May 2009 Archives

Former National Sheep Association chief John Thorley injected commercial realism to the interbreed title amid swollen sheep lines at Stafford Show  putting a fit, but small-headed Suffolk shearling as champion and an early lambing Poll Dorset as reserve.

"I'm thrilled to find a Suffolk that's what I'd call traditional; a reasonable sized head and conformation," said Mr Thorley of Keith and Yynda Thomas' homebred entry. "We're in a carcass market and these characteristics will take both the industry and the Suffolk (breed) forward."

The couple's 60 pedigree Suffolks run 16ha (40ac) at Hilderstone, Staffs, and hadn't expected a breed, let alone interbreed, title. "We didn't expect it, letting Samantha, our daughter, lead it for the breed classes," explained Mrs Thomas.

The homebred Poll Dorset shearling of  David Eglin of Bulkington, Warks, stood reserve interbreed in competitions that saw numbers up from 262 last year to almost 500.

Mr Eglin's 160-head Poll Dorset flock lamb in September with offspring sold from February onwards. "They've made £90-160 apiece this year hitting the top of the market," he explained.

Cattle entries were also up from 260 last year to 400 on the back of the Society's successful inaugural English Winter Fair, said chief executive Richard Williams.

Interbreed championship went to partners David Cormack and Gaina McDowell's  Limousin cow Newstart Cinderella. Shown five months in-calf to Grahams Unbeatable this smart cow completed four interbreed titles from four shows with just three animals; Gaina's Charolais adding to title takers.

Taking the reserve overall honours was the Simmental champion, Roger Birch's cow Treetops Talluliah.

Native beef championship went to Leek-based Messrs Spooner's Hereford bull Westwood Advancer that is owned in partnership with its breeder RT Davis. On its first outing for 2009 this 1250kg plus sire had previously only been shown as a calf at the breed's national show where it took the reserve junior championship and is set to next appear at the Three Counties Show, Worcs.  And the impact of animal disease made Shrops farmer Ed Seaton's win in the dairy interbreed all the more rewarding having lost 150-head to bovine TB. His entry, Ternbridge Rosalind 90 was bought from fellow Shrops farmers Tim & Brenda Preston's dispersal last October. "Tim said she'd be the one to have," explained Mr Seaton.

Now five months calved with a heifer, Rosalind was still giving 55 litres of milk. Praised for a strong top line, the win put Staffs-based Jersey supporters Messrs Wright's cow Maximus Pineapple into reserve. However, all was not lost for the Wrights - stalwart supporters of Staffs Show - who took the Group of Four dairy title over Holstein and both overall champion and reserve in the sheep carcases with their renowned Texel X butchers lambs.

In the pig section Cheshire-based Deva Durocs romped home with the interbreed ticket from a field of 19 breeders.

Last week's sale of sheepdogs at Skipton Market hit a top call of 2750gns for the first dog to be sold, Jess a 15 month old black and white smooth coated bitch from Lancashire breeder Tony Birkett. By Derak Scrimgeour's Ben and out of Mr Birkett's Mossy she sold to Maurice Gregory, Buxton.

At 2600gns was one from Tony's brother Colin, tri-coloured bitch Pat. This one is by Mac from renowned Welsh breeder J A S Gilchrist and out of Colin's Molly. She sold to Maurice Gregory's son Ian for future trials work.

Also at this money was Fly, a red and white bitch from Arthur Kirkham, Blaby. She is by Cockburn Charlie and sold to Trevor Procter, Kirkby Stephen for farm work.

Selling at 2500gns was Zac a June 2003-born black and white dog from Tom Lawrrenson, Chorley. He is by Jim Cropper#s Sid out of Tom's Tillymaud Nell and sold to Sandra Jones, Gloucester.

Limousin breeders celebrated a new centre all breeds record at Ballymena on Monday when cow Teeshan Vanoush sold for a new record of 8800gns.

Forward from Trevor Robinson, Cullyhanna, Vanoush is a five year old Ronick Hawk daughter and out of homebred dam Teeshan Shantoush. She sold with a two month old Wilodge Vantastic calf at foot having previously stood champion at both Ballymena and Ballymoney shows. She sold to William McAllister, Kells, Co Antrim, for his Artnagullion herd.

And at 6200gns was her dam Shantoush. This one is by Ashmara Nuts and sold with a Vantastic bull calf at foot to the same buyer. Both mother and daughter had been Limousin heifer Derby winners.

Another from Teeshan, this time November 2006-born heifer Banoush then claimed the next highest call of 6000gns. Another Shantoush daughter, this time by Ryedale Paragon, she was sold in calf to Cloughhead Umpire and was snapped up by Noel McGarrigle of the Moneykee herd, Irvinestown.

Finally from Mr Robinson was Teeshan Otty at 4400gns. This one is an eleven year old cow by Derosa Masso and sold with a Vantastic calf at foot to Sam Coleman for his CKO herd.

Topping the bull trade at 5000gns was Bapton Javelin son Slaeburn Dara from new breeder Charlie Magill, Larne. This one stood pre-sale champion and is a January 2008-born entry. He sold to Messrs Graham Bros, Ballymena.

A trio then sold at 4400gns, the first of which was the reserve intermediate champion, Craigatoke Cyclone from Martin Conway. Clyclone is a December 2007-born son of Haltcliffe Underwriter with a beef value of +37 and sold to S Monaghan, Cookstown.

Second at this level was Ballynahone Dominator which stood reserve overall male champion. He's by Sympa and out of Ballynahone Sensation. With a beef value in the top 10% he sold to William Campbell, Camlough.

And finally at 4400gns was Linisk Danny from Linisk Farms. By Ravageur and out of Albian Victoria, this one sold to Eileen McIlwaine, Cushendall.

Averages; 34 bulls £2683.68, four cows and in calf heifers £6667.50, 21 maiden heifers £1639.50 (J A McClelland and Sons).

Wednesday's dispersal of the Acklington Park herd of Holsteins at Carlisle on behalf of Messrs Howie, Morpeth hit a top of 3000gns when a Moet Racy Russel daughter was claimed by Messrs Howie, Morwick. This one is from a Lord Lily sired dam  and sold fresh calved in her fourth lactation.

Next best at 2800gns was an Audhutton Adonis daughter which calved in April. This 2007-born entry is out of a dam by B-Y-U Mandel Bombay which gave 7703 as a heifer and 10,330 in her second. She  headed home with J T and E M Marrs and Son, Broomhills.

Then at 2500gns the same buyers claimed a Silverpost Sinatra daughter out of a dam by Kregnol Madel S-Man. This one gave 8169 in her first and calved again at the end of April.

And at 2400gns they took the next highest priced lot too, this time a March 2005-born daughter of Sinatra going back to a grand dam by Singing-Brook N-B Mascot. She gave 9020 in her first lactation and was sold having calved again in March and being projected to give 12689 in her second.

Another at the same value was also by Sinatra, this time a December calved cow out of a dam by Mandel which gave 9722 in her first lactation and is on the way to a projected 11,957 in her second. Buying this one was Alan Hutton, Ayr.

And at 2300gns was a Rockalli Bradley daugter which calved with her first in March and gave 421 in the first 12 days of her heifer lactation. This one sold to Messrs Marrs again.

Roweena Knight's pair of Hampshire Down Ewe Lambs triumphed in the sheep ring at this week's Royal Bath and West. The pair were sired by Owslebury Umpire, a ram owned by joint handler, Chris Westlake.

Judge Francis Fooks, complemented Ms Knight on breeding such a consistent pair. "To get a pair that both handle so perfectly in the body is exceptional."

In the reserve spot was Mr M Scott's Devon Close Wool ram. He was shown by Terry Aitkins and bred by Leonard Richards of Breyford. The ram comes from winning breed champion at the Devon County Show and was heading to the Royal Show next.

 Scooping the dairy interbreed champion was Jenny and Barry Daw's Jersey, Bluegrass Bombers Debbie by W F Brook Bomber and out of Bluegrass Councillors Debra.

She was picked by judge, James Warren, for her dairyness, openness of rib and tremendous udder. The four year old is giving 25kg milk/day and averaging 5.46% fat and 3.81% protein, said Mrs Daw. "She calved on Christmas eve, so we are hoping she keeps milking so we can show her at the Dairy Event."

The Holstein, Normead Millenium Carmen, shown by C B Cooper Partnership, claimed the reserve prize. She is by Normead Millenium and out of Ultra Gen Labelle Carmen and has had six calves, giving 80 tonnes of milk.

Claiming the top spot in the beef ring was Charlie Mclean's Charolais cow, Mortimers Urovision. The six year old won Reserve Supreme at the Surrey County show and Supreme at Edenbridge and will be heading to the Highland Show next. She was selected for her power, breed character and good locomotion.

In reserve was Christine Williams and Paul Tippetts's 12 month old Limousin heifer, Wilodge Diamante. She is by Wilodge Vantastic and out of Wilodge Amethyst and comes from winning Supreme Pedigree Champion at the Beef Expo, Malvern.

The White pig champion, a Large White, took home the title of supreme pig interbreed champion. Prestleigh Prince 4, by Portbredy Prince 1066 was bred and shown by nineteen year old, Tom Newth.

Mr Newth comes from a keen pig breeding family, with sister Alice Newth helping with the handling in the ring. Mr Newth has been showing since the age of eight, but this is the first time he's entered into a major interbreed.

 In reserve was the coloured champion British Saddleback, Brydges Babble 170, bred and shown by Deborah Beeby. Mrs Beeby has been breeding Saddlebacks for seven years but, only started showing three years ago. Having won Supreme at West Moorland Show, the sow was now heading to The Three Counties Show, The Royal, The Cheshire Show and the Yorkshire Show.

 It was a very tight decision, said judge Jeremy Barber. "Both were exceptional examples of their breed, but on the day, the Large White just walked a little freer."

A break down of the main showing results from The Royal Bath and West Show, Shepton Mallet.

BEEF

Interbreed

Mortimers Farm's British Charolais cow, Mortimers Urovision; res, D A Williams's British Limousin maiden heifer, Wilodge Diamante.

Aberdeen Angus

Messrs I H Mclaren and Son's bull, Aynho Prince Kincaid; res, Glympton Farms Ltd's heifer, Glympton Miss Bishampton.

Beef Shorthorn

Mr D McMillan's heifer, Coln Valley Broadhooks; res, Ms Brenda Wear's cow, Redhill Bundaberg Lovely.

British Blue

Mrs A Hendy's cow, Launcherley Cleopatra; res, Mr and Mrs T Bodily's, Black'n'Blue Cleopatra.

British Charolais

Mortimers Farm's, Mortimers Urovision; res, Mr and Mrs A White's Balbithan Chickpea.

British Limousin

D A Williams's maiden heifer, Wilodge Diamante; res, Mr and Mrs D K Wheeler's bull, Quaish Djerk.

British Simmental

Mr D Barker's cow, Heywood Fantastic; res, H Hawkins's bull, Dirnanean Vanguard.

Devon

Mr John Stanbury's bull Challenge Perfection; res, M and D Cowell's heifer Hadrelaia Camomile.

