship before going on to lift the overall ticket under judge Bruce Goldie of the Goldies herd.

The bull, Wilodge Cerberus, is fully homebred, being by Wildoge Tonka and out of Wilodge Priceless, a daughter of the famous sire Broadmeadows Cannon.

We've yet to see the bull, but will be in Carlisle shortly to give you a full live report from the sale, check back later for more news and views........ 

The Devon cattle breeders Society attracted French interest; an agent buying for an undisclosed French cattle breeder purchased five females and a bull.

Topping the trade and also taking the championship in the show was Simon David and Tracey Andrew's Wingstone Millennium Raj, bred by Mrs Juliette Rich. This 29 month old son of Ashott Barton Bobby sold at £3255 to Brian Mortimer, Exeter.

Reserve champion was P and S Corner's Ashott Barton Morgan by Millenium selling to Philip Payne, Salisbury at £3045.

Top price in calf heifer, Bartridge Madeline 18, By Brightley Diamond 6, sold to Robert James and Kate Palmer's Red Down Herd at £3150 consigned by R T and M P Wilson, Umberleigh.

Bollowal Showgirl 15 from A J and P D Thomas StJust Penzance sold at £2625 to H Quick, Cullumpton. This section sold well with no fewer than seven lots in four figures and a respectable average.

Topping the maiden heifer section was Bollowal Olympia 2 by Bollowal Frederick and out of Crannel's cow, selling to Steven Potter for export at £1575.

Cows and calves topped at £1680 for K W and O Farmer's Bywood Beauty 74, selling to S Fildes.

Averages bull £2009, cows and calves £1058, in calf heifers £1076, maiden heifers £989.

Auctioneer Derek Bliss, Greenslade Taylor Hunt Sedgemoor Auction Centre.

The dispersal of the Brooton herd of pedigree Charolais cattle on behalf of Mr D W and Mrs R A Nirth took place at East Midland Limousin sale, Newark.

Topping the trade was Brooton Urchin sired by Balthayock Maruis and with an excellent Blelack Ladysman May born bull calf at foot. This former Royal Show female champion was knocked down at 4000gns to an undisclosed purchaser.

Full sister to Urchin was Brooton Verna  this time with heifer calves at foot by Blelack Ladysman The successful purchaser was Messrs Bloomsfield, Suffolk at 3000gns.

An excellent number of cattle were forward for the East Midlands Limousin sale at Newark with the males starting the day with a selective trade.  Topping the males was Mereside Achilles bred by Messrs Hazard and consigned by Craig Schofield. This January 2005 son of Mereside Tobius was sold at 2400gns to Bob and Hayden Williams, Leicestershire. 

Selling at 2200gns was Wilodge Bratpacker sired by the successful Wilodge Tonka, purchased by Messrs Heleben Farms, Buckworth

Paul Dawes sold Dinmore Commando by Broadmeadows Cannon and out of Wildoge Littlegem to David Shepherd, Cambs for 2000gns.

Females got the crowd buzzing with the outstanding Wilodge Vantastic heifer calf at the foot of Withersdale Ururn from Derek Wharton. Sired by Fenrose Orinoco and out of Sheelin Lena and back again to Fieldson Alfy, the successful purchaser was top pedigree and commercial producer, Anita Padfield, Norfolk at 4800gns. The Withersdale herd had a successful day with 10 cows and calves to average £2430.75.

With their usual consignment of good cattle, Messrs Millington Grange Estate topped their run with Millington Sinead sired by Redpaths Optic and out of Normande Nina. She was sold with her April born heifer calf, Millington Vascular for 3600gns to commercial producer Frank Page, Rugby.

Mr Page was also back in the action to take Millington Usherette, again by Optic but this time out of Wilodge Pannette and with a Millington Vascular heifer calf at foot. Usherette sold for 2700gns.

Mesrrs Roger and Hazard and Sons sold Mereside Vouchsafe by Malibu and out of Mereside Ruth with a January 2008 heifer calf by senior herd sire Vagabond. Taking this outfit home at 3000gns was T M Carr, Stoke on Trent.

At 2900gns Mat Brunton sold the in-calf heifer Sheelin Bayne sired by Sheelin Virgo and out of Sheelin Sarah and is in-calf by Leverton Cetus to Mr J Carroll, Somerset

Pedigree averages

11 bulls, £2034.38; 52 pedigree cows in-calf and or with calf at foot, £2010.62; 23 pedigree in-calf heifers £1712,91; 36 maiden heifers £1466.31.

