June 2009 Archives

A good number of prime cattle, bulls and cows were forward with plenty of buyers in attendance at Borderway Mart, Carlisle this week.

Quantity of buyers and quality of stock reflected in the prices paid, with heifers topping at 199.5p/kg. Consigned by Len Skelton, Low House, they sold to Jim Mulholland, Great Orton.

Mr Mulholland also purchased the next top lot, a limousin heifer consigned by Messrs Dodd, West Way, which sold for 193.5p/kg. A Limousin bullock consigned by Messrs Jenkinson, Clifton Moor Farm sold at 186.5p/kg to Pioneer Foods.

Prime bulls With more than 85 prime bulls up for auction, prices remained firm. Topping trade was Messrs Little, Greenhill Farm, with a British Bull bull selling for 189.5p/kg to Owain Llyr. Messrs Wheatley and Son, Home Farm, sold aa Limousin bull for 173.5 to Bowland Foods.

A run of bulls from Messrs Carruthers, Glenzier Foot topped at 172.5 also purchased by Bowland Foods.

More than 2000 sheep were forward for sale, with 11 active bidders ensuring a competitive trade, with many l,ab achieving £25 to £30 over the weight.

Better fleshed sorts fetched between 180-200p with an overall average of 160.36p being achieved. Top price a head was 3106 for a Suffolk lambs consigned by Mr I R Barbour, Beech Grove, Annan, purchased by Rob Skelton.

Pedigree Guernsey's topped 1100gns for a second calver at the Nuthurst dispersal last week. The Myown Shot Blastoff bred cow, Nuthurst Serena calved in April and is currently producing 28kg daily. She joins the Kenprest herd, Dereham, Norfolk.

The top price bulling heifer on the day was from the last of the renowned Princess family, Nuthurst Princess 610^th, selling for 800gns at eighteen months.

The Serena family was also keenly sought after with the unserved heifer-Nuthurst Serena 3^rd also being taken by Mr Prestidge, Norfolk for 500gns at six months old.

Top price of the day was the very well bred heifer Dunnerdale Drake Aldina from Wilson Boow of Millom, Cumbria; this daughter of Drake is bred from 7 generations of cows classified VG/EX and has a VG88 sister. She was the choice of Jimmy Hodge of Eyemouth, Berwickshire who had to pay 3100 gns to secure this very well bred heifer.

At just 50 gns less was the first prize junior heifer, Lachstone Drake Princess from father and son team, John and Jeremy Platt of Lach Dennis, Northwich, Cheshire. This is also a daughter of Drake and sold for 3050 gns to John and Nesta Jones for their Emeraldgrove Herd at Boncath, Ceredigion.

 The champion female from Enchanted Holsteins, Rendham Dante MT Model who has two VG dams and a VG86 12000 kg sister, was the next in the price list selling at 3000 gns to Peter Andrews for his Herefordshire based Ruckhall Herd.

A further fifteen female sold for prices ranging from 2900 gns down to 2400 gns and these included the top priced cow Bidlea Paddington Lily (VG85-2yr), a second calf daughter of the homebred Bidlea Paddington from Ray Brown and Partners of Holmes Chapel who sold at 2600 gns to the volume buyers of the day, T Smith & Sons of Hinckley, Leicester who purchased 18 head.

Other volume buyers were R & F Holliday of Silloth, Cumbria who purchased 14 animals, JH & J Salt & Sons of Checkley, Staffordshire who bought 10 and RJ & HD Hugo of Bodmin, Cornwall who purchased seven.

Averages; 24 cows £2025.63;  91 calved heifers £2182.50 (Wright Manley).

Dairy cattle were in demand at Bentham last week when six of the 24 entries forward sold for £2000 or more. Topping the trade were a brace of pedigree heifers from R M Lawson's Deerslet herd. These two, both by Weeton Jackson sold to J b and J B Lawson, Cockerham.

Coloured cattle topped at £1800 for a first cross Brown Swiss heifer from R A Clowes, Capernway. (Richard Turner and Son).

Having got back to the south again I'm just catching up with the last of the Royal Highland results.

In the beef lines the Galloways continued their winning ways, taking yesterday's interbreed pairs title to add to the individual, quartet and native team of three awards they'd already collected at the event. Standing reserve in the pairs were the Limousin duo.

Across in the sheep lines the pairs title went to the Hampshire down brace from Jim and Patsi Cresswell, Wattisfield, Diss, while reserve were the Texel pairing from the Wights of Midlock and John Forsyth, Glenside.

The sheep championship at this year's Royal Highland Show has just been awarded to the Charollais champion, a shearling tup from Willie and Carol Ingram, Logie Durno, Aberdeenshire. This one is by Crogham Hannibal and out of a ewe which is full sister to Logie Durno Eral Dunbar and is by Glyn Cloch Chippendale.

He is in the top 10% of the breed for performance and is a March born shearling from the commercial portion of the couple's flock and is now destined to be sold at the breed's premier sale at Worcester on 4 July.

Standing reserve overall was the Suffolk leader from Barclay and Lucy Mair's Deveronside flock. Their ewe, bought from Scott and Gavin Brown is a two crop female which is by Cairness Kingdom and out of a dam by Stockton Storm. She was breed champion at Ingliston in 2007 and reserve in 2008.

In third spot was the Beltex leader, the ewe lamb from Mary Dunlop, Biggar. Interbreed judge John Sinnett said the Charollais stood out a mile from the rest of the breed winners and was exceptionally well fleshed and caught the eye early in the day. "He's stylish, up and active and is exactly what the modern industry needs."

Taking the silverware home in the dairy interbreed section at this year's Royal Highland Show was Alistair Laird and Frank Lawson, Peebles, with their Holstein champion Almondene Whitney. This November 2004 senior cow was bred by Mr Lawson and is by Oseeana Astronomical.

This second calver gave 10,000 litres as a heifer and is one of 500 cows run by Mr Laird and was tapped out as champion by Jersey and Limousin breeder Robert Graham.

Taking reserve was the Jersey chamion from Robert Hunter, Lanarkshire. Clydevalley Julian Flora is homebred and is sired by Valleystream Julian and is out of Clydevalley Sambo Flora and is predicted to give 8600 litres in her now third lactation. She is one of 25 Jerseys run alongside 75 black and whites.

As a loud cheer and applause greeted Peter Donger as he tapped out the Galloway bull as his overall interbreed champion it was evident many ringsiders agreed with his selection.

This power house of a bull had been selected by many as a potential and worthy champion. Blackcraig Kodiac, bred by J and A Finlay, is by Glenkiln Dynamite out of Blackcraig Bertha D1.

Described as the judge as "simply the best Galloway I have ever seen", Mr Donger remarked on the bull's immense power, locomotion and style.

Previous to the interbreed championship, the Galloways had already started celebrating as they took the interbreed Group of Four championship under the same judge ahead of the Simmental group.

Taking reserve interbreed was Messrs J F Lascelles and Pippa Robson and family, with the two year old Aberdeen-Angus bull Balmachie Keystone. This one is by The Moss Mr Eshton out of one of the breed's most successful breeders Kim of Fourdafourie.  

Charolais bull Lamerpark Champion exhibited by Murray Lyle has just taken the junior interbreed beef award. This one is by Weybread Archie and is by Lamerpark Ripple. Bred by D G White he was purchased privately and is junior herd sire for Mr Lyles herd.

Standing reserve was the Simmental heifer Team Misty 5 from Robert MacGregor. This homebred heifer is by Tilbrook Noble and is out of Team Misty 4.

Coming out on top form at this year's Royal Highland show was Bertie and Patsy Paton, Angus, with their Charolais cross steer The Bard. No stranger to winning ways this year, the Paton's actually turned the tables on their other entry Hazy Jane, who has been doing most of the winning this year for him.

The Bard was purchased at Thainstone from commercial breeders J and J Wilson, Inverness and is by Middledale Toronto.

The reserve came from Hugh and Lynne Dunlop, Cumnock, Ayrshire, with their Limousin cross steer Soutar johnnie. This one is bred by their own stock bull out of a Limousin cross dam and weighs 530kg. He has already taken a championship ticket at this year's Ayrshire YFC Show. He will be part of the Dunlop's winter fatstock team for the back end.

The third day of the Royal Highland Show is upon us and today sees all the main interbreed awarrds decided, with the beef, dairy and sheep overall championships all being decided.

I''ve not seen enough of the breed champions in any of the sections to start making predictions here, but with Peter Donger taking control in the beef rings today there are some who predict he won't stray far from his main breed  - Charolais.

For the sheep John Sinnett, Stockton, is the man with the job of picking the interbreed winner and it's fair to say it could go anywhere. I'm confident he'll want something with a bit of flair to it and there's a Beltex ewe lamb with plenty of style to her, but she may just be too small for him today. Aside from that the Texel ewe is a big powerful sheep and the Suffolk ewe has plenty of strength too.

The Charollais champion from Logie Durno maybe has the edge in terms of flesh, but as I say it could be anyone's later with a line up of quality sheep for him to pick from.

And in the dairy lines I'm again not confident enough to make too many predicitons, although some suggest the Jersey cow has maybe had her day. This section will fall under the gaze of Robert Graham, Bridge of Allan, and I'm confident he'll find a true champion from the four breeds in front of him.

All in all its set fair for a grand day at Ingliston and I'll endeavour to bring you all the results as they happen.......

Taking top spot in the British Blue classes yesterday under Cheshire-based Jim Barber (Astbury) was Kevin Watret with his homebred heifer Solway View Black beauty. This one is by Gitan out of Broomfield Vivien.

Standing reserve was Piggots Artful Dodger from TA Jackson and A Allison. Bred by Anita Padfield, Norfolk, this February 2005 bull is by Visconti out of Tamhorn Oriana. Dodger has already had a successful show career on the english show circuit with his breeder and is now destined for the Royal Show.  

The Limousin championship at the Royal Highland went to Virginia Andy exhibited by John Nimmo. This one is by Elite Popsi and out of Marhill Naomi.

Reserve here was a junior heifer from Robert and Jean Graham, Bridge of Allan. Grahams Clover is by the herd's French stock sire Utah and out of Burnbank Uriah.

The dairy classes have been going at full steam here this morning with championships awarded in all four breeds on show.

Taking the Jersey championship was Robert Hunter with his June 2004-born third calver Clydevalley Julian Flora. She is by Valleystream Julian. Reserve here was October 2002-born Wellhead Rocket Boo from J and I Wilson. This one, classified Ex95 is by Wellhead Remake Rocket and was bred by Ken Timbury.

Dairy Shorthorn champion was Adam Lawson with Lisnamulligan Princess Anne 2, a November 2005-born third calver. She is by Kayl MP Spellbound.

Taking reserve spot in these was W H and K M Robinson's in-calf cow Strickley Annabella 117. She is by Winbrook Diamond.

Lifting the Holstein championship was Alister Laird with Almondene Whitney. She is a November 2004-born daughter of Oseeana Astronomical.

The Galloway team have taken the native breeds interbreed team award this morning at the Royal Highland Show, with the Beef Shorthorn team standing reserve to them.

