August 2009 Archives

In a bid to cater for north east Scotland's pedigree breeders and commercial buyers ANM has announced a new bull sale date for this autumn on 25 September.

The sale, is aimed at reducing sale costs for both vendors and buyers alike and is clearly attempting to steal some trade away from UA's sale at their new Stirling site some three weeks later.

Whether the sale gets the backing of breeders ahead of the main sales further south remains to be seen, but it seems ANM is looking to capatitalise on the loss of UA's Perth centre as quickly as it can.

There are of course a limited number of bulls which can be sold in any year and every new sale that emerges has the potential to be a thorn in the side of the existing events, just how prickly this thorn proves to be will be seen in due course.

Rarely do I get excited about dairy catalogues, sorry but milkers just don't do it for me.

That said, I can appreciate a good cow or in the case of the catalogue that just landed on my desk, an sale of exceptional cows. And that's just what the Holstein Sale of the Century promises to be. The catalogue itself is a collector's item!

I'm not going to try and pick out the highlights from this one because as far as I can see the entire sale is rammed with highlights from start to finish.

Sires include such household names as Picston Shottle, Dudoc Mr Burrns, Braedale Goldwyn and Ladino Park Talent, while the cow families available are quite simply outstanding.

There are Copywood Integrity lines present along with females from families bred at Indianhead , Comestar, Braedale, Weeton, Woodmarsh, Carhall and Windy-Knoll to name but a few.

It promises to be one of the most exciting Holstein sales for years, every bit as promising as last year's Smiddiehill extravaganza. Here's hoping it lives up to expectations....

After the electric excitement of yesterday's record priced sale I've now managed to catch up on a few of the other highlights, so here's a round up of the prices I know about which we didn't report yesterday.

At 14,000gns was Clougher President from Victor Chestnutt, Northern Ireland. This Ballybrooney Orlando son is out of a dam by Haltcliffe Knock On, he sold to Messrs Boden and Davies for their Sportsmans flock.

At 10,000gns was Wester Crosshil Prody, a Clinerty Las Vegas son from Alasdair Beaton. This one sold to the Campbell family, Thrunton and also the Arnott family, Haymount.

Also at this money was one from Brian Buchan, this one, by Kelso Oxygen, was Clinerty Pegasus. No news on the buyer of this yet.

 And at 8000gns was Bradleys Pure Gold from Ryan Bradley. This one is a Fachell on Approval son out a dam by Glenside His Nibs.

Here are a couple more highlights from today's sale at Lanark.

Malcolm Reid, Kelso, has sold Kelso Pavarotti, a Mellor Vale Officer son at 40,000gns. He's out of a dam by Castlecairn Keltic Star.

And, remarkably, he's passed one through the ring at 45,000gns unsold. This one was Kelso Prostar, his first through the ring and another Officer son. This is out of a dam by Newhill Major. There are apparently now intense negotiations around the pen to secure this one, more news as we have it.

He also sold another at 14,000gns, I'm not sure which of his pen this is yet, but word is it was bought by Trinidad Investments, West Sussex. UPDATE - this was Kelso Patent, a Mellor Vale Officer son out of a Newhill Major daughter.

The reserve champion from Claybury sold for 7000gns. This one, Claybury Powerpacker, is a Millar's Olympian son and out of a dam by Haddo Igniter.  

Here's the photo we've been waiting for, the 220,000gns Texel from Lanark, Deveronvale Perfection. So, is he worth the money?

I've managed to dig out a couple of the top prices from the Texel female sale at Lanark last night, so here are the highlights.

Leading the sale at 2400gns was the reserve champion from the pre-sale show, a Haddo Jogger daughter from Edward Pugh, Glanllyn. This one is out of  a dam by Watchknowe Jimmy's Pride.

And at 2200 was the female champion from the Millar's of Crookholm. This is a Clinerty Notredam daughter out of a ewe by Penparc Lexus.

That's all I've got for now I'm afraid.

Away from the excitement of today's Texel sale at Lanark, news has just reached me of the upcoming dispersal of the LIMO herd of Limousins by Greenmount College, Northern Ireland.

The herd, which was set up in 1997 in conjunction with the British Limousin Society, is to be sold at Ballymena market on 7 October and includes some of the breed's leading lines.

More details and full catalogues will of course follow in due course...

Yes you read the headline right the champion Texel at Lanark has just been sold for a staggering 220,000gns. That as you will all appreciate is a new UK record and world record - more on that later.

This one was Deveronvale Perfection from Graham Morrison. By Kelso Oxygen and out of  a dam by Knock Magnum. I only hope he lives up to his name! No news on the buyer(s) yet, but I'm banking on it being a syndicate of the top flocks. More to follow....

UPDATE - My suggestion that it would be a syndicate behind this one look's to be wrong, the buyer is believed to be Jimmy Douglas buying for his Cairness flock, Aberdeenshire and acting alone on this one! Picture to come shortly.

Here's another five figure deal from Lanark today, Jim Clark has sold his first lamb in the ring Garngour Playboy for 14,000gns. This Knock Oregano son is out of a Tamnamoney Lynbrook daughter which is full sister to a 9000gns ewe. He sold with an index of 209.

And at the second 10,000gns call of the morning secured Wester Crosshil Prody from Alasdair Beaton. This Clinerty Las Vegas son is also out of a Tamnamoney Lynbrook daughter and stood second at this year's Greay Yorkshire Show in July.

It look's as though the Texel sale at Lanark has started as well as predicted with Robert Forsyth's first lamb in the ring, Baltier Panther being knockeed down at 11,000gns. This one is a Kidson Olympian son out of a Watchknowe Jimmy's Pride sired dam.

And then not many lots later was a 12,000gns call for Drumpark President from Messrs Scott. This lamb is by Kelso Oxygen and out of a dam by Wartle Goliath.

Once again store lambs have proven to be in big demand in the north with yesterday's sale at Lazonby recording a top call of £55 for Texel crosses from P Stobart, Scalehouse Farm. Then at £54 were mule whethers from Messrs Watson, Sanders Close.

Suffolk crosses sold to a top of £52 for a pen from Croft House, while Swaledales were led at £28.50 for those from Croft House. (Harrison and Hetherington).

Vendors were more than happy with the bouyant trade achieved by Harrison and Hetherington at Newcastleton Mart yesterday for the ewe and store lambs on offer.

In the ewe lambs the trade was led aty £84/head by Greyfaced lambs from Messrs Aitchinson, The Side. Blackfaced ewe lambs, meanwhile, topped at £61.

In the store lambs the top price was £51.50 for Suffolk crosses from I J McVittie, Holme Cottage. The auctioneers report all averages being up by £15-20 on last years trade.

Next week's sale of suckled calves at Caledonian Marts look's set to draw some quality cattle again with both local and furhter afield entries logged in the book so far.

Judge for this year's pre-sale show is last year's Smithfield winner Alistair Vance and he's sure to have some quality cattle in front of him, including a string from last year's show winners the MacArthur family, reports auctioneer John Kyle. "We should have 60-70 cattle forward and I'm expecting some top drawer entries," he adds.

The dispersal of Messrs Bryant's milking portion of their 8000kg commercial herd saw trade top at 2600gns for one by Olympian Sterling. This non-registered entry calved in July and was giving 40kg a day.

Next best was a pedigree second calver Rexworthy Queen 198, an Elite Mountain Donor daughter. And at 2250gns was another second calver Hazelden GM Eclipse, she's a Gillette Merrick daughter out of a 13,000kg dam.

Calved heifers sold to 2200gns for an Okendo daughter out of a 10,000kg dam.

Averages; cows £1317, calved heifers £1593, in-calf heifers £1300 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt),

Centre records were smashed at Leek this week in the dairy section where trade topped at £2520 for a heifer giving 28kg/day. This one sold to Stan and John Fernyhough, Swythamley. Another from the same vendor sold for £2300, this one was a Lutz Brookview Burt daughter and sold to R Backhouse, Leigh.

And Messrs Fernyhough were back in spending mood for the next top call of  £2220. This was an Alfrag Juror Kendall daughter from Andrew Weston.

Topping the cows was a £2010 sale for a third calver from Messrs Poole, Winkhill.

Averages; 33 milkers £1645.

Following on from last week's Dungannon sale the action in the Texel world moves to Lanark this week for the Scottish National Sale and having just spent a good few minutes wading through the catalogue it look's like it could just be a bumper sale again for the breed.

I've confined my scrutiny to the tup lambs as there's no doubt this is where the major money will be spent, unless there's a shock in store...

So, here goes for a few of my picks so far, early in the lambs are Albert and George Howie with their Knock pen. Their first caught my eye, he's by Tophill Nockout and out of an Anglezarke Krug daughter who's eight ET bred sons averaged more than £5000 last year.

Shortly after this is the Muiresk pen and after the successful dispersal of their females at Carlisle just a few weeks ago I'm certain the tup lambs will have something to offer. With lambs by last year's 28,000gns sire Millar's Outsmart on offer and some good female lines behind them they could be the lambs to watch.

And Muiresk breeding features in the Glenside pen of John Forsyth too, with both Nearco and Blondin sired lambs on offer, they could well be worth a look. Alistair Gault's pen also caught my eye with a lamb from his Forkins flock full brother to 24,000gns tup One and Only.

James Ruggeri has the first prize tup lamb from this year's Royal Welsh in his pen, this one is a son of Annan Jewel out of an Castleknowe Matchmaker sired dam.

Margaret Lyons' Milnbank pen is next in my pick and these lambs are all by Millar's Outstanding and are bred from some cracking female lines too.

And Millar's breeding is there in the Fordafourie line up with a run of Outsmart sons forward from Sandy Lee. Once again the female lines behind these are strong and full of deep breeding. And fellow Aberdonian Jimmy Douglas has some equally strong breeding in his pen with a number of Kelso O J sons forward. This sire was a private buy from Malcolm Reid shared with Albert and George Howie, and Messrs Douglas and Howie wouldn't buy a poor tup privately!