Hereford

Miss Gilson and Mr Hughes's cow Llancillo Hall Hazel 20; res, Miss Gilson and Mr Hughes's cow, Llancillo Hall Beauty 11.

Longhorn

Peters Finger Farm's bull, Aberdeen Granite; res, Mr and Mrs G H Woollatt's maiden heifer, Gupworthy Hollyhock

South Devon

Bredon School's heifer, Bredon Norman Countess; res, Mr Tom James's bull, AI Glancollen Celt.

DAIRY

Interbreed

Mr and Mrs B A Daw's Jersey, junior in milk cow, Bluegrass Bombers Debbie; res, C B Cooper Partnership's in milk Holstein cow, Noremead Millenium Carmen

Guernsey

Chettle Farm's in milk cow, Blacknor Snowhite;res, Mr and Mrs M C Durbin's Bickfield Olivia 26.

Holstein

C B Cooper Partnership's in milk cow, Noremead Millenium Carmen; res, The Hann Family's in milk cow, Cedcott Champion Eileen.

Jersey

Mr and Mrs B A Daw's junior in milk cow, Bluegrass Bombers Debbie; res, Mr and Mrs B A Daw's senior cow, Sowden Juno Ceres 2.

PIGS

Interbreed

Mr J Newth's Large White boar, Prestleigh Prince 4; res, Mrs D Beeby's British Saddleback breeding sow, Brydges Babble 170.

Berkshire

Mr C T Impey's boar, Fairoaks Ambassador 4;res, Mr C T Impey's sow, Fairoaks Farewell.

British Lop

Mr and Mrs J F Colling's sow, Liskeard Sunshine 500; res, Mr and Mrs J F Colling's boar, Liskeard Cornishman 44.

British Saddleback

Mrs D Beeby's breeding sow, Brydges Babble 170; res, Mr James Sage's boar, Maddaford Prefect 3.

Duroc or Hampshire

Hayley Loveless's gilt, Portbredy Torntofte; res, A P and P C Rose's Maddaford Rossi.

Gloucester Old Spot

Ms Peggy Darvill's Toller Gerald 40; res, Mrs A Nicholls and D Overton's Exfold Princess Mary 21.

Landrace

Mr G and J Owen's gilt Lletty Cordelia 9; res, G and J Owens's sow Lletty Cordelia 8.

Large Black

Mr P G Snell and Son's sow, Sock Doreen 164; res, Mr P Clark's Poppins Golden Harvest.

Large White

Mr J Newth's boar, Prestleigh Prince 4; res, Mr P Clark's gilt, Poppins Champion Molly.

Middle White

Messrs S J Richardson and J A Wood's boar, Finnington Rajah; res, Mr Brian Merry's sow, Mabon Fairlady 2.

Oxford Sandy and Blacks

Heather Royle's Bissettdown Alison 6; res, Mr A Case's gilt, Longash Alison 17

Tamworth

Boyton farm's sow, Berkswell Maple 58; res, N L G Hunkin's sow, Shutevale Princess.

Welsh

Mrs Helen Tongue and John Flay's boar, Slade Vulcan 4; res, G and J Owen's gilt, Lletty Nana 12.

SHEEP

Interbreed 

H J W Knight and Sons' pair of Hampshire Downs; res, Mr M Scott's Devon Closewool ram.

Oxford Down

Mr Michael Hackling's ewe; res, Mr J W Hook's ewe.

Charollais

Hopper and Sons' shearling ewe; res, Hopper and Sons' ewe lamb.

Greyface Dartmoor

Miss Valerie Pratt's group of three; res, Mr M A Rickson's yearling ewe.

Ryeland

Richard P Wear's yearling; res, Mr J E O and C Lloyd's ram lamb.

Scotch Blackface

Mr W J Jordan's ram; res, Mr W J Jordan's ewe with ewe lambs.

Suffolk

Mr Ross Lawrence's shearling ewe; res, Mr Ross Lawrence's shearling ram.

Texel

D I Corfield and Partners ram; res, D I Corfield and Partners ewe.

Black Welsh Mountain

Mr E O Williams's ram; res, Mr K J Bowman's pair of shearling ewes.

Bluefaced Leicester

Mr Rhs Turner's ewe; res, Messrs H W and H M Braddick's ram lamb.

British Berrichon du cher

Manor Farm Cattistock; res, Woodston Manor Partnership's ram lamb.

British Bleu Du Maine

Messrs Norman and Vile's shearling ram; res, Ms J Bury's senior ewe.

Black Welsh Mountain

E O Williams's ram; res, Mr K J Bowman's pair of shearling ewes.

Clun Forest

Mr Andrew Smith's ram; res, Mr Rex Vincent and Deb Searle's ewe lamb.

Devon Close Wool

Mr M Scott's ram; res, Mr M Scott's shearling ewe.

Devon and Cornwall Longwool

Messrs R E and O Snell's ram; res, J A Darke's shearling ewe.

Dorset Down

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

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset

R and R Hole's shearling ewe; res, Mrs P Laws's ewe lamb.

Exmoor Horn

Messrs T Atkins and Sons ram; res, Mr M Scott's yearling ewe.

Hampshire Down

H J W Knight and Sons' pair of ewe lambs; res, Mr C J Westlake's ram lamb.

Jacob

J and A Milner's ewe; res, Mr and Mrs G and J D Phillips's ram.

Lleyn

Messrs Evans and hendy's ram; res, Mr P J Hendy and Mrs M Hendy's shearling ewe.

Zwartbles

Mr A J Thorburn's ewe; res, Mrs A R Simpson's ram.

Any other continental sheep breed

Mrs L Gregory's Beltex ram; res, Mr A J Carter's Texel ewe lamb.

Any other native sheep breed

Mrs Sue Martyn's Border Leicester ram; res, Mr J R Williams's Southdown shearling ewe.

The Coloured pig champion, a Saddleback sow from Andy and Jo Burwell took top honours in the pig classes at today's Suffolk Show. This homebred sow is three years old and has had five litters. Stokedoyle Octavia 56 is one of just three sows run by Mr Burwell, who is a farm worker and is by Shenlow Earl Simon 5 and out of Farley Octavia 18.

Taking the reserve honours was the White section leader, a Welsh gilt from David Finch. This is Siskin Theresa 9, by Slade James and out of Siskin Theresa 3.

Richard and Judy Fountaine took top place in the commercial cattle classes at Suffolk Show with their Limousin cross heifer Real Classy. She was born in November 2007.

But it was a default win following the disqualification of the original leader, Mike and Jean Dickens' steer John Boy. This one had been tapped out as champion by David Wright, but was stripped of the title after clerical queries by the show office. John Boy was a substitute entry after another of the Dickens bullocks was unfit to travel. However, the decision to strip them of the title after originally allowing the beast into the classes left some showgoers baffled.

Picking up the reserve place, which had originally been filled by the Fountaine's heifer, was Kevin Lugate with his entry Bungle.

Taking top honours in the Suffolk Show dairy lines was the champion from the Any other Dairy Breed classes, second calved Jersey cow Rapid Bay UK's Rapid Bay UK JJ Shakira. This one gave 5500 litres in her first lactation and is one of 20 Jersey cows run by the Strachan family alongside their herd of 50 Holsteins.

And it was their Holstein champion, Inch Storm Daphne, a Maughlin Storm daughter, which took the reserve overall title.

In the sheep lines here at Suffolk Show it was the turn of the Texel champion from Neil and Emma Pamplin, Ringstead, Northampton, to take top honours.

Their interbreed champion was a homebred shearling ewe by Cowell Maverick and out of a homebred ewe by Ettrick Jackpot. The couple run 40 Texel ewes alongside a flock of 30 Beltex ewes.

Standing reserve overall was the Southdown champion, a homebred shearling ram from Messrs Wakeham Dawson and Harmer, Lewes. This one is fully homebred, being by a homebred tup, Ridings 06 042 and out of a homebred ewe.

The Limousin leader, Sundale Bon Bon from Peter Gooderham took the interbreed cattle championship at Suffolk Show earlier here at Ipswich.

This one from Mr Gooderham's 70-cow herd based at Eye, Suffolk, is by legendary sire Broadmeadows Cannon and was shown with a Samy sired heifer calf at foot. She was reserve breed champion at Newark earlier in the month and took the interbreed titles at East of England, Norfolk and Kent last year.

Standing reserve overall was the Charolais leader Weybread Tiffany,a Beauchamp Ferrari daughter from the Harper family, Diss, Norfolk. She was shown with a January born bull calf at foot.

Taking the native championship was the Aberdeen-Angus champion, Shadwell Elfin, from Shadwell Estates', Thetford. This is by Muirhall Total Deal and out of Shadwell Elf.

White Park and British White Cattle hit 2600gns at the Maunsel dispersal sale at Worcester Market on behalf of Sir Benjamin Slade, Somerset.

Topping trade was Catfield Ginger, a three year old bull by Catfield Drusus and out of a Westbrook Centurion cow selling to volume buyers at the sale R Pitman, Wareham, Dorset. 

Cows with calves at foot saw a strong demand selling to 1700gns for Ash Angie with heifer calf by Dynevor Treorchy and secured by Miln Arable, Markfield, Leicester. Also selling quickly was another cow and calf outfit Lowergreen Lark levelling at 1400gns to Banks Farm Partnership, Horam, East Sussex.

British White Cattle were closely followed and peaked at a creditable 910gns for Hevingham Pomme with bull calf to S Wright, Longstanton, Cambridge.

The herd, bred and based on commercial lines was dispersed due to a change in farming policy and was removed from the estate in Somerset to a more central location at the pedigree centre of Worcester.

 Averages: White Park cattle - cows with calves £746.76; cows in-calf £601.36; cows running with bull £558; heifers in-calf £576.63; maiden heifers £428.98; bulls £1,155. British White cattle - cows with calves £833.88; cows running with bull £639.75; maiden heifer £463.75.

Auctioneers McCartneys

Thomas Blunt continued his remarkable run of form in the sheep lines at Surrey County Show on Bnak Holiday Monday, taking his second interbreed award of the year with his Suffolk shearling ewe. Taking the reserve spot was a Border Leicester tup from the Philip Whitcombe, Churt.

Among the beef lines it was the turn of the Aberdeen Angus champion to take top honourrs, this one being Aynho Prince Kincaid from the McLarens of Brackley, Northamptonshire.

The interbreed beef title at the weekend's Hertfordshire County Show went to the British Blue leader, Netherhall Clever Girl from Messrs Neachell and Sons. This excellent walking heifer is by Bringlee Volkawagon and out of Belgian dam Zwieriget VD Wildbeek.

And the native breeds championship on the second day of the show went to the Ives' Angus heifer Winslow Bunty Maid.

Following on from my earlier information I've now got more details from the Angus sale at Carlisle, with the top price of 7500gns give for Alistair Clark's Duncanziemere Edwin, a Wrae Big Brother son. This one has a TSI of +30 and an SRI of +40 and is out of Duncanziemere Edwina. He sold to Willie and Jimmy Thomson, Hownham Grange, Kelso.

Next best at 5500gns was Haymount Embo from the Arnotts, Kelso. By Old Glenort Kallum he's out of Haymount Evatrona, a Lord Horatio of Blelack daugher with a TSI of +23 and an SRI of +39.