There's no stopping the big money heading the way of Jack and Adam Lawson this season as their Bluefaced Leicester tup lambs continued their remarkable run with another top price of £2800 at the breed association's show and sale at Carlisle.

This father and son partnership from Wigton, Cumbria led the trade at the association's Hawes fixture three weeks ago at £11,500 where they averaged eight tup lambs at £2750 and topped the market at the breed's Penrith sale last week at £4200.

This latest run of success by Lawson's Hundith flock - established 60 years ago and currently numbering 40 pedigree ewes - can be traced back to the influence of a tup bought from the Kentmere Hall flock some years ago.

Now an aged tup, he cost £2400 at Lazonby and has bred "exceptionally well" at Hundith leaving some outstanding females. Two years ago the Lawsons were part of a three-way split to pay £8500 for a Midlock tup lamb at the Hawes sale and it's the combination of the breeding of these two sires that has delivered this year's great crop of lambs..

European buyers helped lift the trade at the Highland Cattle breed's annual sale in Oban.

Breeders from France and Germany bought 19 - almost a fifth of the cattle sold.

The biggest international buyer was Yann Guisnel of Brittany, France. He bought 13 and spent just short of £10,000. His top purchase was at 1,800gn for an April 2005 heifer, Eiteag of Liath na Doire, from Ewan Mackay, Glasgow.

It was Mr Mackay who produced the sale topper at 4,000gn - the 19-month-old Bhoidheach Ruadh of Glengoyne, by Domhnull of Gartchonzie and out of Bhoideach Ruadh 2nd of Glengoyne.The heifer was bought by John and Dawn Mackie for their recently established herd at Strathaven.

Next at 3,800gns was the female champion, Isobel of Bien Esk, from Patricia Burns and Paul Smith, Stirling. This three-year-old, by Thorn of Bien Esk and out of Neonag of Browhaze, is in-calf to Conan of Corriemuckloch. Buying her was Galloway and Charolais pedigree breeder Hamish Porter, Bridgend, Islay.

We're back from Ireland (well we got back yesterday but with most things time is never on our sides to get things done early enough!), so I've uploaded a gallery of pictures from Beef Expo.

See if you can spot a certain breed society chief executive practicing his audition for Riverdance!

Leading the Simmental classes this afternoon was Banwy T-Rex from Garrett and Lyndsey Behan. By Sterling Nelson 2nd, he is out of the Scottish bred cow Skerrington Legacy.

He took the title ahead of the female champion Seepa Roxy, a Rosten Barney daughter out of Hillcrest Jezebel. She fought off stiff competition from one of the hotly tipped entries from Peter and Marion O'Connell - Raceview Nicolete Beauty who had to settle for reserve female champion.

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

Leading the way in the Belgian Blue classes was the male champion Rosemount Ashmore from Trevor Ashmore. This Dafydd D'Ochain son born in October 2006 is out of Jocvel Des Oies and took the title ahead of the female champion Ross Vivenne from Jarlath Duggan.

The reserve male champion was Ross Beaver, a 16 month old Blak Baty Eprave son, while the reserve female champion was Ballyconry Awsom Queen from Mr Scanlon.  

Sean McKiernan's Grianan Firecracker has taken the Hereford championship under judge Robine Irvine. The Chutchill Storm son is out of Yarram Pompeii and took the male title ahead of the senior bull class winner Udel 1 R51 Veteran.

The overall reserve champion was the female leader from Matthew goulding. Dorepoll 1 R51 Duchess is by Doonbridge Hustler and out of a homebred cow. The reserve female champion was kye Sorcha 4, a Churchill Storm daughter from Padraig McGrath.

Taking the male and overall championship honours in the Charolais section here in Kilkenny today was Blakestown Aster, an imported son of Major out of Fatcha, owned by Patrick McCabe.

Standing reserve was the female champion, Ballydavis Champion, from Michael Hargroves.

Reserve male champion was Michael Keating's ET bred junior bull Prime Champion by Indurain and out of Prime Noelle.

Judging has come to a head in the Aberdeen-Angus rings as Albert De Cogan's 2006 born Deveron Jasper Eric F170. This Deveron Limited son is out of Newcairnie Jacqueline and goes back to Rushcroft Prince.

Taking the reserve overall spot was the second prize senior bull from Pat Cahill. Cashelane Bart is by Coldstream Genetic and out of Bohey Jasper.