Malcolm Reid's pen for this year's sale contains some interesting prospects itself, all these lambs are by Mellor Vale Officer a son of this year's show stopping tup Castlecairn Nile God.

Haddo Phoenix from the Knox family could be one to watch too, being a maternal brother to 18,000gns lamb Haddo Kerfuffle and 7000gns Kingpin.

Last year's in form breeders, Martin and Cyril Millar, are likely to bring another strong pen to Lanark and their second lamb Millar's Powerhouse is my choice. This one is by Cambwell OBE and out of a Masterpiece sired dam.

As always I'm bound to have missed something in the brief round up here, so feel free to let me know what you think too

A home-bred Holstein  Friesian heifer by Gillette Final Cut sold for the top price of £2520 at Skipton.

This one is giving 31 litres and was sold by Brian Moorhouse, Hesper Farm, Bell Busk to Geoff Blezard, Hothersall Hall Farm, Ribchester.

Mr Blezard also paid the next best price of £1900 for a newly calved cow from Robert Crisp, Nelson Farm, Calton. This third calver is giving eight and a half gallons and is a product of the AI Cogent breeding stock.

Leonard Akrigg of Oakworth sold his in-calf heifer for £1200 to David Shuttleworth, Gargave.

A pedigree maiden heifer from J B Airey, Thornley, Longridge went to Sean Hickey of Earby for £940.

Averages: newly calved heifers; £1980, newly calved cows; £1790, in -calf heifers; £1175. (Craven Cattle Marts)

Last Thursday's sale of Charollais rams at Chelford saw the top price of 700gns paid for the pre-sale show champion, a shearling ram from Mark Worthington, Ramsbottom. This one, by Galtres Faithful, sold to the judge Alan Davenport, Sandbach.

At 680gns was the best of the day from Charles and Valerie Marwood's Foulrice flock, Whenby. This shearling, by Ash Charollais Filibuster, sold to David Jackson, Northwhich.

Another from the Mr Worthington took the next top call, with the third prize shearling from the show also selling to Mr Davenport.

Topping the ram lambs on offer was a 580gns bid for one from Geoff Biddulph, Macclesfield. This was a Nympton Grand Prix son and sold to P Dickson, Kirkby Stephen.

Averages; 19 shearling rams £441.70, 43 ram lambs £323.40 (Frank Marshall).

The Poundhill Herd dispersal sale saw a top price of 2700gns for the June-calved cow, Poundhill Banker Blanche,

This one gave 10,000kg as a heifer and is giving 47.2kg/day with a somatic cell count of 44.

Calved heifers were in strong demand, selling to 2600gns for Poundhill Texas Edith. She is by Niermanns Ti Hel Texas and out of an exceptional milking family and had been calved four weeks.

The next best price of 2500gns, went to the MOET Lookout daughter, Poundhill Lookout Nellie. She is dry and due to her third calf in September.

At 2250gns was a Penn-England Garrison daughter, giving 36.6kg with a somatic cell count of 34.

Two year old in-calf heifers, due in November to sexed semen and by Culverhayes Walkabout, sold to 1850gns for Poundhill Walkabout Virgine. Close behind was Poundhill Shuttle Violet by Carnewell Shuttle.

'A' lot heifer calves that followed their dams through the ring were in strong demand, selling to 740gns for the February born, Poundhill Skavlan Windy, by MOET Skavlan.

Averages: 171 cows and heifers (inc A lots); £1642.78, calved heifers; £1784.13, in-calf heifers; £1458.63, 49 heifer calves; £542.36. (Greenslade Taylor Hunt)

The dispersal of the milking portion of the Oasisview herd of Holsteis for K W Philipson, Kirkland, Penrith, saw trade reach a top of 1720gns for Oasisview Knighthood Mishchief 3. She sold to C E Hancock and Son, Sandbach, Cheshire.

At 1400gns was Oasisview Melody Marqui which calved at the end of July and goes back to the famous North American Marq I family. She went home with F Awde, Melmerby, Penrith.

And then at 1320gns was Oasisview Hertage Butterfly. This daughter of Eastview Hertage M-G sold in-calf to Burlane Tennyson and is due in November. She was bought by P R and L R Hunter, Westward, Wigton.

Averages; 42 cows in milk or in-calf £934, 10 heifers in milk/in-calf £1108.80 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Top call of the Texel sale at Dungannon last Friday was a 6000gns bid for a ram lamb from Alex Thompson.

His sale leader was Kilcoan Pele, a Fairywater Olympic Star son out of a dam by Brague Jethro. This one sold in a two way split to brothers John and Michael Watson for their Duvarren and Hillhead flocks, respectively.

Next best price was 5800gns given for the top-priced lamb from James Thompson. This one was subject to some frenxied bidding before eventually being knocked down to Bruce Goldie, Dumfries. Livery Predator is by Tamnamoney Ned and out of a dam by Haddo Hat Trick and had stood first in his class at Ballymoney. Then at 5200gns was one from Brian Hanthorn's Mullan flock. This one Mullan Playboy, is by Ballydonaghy Nijinsky and out of  a dam by Castlecairn Keltic Star. He sold in a four way split to R Henderson, Ballynahone, Alistari Gault, Forkins, Stanley and Martin Warnock, Straidarren and R Strawbridge, Tamnamoney.

And enjoying a 5000gns sale were Messrs Simpson and Calvin. Their pne topper from their Ballyhivistock flock is by Tamnahoney Ned and headed across the Irish border to join Ann Murphy, Gorey, and new breeder Fergal O'Shea.

Farmers Weekly Farmer Focus writer Victor Chestnutt, also had a fair trade when he sold his best lamb at 4400gns to Jim Currie and A Fyffe. This one, Clougher Physical, is a Coldstream Magnum son out of  a dam by Rams Gold Dust.

Brian Hanthorn was back in the money again at 3800gns when he sold a Castlecairn Nile God son to James Adams, Glarryford.

Then at 3600gns Richard Henning sold a Brague Nixon son to Cumrbian based G Wilkinson, for the Arkle flock.

Texel shearling rams hit a top call of 3600gns at Dungannon on Friday when John Foster sold his best, which had stood reserve champion on the pre-sale show, to P Hughes, Dungannon. this on was by Ballynadretta Nicefella.

Mr Foster also had the next two top priced lots, selling one at 1450gns and another at 1100gns. The first was  a Blackstown Milo son out of a dam by Brague IOU sired dam which was snapped up by R Harkness, Crumlin, and the second was a Blackstown Nightrider son which sold to M Grant, Newry.

Also at 1100gns was one from John Watson. This Tamnamoney King of the Mountain son is out of a Springhill Kentuchy sired dam and sold to J Fegan, Hilltown.

For all those of you with an interest in primestock showing it's well worth taking  a few minutes to look through the preview pictures available ahead of the Thainestone Spectacular sale.

Aberdeen and Northern Marts have encouraged vendors to submit pictures of their stock for display on the internet prior to the sale. And, on the strength of a number of the photos available I wouldn't mind betting a few more buyers are drawn in. So take a look and make your selection, I'll be intrigued to hear you're thoughts.....

Texel females sold on a bouyant trade at Dungannon last Friday evening when the trade reached a top call of 3800gns for a Douganhill McFly daughter from Alistair Gault. This on is a full sister to 28,000gns sire Forkind Nijinsky. She sold to D Taylor, Coleraine.

Then at 3600gns was the pre-sale show champion from John Trimble. She's by Ballydonaghy Nijinsky and out of a Forkins ewe. She sold to the pre-sale show judge Charlie Boden, Cheshire.

At 3000gns was the best from Brian Hawthorn, Tyan. This Tamnamoney Navvy daughter was reserve female champion and is out of a Cornerstone Isaac daughter. She was bought by C and D Seaman for their Gorteen flock, Eniskillen.

Going to a new home at 1600gns was the fourth placed shearling ewe from the pre-sale show. This Ballynahone Nirvan daughter was claimed by P Hughes, Dungannon. Alistair Gault sold a brace at 1300gns to the same buyers.

Here are the show results and pictures from the Dungannon Texel sale which is taking place today. I'm afraid I've got no news of the sale so far. Judge for the show was Charlie Boden of the Sportsmans flock.

Taking the championship was one of the breed's rising stars Martin and Cyril Millar, with their tup lamb Millar's Professor. This is a son of 10,000gns purchase Cambwell OBE and out of dam by Corrie Lancelot. He has an index of 246.

Ballydonaghy Nijinsky and out of a dam by Grougfoot G and T.

This year's Borderway Agri-Expo is adding to its competitive livestock classes with sections being introduced for dairy cattle and Mule ewe lambs.

The dairy classes will see an across breeds competition for the best heifer in milk and best cow in milk of any breed. Judging these classes will be Holstein breeder Rebecca Jarvis, Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, placing the Mule ewe lambs will be well known sheep farmer and finisher John Barker.

As well as these new sections, the Aberdeen-Angus calf show and national Youth Development finals will be at the event, as will the Border Club British Blue calf show and the national Hereford Calf Show. Organiser David Pritchard of Harrison and Hetherington says the new additions should broaden the appeal of the event to all involved in livestock production.

Priddy Sheep Fairy, Somerset saw a strong entry of 833 sheep this year, with a top price of £180/head going to a pair of Full Mouth Charollais rams from Elliott Davis, Compton Martin.

Close behind were Two Tooth Charollais rams from Roger and Sue Durston of Chedder selling at £175 and £140.

Amongst the breeding ewes, Suffolk Two Tooths, put forward by Mrs E Manning of Chew Magna, went to £94. And Suffolk Two Tooths from Elliott Davis of Compton Martin sold to £90.