At 5100gns was Robert Galloway's Cardona Edwin, a Cardona Edgar - a Lockerley Eastern Cruz son - son out of Cardona Edwina.

Two then sold at 5000gns, the first of which was Newbank Emperor from the Wilsons. He's b Glenmoy James Eric and out of Cardona Ermus. Also at this money was Lochdu Calibre Boy, a Blelack Justin Eric son out of Lochdu Cherry Blossom, a Blackridge of Blelack daughter. I'll put more details up later, but in the meantime a full report and pictures can be found at the Angus website

I've not got a full report from Carlisle's sales today yet, but my spies tell the Aberdeen-Angus have enjoyed a good solid trade with 43 of the 45 bulls on offer selling to new homes and many bulls in the 3000-5000gns bracket.

Top call was in the 7000gns area, so it look's like the demand for bulls has carried through with these too, so all in all a good day's trading at Borderway Mart. Full report and pictures to follow in due course.....

A Regancrest-Mr Samuelo daughter sold for the top price of 2900gns at this month's Pedigree dairy sale at Borderway Mart.

This one was from the popular Kimo family and was sold by J C Bellerby, Weeton, Huby to E M and E Pattinson, Crosby-on-Eden.

Two heifers shared the next best price of 2600gns. The first of which was Holmland Starboy Princess by Roselund-View Black Starboy and out of Holmland Out Princess.

She was one of a milky consignment from Messrs S L and P Bell, Bowscar, Penrith and sold to A and C Robertson, Rothsay, Bute.

Messrs Robertson also bought Mossrigg Shottle Jeanne, a three week calved Picston Shottle daughter out of Mossrigg Veron Jeanne for the same money.

At 2500gns was Nethervale Marker Papoose by Indianhead Red Marker and out of Brigeen-N Black Jed. She was sold by Messrs W Scott and Co, Largs, to an undisclosed buyer.

Three entries sold for the next highest price of 2400gns. Mr Bellerby, sold two at this money. The first of his was Weetondale Shottle Iolanthe, by Picston Shottle and out of Weetondale Lily Iolanthe. The second was Painley Delightful Roxetta, by Cleevale Delightful and out of Painley Kingfisher Roxetta 6.

NewHeaton Holsteins, New Heaton, Cornhil-on-Tweed  also sold Newheaton Shottle Mitzy to Messrs Robertson. This one was by Picston Shottle and out of Nethervale Empire Elsie.

At 2250gns was Stowbeck Stig Nina 2, by Petteril Stig and out of Stowbeck Manat Nina. She was sold by Skirwith Hall Farms, Penrith to J T and E M Marrs and Son, Orton Road, Carlisle.

Averages:

8 cows; £1883.44, 23 heifers; £2038.37, Total; £1998.39 (Harrison and Hetherington)

Here's the full report from this week's Devon Show, I haven't been able to get there myself, but our correspondent has provided a full report, apart from the commercial cattle which are judged tomorrow.

In the beef lines Simmentals swept the with Boddington Estates claiming the interbreed championship, group championship and pairs class.

Sterling Viking 2 featured in each of the winning sections, claiming the overall interbreed title with handler Jimmy McMillan. The two year old bull, by Sterling Rochester, won a number of male breed championships last year, including at the October Perth bull sales. However, having failed to sell he returned to the Cheltenham-based estate for on-farm semen collection. "It's done us a favour as he's improved since," said estate manager Ian Moore.  Taking the reserve spot was John and Rosemary Stanbury's Devon bull Challenge Perfection, by Macbiehill Frederick. At three years old the bull was in his prime, said John Stanbury, who was helped by son Richard and daughter Clare. "It feels fantastic - he's at the top of his career." He heads for the Bath & West, Cornwall and Royal Shows next.

Scooping the dairy championship came as a real surprise for Mark Davis, who had not intended to bring his Jersey cow, Poyer Masters Jennifer, to the show. "She's meant to be drying off, but they were a bit short on entries, so we thought we'd bring her along," he said. The fifth calver gave almost 6000kg in her last lactation, at 5.8% fat and 3.8% protein. "She's a tremendous cow - for a cow that's had this many calves she looks very young," he added. David and Ian Chave's Holstein cow Peacehay Fairy 26 claimed the reserve prize for the second year in a row. By Comestar Stormatic, she had her third calf just 10 days before the show, and was already yielding more than 60kg/day.

In the pig ring it was Amanda Thomas and William Edwards' Saddleback sow Pantysgawen Dinah 9 that was favoured by judge Frances Slade. "She caught my eye the moment she walked into the ring - she's everything a Saddleback should be," she said. The two year old sow was now heading to the Cornwall, Three Counties and Royal Shows, said Amanda Thomas.  "She's a very well built sow with a lovely straight top line, and she's very free moving," she added. Reserve champion was Julian Newth's Large White boar Prestleigh Prince 3, by Portbredy Prince 1066.

Ross Lawrence's Suffolk ewe triumphed in the sheep ring, giving him his first interbreed championship. "I knew she was good, but to beat 1400-odd sheep is superb," he said.  Robert Jordan's Scotch Black-Faced ram claimed the reserve spot, after winning the overall interbreed title last year. He heads to the Bath & West show next week.  

Anyone with an interest in Charolais breeding is likely to be at Newark Market on 4 July when the Baggrave herd of Charolais is due to come under the hammer.

The herd, which has produced some of the breed's best known sires through the years, including Baggrave Minstrel will be sold by Newark's Paul Gentry who is expecting a big crowd for the 100 cattle on offer.

"Without doubt this a sale everyone in the Charolais world will want to be at and certainly not one to be missed. There are some exceptional cattle in the herd today and they look in exceptional form at the moment."

This week's dispersal of the Swaffham herd of Holsteins hit a high of 3500gns when heifer Swaffham Iron Grey 1312 sold giving 34kg a day. This one, by Boss Iron, calved in January and sold back to Norfolk to join Peter and Ava Barrell's Gemini herd at East Dereham.

And the Barrells were rolling out the cash again, paying the next best bid of 2900gns for another heifer Swaffham Starr Ivory. By Hilmar CVC Starr, this one sold giving 30kg a day.

Also selling at this money was Pinebreck Starboy Faith, a Roseland-View Black Starboy daughter. In her thrid lactation this one is due again in October to Buckeye and sold to M and A M Bunby, West Wales.

Next top was a 2500gns call for Swaffham Shottle Dora, a heifer due later this summer. She went to John Fisher, Longtown. And Mr Fisher paid 2400gns for a brace of Ladys Manor Wildman daughters too.

Making the same money was Swaffham Lyle May, a Pine-Shelter Lyle Vincer daughter which sold to Andrew Jones, Narbeth.

AVERAGES:

191 Cows and Milking Heifers (including 51 Heifer Calves at £700.41) £1500.01; 19 Summer Calving Heifers £2196.71; 30 Recently Served Heifers £1220.45; 51 Maiden Heifers £1090.35 (Wright Manley).

A top call of 3400gns marked a successful debut for Longhorn breeders at Beeston this week with Graham Lea topping the trade with an October calving in-calf heifer, Dinglebank Imogen. She's by Bejon Donald and sold in calf to Blackbrook Cracker. She was bought by Phil Robinson, Goostrey, Cheshire.

Another brace of heifers from the same home filled the next two top calls, the first of which was Dinglebank Iris at 1450gns. Iris is also by Donald and sold in calf to Cracker to J Romani, Birkinshaw.

The same buyer then paid 1400gns for Dinglebank India, another Donald daughter in calf to Cracker.

Best among the cows and calves was a brace of 1050gns sales for entries from Eric Wood, Cotgrave. Both of these were by Fawsley Flashman and sold with heifer calves by Rousham Yogi at foot to G R Hopee, Tatham.

AVERAGES:

10 Cows with calves at foot £812.70; 10 In-calf Cows £597.45; 6 In-calf heifers £1576.75;  1 Maiden Heifer £525.00 (Wright Manley).

After the couple of snippets I brought you on Wednesday, here is the full report from the Limousin youngstock sale and the Parkhouse dispersal at Carlisle.

The top two lots, Parkhouse Val - 20,000gns - and Parkhouse Uptowngirl - 15,000gns - both sold to Smiths of Bloxham.

Next best price of 8000gns was Parkhouse Bosco, the homebred stock bull from Tom Cheshire. He's by Limo Tanat and out of Uptowngirl and sold to Andrew Ewing, Annan, although it's believed he's destined to head across the water in due course to the Emerald Isle.

Then at 6000gns was Parkhouse Vigour, an Ontario daughter out of Nicoise, she sold having run with Bosco and scanned six months in calf and with her unregistered bull calf at foot. This one also sold to Smiths.

And the next one also headed to Ironstone, with Parkhouse Unbelievable also making 6000gns. She's by Pompier and out of Mauriseette and also sold in calf to Bosco and with a bull calf, Parkhouse Dakota, also by Bosco, at foot.

5500gns saw Doug Mash enter the fray, paying that figure for Parkhouse Anabel. Again by Ontario and this time out of Nicotine, she sold with an April born bull calf by Bosco at foot and with a beef value of +24.

Three then sold at 5000gns, the first of which went to Smiths. This was Parkhouse Chantalou, a Parkhouse Victor daughter out of Uptowngirl. This October 2007-born heifer sold empty.

Second at this money was another empty heifer Parkshouse Charlotte. She's by Milbrook Tanko and out of Parkhouse Vigour and sold with a beef value of +31. She sold to Doug Mash who also bought the third at 5000gns, Parkhouse Usabelle. By Nenuphar and out of Mesange, she sold with a December-born bull calf at foot and having run with Bosco and with a beef value of +22.

And at 4600gns was Nobel daughter Parkhouse Bluebell out of Noisette. With a beef value of +23, she sold with an April born heifer calf at foot by Bosco and with a beef valuee of +23 to Jimmy Macgregor, Milton of Campsie.

Among the collective sale of Limousin youngstock the top call was a 4800gns bid for Marlepark Dreamcatcher from Castlewigg Farming. This heifer is by Vantastic and out of Marlepark Valencia. With a beef value of +30 she sold to Nether Hall Farm, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Next best was a 3600gns bid for Gunnerfleet Chauler a Silex daughter out of Gunnerfleet Pauler, a Muirhouse Lagonda daughter. ET bred she sold to J A Howell, Pencader.

At 3500gns was the best of the young bulls Hudscales Duke from Messrs Cowx. By Vivaldi and out of Hudscales Ali, he sold to join W Lockhart and Son, Moniaive, Dumfries.

Averages; Hafodlas Herd two bulls £2362.50, Hudscales Herd seven bulls  £2235.00,  Marlepark Herd eight heifers £2145.94,   Beck Herd two bulls   £1952.50, three heifers £1330.00, Gunnerfleet Herd 19 Heifers £1682.76, Norman Herd five heifers £1407.00, Greisburn Herd nine heifers £1324.17, Glenturk herd  1 bull £1260.00, Dentox herd two heifers £945.00, Greenmeadows herd five heifers      £861.00, Greenfinch herd one heifer £840.00.

Parkhouse Herd Averages; 14 cows served and/or suckling £6322.50, one stock bull £8400.00, seven served and maiden heifers £2865.00 (Harrison and Hetherington).