Meanwhile, taking the beefbreeder championship was the Limousin bull Grahams Dynamite from Robert and Jean Graham, Bridge of Allan. He's by Samy, a former Royal Highland interbreed winner and out of French Dam Lisette.  

Judging has been progressing at a pace here at Inlgiston this morning, with many of the sheep breeds coming under the judges eyes.

In the strongest classes of the show, the Texels, the champion was an aged ewe from John Forsyth's Glenside flock, Ayrshire. Reserve spot went to an aged tup from the Wight family's flock from Midlock, Biggar.

Taking the Rouge title was an aged ewe from David Jane, Somerset, and Mr Jane also took the reserve spot with an aged ram.

And aged animals continued their winning ways in the Hampshire Downs with Jim and Patsy Cresswell's aged tup taking top honours with their shearling ewe reserve.

Across in the Swaledales it was a win for the Hutchinson family with their aged ewe, while the Chaollais champion was a shearling ram from Willie and Carol Ingram, Aberdeenshire.

Bluefaced Leicester champion was a shearling tup from Messrs Hall and Wight, with the reserve being a ewe from Andrew Brown.

Lifting the Hebridean title was an aged ewe from Donald MacLeod, reserve here was another aged from the same class from C D Laurie.

Standing proud was the Galloway champion the senior bull Blackcraig Kodiac, bred by the Finlay family and now owned by William MacLean. This one is by Glenkiln Dynamite out of Blackcraig Bertha D1.

The reserve is J and A Finaly's Blackcraig Noreen P260 by Finmac Norseman out of Blackcraig Noreen K89.  

Winning the Hereford championship at this year's Royal Highland Show, was D and S Smith and Son's Baldinnie 1 Cranmore, a bull bred by the Cameron family. this one is by Leo's Pride 1 Vanquish, a polled bull, out of the polled Baldinnie 1 Cathy 4th.

Standing reserve was John Cameron himself with his cow Baldinnie 1 Fly 5th, by the same sire as the champion out of baldinnie 1 Fly 3rd.   

First time exhibitor to the Royal Highland Show, John Lascelles was incredibly pleased yesterday as he took the champion Aberdeen-Angus top spot with Balmachie Keystone, a two year old bull owned in partnership with Pippa Robson and family.

Keystone is sired by The Moss Mr Eshton, a bull owned in a joint partnership with James Porter and the McLaren family, and is out of the famous cow Kim of Fordafourie, owned in partnership with John Lascelles and the McLarens.  

The Lascelles team also took the junior championship with one of his favourite bulls Balmachie Black Bear, one that has caused a stir since first being seen out in calf classes. This one is by Rawburn Lord ross out of Blelack Blackbird E350.

Taking the reserve spot was the female champion Drumdow Elsa G548 out of The Moss Mr Espresso out of Drumdow Elsa B118.

Everyone is raring and ready to go here at Ingliston for the second day of this year's Royal Highland Show, with the dairy cattle being judged today along with a fair collection of sheep breeds, including the Texels, Beltex, Charollais and Hampshire Downs.

In the beef section today sees the native teams out in front of James Playfair-Hannay and the beefbreeder championship judged too.

I'm going to be catching up with as much of the judging as possible, sticking pretty close to the sheep rings for most of the day. For the first time I'm going to be using twitter to bring you results as they happen from the ringside, so keep an eye on that for all the action as it happens. Full results and pictures will, of course follow here too.....

Taking the silverware home in the British Blonde classes was Alison Watt, Banffshire, with her senior bull Strathisla Correll, sired by Everest out of Cadence.

Taking the reserve spot was the April born yearling heifer Dalton Dolly from John Langhorn. This one is by Madden Paternak out of Brownhill Uno.

Taking top spot in the Simmental section at this year's Royal Highland Show was Brian Allan, Glenturk with his bought in Northern Irish bred bull Omorga Veron. Purchased from Joe Wilson in Perth october 08 for 7000gns, this one is bred by John Moore and is by Glebefarm Reputation out of Omorga Marcia.

Standing reserve champion was the champion female exhibit from Iain Green, Corskie, with Corskie Sabrina, sired by Burghbridge Lane out of Corskie Reni.

It was no suprise to many round the Charolais ring that Neil Caul and Edward Clayhills Henderson's senior Charolais bull Moyness Vivacious took the championship under judge John Wight, Biggar, as many had fancied him to take the title from seeing him in the stalls.

This July 2004 born bull is bred by Sandy Innes and is by Moyness Saltire and out of Moyness Precocious.

Taking the reserve spot was Murray lyle and Sons' Lamerpark Champion, a son of Weybread Archie out of Lamerpark Ripple.

Taking the junior Charolais championship was R A Milne's Elgin catherine, by Gower Versace out of Elgin Unity.   

Leading the way in the Highland classes at the Royal Highland Show, was Patricia Smith and Paul Burns, Stirling, who are to quote "over the moon", with their three year old heifer Eleanor of Bien Esk, a daughter of Thorn of Bien Esk out of Beitidh 4th of Hoeijgaard.

Taking the reserve spot under judge Les Wardle, Stoke-on-Trent, was Donald MacNaughton, Fife, with his two year old heifer Syke of Rannoch, sired by Rannoch of Lochmill out of Mhairie of Cocklaw.  

After the drive up from Lincoln yesterday I've managed to catch up on the Royal Highland sheep results from yesterday, so here's what I know so far.

Taking the Blackface championship were D C and J J Marshall with a two shear tup, while reserve was were W Ramsay and Sons with an old ewe.

In the North Country Cheviots the champion was a shearling ewe from Messrs Runciman and reserve was a two shear tup from the same home.

The North Country Cheviot Hill section was lead by C and M Symons with a ewe and reserve were Willie and Jimmy Thomson with an old tup. This means the Thomsons can't do a treble in the interbreed.

Border Leicester champion was James Brown and Others with their shearling ewe and reserve was the same owner with a shearling tup.

Topping the Suffolks were Messrs Mair with an old ewe, while reserve were Iain and Judith Barbour with a ewe from the sale class.

We're really pleased that Charles, Sally and Harry Horrell took an incredibly tough Beef Shorthorn championship yesterday. The Peterborough-based breeders' three year old Pode Hole Madeline Zeta has done a fair bit of winning in England already this year, so it was no suprise she won yesterday under judge Charlie Russell, Girvan, Ayrshire.

  She is by Chapelton Prmotoer out of Wenmar Madeline N15.

Taking reserve was Donald Biggar's Chepelton Braveheart, a junior bull born March 2008 by Chapelton Typhoon out of chapelton duchess 690.

Taking the commercial cattle title at Lincoln was Willie Timms with his May 2007-born middleweight Limousin steer Sandy Star.

Reserve place were Phil and Sharon Sellers with their June 2008-born lightweight Limousin steer Priceless.

A Welsh gilt from the Schofield family has taken the interbreed pig championship here at Lincoln this morning. This September 2008-born gilt, Owersby Elenora, is by Soundvilla Victor 18 and out of Owersby Elenora 84.

Reserve was the Saddleback champion from Andy and Jo Burwell, Stokedoyle Babble 200. By Stokedoyle Golden Arrow, she is out of Stokedoyle Babble 105.

the interbreed dairy title at Lincoln has been awarded to a familiar winner from the show, Philip and Helen Rhodes' sixth calving Holstein cow Bilsthorpe Cutter Sue 23. This one has previously stood interbreed champion at Lincoln twice before and is by Plushanskiithor Cutter and out of Bilsthorpe Jolt Sue. She is one of 150 cows managed by Clive Shepherd for the couple.

Reserve overall was the Jersey champion, Pavenham Iben 12 from Pavenham Jerseys. She is by Gilprat Belles Connection and out of Pavenham Iben 9.

A Charollais shearling ewe from Charles Sercombe, Melton Mowbray, took the interbreed sheep title here at Lincoln this morning under judge John Coultrip, Kent. Mr Sercombe's champion is one of 250 ewes run in his flock and is by last year's Royal Welsh intebreed champion Rockvilla Golden Promise and out of a homebred ewe by a Tilton sire.

Taking the reserve award was the Hampshire Down leader, a shearling ewe from Jennifer Atkinson and Davidn Smith's Kelsey flock. She is by Yarcombe Erroll and out of a homebred ewe from the couple's 60 ewe flock.

The Limousin champion, senior bull Nebo Viking from Messrs Smiths of Bloxham, Banbury, has taken the interbreed beef title here at Lincoln this morning with a total score of 75 points out of a possible 80 from the panel of judges.

Standing reserve was the British Blue champion, John Mawer's  cow Immediate Et DeMehonge. This one was also female champion at East of England and is by Tonique Et Du Vivier and out of Tonique du Mohonge.

There must be something in the air at Carlisle at the moment with calf buyers digging deep again this week to record a top price of £420 for a British Blue cross bull calf from Messrs Riley - the vendors of last week's top priced calf.

And the heifers weren't far behind with the top price here being a  trio of £415 calls for a Limousin cross from Messrs Fisher, Silloth.

We can only hope the beef trade stays strong enough for long enough to see the buyers of these calves rewarded for their confidence in the future of the sector.

Once again Taking Stock is hitting the road this week with the team taking in Lincoln and the Royal Highland Shows over the next few days.

With the last day of Lincoln clashing with the first day of the Highland it's a struggle to get it all done, but suffice to say myself and the trusty Taking Stock snapper will be making a mad dash from Lincoln tomorrow afternoon to get to Ingliston as soon as is physically possible.

In the meantime we'll be leaving you in the capable hands of Chrissie who will hopefully be bringing you a few updates from tomorrow's beef judging at the Highland. So, for all you avid show fans out there the next few days will be action packed, regular checks here for updates will be essential to stay in touch with all the results and news......

Monday's summer show and sale of primestock at St Boswells drew  a healthy entry of stock in all classes with the overall cattle champion coming from Robert and Jac Neil, Upper Nisbet. Their Limousin cross heifer tipped the scales at 655kg and sold for 230p/kg (£1506) to Alan Learmonth, Jedburgh.

Reserve champion was awarded to Messrs Hamilton, Bee Edge with the steer champion which weighed in at 595kg. This one sold at 240p/kg (£1428) to Messrs Forsyth and Sons.

In the show of lambs the championship went to Mr Hardy Bishop, Grey Peel, with a pen of five Texels. These weighed 43kg and sold for 255.8p/kg (£110) to Alex Smith, Raeburn Place, Edinburgh. Reserve champion was another pen of five Texels, this time from Messrs Rennie, Sydenham. These weighed 36kg and sold for 208.3p/kg (£75).

Overall the there were 213 clean cattle forward, with the 114 bullocks averaged 173.1p/kg, the 89 heifers levelled at 174.2p/kg. 10 young bulls averaged 167.8p/kg.

In the sheep the 2000 new season lambs forward averaged 161.8p/kg and 339 ewes averaged £55.54.

One of the many casualties of the DFOB collapse sold their herd yesterday, with Chris and Judith Wellock trading their 35 Holsteins at Skipton.

Having milked cows on the farm for more than 40 years Mr Wellock had been reluctant to quit dairying, but said he had to bite the bullet frollowing the collapse of DFOB. "At 10p a litre I simply couldn't afford to continue. We will now concentrate on beef and sheep production."