Mule Two Tooth topped at £70 from Mr Davis.

Store lambs topped at £62, with an entry of Texel crosses from Ashley Hann, Chedder, closely followed by Suffolk crosses entered by Kevin Seymour and selling to £58.

Among the Charollais crosses, Mr Glanville of Iron Acton topped the trade at £57.

Ewe lambs sold to £61 from a run of North Country Mules from Paul and Anna Athay, Chedder.

Suffolks from Lewis and Joseph Tibbs, Stanton Drew and Poll Dorset crosses from Hannah and Rosie Payne, Priddy, both went to £57.

Averages:

532 Store and Ewe Lambs; £51.66, 293 Breeding Ewes; £58.05, 8 Rams; £115.43 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt)

The centenary celebration sale for the Telfer family's Branchal herd sold to a top price of 2550gns for Branchal Speed Elusive 266. This Tegibby Gibson daughter sold to C Telfer, Little Raith, Fife.

Then at 2200gns was Branchal Igniter Molly 93, a Summershade Igniter daughter. This one is a daughter of an excellent classified cow, she sold to J Reay and Son, Grinsdale, Carlisle.

Also at this money was Branchal Igniter Babette 500. Having calved on 24 July this one is from the Babbette family which has produced 600 females at Branchal to date, she sold giving 36kg a day to J R Heuchan and Son, Castle Douglas.

At 2000gns was Branchal Speed Dixie. This one is by Galaxy Speed and out of a Moet Lookout sired daughter. She joins N and J Sanderson, Lanercost, Carlisle.

Averages; sxi cows £1421, 40 heifers £1803.38 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Yesterday's sale of Holsteins for the Border and Lakeland club at Carlisle saw a top price of 2450gns paid for one from R Steel and Son, Balfron. This was Kepculloch Titan Tammie a Sabbiona Tony Titan daughter which was bought by W Smith, Kilmarnock.

Then at 2250gns was Snow Opal 7 from G and M Wilson and Son, this Llydan Terrene daughter sold to N and S J Sanderson, Lanercost.

And at 2150gns was one from H, M and D Hodgson which sold to M Armstrong, Penrith. Another from the same home made 2000gns when selling to G W and M J Henderson, Annan.

Averages; seven cows in milk £1395, 18 heifers in milk £1421 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Jerseys reached a top price of 1150gns at yesterday's sale in Carlisle with this money given for the champion from the pre-sale show, an in-calf heifer from T R Savage and S Fleming. This one, by Rock Maple Brook Manix, sold to J H and J E Taylor, Ainstable.

At 1050gns was an in-calf heifer from R Steel and Son, Balfron. This one is a daughter of Molly Brook Fusion and sold to John Hunter and Sons, West Tarbrax.

Averages; five in-milk cows £718.20, three heifers in milk £868, five heifers in calf £756, two maiden heifers £420.

Ayrshires hit a top price of 2480gns at Carlisle yesterday with D and C Sanderson leading the trade with their freshly calved heifer Sanderson Mr Nelson Evergreen. She sold to the M W Wilson, Brolea, Lockerbie.

Then at 2050gns was another from the same vendors which sold to the same new home. This was another fresh calved heifer and by Sanderson Extra Special.

Next best was a 1700gns call for the reserve champion from the pre-sale show Langside Amethyst 6 from a Gray, Langside. This one by Langside Best Mate sold to T A and E Jackson, Dumfries.

Also at this money was the best of a strong run from M J Partignton, Bolton. This was a Hulton Park Valerie 4 by Brieryside Winning Hand. She sold to M J Wilson, Uldale, Wigton.

Averages; 1 cow £1305.33, 10 heifers in milk £1672.65 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Yesterday's anniversary show and sale of store cattle at Carlisle yesterday saw the ringside packed with buyers eager to fill their yards.

Top price on a strong trade was to be found in the steers where Charolais crosses from T A Jefferson, Aspatria Hall, made £1260. More of the same breed from the same home made £1165, £1135 and £1030. Limousin crosses were led by a consignment from Hollywood at £1140, while British Blues topped at £1180 for the same vendor.

Heifers hit a top of £1190 for British Blue crosses from Alistair Vance, Bridgehouse Farm, with more of the same breed from Hollywood making £1160. Charolais topped at £1075 for J H Baty and Son, Broomhills.

The show was led by a Limousin cross from A and M J Trafford Bassenthwaite Hall Farm, Keswick which went on to sell for £1060.

Yesterday's sale of Holstiens at Lancaster saw trade peak at 2600gns for a Shottle-sired heifer from Martin Bristol. This one, bred from the Anna family developed in the Lyons herd sold to the pre-sale show judge Ted Fearon.

Next top call went to James Burrow with his heifer Stardale Fawkes Stella 2 selling for 2450gns. This one was reserve champion from the show and sold to Neil Sanderson, Brampton, Carlisle.

Then Mr Fearon was back in the bidding again paying 2200gns for Peter Waring's cow Winton Ace Meg. Bred from six generations of VG and Ex dams this one calved a fortnight ago and was sold giving 37kg/day. At 2050gns was an Aaron daughter from Richard Bainbridge's Twinfields herd.

Averages; seven club cows £1474, 22 club  heifers £1814 (Norton and Brooksbank).

A shearling ram sold for the top price of 2000gns at the annual production sale of the Turbo Dutch Texel flock, Carlisle.

Turbo Opera, by Turbo Monarch, was sold to joint purchasers, S Wood of West Mains, Castle Fraser and B Ryder, Annan Water, Moffat.

At the next best money was another shearling ram, Turbo Ohama, selling to D M and S Prince, Stonedge, Chesterfield for 1500gns. And Turbo Ohama's sire, Turbo Magnum, sold for the next best bid of 1050gns to S Wood.

A shearling gimmer by Turbo Monarch went to J B and SM Mounsey, Ashfield, Irthington for 600gns. The same buyers also purchased another gimmer, this time by Turbo Motor, for 580gns.

At the same money was the shearling ram, Turbo Orbit, which sold to R and M Scott, Thirlwall Castle, Greenhead.

J B and S M Mounsey purchased the next three entries. The first of which was the shearling ram, Turbo Obscure, by Turbo Magnum selling for 550gns. Thier next purchases were two Turbo shearling gimmers by Den Burg King, both bought for 520gns.

Messrs Graham from Millerhill, Gilsland purchased a shearling ram by Turbo Motor for the same money.

S Wood was another repeat purchaser, buying two shearling gimmers for 500gns. The first of which was by T Veen and the second, by Turbo Monarch.

Another shearling gimmer went for the same money to T P Wigham of Coanwood, Haltwhistle.

Averages: 30 shearling gimmers; £411.60, 2 stock rams; £787.50, 33 shearling rams; £443.42, Total 65 head; £439.32 (Harrison and Hetherington)

A surprising press release landed in my email inbox this morning from the Simmental Society, of course receiving an email from the Simms isn't the surprise, it was the content that caught me by suprise.

It seems that the Society's council of management have decided to relinquish the services of their breed development and promotion manager Fiona Sloan. Of course I'm not party to the internal politics or background to this decision, but I have to say I find it strange that in a year in which the breed has made real headway in interbreed competitions, notably the Royal, and enjoyed some of its most successful sales ever the Society has chosen to relinquish the services of someone charged with promoting it.

In the statement the Society said;" At the recent meeting of Council of the British Simmental Cattle Society Ltd held on 12 and 13 August 2009, the Council have taken the decision that to best meet the future development requirements of the Society, they will not be renewing Fiona Sloan's contract of employment as Breed Development and Promotions Manager. Council feel that to progress the breed to meet its full potential a different method of promotion and development is required."

Meanwhile, across the water in Eire I understand that the Irish Limousin Society has parted company with its chief executive Richard Collins. I'm unaware of the background to this change in personnel, but believe it was a sudden decision and I think that makes it three chief executives in the space of 12 months for the Irish Lims.

Longhorn breeders enjoyed a solid trade at Rugby Farmers Mart, Stoneleigh Park, at the weekend with the pre-sale show champion taking the top price of 4400gns.

This one was a junior heifer, Southfield Ice from David and Angela Blockley. By one of the breed's noted sires, Blackbrook Lionheart, she sold to Elizabeth Vice and Mark O'Brien, Woolhope, Herefordshire.

And another from Southfield made the next best call of 3400gns when Southfield Innocent, the reserve junior heifer champion from the pre-sale show sold to Philip and Lisa Bell, Newark, for their Wheatholme herd. This one is by Blackbrook Plantagenet out of Southfield Elegance II.

It was the leading bull of the day that achieved the next best price of 3000gns when Bernard and Margaret Llewellyn's 2007-born Carreg Hornblower sold to the Rowler Farming Partnership, Northants. This one had been breed champion at the Royal Welsh Show in 2008 and 2009 and is by Bulford Freddy.

Then it was back to the females for the next highest sale, with a 2700gns bid securing heifer Kirklan Hirta for E Boston and I Bayley, Rugeley, Staffordshire. This one was consigned by HMP Kirkham, Frekelton, Lancashire, and is by Southfield Renegrade and out of Kirklan Dulci II.

A 2500gns price tag was given for two lots, the first of which was the leading cow of the sale, Blackbrook Neb. Bred by the Stanley family and by Huntsham Lion, this one was consigned to the sale by the Blockleys and sold to HMP Kirkham with a heifer calf at foot.

The other to make this money was the second top priced bull of the sale, Dunstall Imperial. This Blackbrook Gallileo son is out of Dunstall Emerald and had been reserve overall champion in the pre-sale show for vendor Eileen Hallifield and sold to Sid Hollier.

Averages; two cows with calves at foot £2494, 10 senior heifers £1362, 14 junior heifers £1423, three senior bulls £2233, five junior bulls £1996 (McCartneys with Rugby Farmers Mart).