The female champion in the Angus classes was a classy two year old heifer from Joe McGarry. Tonroe Carly is by Tonroe Udi and out of Drumcrow Princess.  

The female championship has just been decided in the Charolais rings as judge Basil Bothwell has just tapped out Ballydavis Champion, a Bova Sylvain daughter from Michael and Kathleen Hargroves. This April 2007 heifer is out of Ballydavis Tremendous.

Standing reserve female champion was a Doonally New daughter Cornadrung Dawn (which I have to say was my personal favourite in the Charolais rings). This nine month old heifer is out of Farmleigh Petal.

Jim Goldie has just tapped out his Limousin female championship aftter some pretty tough judging. I have to say the Limousins have put on the best show of cattle so far this morning with a cracking line up of first prize females.

Taking the top spot was John McInerney's September 2004 cow Drummin Veronica. Sired by Mas Du Clo, she is out of a homebred cow Drummin Peach.

Standing reserve to her was the second prize senior cow Milbrook Ulla from William Smith. she is by Poker out of Milbrook Petal.

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

Well we thought we would try something different this weekend and take a look at some impressive cattle across the water.

Chrissie and I are at Beef Expo 2008 held at Kilkenny Market which I have to say is some livestock market. Today will see a number of beef breeds shown with cattle coming from both the South and North of Ireland.

Breeds on show today include Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Speckle Park, Hereford, Parthenaise, Piemontese, Shorthorn, Aubrac, Belgian Blue, Saler, Simmental and Blonde D'Aquitaine.

Most of the judges are Irish with a few exceptions to the rule such as one of Scotland's leading Charolais and Limousin breeders Jim Goldie who will be judging the Limousin classes.

Judging starts at 10.30 and will run for most of the day, so we will try and keep you up to date with who has won what. There is some terrific breeding on offer..........we'll keep you posted!   

The first new Dairy Shorthorn bloodlines from Australia in four decades are now available from the breed's UK society.

His dam is the impressive Andeline crowned reserve champion cow at IDW 07 and champion cow and Brisbane Royal in 2005 and interbreed champion cow at Brisbane in 2006. She gave 9256 litres of milk at 4.5% butterfat and 3.2% protein. His maternal sister was also champion at Brisbane in 2006.

Redrama brings new bloodlines into the UK and gives breeders the opportunity to take advantage of this very dairy type of Shorthorn which has many desirable Shorthorn attributes as well as good milk yields, says Shorthorn society secretary Frank Milnes.

"It is also an ideal cross for black and white breeders looking to improve robustness in their cattle without sacrificing dairyness."

The semen, from Agri-Gene, in Wangaratta, Victoria, is available through the Shorthorn Society at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Skipton's high profile annual show and sale of gimmer lambs saw more than 6000 lambs passing through the ring.

Highlight was the show and sale of 695 Masham gimmer lambs on behalf of Masham Sheep Breeders Association, with the champion pen of ten exhibited by north Yorkshire father and son breeders, Roland and David Verity, Pateley Bridge.

They sold for both top price in class and of the entire day at £110 a head to co-judge Keith Liddle, Otley.

The title winners received the Kemp Spokes Trophy from Angela Spokes, the third generation of a family that had been buying Mule and Masham sheep at Skipton since late 1930. They are based at Long Buckby, Northampton.

For the second year running, the second prize pen of Mashams came from Colin Willoughby, Redmire, Leyburn. The third prize pen of J M Wilson and Sons, Harrogate, sold for £69 each to Margaret Watkinson, Thirsk.

The Swaledale gimmer lambs was won for a record-equalling fourth time in succession by local farmer Kevin Huck, of Bordley, his charges selling for £60 a head, top price in class. There were 930 Swaledales forward.  

A total of 4363 Mule lambs passed through the ring, selling to a good company of buyers. Trade was above expectations levelling at £46.95 a head.

Limousins ruled supreme again at Skipton Auction Marts annual pedigree event for beef breeding cattle.

Champion was an 18-month-old bull from the Kirkview herd of W E Salisbury and Son, based at Treales, near Preston. The victor Kirkview Cougar is by the family's stock bull, Croftlimousin Voldemort, purchased as an embryo calf for its breeding potential fro 2000gns at two-months-old. The dam is Springsett Ubet. Cougar sold for 1700gns to W D Hayhurst, Longridge, Preston.

Reserve champion was a May 2007 Limousin bull from west Yorkshire-based Brontemorr herd of renowned breeder Steven Priestley, Denholme. Brontemoor Cyrus is by Sultan, Imported from France by Mr Priestley, out of Brontemoor Sparrow.