Top prices included a fourth calver which made £1360, a thrid calver at £1500, a second calver at £1760 and a heifer at £1120. In calf cows topped at £1380 for a cow due in October. (Craven Cattle Marts)

Dairy trade was strong at Skipton yesterday when a top price of £2120 was paid for the first animal under the hammer, a fresh calved heifer from Stanley Flesher, Addingham. This one was bought by Wick Williams, Natwich Cheshire.

Then at £2100 was the pre-sale show champion from Anthony and James Swires, Townend Farm, Otley. Their champion, a freshly calved daughter of Geno was also snapped up by Mr Williams who was in spending mood, also claiming the reserve champion, another from the Swires at £1980.

Pedigree Jerseys from K N Hurst, Falton, York, also sold well, with a cow making £1080 and a heifer £1020.

Averages; freshly calved heifers £1725; fresh calved cows £1604 (Craven Cattle Markets).

Trade was fast and furious for all age groups at last week's sale to disperse Severn Trent Water's non-pedigree milk recorded Holstein herd at Bulcote, Nottinghamshire and the averages attained at the end of the day make a mockery of the prices received at some recent high profile pedigree herd dispersal sales.

Big numbers of commercial cattle and large crowd can only result in a fast trade and that is exactly what happened.

Top price of the day for females was 2300 gns for a freshly calved heifer sired by Canyon-Breeze Axiom purchased Jack Read and Son of Tharston, Norwich. Messrs. Read purchased several of the leading young cows and calved heifers including a Lucente daughter due with her third in October for 2200 gns. Another Lucente daughter, also due in October but due with her second was the choice of Cheshire commercial milk producers C & S Fitton & Son of Middlewich. A total of 23 milking cattle sold for 2000 gns or more.

The served heifers sold equally as well as the milkers and topped at 2250 gns for a daughter Pasquero Jucar purchased by JB Wallwin of Langar, Notts who also had a Moet Nansen daughter at 2150 gns. At the same price John Fisher of Longtown, Cumbria purchased a daughter of Moet Melody.

Maiden heifer trade was tremendous topped at 1180 gns four times for daughters of Moet Melody and Penn-England Garrison, all purchased by Peter Stone of Stone, Staffordshire.

The fastest trade of the day was reserved for the heifer calves which averaged an incredible £708.46 and sold to 880 gns three times for daughters of Cook-Farm Detective and Penn-England Garrison purchased by David Graveston, Gisburn; James McPherson, Barton-under-Needwood and E.Witter & Sons, Crewe.

 he top price of the day however was reserved for the very last animal in the sale catalogue - the youngest of three Simmental Stock Bulls which sold for 3000 gns to Betholt Ltd of Stafford.

 AVERAGES: 227 COWS AND MILKING HEIFERS  £1530.91 including 55 heifer calves at £708.46;  61 Served Heifers £1624.06; 68 Maiden Heifers £1079.03;  3 Simmental Syock Bulls £2030.00 (Wright Manley).

Last week's sale of the Dunwood herd of Holsteins for Peter and Gwyneth Pearson, saw bidders pack the ringside at Beeston Castle eager to secure these commercially bred lines.

Topping the trade was a 2600gns call for Dunwood Shottle Ros. This Picston Shottle daughter  was due with her second calf at the end of the month and sold to G F and B J Beeston, Adbaston, Stafford.

Three then sold at 2450gns, all three being milking heifers due with their second calves later in the year. And, remarkably, all three sold to David Gray, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. These were, Dunwood Melody Emerald, Dunwood Melody Joyleen and Dunwood Shottle Ulrika.

Then at 2400gns was Dunwood Meadowlord Nadia. This one headed to a new home at Holmes Chapel with J A and J C Sherwin. And at the same money was another of the herd's Shottle daughters, Dunwood Shottle Isadora. She was claimed by G Thomasson, Whitchurch.

A final transaction at this money came for Dunwood Mike Luciuda, a GP83 classified daughter of Lucky Mike. She joined the wagon home to Bedfordshire with Mr Gray.

Three also sold at 2300gns, with the first being Dunwood Melody Farida. This Moet Melody daughter sold to Harrison Partners, Macclesfield.

Second to sell at this money was Dunwood Roylane Britt, a Roylane Jordan daughter out of Dunwood Hardy Britt, a Moet Kizzy Hardy daughter. She sold to Messrs Beeston, as did the final sale at 2300gns, an unregistered heifer.

AVERAGES:

107 COWS AND MILKING HEIFERS £1822.48 including 31 Heifer calves at £619.16;  10 In-calf Heifers £2014.95;   28 Maiden Heifers £1024.50 (Wright Manley). 

Beef Cattle

Interbreed Messrs Spooner's Hereford bull WestWood Advancer; res Boddington Estate's Sterling Krumpet's Roxanne

Interbreed continental Boddington Estate's Sterling Krumpet's Roxanne;

Hereford Messrs Spooner's Hereford bull WestWood Advancer; res, Mr E Colledge's Hawksbury 1 Voli-Vont

Angus Mr C J Hutchings and Son's bull Wedderlie Kentucky Excel; res, Mr I H Mclaren and Son's bull Aynho Princess

Blonde Mr R Kinnish's heifer Kinaston Connie; res I and J Phillip's  heifer Bilsington Cause.

British Blue Mr G Jones's cow Bringlee Beth; resMr A J and L M Geary's cow Littlewood Deerfot;

British Charolais Mrs B M Robinson's heifer Shamleys Cassandra; res Mrs B M Robinson's bull Shamleys Capital.

British Limousin Mr P R Dawes' bull Dinmore Dimtri; res Mr C j Hutchings abd Son's bull Bravo.

British Simmental Boddington Estate's Sterling Krunpet Roxanne; res Mr R Hewlett's Rosten Som-O'barney

Devon Mr G Hunter's bull Tilbrook Kiwi; res Mr G Hunter's cow Tilbrook Cashtiller

Highland Mrs A M Perkin's bull Joss Dubh Of Bausley; res Mrs A Spawton's cow Lili Ann 1^st Of The May

Longhorn Ms E M Hallifield's bull Dunstall Hector; res Ms E M Hallifields's Dunstall Indigo

Murray Grey Mrs S Harow's cow Waterfield Melba 2^nd; res Mrs S Harrow's bull Waterfield Valentino

South Devon Mr D Smallcombe's bull Grove Brutus 82

Here are the full results from this weekend's East of England Show

BEEF

Interbreed Messrs Harper's Charolais cow Weybread Tiffany; res, C Horrell's Beef Shorthorn cow Pode Hole Madeline Zeta.

Aberdeen Angus A J Brown's cow Hawstead Lodge Pamela; res, D K Jeary's bull Hurries Exocet.

Beef Shorthorn C Horrell's cow Pode Hole Madeline Zeta; res, Croxton Park Partnership's bull Chapelton Wildfire.

British Blue D and J Wyllie's bull Ballygrange Alex; res, J Mawer's cow Immediate ET 2840 De Mehogne.

Charolais Messrs Harper's cow Weybread Tiffany; res, Wissington Charolais' heifer Wissington Diva.

Simmental H Clarke's heifer Sterling Ritzy's Vesta; res, G Green's heifer Greenfields Wonder.

British White Delamore Farms' bull Leverington Chicago; res, Rotac Farms' cow Woodbastwick Doubtful.

Hereford J Little's bull Reydon Phoenix; res, R Manning's bull Mandalay 1 Earl.

Highland J M Ayres bull Rob Roinach of Reeches; res, P Price and J Edwards' cow Robina 3 of Charnwood.

Limousin D A Williams' heifer Wilodge Diamante; res, D A Williams' bull Wilodge Dublin Flyer.

Longhorn J W Stanley's heifer Blackbrook Rhyme; res, J W Stanley's bull Blackbrook Sabre.

Red Poll Heath Farm Foods' bull Beasthorpe Major; res, M J Kiddy and Son's bull Balsham Ulaseas.

South Devon M E Broome's cow Welland Valley Adora 2; res, M E Broome's bull Welland Valley Hanbury 11.

AOB Beef B E Williams Welsh Black heifer Cwmcynog Katey; res, Barwood and Padfield's heifer Brambles Lip Gloss.

Commercial beef  K W Ludgate's Limousin cross heifer Sex Kitten; Williams and Tippetts' Limousin cross steer Buck Off.

As anticipated RASE has launched a consultation about a future livestock show at Stoneleigh Park after the demise of the Royal Show. Views have to be sent to RASE by next Tuesday (30 June), giving breed societies a relatively short window to reply, but hopefully this will focus their minds on the task at hand.

In a letter to breed societies RASE chief executive Brian Warren has asked for their views on a one or two day livestock show at Stoneleigh in the same week as the Royal is traditionally held.

Mr Warren says that after initial consultation it is clear many in the industry believe a one or two day show at Stoneleigh is the way forward. RASE, he says, is willing to committ resources to the event, but it is clear from the letter that it wants to work in partnership with the industry and listen to their views, something it has been criticised for failing to do in the past.

On form commercial cattle producer Kevin Ludgate continued his winning ways at East of England, taking the overall championship with his Limousin cross heifer Sex Kitten, under judge Harry Emslie, Peterhead. Champion at last week's South of England Show, Sex Kitten was purchased from Kirkby Stephen suckled calf sales last autumn and was bred by D and C E Marston.

Taking the reserve honours were Christine Williams and Paul Tippetts with their Limousin cross steer Buck Off. This one is homebred and took the steer championship before being placed reserve overall.

It was another winning weekend for Mark and Emma Edgar with their British Lops. Following on from their success at last week's South of England Show, Bakers Actress 4 took a second overall interbreed title for the couple in as many weeks.

This July 2007-born sow is by Greeway Supreme 2 and out of Poplarbarn Actress 2.

Stading reserve to the British Lop was the reserve champion female, British Saddleback sow Victoria Lottie 343 from John Wreakes and family. She is by Prescombe Grand Duke 5 and out of Victoria Lottie 288.

Commercial pig champion was, once again, Peter Mortimer, with his crossbred white pigs.

Taking the interbreed sheep award at East of England was the Texel leader, Neil and Emma Pamplin's shearling ewe. This homebred ewe, by Ettrick Jackpot and out of a dam by Cowell Maverick is one of 40 ewes kept by the couple at home at Ringstead, Northampton. She was previously interbreed champion at Suffolk last month and is destined for the breed's premier sale at Worcester.

Standing reserve to the Texel was the Suffolk and Native breeds champion, a two shear ram from Merrick and Julie Pinny, Northampton. This one is a Baileys tup purchased privately in 2007 and is one of a team of tups used on the family's 180 ewe Alloaks flock.

The Charolais champion, Weybread Tiffany from the Harper family took the overall beef honours at this weekend's East of England Show, Peterborough, under judge David Barker, Somerset.

This homebred cow, which also stood reserve interbreed champion at Suffolk last month is by Beauchamp Ferrari and out of Weybread Olivia. Shown with a calf at foot, March 2006-born Tiffany won through from an exceptionally strong show of Charolais in the breed classes to take first the Continental championship and then the overall interbreed title.