Local exhibitor, Nick Hill continued his successful winning streak at The Mid Somerset show, Shepton Mallet at the weekend, taking home the supreme beef championship with his 23 month old, homebred Limousin, Quaish Cheeky.

The heifer has had a consistent show season, having won the championship at the Devon County and North Somerset Show and scooping reserve champion at the Royal Bath and West and First at the Royal.

Supreme dairy champion was won by Mr Wadman's jersey, Wisteria Playboy Bree.

Arthur Brown and Gill Becky won the supreme sheep championship with their Charollais ram lamb, Abbascombe Jubilee, who also won the supreme title at Ringwood.

Pig judge, Rachel Nicholas, selected a Berkshire shown by David Yates of Trowbridge for her supreme champion. In reserve was a Duroc shown by Jade Lomas, Taunton.

Here are a few more of the price highlights from Friday's Beltex sale at Carlisle, hopefully this will bring everything up to date and fill in a few of the gaps.

At 5000gns was Broughton McIvor from the Dunlop family, Biggar. This one is by Airyolland King Size and out of Corstane Dorothy. With an index of 215 and a gigot score at scanning of 70.4mm, this one sold in a three way split to Kevin and Rachel Buckle, P and A Moss and J R Wilkinson and Sons.

Another from the Broughton flock and a full ET brother to their 5000gns sheep then went on to make 4800gns in  a two way split. This one sold to John and Heather Barclay and D and J Cruikshank.

And at 4200gns was Kingledores McGregor from Richard Wood. This Clary King Pin son out of Ulysses daughter Artnagullion KFC sold to EWG Scotland.

Then at 3600gns was Ballydown Magnus from Martina and Patrcik McNeil. This ET bred son of The Rustler out of a Belgian dam was first prize shearling ram at Lurgen show and sold in a three way split to Doreen Mair, Stuart Wood and R R T Williams.

A 3500gns bid saw Wade and Alison McCrabbe sell their best Cookstown Mr 11th. Bred by Jim Elliott, this one is by Cookstown Kelso and out of an Elbert daughter. He sold to a consortium of Richard Wood, Brian Ryder and E J and A M Fox.

The couple's next in the ring, Ardstewart Mustang, by Ardstewart King of Spades and out of Ardstewart Helena, then sold for 3200gns. This one was also shared, this time between Thomas and James Whiteford and Keith Harryman.

Averages; 10 aged rams £813.75, 448 shearling rams £817.80, 73 ram lambs £798.58, 230 shearling ewes £534.77 (Harrison and Hetherigton.)

After technical problems yesterday here are some more highlights from the Beltex trade.

A 2200gns sale was the best of the day for John and Carol McIlwraith's Balig flock, their topper was a Beachy Limited Edition son out of a Clary Hope sired dam. He sold to Michael Owens.

A 4200gns sale a few lots later saw Peter Kenyon buy a Kingledores Look At Me son from Richard Wood. This was out of Fearn Heaven, a Ian's Good Buy daughter.

And late in the day came the top sheep from David Thornley's Dooley flock. The subject of a fierce bidding war between two dedicated primestock show exhibitors this one was a Clovis V/h Groetenhof son out of Dun-Mor Gretal. This long, superbly fleshed tup was the pick of Andy and Becky Biship, Gloucestershire, but they had to see off strong bidding from Paul Tippetts and Christine Williams to secure him at 4900gns.

In the ram lambs the top price I know of at the moment was a 4000gns bid for the third last lot on the ring from R T Wood. This third prize ram lamb from the Royal Highland Show is by Viagrow and out of Artnagullion Kyle. He sold to Texel breeders Proctors Farms with the intention of breeding primestock lambs.

A 1700gns bid saw the best of Fergus Harbison's pen trade. This was a Rocksolid Knuckle Duster son out of a Glebe Early Riser sired dam. At 1400gns were a pair from R T Wood, the first, also by Viagrow is out of a Ulysses daughter and sold to up and coming H and H auctioneer Jimmy Little, Skiddaw View. The other, again by Viagrow is of the same dam as the 4000gns lamb and sold to Mr McMillan.

Selling for 1150gns was the top priced lamb in Andy and Becky Bishop's pen. This Sundey Lucky Dip son is out of Hela Van't Zaubekedal and sold to the Dunlop family, Biggar.

More prices and averages to follow....

Technical glitches stopped me dead in my tracks as far as blogging went yesterday afternoon, so here's the run down from the Muiresk Texel dispersal at Carlisle.

Topping the trade at 7000gns was a shearling ewe by Cowal Maverick out of a Tophill Joe daughter. This one sold to the day's biggest spenders Trinidad Investments, Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

Then at 6000gns was on of the sale's early lots, a 2005-born ewe by Tophill Joe and out of a Craighead Hercules sired dam. She also sold to Trinidad Investments.

A 2007-born ewe was the next best seller, netting 5000gns. This one was a Clougher Lincoln sired ewe out of a dam by Loosebeare Imp. Bred from a Douganhill female line this one sold to Mr Ellis.

At 4500gns was another of the flock's shearling ewes, an Anglezarke Nimrod daughter out of a Craighead Hercules sired dam. She sold to Proctors Farms, under new flock manager Jeff Aitken.

A 4200gns bid secured the next best price of the day and this was made for a 2007-born daughter of Cowal Maverick out of a Muiresk Final Winston sired dam. She also went home with Mr Ellis.

A brace then sold for 4000gns, the first of which was a Cowal Maverick daughter out of a Craighead Hercules sired dam which also joined the wagon back to West Sussex with Trinidad Investment.

The second at this level was an Anglezarke Nimrod daughter out of a Hercules sired dam, this one sold to Messrs Boden and Davies, Shropshire. Two also made the next best price of 3800gns, first to trade at this level was one of the catalogue picture girls (from inside the front cover), a Hercules daughter out of a Muiresk Heir Apparent daughter, she sold to Stephen Cobbold, Acorn Farms, Suffolk.

The other transaction at this figure came for the first of the shearling ewes. By Cowal Maverick and out of an Annan Diadem daughter she sold ton Robert Forsyth, Baltier.

And the next best call of 3500gns was also shared by two, the first of these was another of Trinidad Investment picks, a Cowal Maverick daughter out of a Tophill Joe sired dam. This was full sister to Muiresk Nearco, stud ram at Glenside. Also making this money was another going to Trinidad Investments, a Millars Outsmart daughter out of the same dam as the last.

Making 3400gns was a 2006-born ewe which sold to Stephen Cobbold. This one is by Glenside Lieutenant and out of a Hercules sired dam. Making the same money was a Tophill Joe daughter out of a Loosebeare Imp daughter, this one was born in 2007.

There were a run of other sales at 1000gns and above as evidenced by the averages - 54 ewes levelled at £1400.97, 46 shearling ewes averaged £1618.37 and 53 ewe lambs averaged a stunning £945.40 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Apologies for the lack of Beltex update, I've been taking in the flying trade for the Muiresk Texel dispersal. But, back in the Beltex Kevin and Rachel Buckle had a flying trade with their run of tups to top at 5200gns. This was for Buckles Master Beltex, this Bullshot son is out of an Airyolland Hercules sired dam and sold to Paul Slater, Cheshire.

  Also from this run at 2400gns was Buckles Morgans Spiced. He's by Beachy Kingscliff and out of a dam by The Rustler.

Just after this pen came Fegus Harbison with some good clean lined sheep. His first, byu Glenkeen Kealey sold for 3200gns, this one was out of a Van t'Korenhof dam. His second, by Rocksolid Knuckle Duster sold for 2200gns. This was out of a Carn Chum sired dam, while his third through kept the average well up, making 1900gns. This was a full brother to the last.

More to follow......

This afternoon's dispersal sale of the Muiresk flock of Texels has made a strong start with some the breed's best bloodlines attracting very strong bidding from all corners of the ring.

Leadin the way so far is a 6000gns call for a Tophill Joe daughter which is dam to Muiresk Nearco, stcok tup at Glenside. This one sold to Haywards Heath-based Trinidad Investments.

At 3800gns was a Craighead Hercules daughter out of a dam by Muiresk Heir Apparent, she goes back to one of the flock's foundation ewes, a Boghouse ewe.

Next best so far is a brace of 3400gns sales, the first of which was for a Glenside Lieutenant daughter out of a Craighead Hercules sired dam. This sold to Stephen Cobbold, Acton Hall, Suffolk. The second at this level was a Tophill Joe daughter out of a Loosebeare Imp sired dam.

At 3200gns was a Cowal Maverick daughter out of a Hercules sired dam. This one's dam's full Et sister sold for 10,000gns to Cairness and Glenho.

Then at 2500gns was a Hercules daughter out of a dam by Wartle Goliath and at 2200gns was another Hercules daughter out of a Glenside Gurka sired dam.

The dispersal of David Jane's Broadwood flock of Rouge is topping at 500gns so far for the flock's show ewe Broadwood Evita. This one, by Carscreugh Kingpin is out of Broadwood Carol and sold to Mr Redfearn.

Trade continues to be strong for the best sheep here in Carlisle with the best from Mary Dunlop's Corstane flock making 2500gns. This was Corstane Max, a Kingledores Look At Me daughter out of a Coningswick Gadfly daughter.

Then at 2000gns was the first from Elizabeth McAllister's nothern Irish entry, this was Artnagullion Montecarlo, a Ulysses son out of Artnagullion Genniel. Hes sold to Paul Slater, Cheshire. Another from this pen then traded at 4200gns. He was Artnagullion Mustang, the reserve breed champion from Balmoral Show. Again by Ulysses, this is out of Artnagullion Gennie.

At 2500gns was Artnagullion My-Boy from the same home, this is by Ulysses again and is out of the same dam as the 4200gns sheep.