The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted the redesign that's happened to Taking Stock this week, hopefully you like it, although I'm not sure on the photo myself!

Beyond the obvious layout change there are a few behind the scenes changes which you can all take advantage of. The first of which is that you can sign up to receive the latest Taking Stock updates by email, its at the top right of the screen and will mean the latest posts bounce straight into your inbox. Admittedly for some of you this mean you get even less work done!

Secondly, you can also register your commenter name to keep your identity unique - particularly relevant for Slowly But Surely after a recent spate of identity theft.

And finally, when you do comment you can register so that an email alert will be sent to you when someone else comments on the same post.

All in all we hope the changes will deliver an even better service to you. Now, with the public service and promotional message over I'll get back to the more important business of sale reports.....

Both the overall and reserve titles in the pedigree calf show at Beef Expo went to the Christine Williams and Paul Tippets with entries from the Wilodge Limousin herd.

Taking overall honours and the Continental championship was a May 2008-born Wilodge Vantastic daughter, Wilodge Diamante. Living up to her name, Diamante had sparkled throughout the judging during the afternoon and looked every inch a champion from her first class onwards. She is out of Wilodge Amethyst who shares maternal lines with 50,000gns bull Wilodge Cerberus.

Standing reserve overall and reserve Continental champion was another Vantastic son Wilodge Dallagio. Born in July last year Dallagio is out of 24,000gns purchase Sarkley Bellola and is heading for a string of summer shows before being targetted at next February's Carlisle Limousin sale. That is of course unless someone snaps him up first!

Native champion was Gerald Blandford's Hereford bull calf Bosa 1 Laner, he's by Rael 1 Boldric and out of Reydon 1 Elke.

Reserve native honours went to Susan Farquhar's Devon heifer Hasnett Fancie 20. She is by Forde Abbey Erasmos and out of Hasnett Fancie 5.

Tecwyn Jones, Conwy, has just taken the commercial cattle title here at Beef Expo with a British Blue cross heifer, named as so many of Tecwyn's are - Black Beauty. This one was bought privately from Trefor Jones.

Standing reserve was the steer champion, Priceless, from Phil and Sharon Sellers. This one, a Limousin cross bred by Alan Powell was bought from Ruthin, where he stood champion, for £5000.

Standing reserve heifer champion and exhibitor bred champion was Oh La La from Christine Williams and Paul Tippets, Shifnal. This one is by Salomon out of a Limousin x British Blue dam. Reserve steer champion was Gold Digger, a Charolais cross from Elwyn Jones.

Today's collective sale of Limousin females at Carlisle has certainly drawn the big spenders with a top of 20,000gns for one from Tom Cheshire's Parkhouse herd dispersal.

The sale topper, Parkhouse Val, is by Ontario and out of Mandarine.

At 15,000gns was on the sale's catalogue cover girls, Parkhouse Uptowngirl. This one is fully French bred, being by Pateo and out of Pepita.

There's no news on the buyers of these yet, bar that it was "a man on the phone", but I'll update you as soon as I have any news.

A pedigree in-calf heifer from Bishop Burton College Farm, Beverely, sold for the top price of £2250 at Craven Dairy Auction, Skipton, this week.

She was one of a 13 strong consignment put forward by the college and sold to Brian Moorhouse, Hesper Farm, Bell Busk.

Mr Moorhouse sold one of his newly calved cows to Wick Williams, Nantwich, Cheshire for the next best price of £2020. This one is a second calver, giving 30 litres by Diehard.

Another in-calf heifer from Bishop Burton sold for £2000 to Alan Outram, Bury. BishopB Bradley Barbra is by Rockali Bradley and is in-calf to Far O La Debbi Fo Decker.

Wick Williams also bought the show champion, a newly-calved heifer by Roylane Jordon, for £1860. She is producing 27kg/day and was sold by George Fleetwood, Croft Side Farm, Mirfield.

Averages - 56 cattle forward

• Newly calved heifers; £1660
• Newly calved cows 1st quality; £1637
• Newly calved cows 2nd quality; £887
• In calf heifers; £1448

French bred stock dominated last week's major reduction sale of the Trafford herd of Limousins at Carlisle, with an in-calf cow with a heifer at foot topping trade at 7000gns.

The sale leader, Ubonie is by Nenuphar and out of Moutarde, a Gaillard daughter and sold with an unregistered heifer calf at foot, and having run with Arius, to Harry Emslie, Kinknockie, Peterhead.

The stock bull, Umilio, sold for the next best price of 5200gns to G W Jones, Aberystwyth. This one was by Renault and out of Surprise.

Another bull, Bonneval, by Poseidon and out of Urania, sold to J M Davies and Sons, Abbey Farm, Denbighshire, for 4500gns.

The served heifer, Barbouze, went for the next best price of 2900gns. This one was by Magique and out of Lolaita and sold to Paul Dawes, Kipperknowle Farm, Hereford.

The same buyer also purchased another served heifer, Bergerie, for 2800gns. She is by Radieux and out of Neva and was served by Vallon.

Aba, by Tarzan and out of Toupie, went for 2700gns to W G and D Wilkinson, Tilberthwaite Farm, Cumbria. This one also ran with Vallon.

The maiden heifer, Charteb, sold to J W Dent and Son, Naby View, County Durham for the next best price of 2600gns. This one was by Pompier and out of Russuleb.

At the same money was stock bull, Bambino, which is by Vivaldi and out of Targette. He sold to H Tulip and Son, Hipsburn Farm, Northumberland.

The next best price of 2500gns was matched by four entries. The first of which was the served heifer, Asie, bought by an undisclosed buyer. This one was by Tartarin and out of Reserve.

The second at this level was Amabelle, by Poseidon and out of Jolie, which sold to Jonathan Watson, Bowsden Moor, Northumberland.

The third at this money was Brioude, which sold to Gaich Farms, Morayshire. This served heifer is by Magique and out of Telle.

Baviereb, sold to C and E Ogg, Buchaam Farm, Aberdeenshire. This one was by Ramses and out of Umfatab

Averages:
Pedigree:
61 cows served and/or suckling; £1833.60
17 served heifers;£1817
17 maiden heifers; £1667
3 stock bulls; £4305

Non Pedigree:
20 cows served and/or suckiling;£1629
24 served heifers; £1723
36 maiden heifers; £987
(Harrison and Hetherington, Borderway Mart, Carlisle)

The female and overall champion from the pre-sale show has just been sold at 6000gns to show judge David Ellis. Forward from Andrew Bellas, Croftends Candy is a Dafydd daughter out of a dam by Philliper De Remichampagne and sold with a carcass value of +10.

Heifers have made a steady start here at Carlisle with Astrics Charm from R A Aston making 3500gns. This one is by Mountjoy Utopia and out of Astrics Valentine. She sold in-calf to Dafydd with a carcass value of +17.

 Then at 7000gns came Broadlands Coral, a first prize winner from yesterday and a very strong heifer. She's by Dafydd and out of Widewath Virginia and sold to Peter Jones.

And at 6000gns was Tyddyn Citrus from Gerwyn Owen. This is by Cajoleur De Rettigny and out of Bringlee Wanova.

Next was another from the same home Tyddyn Ciara, bred exactly the same way she sold at 9400gns.

The first son of Boomer Birch's outstanding heifer, Boomer Whitney, has just sold at 7000gns, he was by Volkawagon and forward from Netherhall Farm.

And at 4500gns was Solway View Diego. He's by Gitan out of Annanwater Wispa and sold to Mr Fell.

Finally, the last of the bulls Greystone Director from Messrs Coates, a Greystone Atomic son made 4200gns.

Selling at 6300gns was Empire D'Ochain son Netherdale Dallas from W J C Stewart. This one is out of one of the breed's most famous cows Bringlee Sandy.

Their next Netherdale Detroit, by Twyning Ash Vaughan and ouf of Oxcroft Another Nymph made 3600gns.

Then came the full brother to the 16,000gns bull, Tamhorn Dalton. By Empire and out of Annanwater Vine he sold for 3800gns. Now that's a good value junior bull.

Neil and Sally Llloyd then sold their only entry of the sale Black N Blue Diesel for 8000gns. This one is out of their show cow Black N Blue UK.com and by Label De Spy and sold with a carcass value of +11 to Peter Alexander.

Bringlee Digby, an Operateur De Fontena son from Graham Brindley has just sold at 8500gns. This is out of Boomer Armani, a Serum D'Anloy daughter.

Carrying on a good run of junior bulls is Tamhorn Count from Danny and Jane Wyllie. This Tamhorn sumo son is out of a powerful Belgian cow humble 6863 De Miecret and sells for 7000gns.

From the Pedley's Oak Tree Colloussus has followed at 14,000gns. He is by Harley Du Chateau out of oak Tree White Star.

The much admired junior champion Auchenlay Coll from the Patterson family, has just knocked down at 13,500gns.

By Mountjoy Utopia he is out of Auchenlay White Mjic Rose and is full sister to the 21,000gns Auchenlay Vagabond.

Following him was another entry from the same string, this time Auchenlay Celt, by the same sire out of Auchenlay Venus. He knocked down at 11,200gns to a very proud young lady who has been bidding fierce all day on behalf of her father.

It seems we're on a cracking run now as David Thompson has just sold Drybarrows Cawdale, a hazelwood Uranus son out of Woodview Winnifred. He's just knocked down at 12,500gns.

The second prize Rhymill Caradog from Rhys Millichap has gone at 6000gns. This one is by Dafydd out of Bringlee Sovette.

 A raft of bulls then sold at little money before Stephen Potter sold Brookfield Columbus at 10,000gns. This is by the new sire of the moment Empire D'Ochain and out of Brookfield Rhanne and went to Mr Stephens, Nairn.

The intermediate champion from the Williams family has gone at 11,000gns to Mr Walker. By Volkawagon he is out of Dunrod Sarah.

The reserve intermediate and much admired Tamhorn Crackerjack by Empire out of Annanwater Vine has just followed at 16,000gns, selling to Mr Harvey.

Just following that Messrs Coates has sold Greystone Cannon, an Empire son out of Hazeldown Mystic Queen for 11,000gns to Mr Jenkins.

The first lot in from Andrew Craig, Woodview Cupid, a son of Dafydd out of his powerful show cow Woodview Sue has gone at 5000gns. Anotehr the same way bred has gone at 2900gns, while the second prize Woodview clinton, the same way bred, has followed at 4500gns. His final in this string,

One of the best bulls we've seen through the ring so far today, Betws Canon has just sold at 6000gns. He's by Blak Du Baty and out of Dondrod Wynetta.

 Then at 9000gns was Drybarrows Cracker. He's by Cabo D'Ochain and out of Drybarrows Ursula who's a Tamhorn Olive daughter.

6000gns secured Great Pineham Valentine son Almeley Cole from the Morgans. This is out of Almeley Walnut and is one of the best moving bulls traded so far.

Then at 6500gns was first prize winner Droit Casper from Richard Mowbray. He's a Tamhorn Sumo son out of Droit Abbey.