Taking the reserve spot was the Beef Shorthorna nd Native breeds champion, Charles and Sally Horrell's March 2006-born cow Pode Hole Madeline Zeta. This one, also shown with her calf at foot, is by one of the herd's most successdul sires Chapelton Promoter and out of Wenmar Madeline.

Full results to follow......

Not seen for more than 20 years, Herefords taking the interbreed title at the Three Counties Show. The five and a half year old bull, Westwood Advancer, is out of Westwood Uplifter and by Westwood Carrie 55. He is owned in partnership by Messrs Spooner and R T Davidson and Co.

Res was a British Simmental heifer, Sterling Krumpet's Roxanne, shown by Jimmy McMillan on behalf of Boddington Estates, Cheltenham.  

The Dairy interbreed championship has just been announced, with a third lactation Holstein, Ridgefield Stormatic Zisky, taking the title. Shown by Stephen Hart, Monmouth, Zisky is from the famous Delia family, but has not been shown previously due to TB restrictions

Taking the reserve title was a second lactation Jersey, Kerbanks Lenvig Lynne, shown by Emma Murray   

Young stock dominated proceedings in the pig ring, with the interbreed champion going to a British Lop, GiltEdge Sunshine shown by Mrs Rachel Nicholas, Raglan, Wales. This December 2008 born gilt has already got a string of titles under her belt, having come second at Devon County Show and at the Bath and West Show.

Keep an eye out for Sunshine as she is due to appear at the Royal Welsh.

In reserve was a Large White gilt, Prestleigh Beryl, shown by T A Newth.

The sun is just about creeping through here at the Three Counties Show, Malvern, so fingers crossed the rain will keep away. Keep looking for show results as they happen.

Judging has already kicked off with the Beef Pairs. Taking the Championship was a classy pair of British Blues shown by Mr Graham Jones, Shrewsbury. The pair was a December 2006 born Bringlee Beth and an August 2007 born, Henlli Cleopatra.

Photos will follow shortly.

Young calves were in hot demand at Carlisle yesterday where British Blue crosses from Messrs Riley, Grasmere, led the trade at £560.

Taking this top call at just 24 days old was a British Blue sired bull calf.

While just £20 less was given for a British Blue sired heifer from the same home.

Yesterday's sale of Holsteins on behalf of the Border and Lakeland Club at Carlisle saw the top price of 3100gns paid for the pre-sale show reserve champion, Errolston Rolo Ruth from B and V Davidson, Errolston, Gretna. By homebred sire Errolston Rolo and bred from three generations of Ex or VG dams, she sold to A and B Bargh, Skelton, Penrith.

At 2500gns was the champion from the show, Epsland Talent Agatha. This one, from D I and F M Cannon, is by Ladino Park Talent and having calved at the end of April was sold giving 36kg a day. She also went home with Messrs Bargh.

Making the same money was Newheaton Bonanza Queen from New Heaton Holsteins. By Magor Bonanza Allen and out of a Lord Lily dam classified VG she sold to N and S J Sanderson, Lanercost.

Next best call of 2300gns was given for a fresh calved heifer from J Bryson and Son, Lesmahogow, by Cotopierre J R Belero and out of five generations of Ex dams. She was bought by Messrs Forest, Cummertrees Annan.

Averages; eight cows £1883.44, 19 heifers £2140.34, 37 in calf heifers £1704.12 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Any of you who have perused the shopping ailses of the Royal Highland Show in recent years will no doubt have seen the work of Angela Davidson.

Angela is well known for her pastel works of livestock and I've been tempted to part with some hard earned cash more than once for some of her work.

This year she's produced a new piece of interest to the cattle farming fraternity - a pastel work of Aberdeen Angus bull Netherton Figo.

It's certainly an eyecatching piece and will be on display at next week's show, so if you have chance it would be well worth stopping by to take a look.

As would be expected at this time of the season, the rapidly increasing number of lambs coming forward has led to an easing of the trade in many markets.

At Carlisle on Monday lambs sold well enough with most lambs selling at between 170p/kg and 180p/kg. Top price was achieved by Mike Lawson of Kirkland Green for Texel crosses at 207.10p/kg, while top price/head went to Suffolks from Seymour Farms at £98.50/head.

And at Kirkby Stephen on Tuesday the sale was topped at £78.50 for Texel crosses, while the top price/kg was 179p/kg for Beltex crosses.

In the south west, Exeter reported a top price of 84/head for heavy lambs, while the overall average was 161.4p/kg for 1445 lambs sold.

Regular readers will have noted my dismay at the demise of the Royal Show and particularly the way RASE handled the announcement of its decision to cease the show after this year.

However, I am not actually anti RASE or the Royal Show, indeed as a livestock exhibitor for the last 15 years I have, historically, been a big supporter of the show and believe there is still a place for a national show in England.

But, once again RASE is trying to put a gloss on things ahead of the last Royal and its got me tad riled.

In a press release issued today RASE claims stock entries are up this year. However, it is comparing them to last year's entries which as everyone knows were decimated by bluetongue movement restrictions.

So, while sheep entries of 1164 this year may well be up on last year's total of 1090, they are well down on entries of 1867 in 2006 (the most recent catalogue I have to hand), pigs and beef, meanwhile are at largely comparable numbers to 2006. The dairy entry situation is less cleare, but stall bookings are at 174, a reasonable fall on 2006.

I've no problem with portraying things in a favourable light, but let's compare like with like chaps, comparing this year to last is bordering on the ridiculous.

I have of course asked RASE for a comparison between this year and 2007 and will bring that to you in due course.

* I now have the data for 2007, the last true show for comparison purposes, and as suspected it doesn't quite reflect the view portrayed by RASE yesterday.

Overall, sheep entries are down by about 350 on 2007 (a 24% decline), commercial sheep classes are down by 31 ( a 31%decline), goat entries are down by 24 (a 32% decline), while dairy entries stand at about a third of 2007 levels, although these don't close until Monday and the figure for this year's en vary wildly from those given yesterday.

The positive news is that beef entries are up by 36 ( a 4% increase) and pig entries have risen by 69 (a 27% jump).

As I said before I'm not anti Royal Show, far from it, but do get annoyed at the level of spin employed on the statistics.  

With high prime lamb and cull prices it was to be expected that the early season breeding ewe sales would see a strong trade, but I certainly hadn't thought it would hot up as much as it did in Exeter last Friday.

Overall the 1015 ewes and ewe lambs forward met a massive demand, with a 100% clearance and the entire entry levelling at £106.50.

Trade was topped by a £129/head call for Dorset shearlings from D J Pugsley of Barnstaple whose 38 forward averaged £128.26. Meanwhile Dorset x Mule shearlings topped at £124 twice for pens from K L and B L Cole, Tiverton and D W C Elworthy, Umberleigh.

Suffolk x Mule shearlings hit a peak of £120 twice for those from R G and A E Dennis, Totnes and J W Mead, South Brent.

And older ewes were also in demand too, topping at £104/head for a pen of Continental cross six tooth and full mouth ewes from N Clothier and Sons, Ston Easton.

Rams were also in demand, although prices in this section were a little more lacklustre, bearing in mind the flying lamb trade seen earlier in the year. Top call was a £445 call for a Dorset tup lamb from Messrs Clarke, while Charollais hit £400 for one from Messrs Keast.

But with the old adage of the tup being worth ten of his progeny and early season lambs well in excess of £80/head, this is a way short of where some breeders would want tup prices to be, albeit a shade early for the main ram trade. Overall all tups forward levelled at £282.50 for 71 sold.

A strong crowd turned out for the dispersal of the Haresfield herd of Holsteins last week, with more than 40 buyers dipping in to source genetics from the 390 head on offer.

The day's top call was a 2500gns bid for Haresfield Lucente Betsy 3. She is by Aquila Patron Lucente and out of Haresfield Jurmel Betsy and sold having given 11,383 litres in her first lactation to an undisclosed buyer.

Then at 2400gns was Haresfield Shottle Natalie. By Shottle and out of Haresfield Lantz Natalie 2, she sold after a 7409 litre heifer lactation to F A, L G and J F Williams for their Actress herd.

Two made 2200gns, the first of which was Haresfield Kingdom Ivory 4, an Ecstasyn Kingdom daughter out of Haresfield Celsius Ivory 2. She sold to M Smith. The other at this level was Haresfield Kingdom Mist 4. Again by Ecstasy Kingdom, this one is out of Haresfield Celsius Mist 5 and was bought by P J and S R Benett.

Averages; 203 cows and calved heifers £1272, 31 served heifers £1710, 39 recently served/bulling heifers £1003, 34 maiden heifers £617 (Norton and Booksbank).

A lower level of confidence in the dairy sector pervading from the demise of DFoB has hit cow sales in recent weeks, but that didn't deter bidders at Saturday's Summer Showcase sale at Bristol.

Topping the sale was a 10,000gns bid from Ontario, Canada-based Paul Ekstein of Quality Farms, for a five month old calf, Cramar Toystory Ladgie,  from his famous Fern family. Out of an Ex92 rated dam, Cramar BC Lady Francesca, her breeders, Roger and Diane Steeples, Northants will retain half and Mr Ekstein will obtain embrryos in due course.

Next best was a 10,000gns bid for Moorshard Golden Delight from the Miller family, Bridgewater, Somerset. This one, by Goldwyn is out of Moorshard Outside Delight and was born in November last year. She is bred from seven generations of Ex of VG rated cows and sold to Dennis Hughes for his Clayden herd, Cheshire, and Bryan Challenor.

And at the same money noted Northern Irish breeder Aubrey Patterson, Ballycrochan, took BB Farms' January born heifer calf, BB Atlas Pledge. This one by MD-Delight Durham Atlas is out of VG 85 rated dam B Shottle Pledge. This one is a granddaughter of noted cow Windy-Knoll-View Pledge, rated Ex95.

Ed Seaton received the next highest price when he sold ET bred September 2008-born heifer Styche Pronto Chancel 2. This one also contains Windy-Knoll breeding, being by Windy-Knoll-View Pronto and out of MS Durchan Destiny, which gave 9462 litres in the first 256 days of her heifer lactation.

Two then sold at 6000gns, the first of which was the sale's top priced milking entry, Holmland CS Oralie from Cumbria-based Steven Bell. This Comestar Stormatic sired embryo calf is out of Weeton Oralie Charles, an EX91 rated dam and sold to Ian Diamond, Dorset.

The second transaction at this level was for Hellifield Goldwyn Luella, a January-born ET bred daughter of Braedale Goldwyn out of Freeland Talent Luella, a dam with two lactations under her belt, on in excess of 12,000 litres and the other at more than 16,000 litres. She was consigned by Rrobert Phillips and sold to Cameron Baty, Tynevalley.

Selling for 4900gns was Huddlesford Miss Paradise from Tom and Andy Cope. Born in April 2007, this one was sold in calf to Pursuit September Storm and is ET bred, being by Regancrest-MR Drham Sam and out of Vanfy-K Integrrit Pamela. She sold to Andrew Bunting for his Newabbey herd.

Also at this money was the best from Northern Irish vendors Ian and Kenny Watson, Majestic Baxter Amanda 4. She is by Emerald-Acr-SA T-Baxter and out of Majestic Goldwyn Amanda 3 which has given 5440 litres in the first 183 days of her heifer lactation. She was snapped up by Messrs Wade for their Loford herd.