Topping the trade so far here in Carlisle is the male champion from Steve Gibbons. Llwynbrain Mallet is by Black Mountain Haymaker and out of a Llwynbrain Turbo daughter. He sold to Richard Findlay, Yorkshire.

  Then at 3500gns was the best from Jock McMillan's Clary pen, this one, Clary M60 is by Clary Kaiser Chief and out of a Glebe daughter. The Clary pen continued in fine form, with another at 2200gns, this was a Viagrow son out of Clary Hip-Hop, a Headlind Ee By Gum son. This was Clary Muscle Man.

And at 2000gns was another from Clary, this time Clary M59. This is a full twin to the 3500gns sheep.

Earlier at 2500gns was the top priced aged ram Cookstown Leo 7 from John and Heather Barclay. Bred by Jim Elliot, this is by Cookstown James and out of Cookstown Jane, an Elbert daughter. He sold to the Pamplin family, Northamptonshire.

Besides these select few there's been little trade above the 1000gns mark and the while the commercial men are definitely paying 500gns plus, they're not pushing the boundaries as they have in past years and are being selective in what they buy.

Top spot in the pre-sale show of Beltex yesterday went to the female champion,  a shearling ewe from Andy and Becky Bishop, Glos. This ewe, which had been the flock's show ewe this season is by Luggsmill Jethro and out of Bishops Kelly, a Bishopton Hamish daughter. She later sold for the top female price of the sale, 2900gns.

Next best call in the females was a 2200gns sale for Beachy Madonna from John and Heather Barclay. This one is by the good breeding sire Clary Kaiser Chief and out of Beachy Klassic, a Clary Hope daughter.

Then at 2000gns was one from Allan Jackson, Headlind Maria. She's by Belgian sire Phenomenal V/H Groetenhof and out of a Southolm dam which cost £2200.

A brace sold at 1800gns, the first again from Allan Jackson was Headlind Maxi, another daughter of the Belgian sire. The second at this level was another Kaiser Chief daughter from the Beachy flock, this one was out of Beachy Just Perfect.

Following the strong trade at Quoybrae and Dingwall earlier in the week yesterday's sale at United Auction's Lairg centre lived up to expectations and went beyond the hopes of many vendors when the averages for both wether lambs and ewe lambs shot up.

The 7568 wethers sold levelled the day at £50.73, up a dramatic £17.73 on the year, while the 4336 ewe lambs traded averaged £59.57, an atonishing £24.61 lift on last year's prices.

Topping the wether lambs on offer was D A Henderson at £59.50, while the same vendor led the ewe lambs too with a £100 bid.

Overall reports suggest the lambs were in cracking order and an increased demand for Lairg type NCCs. One thing is for certain and that is that the hoggett trade after Christmas is going to have to be as strong as it was this year to allow everyone who bought lambs yesterday to earn the money out them and return to the ring again next year. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee of that and it must be remembered how much bearing the currency markets had on prices earlier in the year.

Yesterday's dispersal sale of the Ashpettal herd of Holsteins for J P Hall, East Heddon, hit a peak of 1900gns at Carlisle for Ashpettal Augustus Madrigal, an Overside Augustus daughter out of  a Lavenham dam. This young cow had given 3618 litres in the first 99 days of her first lactation. She sold to S J Ogden, Penrith.

Then at 1700gns was Ashpettal Meadowland Lily. Out of Moet Lily Golden and by Eastview Meadowlord, this one calved in October last year and sold having been AI'd to Shottle, buying this one was M J Wilson, Wigton.

Close behind her at 1650gns was Ashpettal Melody Madrigal, by homebred sire Ashpettal Golden Melody, this one was born in April 2007 and had been due to calve before the sale. She was out of the same dam as the top priced lot and sold to A W Dixon, West Heddon Farm.

Selling at 1620gns was a Carp-Pyr Basar Brad daughter classified VG86 and out of an Ex93 Dixie Lee Aaron dam. She sold to A Bargh, Skelton, Penrith.

Averages; 47 cows and heifers in milk/in calf £1267.87, eight in-calf heifers £1424.06, 24 maiden heifers £949.38, 20 heifer calves £634.20 (Harrison and Hetherington).

A 100% clearance was achieved at yesterday's mid-month sale of Holsteins at Beeston, with the overall trade  tremendous for all classes of stock on offer with only the best fresh heifers trading at lower prices.
 

Nevertheless a top price of £2350 was achieved for a fresh second calf red and white cow from regular clients Jack & Barclay Taylor of Myddle. This daughter of the Dutch sire Oudkerker Reno was sold giving 42 kg and sold to Robin Langford who was the days top buyer who purchased 40 head for his herd at Tattenhall.

He also purchased the top heifer, Astonwich Trix 10, a daughter of Comestar Stormatic that was giving 35kg and consigned by David Ishmael of Wigan. A total of just 11 animals sold for £2000 or more and these included consignments form Mark Bowden, E V and B Boughey and Alan Outram.

Several herds use the Mid Month as a vehicle to disperse their herd as they calve and these include Hague Partners of Stanthorne who are selling their Danevale Herd. Their top price was £2050 for a fresh third calver sired by Moet Strongman. Father and son team John and David Astbury of Church Minshull, Nantwich are also selling their non pedigree non recorded herd and their top seller was a fresh second calver which realised £1900.

Young Stock were a very fast trade; in-calf heifers sold to £1720 for a daughter of Moet Breakout due in September from Alan Orme of Whitley, Warrington. Maiden heifers were on fire selling to a top of £1250 for a daughter of Clwch Kiz Ifan from J E Williams, Pwllheli. Only one heifer calf was forward and that made £320.

Averages: 134 Registered Cows and Milking Heifers £1426.94; 98 Unregistered Cows and Milking Heifers £1398.29; 67 Unregistered Dispersal Cows (All year round calving) £1001.79. four unregistered In-calf Heifers £1422.50; 46 Registered Maid Heifers £912.39; six Unregistered Maiden Heifers £846.67. one unregistered Heifer Calf £320 (Wright Manley). 
 

Reared calves hit a high of £418 at Bakewell this week with a Limousin bull calf from Springfield Farm, Ambergate, leading the sale. Close behind was another 2.5 month old Limousin at £400.

In the rearing calf the top call was a £322 bid for a five week old British Blue sired bull calf from B D Hudson, Ipstones. Other Blues were £300 and £298 from J Shardlow, Shirland. (Bagshaws).

Dingwall and Highland Marts report a strong trade at yesterday's sale of store lambs at Dingwall, with the overall average up some £15 on the year.

Topping the Cheviot wether lambs at £64 was a single lamb from 27 Portgower, Helmsdale, these averaged £47.54 for the 4489 sold. The Cheviot ewe lambs were, meanwhile, led by a pen of 15 at £69 from 91/92 Achviach, Dornoch, 2466 sold levelled at £45.76.

In the crosses the Texel crosses averaged £51.02 for 781 sold, up £16.60 on the year and Suffolk crosses averaged £49.15 for 225 sold.

The auctioneers said sellers were more than happy with the increased trade which was a reflection of the quality of the lambs on sale which were shown in excellent bloom.

As I mentioned last week, this Friday is a bumper day for sheep sales at Carlisle and finding myself with a brief few spare minutes earlier today I've had a quick look through the catalogues for the massive Beltex sale of 988 head and the Muiresk dispersal.

First here are my thoughts on the Beltex catalogue; overall there's a wealth of quality stock on offer and none less so than in the females, indeed the first lot in the ring from the McNeills looks promising, being by Belgian sire The Rustler and out of a Belgian dam too, she is ET bred and was champion at Armagh earlier this year. Also worth a look maybe Mary Dunlop's last lot, a daughter of Viagrow out of a homebred dam.

Always worth a look is Gavin Shanks' pen and this year he's a couple of daughters of noted sire Clary King-Pin out of dams by Ulysses. And Allan Jackson has one of interest too, a daughter of last year's 5000gns sire Headlind Lackey out of a Belgian dam. I liked Lackey a lot last year, so I'll be intrigued to see her.

Sticking with Ulysses is Elizabeth McAllister's entry from her Artnagullion flock. With a stack of ET bred Ulysses daughters out of Artnagullion Genniel this pen is sure to sell well, one was first prize ewe lamb at Balmoral last year, while a full sister from the flush was champion there this year and a full brother was reserve there too.

John and Heather Barclay's Beachy flock also has one worth a look, the first prize shearling ewe and reserve female champion at the Highland this year. She's by Kaiser Chief and out of Beachy Just Perfect. And continuing the Highland theme is Jock McMillan with last year's Highland first prize ewe lamb, another Kaiser Chief daughter.

Switching to the males the shearlings make for good reading and Jock has a good run here too, notably with a string of Kaiser Chief sons. And Mary Dunlop's first look's fair too, being the second prize shearling from the Highland. He's by Broughton Lachman and carries an index of 238 and a gigot score of 37.5. The Artnagullion pen contains a stack more from the same ET flush as the females, including the reserve breed champion from Balmoral.

Also from Northern Ireland is Fergus Harbinson's entry and his first is the reserve male champion from Balmoral, a Glenkeen Kealey daughter.

Last year's top price female came from the Airyolland pen and I'm certain their pen of shearling tups this year will offer every bit as much promise. Of particular note is Airyolland Maximus, a Kingsize son he has the highest recorded gigot score in the breed CT scanning this year. And just two lots later is an Airyolland Liberty son with the highest eye muscle score too. Anyone wanting proven muscle knows where to look!

Back to Mary Dunlop's entry for the next and another Kingsize son stands out being out of the 2004 Highland champion and having an index of 215.

I'm also intrigued to see what the lambs by last year's sale topper Ardstewart Lord Almighty are like and Peter Kenyon has three forward which will no doubt attract interest. And Doreen Mair has a run by the same sire too, including some from Belgian dams. Late in the sale is Steve Gibbons' entry, including this year's Royal Welsh breed champion, he's a fair lamb worth a peak in my mind.