Several other bulls sold for 1700gns, including a Limousin son of Haltcliffe Hercules from S W Littlewood, Huddersfield, selling to local buyer Ian Parkinson of Barden.

Carlisle Aberdeen Angus Show and Sale saw good competition between buyers, with bids forcing female prices up to 1800gns.  

Taking the top spot was Lynher Valley Elmariposa FO44, a May 2006 born heifer by Blelack Prince Consort A286 and out of Lynher Valley Elpapillon Z031. Elmariposa took the female champion title selling to J Walsh, Walmersley, Lancashire.

Just missing out on the top spot was Blelack Jayne Erica C773 forward by Alan R Lawson and Son.  The April 2003 born cow is bred by Messrs N F Massie and Sons and is by Blelack Blacksmith Y291 and out of Blelack Jayne Erica Y279.

Another two entries by Alan Lawson, Hallington Wanda E096 and her calf Hallington Wanda H190 both sold for 1100gns to G Robinson, Helton, Cumbria.  

Picture- taking the top bid - Starcross Lee Wendy VG86

It isn't often that the owner of a herd of Holstein cows has the chance to sell them in the market he owns but that was the case when Derek Mead and his family sold 200 head from their Lynchmead organic herd at Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Somerset, where prices reached 4400gns.

Auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt shared rostrum duties with Norton and Brooksbank on a day that saw west country buyers dominate the top end of the trade.

The freshest cows were the most sought after with the first 30 from this section averaging £2000 a head and including the top price of 4400gns. The call came for the homebred Lynchmead Jackson Sherry 2, a VG85 cow that calved her second in July after a heifer lactation of 8237kg. Along with several other lots she heads for the Coldridge herd in Devon.

The third calver Lynchmead Linjet Luta 4 - by Sunnylodge Lynjet and out of a Rotate Jed dam - made 3800gns and joins the Rose family's Stourvale herd in Dorset.

There were eight lots over 3000gns including one call for the choicest of the maiden heifers - Lynchmead P Toystory Daisy 2. This 13-month-old heifer was from a long line of VG and Ex dams and traces back to the Fleetridge herd. She made 4200gns to Henllan Farms.

In-calf heifer due from November onwards reached 1920gns given for Lynchmead Throne Charmaine 9. Several heifer calves sold to 1000gns.

Averages: cows and heifers £1766; in-calf heifers £1534; served heifers £1036; maiden heifers £2598; heifer calves £655. (Greenslade Taylor Hunt with Norton and Brooksbank).

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

Blackface rams sold to £12,000 at Stirling where a significantly reduced and much improved entry met considerable demand.

Averages at the annual sale on Saturday, October 4, soared with shearlings up £147.60 to £459.29 and ram lambs ahead £116.47 at £382.46. The entry reflected the long standing demand from buyers that they wanted rams with size and length, a message that in recent years has all too often been ignored.

Buyer of the sale topper was James Duncan-Millar who runs 1800 Blackie ewes at Aberfeldy, Perthshire. He liked the power, body, bone, skin and conformation of the shearling, bred by brothers Willie and Ewan Bennie, Gartocharn, Stirling. By a £2000 Elmscleugh ram and out of a ewe by a £3800 Midlock sire, the ram had been the talk of the market. He gave the Bennies a day to remember as their previous highest price was £9000.

The Bennie brothers also sold at £3200 a shearling by the same breeding to the Taylor, at Killin, Perthshire.

Top priced ram lamb at £5500 was a son of a £5500 Auldhouseburn sired by a £47,000 Dalchirla sire and out of a ewe by a £49,000 Glenrath from father and son Hugh and Alan Blackwood, Muirkirk, Ayrshire. This one was snapped up by a trio of buyers of Andy Woodburn, Muirkirk; John Guild, Cumnock and Robert McInnes and Stuart Heads, Fenwick. The only other ram lamb from Auldhouseburn made £2200 to Bobby and Iain McLarty, St Fillans, Perthshire.

It was expected to be a fantastic sale, and it didn't disappoint! Prospective buyers from some 27 counties travelled to the Knightsway dispersal of pedigree Dexter cattle at Sway, New Forset, Hampshire on behalf of Judy Knight.  

Long-time stalwart of the breed and owner of the top show herd in the country, Mrs Knight had decided to retire and hang up her white coat and her exit from the breed was met with UK record prices being obliterated.