Averages; six cows and calved heifers £3368.75, 44 served and maiden heifers £3676.20, 27 embryos £532.77 (Norton and Brooksbank).

Last Friday's sale of Limousins at Welshpool topped at 5800gns for Alwen Ciran, from Messers Wynne, Hendre Glan Alwen, Llanfihangel. He sold to E Lewis, Lampeter. Ciran is a Ronick Hawk son out of Dauphin daughter Alwen Valma.

Next best at 5200gns were a brace of bulls, the first being , Alwyn Carwyn, again from Messrs Wynne and selling this time to E Davies and Co, Red House, Caersws. He's by Limo Tanat and out of Alwen Unsain.

At the same money was Dolcorslwyn Caio from G P Vaughan, Dolcorsllwyn, which went home with Messers Kirton and Son, Worcs.

And at 5100gns was another from the same home Dolcorsllwyn Czar, which sold to E Griffiths, Presteine. Czar is by Cloughhead Umpire and out of Dolcorsllwyn Sara.

Then at 5000gns was Brynglas Charlie, from D G Evans, Brynglas, Bryncrug, Tywyn, selling to D H Tilsley, Minsterley. He's by  the great breeding bull Sympa and out of Ronick Poshspice, a Ronick Idol daughter.

Two also sold at 4000gns, the first being , Rainbow Celt from Messers White, Stafford, selling  to J R Jones, Hilly Farm, Pentre Nesscliffe. With the second being Garth Vaughan Cocoa from C V Lewis, Garth Vaughan, Cyfronydd, which was claimed by Price and Price Cwmearl, Sarn.

At 3800gns was Lodge Cabanas, from the same vendor selling to P H Holloway and Son, Mount Farm, Berriew.

Messrs Wynne's four bulls averaged £5171 while Glyn Vaughan, Machynlleth, sold three bulls to average £5145. Llanfair Caereinion breeders A Rees and Son, Tynllwyn, sold all eight of their bulls, averaging £3020.

 Females peaked at 2250gns for the pedigree in-calf heifer, Ceiriog Carol, from A Roberts, Glanrafon, Llangollen. Buyer was H and S Watkin, Cammen Ucha, Llanfihangel, Llanfyllin.

Average; 28 bulls £3814 (Welshpool Livestock Sales).

Anyone thinking the dairy trade had been hot here in the last 12 months should take a look across the pond to the USA where sought after bloodlines have been trading at seriously strong money.

Last week a brace of Toystory daughter sold for $75,000 and $48,200 in separate sales two days apart. The first sale came at the Morningview sale, Iowa, on June 5, when Amaya, a VG 87 daughter topped the sale.

While the second came at the Field of Dreams V sale the following day when Saveage Leigh Lavam, a VG88 daugter changed hands.

An entry of more than 300 head met a strong trade at Wright Manley's mid-month sale at Beeston with a top price of £2350 being recorded for a Roylane Jordan daughter from Mark Bowden, Malpas.

Having calved a month earlier, Mr Bowden's heifer Holbeck Jordan Pat 54 was giving 35kg a day and sold to Ben Elkin, Stone. Following swiftly in her herdmates tracks was Holbeck Garrison Judy, another heifer which sold for £2300 to W E Blockley, Tarvin, Cheshire.

Another two sold at the same money, the first of which was Newfold Syclone Penny from Philip and Margaret Critchley, Wrea Green. She is by Forrdswood Syclone and sold to Peter Howard, Darnhall. The next was Flashhouse Talent Maggie from G and A E Smith and Sons, Garstang when she sold to J R and C E Jones of Marchamley, Shropshire.

Among the coloured breeds on offer the top call of £2159 came for a calved Ayrshire heifer, Twemlow Iris. This McCornick Nelson daughter sold to Steve Bailey Audlem, while a Jersey x Holstein from Richard Thompson, Kent, sold for £1750 to Rob Venables, Macclesfield.

In-calf heifers peaked at £1950 twice for entries from Cranes Ltd for daughters of Deslacs Milkstar and Regancrest Mr Samuelo. Both are due in July to Moet Pavane and sold to T W Goldstraw, Audlem. And British Friesians made £1500 twice for a bracce from M E and R A Sadler, Tattenhall.

Averages; 201 cows and milking heifers £1414.69, 23 in-calf heifers £1568.26, 44 maiden heifers £785.69, three heifer calves £273.33.

Limousin breeders smashed the centre record at Bakewell last week when the top priced entry from the show and sale of bulls and females on behalf of the North West Midlands and North Wales Limousin breeders club sold for 5600gns.

The sale leader, forward from T L I and C P Wynne's Alwen herd, north Wales. This one by the great breeding sire Cloughhead Umpire owned by the Ridley's, Haltcliffe, sold to the judge George Holling, Alfreton.

Second top call was a 2700gns bid for Coachhouse Cassanova from Messrs Heald and Co, Retford. Cassanova is by Bailea Ulsterman and out of Coachhouse Ulene, a Haltcliffe Picasso daughter. He sold to D N and J E Renwick, Bakewell.

Topping the female trade was a 3700gns sale for young cow Roughley Abba which was sold with her February-born bull calf at foot by Goldies Terrence. She was also bought by Mr Holling.

The pedigree first calver, Kevdun Onyx Mulberry, sold for the top price of £2480 at Carmarthen Dairy Mart last week.

This one was out of Kevdun Storm Mulberry 3 and by Sandy Valley Onyx. She was sold by Messrs Phillips, Penllwn Isaf.

A commercial cow from Mr Jones, The Elms, went for the next best price of £2120. This second calver was giving 7.5 gallons of milk a day.

Close behind was a commercial heifer from Mr Puw, Hafod Wen which sold for £2100.

At £2000 was Tregibby Winston Doll, sold by Mr Wilson, Tregibby.

Two commercial heifers shared the next best price of £1980. The first of which was sold by Mr Jones, The Elms, the second by Mr Jones, Wernolau.

Troedrhiw Ford Snowdrop 2, from Messrs Williams, Troedrhiw, sold for the next highest price of £1950, along with another commercial heifer from Mr Jones, Wenolau.

Averages:

7 dairy cows; £1128, 24 dairy heifers; £1587

The dispersal of Geoff, Jean and David Lloyd's Edwern herd of Holsteins at Allensmore, Hereford, last week drew a substantial crowd with visitors from as far afield as Eire swelling the ranks ringside.

Top price was a 6000gns call for VG 87 ranked cow Croagh Susie Mist 20. This Talent daughter carrying a Durham Ross calf due next month had given 10,235kg in her second lactation and sold to Keving Thomas, buying for his Allstar herd, Whitland.

Second top call of 5600gns came for Edwern Lee Delcia. Rated VG88, this one is by Comestar Lee and sold to Henlan Farms for their Caeremlyn herd, Whitland.

And the same buyers made the next top bid of 5300gns when they bought Croagh Lady 10. This VG85 rated two year old heifer is by a Maughlin Storm grandson and was also carrying a Daurham Ross calf. Due in September she is a seventh generation VG/EX ranked animal and is the only member of the Lady family in the UK.

Then at 3700gns was Edwern Ford Shawny. A twin born heifer by Ford, she calved nine weeks prior to the sale and was sold as a choice with her sister. Taking this one home was Cilast Ltd, for their Cilast herd.

Her full sister Edwern Ford Shawny 2 was the first of two 3600gns bids and sold to Richard Bown for his Richaven herd, Hanley Castle. This one calved on the same day as her sister.

Also at this money was Enchanted Jupiter Penny which sold to L A, A E and K A Jones for their Kalana herd.

Included in the sale was a draft from John Jordan's Ecstasy herd. His top call of 6000gns was given for Ecstasy BSP Outside Kittty an Ex91 rated daughter of Comestar Outside. This fifth generation EX cow was bought by P J Andrews, St Weonards, Herefordshire.

Averages; Edwern 78 cows and milking heifers £2285.50, 30 maiden heifers £1019.55, 11 heifer calves, £662.45 (Gwilym Richards and Co).

Friday's sale of Charolais at Carlisle met a solid trade, peaking at 3100gns for one from Messrs Richardson, Kendal, Cumbria. Their sale leader, Laverock Concord is by AI sire Doonally New and out of Laverock Jetset, a Tattenhall Dartagnan daughter. He was bought by Messrs Coghill, Orkney.

At 3000gns was the best from the Thrunton consignment from Messrs Campbell, Thrunton Charmer. He's by Burradon Talisman and is out of Mowbraypark Orlando daughter, Thrunton Sabrina. He was bought by R C Jackson, Holmrook, Cumbria.

A 2800gns call secured Swalesmoor Canyon from Swalesmoor Charolais. This Balthayock Universe son is out of Givendale Optimimistic and sold with a TSI of +22 and an SRI of +27 to Messrs Coghill.

At 2600gns was Stobarts Conquer from David Stobart. He's also by Doonally New and out of Stobarts Ventura, a Thrunton Scania daughter. Buyer of this one was W M McCall and Co, Kircudbright.

Selling for 2500gns was Cotehouse Donald from E D Marshall, Derbyshire. He's by Maerdy Orateur and out of Toberlane Glenda, a Brampton Diamant daughter. Taking this one home with a TSI of +20 and an SRI of +28 was O B Pugh, Blakemere, Hereford.

A brace then sold at 2400gns, the first of which was Greenall Corker from J R Green. Again by Doonally New, he's out of Billingley Orka, a Brampton Forbidden daughter and sold with a TSI of +21. Buying this one were P and N M Cowshill, Barrow.

The second to trade at this level was Swalesmoor Canyon from Swalesmoor Charolais. This Balthayock Universe son is out of Givendale Optimimistic and has a TSI of +22 and an SRI of +27. He went home with A Shaw, Castle Douglas.

Last Friday's sale of British Blondes at Carlisle saw a strong demand with bulls selling to a top price of 4200gns for the second entry in the ring, Drumraymond Comet from Henry and Stephen Griffin. He is by leading sire Druk Lance and out of Drumraymond Rose, a Whistley Dollar daughter. He sold to J and J E Bradley, Skipton, N Yorks.

 Next best at 3000gns was Peter de Giles' Bilsington Ciboure. By homebred sire Bilsington Snowdon, an Everest son, and out of Bilsington Rhune, this one sold to A Baillie, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire.

And at the same money was Sandridge Christian from R G King. He's by another Druk sire, this time Druk Uriah, and is out of Sandridge Rachel. Christian sold with a beef value of +22 to Llew Jones. Corwen, Wales, having been overall champion at the Midlands Club show.

Then at 2100gns was another from Mr de Giles, Bilsington Clearnight. He's also by Snowdon and is out of Whistley Dauphin daughter Bilsington Midnight. He went home with his herdmate to Newton Stewart with Mr Baillie.

Averages; six bulls £2765 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Here are the full results from last week's South of England Show and more photos from the show too....

BEEF

Interbreed Mortimers Farm's Charolais heifer Mortimers Cameo; res, Smiths of Bloxham's Limousin bull Nebo Viking.

Junior interbreed Rupert Taylor's Charolais bull Rumsden Docklands; res, D Julian's Limousin heifer Hannem Diamante.