So, that's pretty much my thoughts, now no doubt I've missed something from the catalogue and of course I've not seen the stock on offer. Any other thoughts on what I've missed?

Store cattle trade has pushed on again this week, with a top price at Lockerbie of £1100 for a British Blue cross steer from Messrs Ewart of Bellridding. Top price/kg in the bullocks was a 196.1p/kg sale for Charolais from Messrs Watson, Rowanburnfoot.

Leading the heifers was a Charolais from Messrs Goldie, Greenfield, with the same vendor selling for the top price/kg too at 193.7p/kg.

Saturday's sale of the Brodyr flock of Suffolks for Bleddyn and George Evans, Plas Llewelyn, Dolwen, at Beeston Castle, saw trade top at 2600gns for a shearling ewes by Plasllewelyn Phoenix out of a dam by 20,000gns sire Stockton Sledgehammer. This one sold to Mike Davies and Sons for their Safaddan flock, Llangorse, Brecon.

Next best call was a 1500gns bid for the top ewe lamb of the sale, this one being a ET bred lamb out by Sledgehammer and out of a Stockton ewe by Glenho Galyva. She sold to Messrs Irwin for the Kings flock, Devon. And a maternal sister to this one also sold well, making 1100gns to Jimmy Douglas, Cairness, Aberdeenshire. This one was by Plasllewelyn Sir Percy.

And Mr Douglas went to the same money to secure the top priced ewe of the sale, a one crop daughter of Plasllewelyn Pittsburgh which is out of a dam by 28,000gns sire Stockton Sentinel II. At the same value was a shearling ewe by Sir Percy and out of a Sledgehammer sired dam, she sold to Michael Waycott, Ashburton, Devon.

At 1050gns was a two crop Sentinel II daughter which sold to John Laing, the new owner of the Flodden flock. And another at this money was a Monkton Maximus daughter out of a Sentinal II ewe which sold to Viv Samuel, Hereford, for his Monkton flock. Mr Douglas was back in spending mood again to take the only other lot to break four figures when he bought another ewe lamb by Pittsburgh.

On the same day the market saw a sale of rams for the Midland and Eastern Area Branch of the Suffolk Sheep Society where trade topped at £580gns for a lamb from Steve Buckley's Sitlow flock. His entry, by Didcot Dynamic sold to M E and D O Jones, Caerwys, North Wales. Second best was one from Merrick and Julie Penny, Northampton. This Baileys Kauto son sold to Sephanie Birch, Stafford at 500gns. And at 400gns was another from Mr Buckley, this time a Muiresk Adrenaline son which sold to S J Bargh of Lancaster.

Averages; Brodyr flock 27 flock ewes £434.78; 21 shearling ewes £599, 23 ewe lambs £440.09, two shearling rams £378; 13 ram lambs £243.12.

Midland and Eastern Area sale £392.32 (Wright Manley).

The Northern Bank/Aberdeen Angus Herds Competition results are hot off the press, with judge Hamish Sclater describing the entry as "simply outstanding right across the board." 

There was stiff competition in all of the categories for members in the Northern Irish Club, and in particular the Large Herds section, which was won by the Woodvale prefix of Alywn and Carol Armour, Dromara. This herd is no stranger to success having won this award in previous years, and having scooped a Supreme Championship at a recent Perth Bull Sale. 

Travelling from Denhead of Dunlugas, Turriff, to place the herds was Mr Clater said; "When judging this competition I was looking for uniformity throughout a herd, and I found this in my winner in each of the categories. The females showed without doubt that they were hard working, milky cows with the ability to rear a superior calf. What I am particularly impressed with are the strong cow families in many of the herd's I have visited."

Lifting the Medium Herd title was the Lislola prefix of Desmond Martin, Saintfield. This herd was established just three years ago, and has quickly established itself as one of the best featuring regularly at the top of the line at local shows. Ian Craig, Agricultural Banking Manager for the Northern Bank was on hand to present the award for this section to Desmond's daughters Nicola and Lisa who are very much involved with the Lislola herd and enjoy helping at shows and sales.

Hitting the headlines in the Small Herds category was the Lister herd of Bob and Florence Campbell, Seaforde. The Campbell's have a lifetime of experience when it comes to Angus cattle, and have sold many females as foundations for new herds.

Margaret Buchanan's Sess herd based in Augher, Co Tyrone, enjoyed a remarkable evening laying claim to an array of awards during the prize-giving held at Temple Golf Club.

The highly sought after "Best Cow Family" award was presented to Margaret for her outstanding Erica family, from which her entire herd comprises. She also picked up the Richhill trophy for the "Best Calf" with her May '09 "Sess Escape". The final award for the Sess herd was 3rd place in the Medium Herd section.

The coveted award for "Best Stock Bull" was presented to Jim and May Jack, Strule, who received many favourable comments from the judge for their herd sire "Lana Black Transformer".

Last Friday's Thame Sheep Fair recorded a flying and at times fierce trade for all types, with auctioneer Rob Lea of Thame Farmers Mart reporting averages up in all sections and all vendors largely happy with the prices achieved. "On the whole everything sold well with several notable prices. There were several new buyers present, particularly those from further afield and sheep were sold on the day as far away as Anglesey, Devon and County Durham.

"Several people said they were keen to buy all their replacements in one place and with 19,000 sheep on offer Thame allowed them to do that. There is a reported shortage of breeding ewes available this autumn and that, coupled with the strong prime lamb earlier in the year, has contributed to people being willing to bid strongly and source replacements early this year.

"However, trade wasn't stupidly high and there were pleny of opportunities for everyone to buy what they wanted.

"Among the store lambs on offer there were several runs of smaller lambs and while the overall average of £44 is a shade back on some other centres for the lambs sold it looked a firm, and at times, dear trade."

Shearling ewes topped at £305 for a single Beltex cross ewe, with this breed enjoying the best of the day's trade to level at £136 for 255 sold. Top priced pen of Beltex crosses was £158 for Richard Gaynes.

In the Mules the best call was a £122 bid again for Richard Gaynes' entry, with the entire run of 7698 Mule shearlings averaging a healthy £95 on the day, up a healthy £15 on last year's sale. Charollais cross shearlings, meanwhile, topped at £128 and averaged £94. Mr Gaynes topped the trade here as well.

A total of 887 Texel cross shearlings were traded on the day with the top call being a £180 sale for a pen from Messrs J and P Honour. Overall average for the Texel crosses was £109.

Suffolk cross shearlings out of non-Mule ewes sold to a peak of £118, while the 634 traded levelled at £109.50. Topping the trade here was Messrs Sparsholt Manor Farms. The Suffolk cross Mule shearlings topped at £148 for a pen from Eddie Bulman, with a total of 2811 averaging £113.50, up some £22.20 on the year.

Scotch halfbred shearlings were led at £125 for a pen from Garfield Stephens, with the entry achieving an overall average of £109.50. Lleyn crosses topped at £120 and averaged £96.50, with Cheviot crosses hitting a £125 peak and averaging £111.50 for 131 sold.

In the ewe lambs the top call of £80 went to Ben Humphreys with Suffolk crosses and the 612 ewe lambs forward sold to average £69. Store lambs sold to a top price of £59 for Manydowne Estates and levelled the day at £44 for 2367 sold.

Older ewes also enjoyed a flying trade, selling to a peak of £109/head and with 1175 averaging £79/head. Top here were Suffolk cross ewes from R Randall and Son.

Across in the rams the top call was a £700 call for a Suffolk ram lamb from Merrick and Julie Pinny, with their run of eight ram lambs selling to average £503. Texels peaked at £435 for one from Messrs Warnock, Dover, and Dutch Texels from the same home hit a peak of £324. Leading the Charollais tups on offer were John and Carol Maxwell, Fordham, at £432.

Mr Lea reports entries for the second sale on 4 September are coming in well, with in excess of 2000 entered to date, including more than 400 ewe lambs. (Thame Farmers Mart).

Aberdeen and Northern Marts' sale of store lambs at Quoybrae yesterday saw the overall sale average jump a more than healthy £12.51 on the year to level at £43.75 for more than 2900 sold.

We wait to see what the larger sales this week at Dingwall and Lairg will achieve, but on the the back of this there is every reason to be optimistic that buyers will dig equally as deep for those on offer.

Yesterday saw ewe lambs level at £41.42, weather lambs averaged £42.65 and crossbred lambs levelled at £51.03. Of interest is the difference between the ewe and wether lamb price, possibly an indication of less confidence in the long-term prospects for the sheep industry?

Store lambs met a flying demand at Saturday's Tenbury Sheep Fair, with the 1822 lambs on offer selling to a top of £64.50 and levelling at £51.80 across the board.

Topping the sale were Berrichon cross strong stores, while the first prize pen of Suffolk sired lambs from M S, J D and N J Ward, Eastham, realised £58.50. The second prize pen from the same home made £58.20 and the third prize pen from High Oak Farming, Heightington, sold for £55.80.

First prize in the Continental crosses went to W R and M R Preece and Son, Pesteigne, these sold for £53. Second place were E W and S E Morgan, Little Hereford, which sold for £55, while in third was J W Merrick, Leysters, with a pen which realised £49.50.

A limited entry of breeding ewes sold to a top of £99 for three and four lamb Suffolk x Mule ewes. Suffolk cross shearlings, meanwhile, sold for £96.

Following its launch last year this year's East of England Winter Stock Festival is expanded its remit, with a two day event planned for November 13 and 14.

As last year the event will feature a mix of commercial and pedigree cattle classes, with entries for the commercial section hopefully coming from as far afield as last year, says livestock manager Kerry Buttriss. "We are adding extra classes this year, inclucing separate classes for heifers and steers by British Blue and Limousin bulls, classes will also be split by weight and the highly successful baby beef classes will return too."