5000gns then took another Almeley Charlie, another Valentine son out of Almeley Wanda. At 5200gns Brian Hall bought Almeley Cola, another Valentine son out of Almeley Whisky.

Dafydd son Brennand Commander from Messrs Walker has just made 6800gns, he's out of Tamhorn Ursa.

Then at 6500gns was Overhill Cavalier from Messrs McCulloch. This is by Dafydd again and out of Woodview Sue.

Dermot and Gareth Small's Strathearn Carvalho, a Gitan son out of Ridge Dean Wilful has sold at 8000gns. This goes back to Ridge Dean Navette.

At 5000gns was Meadowview Blues Charlie from Messrs Sloan. This, again by Gitan is out of Hazelwood April.

An 11,000gns sale for Newton Blues Chico has taken the top bid so far today for Messrs Telfer and Claxton. This one is by Reinbeck Rubin and out of Bradwall Olivia. This dark blue entry sold to an as yet unknown buyer.

Then a few lots later came Boothlow Chunky from Kevin Belfield. A first prize winner by Blak Du Baty D'Eprave he sold for 5800gns to Ted Fox.

Bluegrass Cougar, a Dafydd son out of Ridge Dean Vera has just gone at 6500gns to John Hall, Inglewood Edge for commercial use.

Then at 5800gns was Mike Scott's Besthorpe Crusader. This is by Azur D'Ochain and out of Besthorpe Vagabond.

So far no bulls have been passed unsold, so the clearance should be healthy for the senior entry.

Selling at 9000gns was Henlli Casanova from Gerraint Williams, an ET bred bull by Baron out of the famous show cow Bringlee Sandy. Selling with a second prize ticket, this one has a carcass yield of +15.

Just after that the Morgan family sold Almeley Classic, out of the homebred bull Wellington. He knocked down at 6000gns to Thomas Sugden.

From the Hewson string, Vallum Centurian, by Ingenieus out of Widewath Vanilla has gone at 6000gns.

The all black bull Littlebank Charlie from the Maudsley family by Daffy has followed at the same money, while another Sandy son, this time Tyddyn Cannon from Gerwyn Owen has gone at 6000gns 

The senior champion Graymar Churchill from Graham Jones is by Bringlee Talbot out of Bringlee Viv, with a carcase yeild of +12 and sells for 8000gns to Mr Whiteford.

Jim Barber's reserve senior champion Astbury Commander, is an Affute son out of Peel Kali and knocked down at 7000gns.

A 7000gns call from Jonathan Watson, Bowsdenmoor has secured Stonebyres Calypso from the Comries. This is by Jaguar De Pierrecombe and out of Annanwater Venus, an Affute daughter.

A little after that came one of the smartest bulls so far today, first prize winner Paulern Chapman from Ernie Hemmings at 10,000gns. This is by Serum D'Anloy and out of Paulern Audrey, a Baron Du Bois Bauloye daughter he sells to Mr Jenkinson, Devon.

From the MacInnes family, Ruaig Coll, a son of Ridge Dean Valletta by Ruaig Wallace he sells at 6000gns to Messrs Westcott.

The first from Messrs Coates, Greystone Commander, which is probably the last to be offered from Adagio (sire of last year's champion), is out of Greystone Olive and goes at 6000gns to Harry Emslie.

Just after that the Morgan family sold Almelsey Cosmo, a hoembred bull has gone at 6800gns.  

Trade for senior bulls is holding up well here at Carlisle, although in places the quality on offer is a shade disappointing. At 6800gns was the eigth lot in the ring Pendle Caterpillar from the Hartley's. He's by Serum D'Anloy and out of Pendle Wave.

At 4500gns was second prize winner Stonebyres Calgary from the Comrie's. This is by Tamhorn Toronto and out of Paulern Valencia, a Tamhorn Sumo daughter.

Then at 7500gns was Newton Blues Ceasar from Messrs Telfer and Claxton, this is a Danseur D'Embise son.

Trading is underway here at Carlisle with the first lot in the ring, Gregmaur Bradley making 4100gns. This one is by Gitan Du P'Tit Mayeur and out of Gregmaur Urana, an Affute du Ry Ossogane daughter.

And the trade carried on in strong form with the second lot, Pendle Brude forward from Kevin Watret making 7000gns. He's a Blue Stone Union Jack son out of Pendle Ula.

Next up at 8000gns was Headlind Bobo forward from A and I Macinnes, this is by Gitan again and out of Broomfield Uranna. So far senior bull trade is exceptional.

My spy (Miss Wales thank you very much!) has just informed me that the earlier heifer champion from today's judging, Croftends Candy from the Bellas family, has just taken the overall British Blue title at Borderway Mart.

Tapped out by David Ellas, she stands ahead of the senior champion Graymar Churchill from Graham Jones, who has had to settle for the reserve overall spot.

Both Jonathan and I have been there or there abouts in terms of our catalogue choices, but I admit there have been one or two suprises. I can't wait to head up there tonight for tomorrow's sale and see what trade will do - I reckon we're in for a good day!!

Pictures will follow as soon as possible.............

The Patterson family from Dunblane, Perthshire have just taken the junior British Blue male title at Borderway with an October 2007 born son of Mountjoy Utopia, a Twyning Ash Nimrod son.

He is out of Auchenlay White Magic Rose, who is full sister to Auchenlay Vagabond, the record price 21,000gns Carlisle champion from 2005 and sire of the £13,000 champion suckled calf bred by John Richardson. He has a BB carcase yeild index of +18 and a calving ease of +1.1.

Taking reserve spot was Lancashire-based A and D Wilkinson with Springfield Dusty. This ET bred February 2008 born bull is a son of Dafydd out of one of the herd's top show cows Woodview Universe. Dusty has already stood male champion at the Border British Blue Club's calf show this year.      

A massive entry of more than 500 head were forward at Beeston on Tuesday and met a strong trade to top at £2550.

The sale included the dispersal of the entire Tattondale Herd, the property of Hugh Barber, Mereside Farm, Knutsford who topped the day's proceedings selling at £2550 twice; his first at this price was the fresh second calver Tattondale Penelope 55, a daughter of Budjon Sky Enforcer ET who sold to Rob Ward, the new occupier of Ashford Grange, Whitchurch.

Also at this price was the fresh heifer, Tattondale Elaine 52, a daughter of Ballycairn Orion that sold to Ben Elkin of Hilderstone, Stone. Another heifer, the March calved Tattondale Penelope 60, by Moet Melody was the choice of G Green & Son of Lach Dennis, Northwich. No less than nineteen of the Tattondale cows made £2000 or more. 

The Sale also featured several part dispersals of herds who are selling their cows as they calve; Messrs D J & S Windsor of Black Park, Whitchurch  sold to a top of £2350 for a non pedigree Picston Shottle heifer that calved at the end of March purchased by the Whalley's of Tabley, Knutsford

 The collective part of the sale was headed at £2300 for a pedigree heifer from renowned heifer rearer, Mark Bowden of Malpas, who sold Starcross Samuelo Frost to P & A Howard of Winsford. Ivan Shepherd of Great Budworth, Northwich sold his budworth Galaxy Rockette, a fresh heifer by Galaxy Speed for £2250 to Ben Elkin.

Also at this price was the Leicestershire Cheese Company's Stud Enforcer Snowdrop 11, another heifer by Budjon Enforcer which sold to P Mathias & Sons of Haverfordwest who purchased 42 head at the sale, and Terence Rigby of Isycoed, Wrexham also sold a non pedigree heifer by Wa-Del Convincer for £2250 to D & HE Colclough & Son of Sandbach.

 IN-CALF HEIFERS AND YOUNG STOCK

 A small consignment of served heifers sold to £1400 for an entry from Mervyn Longford of Stratford upon-Avon whilst recently served heifers from CB Farming of Nuneaton sold to £1250.

The maiden heifers topped at £1250 for Tattondale Minister Flame 41^st,  a June 07 daughter of Mr. Minister which was part of Hugh Barber's Dispersal Sale with others from the same herd selling for £1180 and £1120. Jersey cross heifers sold to £1020 for entries from E Fair, Market Drayton. Yearling Holsteins also sold to £1020 for Oldchurch Degas Ellen from AL Kemp & Son of Alvechurch, Birmingham

Heifer calves were a great trade and probably the trade of the day; top price was £650 for a 4 month old daughter of Joylan Specialist which was part of the Tattondale dispersal with others from this herd making £580 and £540. Younger calves were selling regularly between £400 and £500.

 AVERAGES: 258 COWS AND MILKING HEIFERS  £1403.13; 77 TATTONDALE DISPERSAL COWS £1419.09.  335 HEAD £1409.77

9 SERVED HEIFERS £1197.78 43 MAIDEN HEIFERS £873.25; 45 TATTONDALE MAIDEN HEIFERS £822.22.     97 HEAD £879.69

19 HEIFER CALVES £352.94; 13 TATTONDALE HEIFER CALVES £486.15; 32 HEAD £404.68 (Wright Manley).

A two crop Suffolk ewe from Norman Robinson has taken the overall sheep title here at Balmoral Show, a head of the Bluefaced Leicester champion.

The Suffolk was bred in Robbie Wilson's Strathisla flock, Turriff and is by 30,000gns sire Glenho Gurka. She was bought privately by Mr Robinson as a gimmer and lambed twins this time.

Meanwhile, the Blueface is from Stuart Hammond and goes back to Mossvale breeding.

Jersey cow Potterswalls Paramount Glamour, an EX96 daughter of Rockella Paramount from the Fleming family has taken the dairy interbreed championship here in Belfast at today's Balmoral Show.

This fifth calver, the highest ranked Jersey in the UK, gave 9000 litres in her last lactation at 6.2% butterfat and 4.2% protein and has a bull calf recently accepted by Genus for AI.

Reserve overall was the Holstein leader, Relough Goldwyn Danna from Malcolm McLean. She gave 9324 in her first lactation at 4.96 butterfat and 3.18 protein and calved with her second in March. Classified EX95, she is one of 280 milking cows run by the McLean family.

G W and K Williams have just taken the interbreed British Blue male spot at Borderway with the aptly names Dragon Blues Champ. This August 2007 born bull is a son of the ever popular Bringlee Volkawagon (son of Bringlee Sandy) and is out of a Philipper daughter Dunrod Sarah, whose grand dam is Ridge Dean Nimbly.

This dark coloured bull has had countless red tickets over the summer show circuit last year.

Stepping in to reserve spot was Danny and Jane Wyllie's ET bred son of Empre D' Ochain, one of the first to be born in the herd by this new fashionable sire. This August 2007 born bull is out of Annanwater Vine, a daughter of Ridge Dean Totty.       

Winning the senior British Blue male championship in Carlisle is Graham Jones' Graymar Churchill.

This April 2007 bull is by Bringlee Talbot out of Bringlee Viv. He is a blue and white bull with a BB carcase yield index of +12 and above average weights for 200, 400 and 600 day weights.

Coming in as reserve senior champion was Jim Barber with his May 2007 born Astbury Commander. This ET bred bull is a son of Affute Du Ry Ossogne and is out of the Stoneleigh Cassius daughter Peel Kali. He has a BB carcase yield of +13.      