Aberdeen Angus A E and C R Bishop's bull Warrenho Dalmigavie; res, A E and C R Bishop's heifer Warrenho Cherry Blossom.

Sussex Coopers Farm's heifer Coopers Daffodil 2; res, C E and W S Millson's heifer Trottenden Prebble 42.

Hereford John Little Farmers' bull Reydon 1 Phoenix; res, R J Hutchings' Fisher 1 Cheerful E243.

Charolais Mortimers Farm's heifer Mortimers Cameo; res, Rupert Taylor's bull Rumsden Docklands.

Simmental Messrs Grenham and Carter's bull Dirnanean Shane; res, D A and L A Sapsed's heifer Sterling Nigella's Victoria.

Limousin Smiths of Bloxham's bull Nebo Viking; res, Buriton Estate's cow Miscombe Volande.

British White New Biddenden Green Farm's cow Smarden Tussilago Fara; res, Delamore Farms' bull Leverington Chicago.

Beef Shorthorn L E P Farms' heifer Meonhill Skajaklin Purdy; res, D P Mellish' cow Ridley Zodiac.

AOB Beef J and S Wareham's British Blue heifer Wareham's Diamond; res, J and S Wareham's British Blue cow Widewath Verona.

Commercial Beef K W Ludgate's Limousin cross heifer Sex Kitten; res, M and J Dickens'  Limousin cross steer Bisto.

The Limousin females at on offer at Carlisle today met a firm trade topping at 2900gns for Glenrock Rene from Stephen Illingsworth. She's by Nans and out of Glenrock Honey and sold to L Thomas, Hereford.

Then at 2800gns was Gallaber Cranberry. She's by Tunnelby Monkeytricks and out of Gallaber Violet, a Hawk daughter and sold to Robert Neill, Upper Nisbet, Jedburgh.

At 2400gns was another from Stephen Illingsworth, Glenrock Uvette. This is by Glenrock Rocus and out of Glenrock Royalty and sold to J Sloan and Sons, Ayrshire.

Unfortunately, as we're showing at South of England today, I can't be in Carlisle for the Limousin sale. However, I have a spy in the ring there and can tell you that so far the top call is an 11,000gns bid for one of the bulls in the sale, Sarkley Cromwell from the Pennie family. This one is by Sarkley Voltigeur and out of Sarkley Tarah. He was bought by David Dick, Throsk, Stirling.

At 6200gns was another from the Pennies, Sarkley Clyde, this is an Objat son and is out of Sarkley Onadette, a Heros daughter. This one went home with A Griffin, Llandeilo.

Then at 5200gns was Millstone Charlie from John Oakes. This one is by Rocky and out of Millstone Unity and sold to W P Hughes and Son, Anglesey.

Taking a 5000gns bid was Sarkley Critic, another from the Pennies. He's by French sire Vivaldi and out of Sarkley Nicola, a Cannon daughter and was bought by M Kellet, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

4800gns saw Clury Cyclone change hands. He's from the Cruikshanks and is by Snoopy and out of Clury Vogue, a Sultan daughter and sold to Shetland with A Flaws.

At 4600gns was Shieldrigg Cashmir, an Oxygene son this one is out of Gallowshieldrigg Vasef and sold to T Walter, Peebles.

And at 4200gns was Fieldson Corker. By Ronick Valeur and out of Fieldson Ulreka he sold with a beef value of +23 to B W and M M Thomson, Pontyclun.

Averages

29   Bulls                                                                   £3723.88

7     Cows and Heifers served and/or suckling   £2212.50

34   Bulling and Maiden heifers                            £1322.69

The British Lop entry reigned supreme in the pig section at South of England today with Mark Edgar's sow, Bakers Actress 4 taking the interbreed award. She is by Greenway Supreme 2 and out of Poplarbarn Actress 2.

And the reserve from the white breeds, Brian Upchurch's British Lop gilt, followed through from the breed classes to take the reserve overall behind the sow. This one, Greenway Harmony 130, is by Poplarbarn Ben 16 and out of Greenway Harmony 53.

Kevin Ludgate, the dominant force of the commercial show scene last year, was on form again today, taking the overall championship in the commercial section here at Ardingly. His leader was a Limousin cross heifer and took the title ahead of Mike and Jean Dickens' heifer.

Judge, Emir Jones, Wales, said the heifer was spot on for the day and carried strong fleshing throughout her body, including a superb loin.

The Southdown breed enjoyed a return to winning ways at today's South of England Show, with Messrs Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer's shearling ram taking the interbreed title, a third in four years for the breed at the event.

This one, which stood reserve interbreed at Suffolk and interbreed at Heathfield is by a homebred tup and out of a homebred ewe. He was praised by judge, Charollais breeder Tim Pritchard for his exceptional fleshing throughout and style and ring presence.

Standing reserve was the champion from the Any Other Down Breed section, a Hampshire Down shearling ewe from myself and Chrissie's Chaileybrook flock. This one, by Owlesbury Xerxes and out of a Pode Hole ewe is one of 15 ewes we run at home alongside the 20 Southdowns. She was bought from Charles and Sally Horrell as a ewe lamb for the foundation of the flock and now heads to the Royal in July.

Mortimers Charolais continued their winning form of recent weeks at today's South of England Show where they took the interbreed championship with their heifer Mortimers Cameo. This one, placed by judge Danny Wyllie, is by Mortimers Upstart and out of Mortimers Neccesity. The herd's main show cow Mortimers Urovision is being rested until the Highland in two weeks time.

Taking the reserve overall championship was the Limousin champion and overall male champion, Nebo Viking from Smiths of Bloxham. Led out by stockman Andrew Bishop, Viking took the breed championship yesterday under Colin Hutchings and is one of a team of herd sires for Peter Smith's Ironstone herd at Banbury, Oxon.

All rams entered for this year's Kelso sales will need to be vaccinated against bluetongue strain eight, apart from those arrving from Northern Ireland, the organisers have announced. Proof of vaccination, in the form or either a vet certificate or a self-declaration will need to be submitted to the organisers on arrival at the sale.

Rams will need to have been vaccinated between 11 September 2008 and 31 July 2009.

Tups destined  for the sales from Northern Ireland will have to be vaccinated within 14 days of their arrival if remaining in Scotland, while no tups will be allowed to return to the province from the sale until vet vaccinated and a 60 day period has elapsed.

Vendors wanting to sell tups as eligible for export to Northern Ireland will have to follow the standard protocol of having stock vet vaccinated at least 60 days prior to the sale and then be blood tested to confirm effective vaccination.

Here are a few more highlights from today's Deehaven Holstein sale. At 4400gns was Deehaven Talent Erland Red. This VG 85 rated cow gave 10,733 in her first laction, is a daughter of Ladino Park Talent and out of a dam which averaged 11,300 litres in four lactations. She sold to Geoff Ullyott.

Then at 4000gns was Deehaven James Alma, daughter of earlier 7000gns sale Deehaven Magnet Alma. Rated VG 87, this one is by Shoremar James and gave 10,613 in her first and has given more than 4400 in 95 days of her second milking and went home with Steve Pinninger, Wiltshire.

And at 3600gns was Deehaven Lorenzo Fancy. She is a VG 89 cow by Lystel Lorenzo and out of Deehaven Windstar Fancy. Having given more than 10,000 litres in both her first and second she was sold having been AI'd last September to Magor Bolivia Allen and joinsW D and M M Thomas, Brynmeillion.

Today's dispersal of Sam Noble's Deehaven Holstein herd has hit a top call of 7000gns so far, with one of the sale's more fancied lots, Deehaven Magnet Alma making this money.

Magnet Alma is an EX94 ranked daughter of Donnadale Magnet bred from six generations of VG or EX dams and gave 9354 litres in the first 192 days of her fourth lactation. This powerful cow gave 11,673 in her third and sold to W P and E G Williams, Cardiganshire.

More to follow.....

This Friday's sale of Limousins at Carlisle has produced a strong entry for an out of season sale, with a total of 120 head catalogued for sale.

Among the bulls there are some potentially interesting lots early in the sale with the Pennie family bringing out a brace of Vivaldi sons out of dams by Cannon on the shape of Sarkley Critic and Sarkley Chieftan. These two July 2007-born bulls should be worth a look, as should another from Sarkley, Chivalrous. He's also by Vivaldi and is out of a Ronick Gains daughter which is maternal sister to 11,000gns Sarkley Topknot.

Anyone looking for figures can't fail to spot Rombalds Drummer. This one has a beef value of +38 and a muscle depth figure of +5.7, while also combining well known bloodlines, being by Dauphin and out of Djerk daughter Rombalds Violet which goes back to Hawk. And another with figures on his side is Carrickaldreen Dynamite. This one is Mas Du Clo and out of Bernattin Parrot, a Genial daughter. He's got a beef value of +35 and a muscle depth figure of +7.4.

Messrs Ridley, Haltcliffe, also have a few in, including Cloughhead Umpire sons and no doubt these could be in demand from the commercial men ringside.

I've not had a chance to study the females properly, so shan't delve into them too deeply, but at first glance there's plenty of good bloodlines on offer, including most of the breed's best known sires.

This week's dispersal of the Wotton herd of Jerseys saw a solid trade with nationwide interest in the herd. Leading the trade was Wotton Sultan Champion Yolande which sold at 1750gns to Manor Hill Farms, Windsor.

Next best at 1700gns was Wotton Decadences Yolande, Surrey Show dairy champion in 2006. This one, the dam of the top priced lot sold in her fourth lactation giving 36kg a day, again joining Manor Hill Farms.

A second calved cow netted 1670gns, while third lactation cows hit a top of 1070gns.

Averages; heifers £902, second lactation cows £831, third lactation cows £670, fourth lactation cows £707, fifth lactation cows £604 (South East Marts).

Cattle entries were so full at the Royal Cornwall Show this week that the winner of the interbreed dairy championship had less than a week's notice of his acceptance.

Brian Miller, who won with his Holstein cow Moorshard Jodi Tellar, was thrilled to scoop the interbreed championship at the cow's first ever show. "I only halter broke her about 10 days before the show," he said. The second calver by Roylane Jordan was yielding 55kg, and would next be heading to the Honiton show in Devon.

 Dairy judge Bill Luff, from Guernsey, said he had been "dazzled" by the turnout of cows. "The Holstein is a beautiful dairy cow - she's got it all - beautiful bone, depth of rib, perfect teat placement. She walks well, and she's also commercial."

Joining Jodi at the Honiton show would be the reserve champion, Mark Evans's Ayrshire cow East Church Ambitious Patacake. This third calver by East Church Ambition was yielding 42kg a day at Mr Evans's organic farm near Honiton. In the beef rings it was Henry Vooght's Charolais cow Little Bovey Vogue that caught judge Bill Quan's eye. "For a cow as big as that to be as good as that, with such free movement, is a pleasure to see," he said. The five year old by Maerdy Osborne was expecting her second calf, and would be heading to the Royal Show next Taking the reserve spot was Boddington Estates Simmental bull Sterling Viking 2, following his interbreed championship at the Devon County Show. By Sterling Rochester, this two year old bull was now destined for the Three Counties Show. Paul Quick's Texel shearling ram triumphed in the sheep classes, on its first ever outing. The February born twin's sire, Lyonshall King of Clubs, won the interbreed championship at the Royal Show in his time, and Mr Quick hopes to repeat that success at this year's event, with the help of his brothers Andrew and Mark, and father Bill.  Also succeeding at its first show was the reserve champion, Norman & Vile's aged Charollais ewe. Only halter broken four days before the show, she would now be turned away with the ram at Haydon House Farm, Taunton. 