Tasked with picking the winners in all the commercial classes is Stuart Clatworthy, Somerset, while the pedigree classes for Aberdeen-Angus and Beef Shorthorns will be placed by Willie McLaren jnr, Netherton, Perthshire. Norman Smith, Suffolk, will be in charge of the Charolais classes and judges for the remaining sections have yet to be announced. Selling duties will once again fall to Paul Gentry of Newark Livestock Market. Schedules for the event are available from the organisers - 01733 234451 or email kbuttriss@eastofengland.org.uk

Friday's sale of Ile De France sheep at Dungannon attracted a strong demand, according to the Northern Irish Breeders club.

Top price on the day was a 500gns call for the champion from the pre-sale show, a shearling tup by Turnaleary Dollar from Trevor Boyd. Taking this one home was William Hutchinson, Kilkenny, the judge from this year's Balmoral Show.

Also at this money was the females and reserve overall champion from the pre-sale show,  a shearling ewe from David Mulligan's Glenhoy flock. This one is by the breed's highest indexed sire Glenhoy Conqueror.

Mr Boyd then topped the ram lambs too, with a 420gns sale for the first prize lamb from the pre-sale show. By Glenhoy His Highness, this one joined Messrs Porter and Hyndman's Sperrinview flock.

All eyes in the commercial show cattle world will be on Thainestone on September 2 when this year's Thainestone Spectacular show and sale of show potential beasts takes place.

With stock traditionally coming forward from across Scotland and buyers from across the UK normally in attendance there will be plenty of buzz about the place.

And to reflect the changes in breeding herds across the country the show classes have been split with haltered sections divided according to age.

Tasked with selecting this year's champions are some of the leading lights of the commercial cattle world, with Wendy Hunter taking on the steers and Elgin Jones tackling the heifer section. In a bid to help further afield buyers ANM is encouraging vendors to supply pictures of cattle forward which will then be displayed on the ANM website prior to the sale.

Saturday's production sale at Worcester from the Burry Texel flock for Messrs Austin, Gower, hit a peak of 2100gns for a three year old Glenside ewe by Castlecairn L A Lover which sold back to her breeder, John Forsyth, Maybole, Ayrshire.

Next best call of 1500gns went for another bred at Glenside, a two year old daughter of Baileys Money Maker which was knocked down to D P Davies and Sons, Uffington, Shrewsbury.

And Glenside breeding was also behind the third top call when a two year old ewe by Muiresk Forever sold to E R Pritchard, Craven Arms, Shropshire. Mr Pritchard also took the top priced ewe lamb at 300gns. This was a daughter of Logie Durno Odds-On.

Top priced ram lamb on the day was a 540gns sale for a lamb by Millars Olympian out of a Claybury Millreef daughter which sold to M H Reed, Umberleigh, Devon.

Averages; 48 breeding ewes £457.41, 14 shearling ewes £255.75, 10 ewe lambs £191.10, seven shearling rams £283.50, four ram lambs £304.50 (McCartneys).

Well, with the two main Suffolk sales of the season already done and dusted and a raft of other breeds already having their main sales its safe to say the sheep sales season is in full swing.

And the next seven days sees a plethora of stock going under the hammer across the country, starting with something approaching 17,500 commercial breeding ewes and store lambs being offered tomorrow at Thame. I'll be there for some of the day, so will bring you a report sometime in the next few days.

Then next Friday Carlisle opens its pedigree sheep account for the year for a bumper day of sales with 988 Beltex on offer alongside 150 Suffolks, 99 Bleu du Maine and Millenium Bleus, 92 Rouge a handful of Vendeen and possibly the most anticipated Texel dispersal of recent years, the Muiresk sale.

Its set to be a busy few days for the Harrison and Hetherington team with that lot to sort and sell and to keep you up to date with all the action Taking Stock will be in residence for the sale day.

All the catalogues make for interesting reading, but the Muiresk dispersal is sure to draw a crowd and no doubt the buyers too, with daughters of some of the breed's leading names being offered on the day, including a good number by Tophill Joe. Many also go back to some of the breed's former greats too, including Muiresk Forever, Loosebeare Imp and Douganhill Jermonimo.

A Jacob centre record was set at Worcester this week when the champion from the pre-sale, a shearling ewe from D J Price's Pentrenant flock sold for 960gns. This one, Pentrenant Ruby sold to H Ballie, Carluke, Lanark.

Elsewhere among the females on offer the top priced ewe lamb was one from Steven Dodsworth's Overdale flock which sold at 400gns to R Stevenson, Cumbria. Second prize in the shearling ewe class went to Messrs Connor and Dalrymple and this one sold at 370gns to R Stevenson, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

Topping the males was the first prize ram lamb Celtic Cerrig Du who also took the male championship and reserve supreme champion. He was sold jointly to Messrs Simmonds and Thompson for 500gns. This Dalewode oliver son, a horned ram lamb out of a home bred Celtic ewe by the renowned Owlscote Barrie was bred by Arwel Jones of Llanfynydd Carmarthen, and had previously won his class at Carmarthenshire County Show and part of the Reserve Group at the Royal Welsh.

Next best was a ram lamb from H Ballie's Hyndshaw flock. Her entry, Hyndshaw Rory sold at 470gns to J Shinner, Buckfastleigh, Devon.

Averages; four flock ewes £116.81, 13 shearling ewes £270.98, 28 ewe lambs £154.88, nine rams £197.17, 15 ram lambs £194.60 (McCartneys).

Today's sale of Suffolks at Skipton on behalf of the Northern Counties of England Branch of the Suffolk Sheep Society has peaked at 540gns for the pre-sale show champion from Steven and Louise Buckley's Sitlow flock, Derbyshire.

Their sale leader is a Muiresk Adrenaline sired lamb out of a dam by Perrinpit High Peak. Buying this one was W S Hartle, West Burton, Leyburn.

Next best at 500gns was the reserve champion from the pre-sale show a Hayfield Hesston son from Ian Park, Tyneview. This is out of a Kings Captive-sired dam.

Also at this money was another from the Buckleys, bred from similar lines, also being an Adrenaline son out a High Peak-sired dam, this one was snapped up by R C Robinson, Pannal, Harrogate.

Two then sold at 480gns was one from R C Burnistone and R S Rouse, Ellenthorpe, Boroughbridge. By Whitestone Warrior, their pen topper also sold to Anderson Farms. Also making this figure was a Sitlow Centurion son from John Laing, the new owner of Jonathan Hayward's Flodden flock. This one was also taken by Anderson Farms.

And a trio of entries sold at 470gns the first of which was another from Mr Park, this time a Glenhead Glenlivet which sold to ruth Watson, Cockermouth. Second at this level was one from Mr Laing. This Conveth Kolossos son was purchased by S Walmsley and Partners, Haverah Park, Harrogate.

The final 470gns sale came for the best of the day from John Key, Stocksbridge, Sheffield. His Tomcroft Original son was bought by Margaret Petherbridge, Chipping, Preston.

Topping the females on offer was a 320gns call for Glynis and Jane Soulsby's shearling ewe from their Williamsgill flock, Penrith. This one is by Williamsgill Prince Harry and out of a Cairness Jay Dee-sired dam. She sold to Richard Close, Starbotton.

Averages; ram lambs £411.25, shearling ewes £197.75, £191.63 (Craven Cattle Marts).

A remarkable trade for strong, well bred commercial Holsteins ready to go away and milk met a flying trade yesterday, reports Derek Biss of Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

Topping the sale at a healthy 4100gns was a third calver by Dinnaton Field Day which gave 12,300kg in her second lactation and, having calved in March, was giving 49.2kg a day. A further four lots sold for more than 3000gns, with a June calved second calver making 3500gns having given more than 10,000kg in her heifer lactation.

In calf heifers sold to a top call of 1750gns for daughters of Aquila Patron Lucente and Fustead Emory Blitz.

Despite falling milk prices the trade was remarkable and probably the best commercial trade we've seen in this part of the country since 1993, said Mr Biss. "There is clearly a shortage of good quality heavy milking cows in the system and this has not been undermined by the influx of large numbers of imported heifers to the region."

Averages; 261 cows £1376.22, two calved heifers £1863.75, 17 in-calf heifers £1689.88 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt).

Yesterday's dispersal of the Croftlands Jersey herd on behalf of Messrs Hughes saw trade hit a peak of 2500gns for the 107 head on offer under the gavel of Glyn Lucas, Harrison and Hetherington.

Leading the trade was Croftlands Explosion Leanne, a November 2006-born first calver by Grayside Explosion and out of Danish CI Cameron Dijhb. She sold to H Buchannan and Son, Ballantrae, Girvan, having been AI'd to Senn-Sational Paramount Ace in January.

Next best at 2300gns was Croftlands Sultan Ribena, a May 2007-born heifer which calved for the first time on 2 July. By SHF Centurion Sultan and out of Gaddesden Ribena 2, she was sold with a PLI of +76 to J Duckworth, Kilmaurs, Kilmarnock.

At 1900 was a maternal sister to the dearest lot of the day, Croftlands Zeebar July. This July 2005-born second calver is by Shellen Zeebar and sold having calved in June to J and I Watson and Son, Moorhouse Farm, Wigton.

Mr Duckworth was back in spending mood to secure the next at 1620gns. His pick second pick was Croftlands Zeebars Susan. This March 2006-born entry is by Shellen Zeebar and out of Croftlands Hots Susan and sold having been AI'd in October to Wilderness Blueprint.

And at 1550gns was Croftlands Escalade Fern, a March 2005-born daughter of Ferreira Mannix Escalade. This one is out of Danish CI Fern  Dijhb and sold having calved in June to R V Mandale and Son, Raughton Head, Carlisle.