While Jonathan, myself and our trusty photographer Tim are wet through and incredibly cold in Balmoral, the spies are out in force at Borderway Mart keeping me up to date with judging results from the British Blue Show and Sale (we'll be in full action tomorrow to keep you up to speed on trade).  

Taking the female championship under judge Cornwall-based David Ellis was Croftends Candy, an ET bred December 2007 born heifer from J E Bellas and Son. This stylish black heifer was firmly marked in my catalogue let alone anyone elses. She is by Dafydd and is out of Lismannan Sally, a Philipper daughter, whihc makes her full sister to Black Beauty, a fantastic show heifer from 2007.

She's also had a successful show season, having won a well represented calf class at penrith last year. Sisters have sold to 8500gns, so I wouldn't mind betting someone has to dig deep for this one.

Standing reserve was Lakeview Dazzler from Gary Beacom. Sired by Blak du Baty D'Eprave, this black April 2008 heifer is out of Hazelwood Ursula who was purchased at the Hazelwood dispersal for 4800gns.

Commerncial cattle honours here at Balmoral Show have gone to John Killen with an August 2007 born Charolais x British Blonde heifer, Sasha Bad Girl.

Reserve was Eoin Loughran with a July 2008-born steer Laddy.

I've yet to get breed and weight details of these, but I'll update them later as I get them

The final day of this week's Balmoral Show has arrived and its a wet one, with the rain coming down in some force, in the meantime, here are a few more sheep results from judging.

In the Suffolk lines the championship went to Norman Robinson with a aged ewe, while reserve went to Tom Bailey with a shearling ewe.

Leading Hampshire Downs were J and M McCauley with a ewe lamb and reserve here went to the same exhibitors with an aged ram.

The Beltex champion was a Elizabeth McAllister with a shearling ewe, with a shearling tup from the same home standing reserve.

And in the Rare Breeds it was a win for N Spurr with a tup and reserve went to Robert McCauley with a shearling ewe.

In the Charollais it was a win for the Aiken family with their shearling ewe, with second spot going to Diane Christie with an aged tup.

Harrison and Hetherington held their Annual Spring Sale of working & unbroken Sheepdogs and puppies at Lazonby Mart on Wednesday.  Forty six dogs were forward the majority of which were young dogs partly broken.  The event is gaining in popularity with customers from Ireland, Scotland, and all the Northern Counties of England present.

Top price was achieved early in the sale by Mr D Walton, Kirkby Stephen who's Black, White & Tan dog, 2 years 4 months sold for 1500gns. Two dogs sold at 1200gns, firstly Jeans Howes, Wolsingham with a Black & White dog, 17 months followed by Mr M Westgarth, Helton with a 4 year old Black & White dog. 

Two dogs made 1000gns Mr A E Dalgleish, Hethersgill with a 19 months old Black & White dog and Mr G Hunt, Gayles with another Black & White sog, 2 years 5 months.  Prices for young dogs included 950gns for a 13 month old Black & White dog from Mr M Woods, Lathom. 

Another 18 month old dog from Mr Stevenson, Northern Ireland sold at 750gns. Puppies at 6 months old from Mr R J Howatson, Corries sold at 70gns and 50gns.

A tremendous trade saw Mule hoggs with lambs at foot hit a top call of £101 a life at Kirkby Stephen this week when G Sowerby, Terrys Farm, sold his first prize winners from the pre-sale show to J W Little, Row End.

Second best price of the day was a £94 a life sale for more Mule hoggs, this time from Messrs Winter Bros, Clickham. These sold to C J M Hedley, Burn Farm, while the same buyer paid £80 a life for more of the same from the same vendor.

In the Swaledale section the top price was a £65 a life call for ewes with twin Mule lambs from P G Sayer, Musgrave House.

Limousin bulls reached a peak of 4200gns at Skipton on Wednesday when the day's pre-sale champion, Brontemoor Carmen from Stephen Priestley sold to David and Richard Sandham, Calton to be crossed onto British Blue cross cows. Carmen is by Procters Subaru and out of a homebred dam Brontemoor Uhu.

The Priestley family also took the day's second top price of 3300gns when they sold Sultan son Brontemoor Custer. He's out of Brontemoor Rolypoly and sold to David Preston, Stainforth.

At 2800gns was Laverock Bracken from Billy Richardson. This one is by Rocky and sold to Neville Raine, Bowes Moor, Barnard Castle. Next best was another Brontemoor entry, this time Costin, another Sultan son, at 2750gns.

And at 2450gns was the days reserve champion, Oddacres Cavalier from John and Claire Mason, Emsay. By Titan he sold to A and R A Middleton, Cowan Bridge.

Following on from the Balmoral Show beef results, here are some more prizewinners from the sheep section.

Topping the Texel lines was James Cleland with an old tup, while reserve was John Foster with a shearling tup.

In the Ile de France the championship went to Mark and Samantha Robinson with another old tup and reserve was William Donaldson with a ewe lamb.

Stewart Hammond took the Bluefaced Leicester title with a shearling tup and the McCormick Brothers were reserve with a two shear ewe.

And in the Poll and Horned Dorset lines the top ticket went ot Thomas Wright with a shearling ewe and reserve was Mr Wright again, this time with a senior tup.

Here's an update on Balmoral beef championship results.

Aberdeen-Angus: James Porter's The Moss Mr Eshton; res James Porter's Netherton Kim C276.

Hereford: John McMordie's Solpoll 1 dynamite; res, JE, RI and W Hairie's Dorepoll 1499 Tessa 535.

Charolais: Gilbert Crawford's Sportsman Columbo; res, Sean McGovern's Ashleigh Victor.

Store cattle hit a top call of £1530 at yesterday's show and sale at Carlisle with the championhsip honours and top price going to a Limousin sired steer from Richard and John Wigham, Hargill House. This one, is by Fieldson Alfy and out of  a pure Lim dam.

Taking the reserve spot was David Hodgson with a Limousin x British Blue heifer. This 11 month old entry is by Hudscales Vane and out of a British Blue cow and sold for £1350. Other Limousin steers made up  to £1220 from the Wighams, while entries form Church Style farm hit £1200.

Among the heifers the next best call was an £1100 bid for a Lim cross from John Smith-Jackson, Haltwhistle.

The Charolais champion, Sportsmans Columbo owned by Gilbert Crawford and Joe Wilson took the overall beef title late yesterday afternoon at Balmoral Show. Purchased for 55,000gns at Perth in February, Columbo by the 55,000gns Thrunton Voldermort out of the Ugie Legend daughter Sportsmans Regal.

I haven't got a picture of him from the show yet, but here's what he looked like at Perth in February.

  Standing reserve to him was the Limousin leader, a bull by Rocky. More details and results to follow in due course......

Pictures of many of the beef champions can be seen here

I've managed to gather a few results from today's judging at Balmoral Show and in the Aberdeen-Angus classes James Porter has taken both the championship and reserve awards. Taking top spot was bull The Moss Mr Eshton, while reserve was Netherton Kim.

Across in the sheep lines the North Country Cheviot title went to Tommy McKean with his senior tup, while reserve was Mary Devine with her shearling tup.

In the Rouge classes it was Brian Wallace who took top honours with his shearling ewe and J andd M Pollock were reserve with senior tup.

And in the Zwartbles lines the championship went to Melvyn Dorman with his ewe, with Michael Woods' ewe taking reserve.

More results to follow in due course.......

Averages rose by £193 for steers and £145 for heifers at yesterday's show and sale of store cattle at Middleton in Teesdale, where the trade was led at £1750 by a British Blue cross heifer from Messrs Raine, Stanhopegate.

Next best at £1700 was a Limousin cross steer from J and J C White, Rigg Farm, which sold to J and J Mather, while the champion, a Limousin cross heifer from the same vendors sold at £1650 to J L White and Son.

The best of the opposite sex to the champion was a British Blue cross steer from Messrs Raine which sold at £1200.

Sadly, I can't be in Belfast today for the opening day of this year's Balmoral Show, but I will be bringing you as many results as I can over the next two days before heading across the water on Friday, so come back later for a few updates, including late this afternoon - hopefully - the beef interbreed results....

A commercial Holstein Friesian sold for a top price of 2350gns at the dispersal sale of Greg Waters' herd, Whitson, Newport, Monmouthshire.

This second calver, sired by Alfrag Juror Kendall and due to Bidlea Tredene in August of this year, sold to W Bennett and Son of Kempley.

The same buyer paid the next top price of 2050gns for a Marshside Crusader sired, second calver, giving 27.5kgs at 4.61% fat and 3.65% protein.

A calved in heifer by Supersires Ascort, calving in July this year to Bidlea Tredene, sold for 2020gns to J Williams and Son Llangybi, Usk.

They also bought a Scotchhills Patriot, 10 weeks into her second lactation, for 2000gns.

Selling for the same price was a Hanoverhill Magnum daughter, which sold to Messrs Bennett.

Late May calving heifers sired by Ragancrest Inter Dominc sold for the next highest price of 1520gns to R Lawrence, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.

Averages: 64 milking cows and heifers: £1448.18

16 served heifers: £1255.41

117 head: £1112.46

As many of you have already noted this weekend's sale of British Blues at Carlisle has one of the strongest catalogues of cattle seen in recent times. More than 300 head have been entered and there's sure to be plenty of quality among those on offer.

I've been through the book and made a few selections as to what I think might be there or thereabouts, its by no means a complete list and there are bound to be some omissions, but hopefully I'll not be too far away!

First pick for me is Headlind Bobo, a Gitan Du P'Tit Mayeur son bred by Allan Jackson he won the male championship at last year's Highland and has worked and might be worth a look for someone wanting a senior bull. Pendle Caterpillar should be another in with a shout, he's by Serum D'Anloy and picked up the overall award at last year's Borders Calf Show.

Then comes Greystone Commander, an Adagio Du Stormer son out of an Ardent De Maurage daughter and is full brother to Greystone The Boss, RHS champion in 2004 and 2005.

Sorry these have taken a couple of days to get up here, but here are the full championship results from the weekend's action at Newark and Notts, there's a picture gallery too

BEEF

Interbreed Cormack and McDowell's Limousin bull Greenhill Viper; res, W Seels' Blonde heifer Burghwallis Cadbury.

Commercial Beef B E Williams Limousin steer Teddy; res, M and J Dickens' Limousin steer Mr Brown.

Aberdeen Angus C Page's bull Blelack Eldorado; res, B J McClintock's cow Duncanziemere Jody.

Lincoln Red H Needler's bull Walmer Kueos; res, H Needler's heifer Walmer Lass.

Longhorn J and P Stanley's bull Blackbrook Rochester; res, J and P Stanley's heifer Blackbrook Rhyme.

Charolais Rand Park Farm's heifer Whiterandall Clematis; res, Cormack and McDowell's heifer Sunnyside Caprice.

Simmental D Donnelly's cow Atlow Lucinda; res, T Hill's bull Scotland Viper.

Limousin Cormack and McDowell's bull Greenhill Viper; res, P Gooderham's cow Sundale Bon Bon.

Blonde W Seels' heifer Burghwallis Cadbury; res, K Jackson's bull Hallmark Boxter.

British Blue A and E Deverall's bull Arcanna Bartholomew; res, A Neachell's heifer Cromwell Darling.