Monday's Shorthorn Society's Summer show and sale at Chelford saw a strong trade, with a top price of 2480gns going to the show champion, Rodway Grey Rose 19.

This September 2005 born, second calver from Graham Madeley's Rodway Herd Telford, Shropshire, sold to Robert Kite, Milwich, Staffordshire.

Selling for the next best price of 2000gns was the September 2006 born heifer, Chatsworthpark Alicia from the Haywood family's Hooton Herd, Newark, Nottinghamshire. She had calved about a fortnight and sold to Macclesfield milk producer, David Platt.

Close behind at 1980gns, was the heifer, Dee Lady 6. She was put forward by the young Edward Whittaker, who was accompanied by his father and grandfather. This one was born in August 2006 and is by Poos Stadel Classic. She sold to Mr Kite.

The Whittakers also sold another September 2006 born heifer, Broadland Wildeyes 9 for 1250gns to the same buyer.

A July 2005  born second calver, Winbrook Twink 2, sold to J G Williams, Wrenbury, Nantwich for 1900gns. She is giving 40kg and was sold by The Dent Family, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

Messrs Dent also put forward the September 2007 born bull, Winbrook Derrick by Marleycote Maverick. This one sold for 1080gns to Ithell Bros, Chester.

Selling for 920gns was the 100% pure, Wensley Veracity 2, an October 2007 heifer from Messrs Iveson, Leyburn, North Yorkshire. From the same home was Wensley Lady Hermoine 4, which made 910gns.

The sale also included a January born heifer calf, Rodway Marie 74 which sold for 700gns.

She was donated by Graham Madeley, to be sold in support of the Youth Exchange to enable one young person to travel to Australia and sold to Wendy Young, ClippaHolics preparation team.

Averages

Calved cows; £1553, In-calf cows; £1077, Calved heifers; £1559, in-calf heifers; £840, Maiden heifers and calves; £602, Bulls; £1134. (Frank Marshall)

Sadly I've been unable to make it the deep south west for this week's Royal Cornwall Show, the trip to North Sheep earlier in the week means I'm confined to the office today!

However, I've managed to track down a fairly comprehensive list of results from the show, so here goes, unfortunately I've only got owners not individual animals, but more details will follow later.

In the beef cattle lines the Devon championship went to A and J Benneworth, while Stonegrove livestock stood reserve. The Hereford title went to D F Oliver with Messrs Hughes and Gilson in reserve, while Limousin title went to the Quick family, with the Wheeler's reserve.

It was a well travelled winner which took the British Blue title, with Danny and Jane Wyllie taking the honours here, with Messrs White and Turner reserve. Lifting the South Devon championship was K Rundle, Newquay, with D J Thomas in reserve.

Across in the Aberdeen Angus classes it was the Bishop Family which took top honours with a Lockerley bred bull and Colin Hutchings stood reserve. The Charolais title was, meanwhile, taken by Henry Vooght, with the Wyllie's taking the reserve title here.

Champion Any other Native was T C Blake, Clevedon, with Trehudreth Farm, Bodmin, in second spot.

Lifting the commercial cattle championship was David Ellis, while reserve was R Kingston.

The Dairy classes also saw strong competition, with the Guernsey honours going to the Warren family, Penzance, the same family took the reserve honours. Champion Ayrshire was Messrs Evans and Scholes, while Messrs Christophers stood reserve.

Jersey honours, meanwhile, were awarded to Messrs Colwell, with the Warren family reserve and the Miller family took both championship and reserve tickets in the Holsteins.

Simmental bulls hit the £400 barrier at Shrewsbury this week, some of the highest prices seen for a decade.

The bull calves were from Messrs Turnock of Condover, near Shrewsbury as entries in the calf section reached 100. Auctioneer Tom Jones, from Halls, appealed for more entries to meet the strong demand from buyers.

"The last time we hit the £400 barrier in the calf section at Shrewsbury was pre-BSE," said Mr Jones. "It's good to see more farmers returning to market with their calves rather than selling them directly off the farm.

"TB restrictions, which are severely affecting farms, have also suppressed the market because some farmers have had to keep the calves much longer than they had planned.

"Now that farms are being given the all clear, we are starting to see entries and prices rise."

Trade was good on all sides at Bakewell market this week, which saw 1810 head of sheep forward, with a range in quality of the 571 lambs forward. Topping trade was a pen of Texel's shown by R and J and D Wain, Ilam, realising 269p/kg grossing £105 each. The top ten pens of butcher lambs also averaged 235/7p/kg with an overall average of £199.19.

A mixed bag was also forward on the hogg front, which saw best fleshed hoggs selling in excess of 165p/kg and peaking at 179p/kg  for R Swift, Little Onn. Hoggs averaged 162.64p/kg.

Ewes and lambs finished off the days trading nicely, with buyers keen to convert cull ewe money into breeding families. Strong competition meant several farmers returned empty handed after Suffolk doubles topped £145, with singles at £92. Texel doubles sold to £149, singles £92 with Mules at £126, Jacobs at £110 and Swales at £74.

Cattle

Cattle trade was also strong despite a hampered attendance due to good silage weather. On the OTM front with 116 cattle forward it was a Belgian Blue which topped trade for M A Griffin, Ashbourne at £1074.63 for a 634kg beast. OTM steers averaged 134.3p/kg and topped at £1169.92.

Average trade was realised for continental crosses, with an 838kg Belgian Blue Cross from K Belfield, Longnor selling for £1282.14.

Steers on the other hand saw an excellent bunch forward and grossed £1179.20 for a 670kg Limousin cross from H P Prince and Son, Ashbourne. Belgian Blue steers topped at £1030.32 for a 648kg animal from R F T Marshall, Tansley.

Limousin crosses also topped the heifer trade, with a 602kg cow making £1089.62 for K D Burton, Uttoxeter.

An entry of 56 calves met an outstanding trade, with more needed to fill demand, with buyers travelling from as far field as Norfolk. Best continental bulls sold to £318 for a Limousin, with several others to the £300 mark. A smart Montbeliarde bull from G A Ward and Son, Wirksworth sold at £266 with heifers peaking at £310.

In Black and Whites demand was equally as good with Holsteins to £111, average £60 and British Friesians to £150, averaging £81.

This month's Skipton Auction Mart was a triple header, with the prime cattle and lamb sales supplemented by a special Craven Dairy Auction.

In the dairy, the pre show champion and freshly calved Holstein Friesian heifer sold for the top price of £1920.

This one was by Shoremar James and is giving 30kg. She was sold by M Baul and Partners, Watergate Farm, Harrogate to John Whittaker, Laneshawbridge, Colne.

Selling for the next best price of £1760 was an in-calf cow from an 18-strong consignment from Richard Wood, High Cliffe Farm, Crossroads.

Close behind was a newly calved cow from the Whinhill Holstein Friesian commercial herd of father-and-son team, Malcolm and Robert Swires, Haverah Park, Harrogate.

She sold for £1640 to Mr Whittaker. The second calver was by Comestar Lheros and was giving 35 litres.

Topping the beef at £1059, was an 11 month old white British Blue-cross heifer from Jimmy Baines, Gisburn and Trawden. This one landed the prime cattle championship and sold to Cross Meats, Bacup.

A 485kg Charolais-x-Blonde D'Aquitaine heifer sold for the next best money of £960. She was sold by David Bamforth, Hoyle Bottom Farm, Halifax to near neighbours, Keelham Hall Farm Shop, Bradford.

In the lamb section, a top price of £112/head was met by a pen on 51kg Charollais lambs sold by Nick Dalby, Harrogate.

The prime lamb championship and day's top price per kilo went to a pen of five 37kg Beltex-x-Charollais youngsters, which achieved a top price per kilo at 254.7p and sold for £94/head. They were bought by show judge, Mike Etherington, buying on behalf of Stuart Butchers, from Robert Towers, Camp House Farm, Lancaster

Averages:

Dairy:

Newly calved heifers; £1596, newly calved cows; £1302, in calf cows; £1116, maiden heifers; £1110.

Beef:

Continental; 113.26p/kg, prime heifers; 171.03p/kg, prime steers; 156.78p/kg

Lambs:

429 spring lambs; 221p/kg

(Craven Cattle Mart, Skipton)

Following on from the last round of innovations which came with the redesign of Taking Stock, we've now joined the latest round of internet innovation and made Taking Stock available on Twitter too.

This means anyone registered on Twitter (its quick and easy to do) will be able to sign up to follow Taking Stock - @FWtakingstock - and receive the latest updates in the form of Taking Stock headlines through Twitter.

It will also mean we'll be able to deliver short snappy updates from around the sales and alert you to the latest news when we're out and about, but unable to update Taking Stock itself. Hopefully, it'll be a useful addition and give you all a chance to catch up with the show and sales news as it happens. Happy tweeting!!

An 8000gns bid for the junior male champion from the pre-sale show at Monday's Dungannon show and sale of Charolais bulls was the highlight of the trade which saw 19 bulls level at £2564.

The sale topper, Corcreevly Dingle is a 13 month old son of Domino out of a homebred cow from Desmond Orr's Corcreevly herd, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone. He goes back to Allanfauld Vagabond on his dam's side and sold in a two way split to Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, and Noel McCrae, Coagh.

A brace then sold at 3100gns, the first of which was Desmond McAskie's Mountjoy Denver, a Balmyle Vagabond son. He sold to Sean McGrath. The other at this level was Tandaragee Dynamite, a Pirate son out of a homebred dam by Hollywell Untouchable. He sold to Nigel Matchett, Portadown.

At 2800gns was the reserve junior male champion, Beechdale Dander from Gregor Donnelly, Ardmore. This Maghermore Ulster son is out of a homebred dam and sold to P Murphy, Newry.

Female trade was led by three 2700gns sales, the first being for the reserve female champion, Mountjoy Cyan from Desmond McAskie. She is by Mozart and sold to A Ellison, Fivemiletown.

The second best was a 2600gns bid for Castlenure Cis, a Pirate daughter from T P Stewart, Omagh. She went to Joe Hughes, Dungannon.

Averages; 19 bulls £2564, eight females £1988 (Dungannon Farmers Mart).

A freshly calved Holstein heifer sold for the top price of 2550gns at Greenslade Taylor Hunt's fourth sale for the Green family at Roundhills Farm, Horningsham, Wiltshire.

Roundhillsfarm Justice Vicky is giving 40kgs and is by O-Bee Manfred Justice and out of a 10,000kg dam.

Close behind was the December calver, Roundhillsfarm Lucente Beth, selling for 2500gns. This one was by Aquila Patron Lucente and out of Starbuck.

An April calved VG85 second calver, Roundhillsfarm Allen Gloria, went for 2150gns. She was by Canyon-Breeze Allen.