Top price of the day of 8800gns was paid for Knightsway Paddy, the senior stock bull and well-known champion bull (born 12.4.99).

He was purchased by Lisa Bell of Wheatholme Farm, South Clifton, Newark, Notts on behalf of the Messrs Munn adn Bell partnership.

Brian and Jano Evans' dispersal of their renowned Penrhos Flock hit new heights for the Charollais breed when females topped at 4300gns and produced impressive averages.

Sale leader was the two year Cairnhill Developer ewe bred in John Ismay's Coventry flock carrying twins to Gainsworth Fieldsman. She was knocked down to M A Evans, Llanrhaedr, Denbigh.

A homebred two year by the noted Trevadlock Dynamite and carrying twins also to Fieldsman was hotly contested and eventually purchased by P Scott, Coleford, Glos for 2700gns. Mr Scott became a discerning buyer throughout the sale and topped his purchased on the day with a superb ewe lamb by Foulrice Eurostar, sire of the 10,500gns record breaker Banwy Immense. The ewe lamb finally levelled at 4000gns.

Another Eurostar embryo ewe lamb peaked at a creditable 3100gns to Welsh breeders R A Owen and A J Jones, Garthbelbro, Foel with a full embryo sister selling to 2500gns to Willie and Carol Ingram, Logie Durno, Aberdeen.

Shearling ewes enjoyed tremendous support with a top in this section of 3000gns for a Southam Easy Rider daughter carrying a single to Foulrice Eurostar being knocked down to Mr Evans to join his earlier purchase.

Averages: 47 ewes £946.12; 28 shearling ewes £947.67; 40 ewe lambs £942.90; 24 recipient ewes with implants £560 (McCartneys).

England rugby union and rugby league Jason Robinson has ventured into sheep farming following his retirement from competitive rugby last year.

A group of farmers belonging to the Shropshire Sheep Breeders' Association  has helped international rugby star, Jason Robinson OBE, to start his own pedigree sheep flock. 

The unusual sponsorship offer was accepted by the sporting legend five months ago, but delivery of the sheep was delayed until bluetongue animal movement restrictions were lifted. Ten pedigree Shropshire ewes and a ram lamb were, however, finally delivered to Jason's farm in Lancashire last weekend (Saturday 4 October). They are the first farm livestock to be owned by the sportsman, who retired from International Rugby after the world cup final last year.

Topping the British Blue autumn show and sale was Maidenlands Crystal from J F and C Saunders. This Gitan Du P'tit Mayeur daughter is out of Force De Roupage and sold for 6400gns to Kevin Watret and Andy Ryder at the Carlisle event. 

Taking the championship at Carlisle was Gregmaur Bunnamohaun from Mr and Mrs D Gregory. Another Gitan son, he is out of a homebred cow and sold for 6000gns to judge Brian Hall, Carlisle.

Topping the Lockerbie offering was Lakeview Barrichello from Gary Beacorm. This Dafydd D' Ochain son is out of Knockagh Unanimous and sold for 6000gns to Graham Morgan, Herefordshire.

Lewis McClinton, of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is the new chief executive of the Suffolk Sheep Society.

As a result the Society's office is to be moved in early October to premises at Ballymena Livestock Market, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Dr McClinton recently worked as agricultural manager for the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland where he is a recognised expert on "Ruminant Nutrition and Carcass Quality in Sheep", and has been a regular speaker at conferences and seminars on the subject. 

He completed an Agriculture Degree at Queen's University Belfast and studied for his PhD at the Agricultural Research Institute for Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, before going on to employment with Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as Sheep Technologist, and during that time was responsible for completing a five year trial on behalf of the Suffolk Sheep Society.

This year's South West Dairy Show attracted a high number of entries from across the country, with particularly large numbers in the Holstein class.

However, it was an almost six year old Ayrshire cow, Sandyford Clover 10 who took the supreme champion title for Eric and Blaise Tomlinson, Nantpanton, Loughborough. This is the first time in 12 years the Ayrshire breed has taken the title.

Reserve champion went to Holstein Moorshard Jordan Primrose, a January 2005 in-milk cow from R K and S G Miller family partnership, based at Bridgwater, Somerset.  

Holsteins also dominated the heifer interbreed championships, with January 2006 born Richaven R Squaq, taking the title for R A Bown.

Details of Meetings

Oct 7 - Ruthin Farmers Market, 7:30pm- open meeting for commercial show cattle society to cover north Wales and borders

Oct 9- Castle Hotel. Llandovery, 7:30pm, open meeting for south Wales and borders