Hereford P Cobley's bull Kinglee 1 Dakota; res, D and J Coulson's bull Panmure 1 Elvis.

Red Poll A N Foster's bull Canute Orange Admiral.

AOB Native J Smith's Belted Galloway bull Southfield Double-O-Seven; res, B E Williams Welsh Black heifer Cwmcynog Katey.

AOB Continental C Fox's Saler cow Campsmount Nirvana; res, C Fox's Saler heifer Manor Lane Admiral.

DAIRY

Interbreed Saxby Family's Jersey cow Saxowl Precious 4; res, I Collins' Dairy Shorthorn cow Churchroyd Heather 30.

Dairy Shorthorn I Collins' cow Churchroyd Heather 30; res, I Collins' heifer ChurchroydGewn 8.

Holstein P J Rhodes' cow Bilsthorpe Sue 23; res, P J Rhodes' cow Bilsthorpe Freeman Sue.

Jersey Saxby Family's Jersey Cow Saxowl Precious 4; res, Pavenham Jerseys' cow Pavenham Iben 12.

The summer show season may have only just kicked off, but already there is news trickling in from the main winter events too, with the various PR machines getting into gear.

And Harrison and Hetherington's Agri-Expo is predicting bumper stock entries this year with H and H's operations director and event co-ordinator David Pritchard suggesting the show will attract livestock entries in the region of 250 for cattle and 100 pens of sheep.

With £8000 of prize money will be on offer with the champion from the cattle rings receiving £500, while the champion sheep entry will receive £100, its easy to see the attraction. 

Dorset trade at last week's annual May Fair at Exeter topped at 2600gns for David Rossiter's reserve champion Huish Leader. This one is by Oliver Tree High Society and out of a homebred dam by Ramsden Dingan and carried a terminal sire index of 347 and a maternal index of 227.

At 2000gns was the pre-sale show champion Downkiilybegs Lancelot from William and Karen Carson's Northern Irish flock. This is a grandson of New Zealand-bred sire high Plains 147-04 and has an index of 386. High Plains 147-04 is a Loinmax carrier.

Topping the female sale was Manorcroft Landlady from C and T Clarke, Crediton at 580gns. This ewe lamb is by Trevilley Forcer and out of a homebred dam by Hilltop Daytona. The same vendors sold another ewe lamb at 520gns, this time Manorcroft Leona, also by Forcer and out of a Daytona sired dam.

Limousin bull Goldies Classic from Bruce Goldie, Townfoot, Mouswald has sold in a private deal for £26,000 to Messrs Moane, Altaponer House, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone.

Sired by Goldies Terence and out of Goldies Vitality, dam of the reserve overall champion and top priced bull at the breed's February sale at Carlisle.

Last weekend's sale of Limousins at Roscrea, Eire, saw the average jump E518.42 on the previous year with 70% of the entry finding new homes.

Taking the top call of E7800 was Michael Sexton's Mount Scott Donal, a top Tully Performance Tested bull born in March last year and by Ronick Hawk. This one is out of a homebred cow, Mount Scott Valentine who is in turn by Gamin and sold to Keith Stewart for his Greehaugh herd, Aberdeenshire.

Next best was another Tully Performance Tested bull, Doonbeg Dodger from Claire Griffin, Doonbeg, Co Clare. January 2008-born Dodger sold for E5100 to Mary Doyle, Co Louth and is by another Ronick sire, this time Iceman and out of another Gamin sired cow, Mount Scott Very Good.

The sale of Limousins at Welshpool on Thursday (I've found a catalogue now) has a fair selection of bulls on offer and there are several well bred sorts which may find favour with buyers.

For what its worth here are a few of my choices; the second lot in, Alwyn Carwyn Alwen is an interesting one, being by Limo Tanat, he should be a good correct bull with fair figures of his sire is anything to go by.

Next for my pick is Tremlows Charlie, by Kype Orkney, a Cloughhead Lord son, he's out of a dam by Haltcliffe Hercules.

Lodge Cabanas, by Ronick Urinocco out of a Ronick Luke dam could be worth a look too and Brynglas Charlie, a Sympa son out of a Ronick Idol sired dam could be there or thereabouts.

Anyone wanting some historic breeding would be well worth looking at Alwen Cadfan, a Ronick Hawk daughter out of a Jockey-sired dam.

Sympa features again as sire of Dolcorsllwyn Cymro, which is out of Dolcorsllwyn Alaw, a Genial daughter. Another good French sire Ionesco is there in Aldan Cymro which is out of a Brockhurst Nat sired dam.

Futher on is Tonka son Alwen Carlos and Cloughhead Umpire son Dolcorsllwyn Czar. I've not studied the females closely, but the first cow and calf could be worth a stab, Dolcorsllwyn Uptowngirl, a Goldies Oswald daughter out of a Cannon-sired dam, with a calf at foot by Soleil.

We'll have to wait and see how right or wrong I am....

It seems the popularity of the Royal Highland has grown again this year with the show having to limit entries in both the beef and sheep lines (I doubt the same will be said of this year's Royal).

News from the RHASS is that beef entries currently stand at in excess of 1000 with stalling only available for 840 animals, while in the sheep marquees there are pens for 1500 head with 1650 entered.

The society is asking exhibitors to voluntarily reduce the number of stock they bring to allow everyone a fair crack of the whip. It look's like there'll be a call for an extension to the Highland Hall to be built if it carries on this way. That of course would be fine, so long as they don't remove the excellent press facilities in the course of doing it - Taking Stock has grown fond of those facilities in recent years!!

Simmentals traded to a top of 5600gns at Bristol on Saturday when Henry Widdicombe sold Starline Variety. This one is by homebred sire Starline Prankster and out of Starline Klassik daughter Starline Lorette 15.

Trade at Saturday's sale of Limousins at Brecon peaked at 7450gns when Nigel Matthews sold Pyebrook Calvin. This one is by Tunnelby Scallywag and out of Winnington Tawny.

Next best at 6600gns was Pyebrook Cobra from the same vendor. This one is by Oxygene and out of Derosa Pixie.

And at 6000gns D A Thomas sold Dafalog Classic, a Cockleshell Olympus daughter out of Dafalog Sudel, a Cannon daughter.

Across in the pigs it was the turn of Nuneaton-based breeder Christine Vaughan to take top place with her Welsh boar Vinery Workman 4418. This July 2008-born boar is fully homebred, being by Vinery Workman 4308 and out of Vinery Empress 4226.

   Judge Vanessa Mills then awarded the reserve overall honours to British Lop stalwart Brian Upchurch with his July 2008-born gilt Greenway Harmony 134. This one is by Poplarburn Ben 16 and out of Greenway Harmony 81.

The Jersey champion, Saxowl Precious 4 from the Saxby family took overall honours in today's dairy championship at Newark and Notts. Precious 4 gave 5000 litres in her second lactation and is one of 90 cows run by the family at Skipton.

Standing reserve was the Dairy Shorthorn champion from Ian Collins, Churchroyd Heather 30. This one gave 8200 litres in her first lactation.

Championship honours in the sheep lines at Newark and Notts this weekend went to the Suffolk leader from Thomas Blunt, Milton Keynes. This one, a January 2008-born shearling ewe had stood champion under breed chairman Michael Weaver and is by a Northcroft sire out of an Alloaks ewe bred by the Pinnys, Northampton.

Standing reserve overall was the Charollais champion from Cecil Thomas. This one is by Dalby High Flyer and out of a homebred ewe from Mr Thomas' 60-ewe flock.

Mr Thomas also enjoyed success in the interbreed group class which I judged this morning, taking the top ticket there with a brace of shearling ewes and a tup, Charles Sercombe stood second with another trio of Charollais.

Taking the commercial cattle title at this weekend's Newark and Notts Show was Elfed Williams June 2008-born Limousin cross steer Teddy. This one tipped the scales at 425kg and had one his steer class under judge Paul Tippetts before going on to take the overall commercial title.

In reserve spot were Mike and Jean Dickens, Milton Keynes, with their Limousin sired heifer Stop Me. She weighed in at 525kg a full 100kg heavier than her conqueror and was born in January 2008.

Limousin bull Greenhill Viper made it a hat-trick of interbreed wins at today's Newark and Notts Show, picking up his third interbreed win at the event in as many years.

Led out by Paul Walker on behalf of his owners David Cormack and Gaynor McDowell, Viper was picked out by interbreed judge Richard Burton having stood breed champion under Christine Williams, Wilodge, yesterday.

January 2004 Viper is by Nenuphar and out of Nana and is senior herd sire in the five cow herd run by the couple.

Standing reserve was Willie Seels' impressive Blonde heifer from his 20 cow herd at Doncaster. This one , Burghwallis Cadbury, is by Brownhill Unite and out of Elmhurst Liquorice.

The limited female offering at Carlisle has also seen demand strong with Thrunton Apricot, a Talisman daughter out of a dam by Blelack Jaguar making 5000gns. She sold with a Solwayfirth Union daughter at foot and in-calf again to 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal.

And at 4500gns was the next lot in the ring, also from Thrunton and another Talisman daughter, Thrunton Bouquet. This one sold with a Bigal heifer calf at foot and in-calf again to Bigal.

That's the end of our highlights from Carlisle, the Charolais sold 136 bulls to average £4851, while the Blondes sold 14 to level at £4200. I've got no news of the Limousin sale at Roscrea yet, but will bring you news as and when I have it......

There's been a good run of prices late in the sale at Carlisle, with Mortimers Dictator, a Ravensworth Unwin son making 5000gns.

Then at the same money was Balthayock Dominic a Balbithan Vespasian son out of Balthayock Unwary. At 6000gns was another from Balthayock, this time Dominion, also a Vespasian son with an SRI of +42. Finally was another from Balthayock, Debonair at 5000gns. By Vespasian, this one has Hoffmeister as a grandfather on his dam's side and has a TSI of +40 and an SRI of +47.

The spies are out at Bristol Sales Centre as well today and I'm told, trade for Simmental females is leading at 4000gns so far for the female champion Crackley Cadette 74N from Kenilworth-based Messrs Booth and Bell.

She is sired by the Paulus son Agardsley Bruno out of Crackley Cadette 49K. She has a milk figure of +9 and a SRI of +24.   

Charolais trade has gone past 20,000gns again in Carlisle with Balthayock Diplomat making 22,000gns. By Balbithan Vespasian and out of Balthayock Uproar, a Hoffmeister daughter he sold to Bill Bruce, Balmyle with a TSI of +43 and an SRI of +50.

Esmor Evans good trade continues, selling Maerdy Domino for 6000gns. He's by Maerdy Padirac, a Hermes son and out of Maerdy Pastry and has figures of +38 and +39, respectively.

Esmor Evans has made another sale at 11,000gns for Maerdy Dublin. This one is by Voldemort and out of Maerdy Taint, a Maerdy Poultice daughter.

He has a TSI of +30 and an SRI of +34, then at 5000gns was Brynffanigl Dafydd from Messrs Roberts. By Hoffmeister who is making his mark on today's sale, this one is off a Maerdy Nelson daughter.