In addition to the Holsteins were ten pedigree Jerseys carrying the Baycliffe prefix. A December calved heifer by Q Zik, sold for 2100gns to a Leicestershire buyer.

Averages:

173 Dairy cows; £1507, 15 calved heifers; £1754.90, Jersey cows and heifers; £1183.35 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt)

The four year old stock bull, Hepworth Prince Elgar, bred by Messrs Nicol, sold for the top price of 1450gns at Sedgemoor Auction Centre at the weekend.

This formed part of the dispersal sale of the Loxton Herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus from B M and R G Flood.

The three year old pedigree Aberdeen Angus, Woodington Eulina, with heifer calf at foot, sold for the next best price of 1160gns.

Close behind at 1110gns was the three year old, Woodington Pinky Glamour with bull calf at foot.

The six year old dry cow, Woodington Eulina, which had been running with the bull since March, sold for 920gns.

Averages:

Store steers;£780 and heifers; £730 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt)

Red and White Holsteins from the Sakara herd were highly favoured at last week's Annual May Collective Sale at Sedgemoor, with the March calved heifer, Sakara Checkers Red, selling for the top price of 2300gns.

This one was by Lotto Red and was one of a number of cows sold by D R Glanfield, Grove Farm, Wellington as part of their herd sale.

Les and Karen Bennett's calved heifer, Lilylane Wildman Roma 43, went for the next best price of 2200gns. She was from three generations of VG and is by Ladys-Manor Wildman.

Another red and white, Sakara Lucky red, went for 2100gns. This one was out of a VG86 dam and is giving 32.2 kgs.

At the same money was Simon Bugler's heifer, Bettiscombe RSVP Suzette 53. She was by Kamps-Hollow Convcd RSVP and is giving 32kgs/day.

The Ex90 Yvonne cow in her sixth lactation from the Sakara herd, sold for the next best price of 2000gns.

New Zealand bred in-calf heifers, from J C and D C Board, sold to 1680gns twice.

S E Voysey and Son's pedigree in-calf heifer, Inspiration Jannex Amber, sold for the next best price of 1610. This one was due in August to a Hereford.

Averages:

May Collective:

6 Dairy cows; £1438.50, 32 In-calf heifers; £1526.00, 21 calved heifers; £1920.50

Sakara Herd:

36 dairy cows and heifers; £1937.54, 6 heifer calved; £591.50 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt)

Last Thursday's sale of Holsteins for the Western Holstein Club at Beeston may have carried one of the smallest entries in recent times, but there was still strong bidding to secure the most sought after lots.

Heading up the sale at 2800gns was a substitute entry from Enchanted Holsteins, Tattyknuckle Shottle Berry. By Shottle and bred from six generations of Ex and VG cows she sold to Welsh buyer H W Evans giving 35kg a day.

Second top of 2500gns went to Tom Crook, Preston, with his Fowlerbrook Luke Ruby 5 a VG 86 rated cow which sold to Malcolm and Margaret Pearce, Whitmore, Newcastle.

And at 2450gns was Hully Shottle Eclipse 15. This Shottle daughter from Mark Bowden, Malpas was bought by Rob Bell Knutsford. Then at the same money was Lowerfield Goldwyn Kitty from Messrs Harris, Alton, Hampshire. This Goldqyn daughter sold to H W Evans again.

The next best call of 2400gns was given three times, with the first call at this level made by Trebersed Farm Partners, Carmarthen, for A C Birkle's Winchat Gibson Fare, a Silky Gibson daughter. The same vendors sold the next at this money too, trading Winchat Exclusive Star to J and D Royla and Sons, Stoke-on-Trent.

And the final transaction at this value came when G J Sutton sold Rowarton Orville Lady 2 to J C Bell, Knutsford.

A R Cox and Son, Marston, Stafford, were next to dip their hands in their pockets when they bid 2350gns for W A and C G Oakes' Alcar Peggy 30. They then went on to pay 2300gns for the pre-sale show champion, Rowarton Jordan Daisy from G J Sutton. And at the same money was Saxelby Matic Patricia from A R and J Stafford. She sold to Trebersed Farm Partners.

Averages; 10 cows £1771.35; 56 heifers £2079.94 (Wright Manley).

Last Friday's sale of South Devons at Exeter for the South Devon Cattle Breeder's Clun saw trade peak at 2900gns for Messrs Bartley's bull Mutterton Strongbow 9. This one, by Northwick General 8 and out of Mutterton Rosebud, sold to R Drew, Redruth.

Next best among the bulls was a 2350gns call for Waddeton Magic 2 from The Tully Partnership. He's by Trewent Magnet Magic and sold to P Toop, Yelverton.

In the females the top call and championship went to Murray Garrett, Okehampton, with maiden heifer Billington Alice Ziri, a March 2007-born polled heifer by Z Billington Pastiche 24. She sold for 1620gns to Messrs Morgan, Leominster. Leading the cows and calves were the Tullys with Waddeton Calypso 21 which sold to G Coles, Shaftesbury.

 Welsh Blacks set a new centre record at Llandovery last Friday when the pre-sale show champion Waundderw St David from Geoff Jones sold for 5200gns.

This one is a son of Neuadd Addewid 68 and out of Tyddewi Non 6 and sold to new breeders H E and M A Evans, Llansadwrn, Carmarthernshire. He beat the previous centre record by 200gns.

Next top at 3000gns went to the third prize bull from the show, Eiddwen Tomos from Mary Davies, Trefenter, Aberystwyth. He is a son of Obell Morgan and out of homebred dam Eiddwen Iona and sold to Grant Powter, Newmarket, Sufffolk.

And at 2000gns was Alltogh Rhydian from Dylan Morgan, Talybont. Rhydian, a Hafodesgob Rhydioan son out of Gors-Goch Lowri was snapped up by Angela Winsor, Plas Pantsaeson, Cardigan.

Topping the female trade at 3000gns was the pre-sale female champion, Castell Fanny 156 from Gareth and Jane Davies, Taliaris, Carmarthernshire. This one was subject to strong bidding, before eventually being knocked down to Marshall Farms, Charlot Estate, Watchet, Somerset, who are establishing a pedigree herd.

And the champion maiden heifer, Gerddi-Bluog Rhinogwen shared the top bid, making 3000gns when selling to Nigel Williams, Bethlehem, Llandeilo. Bred and sold to Jessica Angharad Evans she is by Rhydygarnedd Brenin 6 and out of Gerddi-Bluog Rhinogwen.

Another from Messrs Davies, Castell Seren 259, the reserve female champion then made 2800gns. She is by Penrhyn-Newydd Gyndwr and out of Castell Seren 201 and sold with a heifer calf at foot by Castell Deiniol 24 to Mr Williams.

Marshall Farms were back in action to take the next highest lot, Castell Fanny 159 from the same home at 2700gns. This one stood second in her class to the female champion and is by Sylen Cai and out of Castell Fanny 127. She sold in calf to Castell Dinefwr 65.

Averages; three bulls £3640.35; 67 females £1131.90 (Clee Tompkinson and Francis).

More than 15,000 spectators, exhibitors and judges basked in the sunshine at County Antrim Agricultural Association's 109^th annual show, held at Ballymena Showgrounds, reports our local eyes and ears, Julie Hazelton.

Fresh from success at Balmoral Show a couple of weeks ago where they lifted the interbreed dairy title, the Fleming Family from Seaforde, County Down, were out in force again scooping yet another interbreed championship award.

The winner on this occasion was the October 2004 born Potterswalls Connection Lady, a home-bred Giprant Belles Connection daughter in her third lactation. Judge, Harri Evans, Anglesey, also crowned her champion of champions in the cattle section.

Scooping the reserve overall cattle championship was a stylish young Simmental heifer bred by David Hazelton, Dungannon, County Tyrone. Ranfurly Weikel 3^rd is just fourteen-months-old, and had caught the eye of interbreed beef cattle judge, David Leggat, Perth, earlier in the day.

The reserve interbreed dairy honours went to the Ayrshire champion, Ravenhill Ethel 361, a VG classified third calver brought out by John Suffern from Crumlin, County Antrim.

Claiming the reserve interbreed beef championship was the Charolais leader, Coolnaslee Countess, a March 2007 born Allanfauld Superscot daughter owned by Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, County Londonderry.

The interbreed sheep section was led by a Dorset ewe shown by Thomas Wright from Ballymoney. Reserve place in the interbreed line-up went to Sean Doyle from Ballyward, County Down, for his Hampshire Down ram lamb.

Yesterday's show and sale of Hampshire Downs at Stratford saw the breed pass the £1000 mark when Geoff and Jean Boyles sold their tup lamb by Parkstock Pride and out of a dam by Owlesbury Stirling at £1200 to Charles and Sally Horrell for their Pode Hole flock, Peterborough. This one carries an SRS index of 232 and was subject to a fierce bidding battle late in the sale.

Next best call of £655 was made for Jim Cresswell's pre-sale show champion from his Wattisfield flock, Diss. This exceptionally correct lamb had stood first in the tup lamb class under judge Lewis Knight and went on to take the overall championship. He's by Wattisfield Topper and out of a dam by Wattisfield What and sold with an SRS index of 249 toJim Birkwood, Grimsby.

Then back in spending mode at £550 were Charles and Sally Horrell, when they bought the first of Henry Derryman's tup lambs from his Yarcombe flock. This one is by Yarcombe Surprise, a son of NZ sire Bilberry Oak Supreme, and out of a dam by Owlesbury Progress and sold with an SRS index of 318.

And the Yarcombe flock took the next best call too when selling another Yarcombe Surprise son out of a dam by Yarcombe Echo for £400. This one sold to dutch breeders Gert Smit and Bert Hadderingh, Ruinen, with a massive SRS index of 324.

Jennifer Atkinson achieved the same money for an Owlesbury Yeoman son which was out of  a dam by the exceptional backended sheep Owlesbury Rapier. This one sold to Jennifer Borsey, Waen, St Asaph.

Best call among the shearling tups on offer was a £480 call for the only one on offer from Jim Cresswell, Wattisfield Top Not. This one is by Yarcombe Erroll and out of a dam by Wattisfield What Next and sold with an SRS index of 244 having stood third in the shearling class.

A select show of females met a solid demand with shearling ewes leading the way to top at £360 for a Highlander gimmer consigned by Jennifer Atkinson. She's by Pode Hole Dragoon and out of a dam by Redhouse Xanthic. Next best was Jim Cresswell's first prize shearling ewe, a Lakemead Knight daughter out of a dam by Wattisfield What Next which sold at £330 to Tim Hunter.

Topping the ewe lambs on offer was the female and reserve overall champion from Tim Hunter. This one is by Lindsey Thor, a multi interbreed winning sire, and of a dam by Parkstock Rambo. This one sold at £240 to Jonathan Long and Chrissie Lawrence for their Chaileybrook flock. and the next top priced entry headed back to Kent on the same load when the couple bought Phil Kettle's fourth prize entry from the pre-sale show, a daughter of Ballyvester Mr Power out of a dam by Lindum Xtra Special.

Averages: five shearling rams £344; 12 ram lambs £445; nine shearling ewes £275; eight ewe lambs £189