And Hoffmeister was the sire of the next sale, with Bill Bruce selling Balmyle Dingle for 8000gns. He's out of Pedr Thumper daughter Balmyle Anna and has a TSI of +43 and an SRI of +49 and sold to Wesley Estates.

Having had a good run in Carlisle last weekend with their Limousins the Adam family, Bob and Drew, have carried that on today with their Charolais bull Newhouse Debonair  making the second top of the day at 18,000gns. By Sackville Adonis and out of Newhouse Vanity, he sold with a TSI of +30 and an SRI of +35.

Alistair  Houston sold another one well, making 5400gns of Gretnahouse Dancer. By Talisman and out of Gretnahouse Treflection he has a TSI of +23 and an SRI of +34.

It look's like a good solid sale for the breed in Carlisle, although there do seem to have been several sticky patches at various points in the day, but no more than you'd expect I guess.

Well it seems all is selling well in Carlisle this morning as the Blondes are having a good run of trade as well as the Charolais.

I don't have the championship results to hand, but here's some trade highlights.

Leading trade at the moment is A J Wilshaw with Elmhirst Conrad, a Brownhill Sam son out of Elmhirst Peony. He sold for 6500gns.

County Durham-based P Weightman and Sons have sold Hallfield Carlsberg, a Doncombe Ayers Rock son out of the Ballygowan Noble daughter Hallfield Spice for 6000gns. This one has a cracking beef value of +23 and is related to many high priced animals.

At 5000gns, the same vendors sold Hallfield Crockett, a Megray Serendepity son out of a Druk Lance daughter. He has a beef value of +28, placing him in the top 10% of the breed.

At 6000gns, my pick of the catalogue Doncombe Dvorak, a Doncombe Valhalla son out of Doncombe Vespetta has gone at 6000gns.

 I'll update shortly once I get the champion results.

Esmor Evans Maerdy herd is enjoying a tremendous run in Carlisle, selling to 15,000gns for Maerdy Deiniol. Another Vald' Or-Ra son this one is out of Maerdy Udiant, a Maerdy Paddy daughter. He has a TSI of +37 and an SRI of +43.

Alistair Houston had another good day, selling Gretnahouse Director at 6500gns. He's by Gretnahouse Ultimate and out of Gretnahouse Ada and has a TSI of +20 and and SRI of +25.

The junior and reserve overall champion Panmure Denzel from Messrs Cant then went on to make 7500gns. He's by Balbithan Volker and out of Panmure Valma, a Moyness Royal daughter.

Then the reserve junior champion topped that and made 8200gns. He's by Doonally New and out of Edenhurst Violet, a Hoffmeister daughter. He has a TSI of +34 and an SRI of +39.

The overall champion from the pre-sale show Gwenogg Chisum from John Howells has sold for 7000gns. He is by Bleack Tycoon and out of Midas Rebecca and has a TSI of +23 and an SRI of +31.

The reserve intermediate champion Maerdy Cecil from Esmor Evans has caught the eye of the big guns, selling for 16,000gns to the Campbell family, Thrunton. This one is by the 55,000gns sale Thrunton Voldemort and out of Maerdy Rodent a Grimaldi daughter and has a TSI of +27 and an SRI of +35.

At 7200gns Billy Turner, Brampton, sold his Coolnaslee Austin son Brampton Crossbow. He's out of Brampton Unlikely and has a TSI of +25 and an SRI of +29. The next lot through Plasbela Cai from Messrs Roberts made 6800gns. At the same money Mortimers Farms sold Mortimers Columbo, one of my picks from the catalogue. This is by Ravensworth Unwin and out of their great show cow Mortimers Racey.

Harviestoun Casino from Mrs Poett has taken one of the day's leading calls, selling for 10,000gns. This one is a Ravensworth Unwin son out of Harviestoun Stella, a Blelack Navigator daughter.

Then at 7000gns was Baillieston Charles, a Hoffmeister son out of Ballieston Tania, he sold with a TSI of +28 and an SRI of +33.

Next came Goldies Chief at 5000gns, he's by Goldies Vicechancellor, a full brother to Uppermost, and is out of Goldies Anna, a Hoffmesiter daughter. Figures of +40 and +47 went with this one. At 6000gns Boden and Davies sold Sportsmans Crest, a Balbithan Unicorn son, while 7000gns secured another from Harviestoun, this time Chuck. Also by Unwin, he's got a TSI of +36 and an SRI of +42.

Jimmy Wilson sold at 5500gns when he traded Ugie Chief, a Farleycopse Turbo son out of a Maerdy Oxytone sired dam.

And Hamish Goldie was back in the thick of it at 6500gns selling Goldies Cassanova, another Vicechancellor son, this time out of a Blelack Rustic sired dam.

Kevin Thomas has carried on the strong trade for senior Charolais bulls at Carlisle with Moelfre Canterbury taking a 5000gns bid. Another Doonally New son out of Moelfre Angharad he has a TSI of +30 and an SRI of +36.

Then also at that level was another Marwood bull, Marwood Colonel. By Coolnaslee Advocate and out of Marwood Treasure, he has figures of +31 and +31 again.

6000gns secured Ellerton Crocket from the Browns, this one is by Goldies Unbeatable and out of Ellerton Raphaela, a Simpsons Gregg daughter. His figures are +34 and +36 respectively.

Another 5000gns sale came for Caylers Crusader, a Maerdy Uniroyal son out of Caylers Olivia, a Killadeas Lloyd daughter.

But trading has now gone a tad sticky apparently and it seems buyers have made their choices and are sticking to them.

It seems there is no let up in the Charolais trade at Carlisle, with buyers eager to secure senior bulls and willing to pay good money for them.

At 7000gns Esmor Evans sold Maerdy Calcium, a Vald' Or-Ra son out of Maerdy Sali to Liam Muir with a TSI of +32 and an SRI of +36. Then at 6000gns the Campbell family sold Thrunton Casanova a Solwayfirth Union son and at 7000gns was Glenleary Cayman. This one is by Doonally New and out of Darshams Renarta an Drumlone Max daughter.

The senior champion Charolais from yesterday's pre-sale show Goldies Champion has netted the highest call of the day so far today of 28,000gns.

This one, which previously sold at Perth for 38,000gns before being returned to his vendor due to pedigree issues, is by Goldies Uppermost and out of Kinclune Pipper and has tremendous figures of +46 and +50.

He sold to a phone bidder with the Hamish Goldie offering to buy back a half share.

Just afterwards the reserve senior champion Thrunton Conqueror from Colin, Ian and John Campbell sold for 9000gns. He's by Talisman and out of Thrunton Snowflake, an Orlando daughter. His figures are +20 and +31 respectively.

Well it look's likes buyers are in spending mood at today's Charolais sale at Carlisle, with the third lot in the catalogue, Greenall Celebrity making 7000gns. He's by Allanfauld Superscot and out of Greenall Vogue, a Derrygiff Mills daughter. He sold with a TSI of +13 and an SRI of +20.

Then just 10 lots later, Marwood Constantine sold for 8000gns. By another Allanfauld sire, this time the legendary Vagabond, he's out of Inverlochy Passport daughter Marwwod Valerie and has a TSI of +25 and an SRI of +25.

And the next lot in also caught the buyers' eyes with Corrie Jackpot, one of my picks from the catalogue selling for 9000gns. This is a son of Hoffmeister and is out of Corrie Ida, an Allanfauld Flintlock daughter. His figures are +34 and +37 respectively.

Well it look's like it was a hectic day in Carlisle for the judging of the Charolais ahead of tomorrow's sale.

Welshman John Howells had a good day taking the intermediate and overall championships with Gwenog Chisum, a Blelack Tycoon son. He's out of Midas Rebecca, a Killadeas Jack daughter and has a TSI of +23 and an SRI of +31.

Taking the reserve overall title was the junior champion, Messrs Cant's Panmure Denzel. This one is by Balbithan Volker and out of Panmure Valma, a Moyness Royal daughter. He carries a TSI of +16 and an SRI of +22.

Senior championship honours went to Goldies Champion from Hamish Goldie. By Goldies Uppermost and out of Kinclune Pipper this one is a May 2007-born entry and has exceptional figures of +46 and +50 respectively. Reserve senior champion was a Burradon Talisman son from the Campbell family, Thrunton Conqueror. He's out of a Mowbraypark Orlando daughter Thrunton Snowflake and has a TSI of +20 and an SRI of +31.

Reserve intermediate was Esmore Evans' Maerdy Cecil, a Talisman grandson by Voldemort with a TSI of +27 and an SRI of +35, while reserve junior was Peter Vasey's Edenhurst Dynamo a Doonally New son out of a Hoffmeister daughter. His figures are +34 and +39 respectively.

With regards to the trade tomorrow my spies tell me Goldies Champion is the one to watch (again) and having had hime as my pick back in October at Perth I'll stick by him again this time, the only question is whether he'll make as much this time as then.......

South Devon breeders enjoyed a successful day at Stratford last Saturday when14 bulls sold to a top price of 5600gns for the pre-sale show champion, Grove Wellington from 51 from Douglas Scott's Grove herd at Moreton in Marsh. He's by Trevassack Trusty 10 and out of Grove Willowherb 23, a former female of the year.

At 4500gns was Robert Lee's Lumbylaw Magnus 17 an Enterprise Condor son out of Lumbylaw Snowdrop, a Lumbylaw Baron daughter. He sold to A R and S Prince, Northwich, Cheshire.

Top call in the females was a 2850gns sale for Z Knightcote Anthea 42 from J R Hadley, Leamington Spa. She's by Z Colcharton Demetrius and sold to N M D Ltd, Quidenham, Norfolk.

Averages; 14 bulls £2850, 53 females £1633 (Kivells).

In keeping with recent sales there is a mammoth entry of Charolais bulls at Carlisle this weekend, with a total of 231 catalogues alongside nine females and four embryos.

As usual I've spent a few minutes studying the catalogue and come up with my selection of ones to watch (once again probably to be taken with a large pinch of salt) and it makes for reasonable reading.

The first one to catch my eye is Maerdy Benzene, just three lots into the sale. He's a Victorieux son and has a self replacing index of +31 and, impressively for a Charolais, a calving ease index of +3.7.

Next up is Goldies Champion from Hamish Goldie, having been sold at Perth for 38,000gns last October this one is being re-offered having been returned to his vendor. This time round he's listed as being by Goldies Uppermost, having been sold as a Goldies Unbeatable son in October (I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions on that).

But impressively, this change in sire has given his figures a boost too, with Champion carrying a TSI of +46 and an SRI of +50, compared to figures of +33 and +38 respectively previously. When sold before he was a tremendous bull and theres no reason to doubt he won't come out looking equally as well now, so he's one to keep an eye on.

Messrs Arnott, Haymount have an interesting one a little later with Haymount Cyrus, a Thrunton Rustler son out of Haymount Una carrying a TSI of +25 and an SRI of +30 and a calving ease figure of +4.3.

Anyone wanting a dose of Hoffmeister breeding could do worse than take a look at Duncan MacGregor's Corrie Crackpot. He's by Hoffmeister and out of an Allanfauld Flintlock daughter and has a TSI of +34 and an SRI of +37.

Strong breeding is behind the first from Boden and Davies, Sportsmans Coalition. He's by 55,000