A brace then sold at 1500gns with both going home with J E Gorst, Warwick Bridge, Carlisle. The first at this money was Croftlands Berlest Gwen, a March 2004-born daughter of Kaarmona Berlest which calved in April.

She's out of Danish CI Gwen Dijhb and a Danish dam was behind the other at this level too, Croftlands Berlests Linda. Again by Kaarmona Berlest, she was born in March 20055 and calved in May this year.

Averages; 46 cows £1089.03, 39 heifers £942.58, 27 heifer calves £394.33 (Harrison and Hetherigton).

Taking top honours in this month's show of prime cattle at Skipton was Jimmy Baines with a Bazadaise cross heifer. This one tipped the scales at 525kg at 12 months old and later sold for 212.5p/kg (£1115) to Kendall's Farm Butchers, Harrogate.

Reserve spot also went to Mr Baines, this time for a 475kg Limousin cross. This one made 187.5p/kg (£890) and also sold to the same purchasers.

Leading the way in the prime lambs was Robert Fielden, Todmorten, with a pen of five 42kg Texel x Beltex. These were sold at £79 apiece, also to Kendall's Farm Butchers. Reserve champion was Frankland Farms, Rathmell, with their 41kg entries which were sold for £68/head.

Across in the dairy ring the championship went to David Lawson, Arthington, Otley, with his fresh calved Holstein cow. This sold for £1900 to Frank Wrathall, Gisburn.  But top price here was reserved for the second prize fresh calved heifer from R A and H E Simpson, Oulston, York. At £1960 was the reserve champion, a fresh calved heifer from R and C R Mitchell and Son, Oakworth, which sold to Wick Williams, Nantwich.

The first sale of store lambs of the season at Maidstone last Thursday saw averages rise by a sharp £10.58 on the year to see the 1170 sold level at £42.87. Top price of the day was a £51.50 call for Ile de France crosses from E W Cheesman and Son, Horsmonden, with Texel crosses from S Bartlett, Laddingford making £51.

Taking the prize for the best pen of 50 lambs was Tim Beasley, Cranbrook, whose Texel crosses made £46.80. Suffolk crosses topped at £48.80.

Championship honours at the Scottish and Northern Charolais Breeders' national show last weekend went to Murray Lyle's junior bull Lamerpark Champion. This Weybread Archie son is out of a cow going back to Balthayock Matthew and had previously stood reserve male and junior interbreed champion at the Royal Highland Show.

One of this season's most successful Herefords, senior bull Westwood Advancer, triumphed at the national Hereford show at Tenbury Show last weekend under judge William Haire, Northern Ireland. Brought out by joint owners, Clive Davies and Messrs Spooner, Advancer was bred by Mr Davies and is by Westwood Uplifter.

Reserve overall and junior male championship honours went to Binnegar Winston from A Gilson and A Hughes, Devon. He's by New Zealand sire Injemira Advance and out of Llancillo Hall Beauty 11.

Female champion on the day was Mara Blossom 31 from L Jackson, Hertfordshire. This one was bred by R and M Borwick of Northamptonshire.

The buoyancy of the prime lamb market so far this year generated keen bidding at the NSA's early ram sale at Builth Wells.

George Hughes, chairman of the sale committee, said that after two decades the event had become well established as "the place to buy" top quality tups for early lambing flocks.

A total of 423 of the 504 rams forward sold for a total of £188,937, and a 1950gns top price was paid for Slapton Ollie, an Ettrick Major League sired Texel shearling.

The tremendously long bodied ram was bred by Rob and Barbara Smith at Slapton Manor, Towcester in Northamptonshire. They started with only three pedigree Texels in 1979 and now run a flock of 150.

Mrs Smith said the tup epitomised their breeding aims - length, a well shaped gigot and good skin. Buyer David Tomlinson said he picked the lamb from the catalogue before the sale and his hunch was proved correct by what he saw on sale day.

The sale topping ram will be used on the 10 pedigree Texel ewes he runs at Frodsham in Cheshire.

Overall Texel shearling rams sold to £1000gns and averaged £507.86, compared with £360.04 in 2008. The one aged ram sold made 620gns.

Bill Quick and his family from Crediton in Devon, who were also selling Charollais rams, showed the champion Texel, Loosebeare Knight Rider sired Loosebeare Och-Aye, which was knocked down to Talybont-on-Usk breeder Glasnant Morgan for 1000gns.

The outstanding tup was one of three Quick Texel shearlings that sold for 1000gns.

Mr Morgan, a former British Grassland Society Award winner, felt that the ram had the sort of conformation needed to help him meet the Waitrose prime lamb specification.

A strong entry of 168 Charollais rams produced some brisk bidding and 153 were sold. A top price of 1150 gns was paid for an entry from Tim Pritchard's Castellau flock at Llantrisant in Glamorgan.

December 2007 born Castellau Ironside was sired by the phenomenal Galtres Dominator, which sired Mr Prichard's breed champions at the Royal Welsh Show in 2006, 2007 and 2009. He was bought by Frank Gwilliam from Clun in Shropshire, who said he liked the ram's presence, conformation and breeding.

The average Charollais shearling ram price was £74.35 up at £480.90, while 51 ram lambs levelled at £372.25, or £13.74 higher than in 2008. A Meikleson Impression sired Suffolk shearling ram topped the breed when it changed hands for 1300gns.

He was bred by Gary Owen, who runs only 18 pedigree ewes at Newborough in Anglesey, using semen bought from Scotland when Mr Owen saw the sire's progeny selling well.

"We really like his conformation and colouring, and he has also thrown some very nice ewe lambs for us," Mr Owen said.

The ram was auctioned as part of a Suffolk western area club sale of 32 MV accredited males run in parallel with trading of 69 other Suffolks. In total 97 head sold for £48,835.50.  

Four Hampshire rams averaged £372.75,  22 Beltex shearlings levelled at £423.71 and 17 Beltex at £423.7. A trial of a Kelso style tup taxi service to move rams to buyers' trailers worked well.

Primestock prices saw rises across the board at St Boswells yesterday with the 54 steers on offer levelling the day at 174p/kg, up 5.8p/kg on the week and 28 heifers averaging 174.4p/kg up 7.7p/kg on a week ago.

Topping the steers was one from Chapelhill, Peebles, which made 194p/kg, while heifers hit a top of 201p/kg for an entry from Bee Edge.

Across in the lambs the top price/head was a healthy £80/head for Texels from A R Bell, Kirkton, Hawick, while the top price/kg was a 165p/kg bid for Beltex from A and P Glennie, Threeburnford.

Cull ewes remained strong, selling to a top of £103/head for Suffolks from R g Laing and Sons, Oxmuir.

The inaugural sale of rams at Rugby Farmers Market, Stoneleigh Park, on Friday saw rams meet a ready demand from buyers keen to source sires for their early lambing flocks.

Strong demand for Charollais sires dominated the day with the sale topping at 460gns for one form Alan Thomas, Kimcote, Leicestershire. A pen of the same breed from the Gregory family levelled at £430.50 and the entire entry of Charollais averaged £374.50.

Leading the Suffolks on offer was D S Sault, Staffordshire, with a 400gns sale and the breed levelled at £338.10. Merrick and Julie Pinny topped the Texels, selling to 400gns on a trade that saw the breed average £312.75. (Rugby Farmers Mart).

The premier Southdown sale at Maidstone on Saturday saw stock sold to buyers from across the country who were keen to secure the breed's leading bloodlines and tellingly it was these well travelled buyers, many of them commercial producers who bid strongest.

Leading the trade at 590gns was the best sale of the day from my own Chaileybrook flock, a shearling ram which had stood reserve male champion at this year's Royal Show. This one is by a homebred sire, Chaileybrook 07/0019 -  a son of out imported French sire, TC4028 - and out of a ewe by the same sire. He sold to Kevin Hawes, Hartfield, for his Nightingale Farm flock.

Selling at 580gns was the best of the day from Messrs Whitcombe's Southern Cross flock, Churt, Surrey. This one by East Dean Guardsman 05/0271 and out of a homebred ewe sold for commercial use.

At 560gns was another from the Chaileybrook and another by the same sire. Also out of a TC4028 daughter this one sold to Harry Emslie, Peterhead, Aberdeen, for use in his commercial flock.

Champion from the pre-sale show was yet another from Chaileybrook, this time a son of TC4028 himself and out of a homebred ewe by East Dean Z30. This one sold at 420gns to commercial farmer Mr Coulter, Biggar, Lanarkshire, who is establishing a nucleus purebred flock as well.

Among the ram lambs on offer it was again a Chaileybrook animal which topped the sale, with a March-born son of Southern Cross 07/0013 out of a TC4028 daughter, which was full sister to this year's South of England Show female champion, making 300gns when selling to Gail Sprake for her All Saints flock, Suffolk. A full brother to the pre-sale champion then sold at 200gns to an Oxfordshire buyer for his pedigree flock.

Then among the females the fine form of the Chaileybrook offering continued, with a shearling ewe by Chaileybrook 07/0019 and out of a dam by TC4028 making the day's top female price of 340gns when selling to Messrs Bulmer, Malton, North Yorkshire.

The pre-sale female champion and reserve overall champion was a shearling ewe from Messrs Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer's Ridings flock. This one, by Chaileybrook 06/0007 and out of a homebred ewe sold at 250gns to Mo Williams, Derbyshire.

And the top call in the aged ewes was another from Chaileybrook, this time the dam of the top-priced shearling ewe which sold for 170gns to Mr Coulter, Biggar.

Leading the ewe lambs was the the pick of a strong pen from Messrs Whitcombe's Southern Cross flock. This one also sold to Mr Coulter at 180gns. Next best call here of 150gns was shared by two. The first was the pre-sale reserve female champion from the Whitcombes. This was a Southern Pastures 44/91 daughter out of a homebred ewe which sold to Jim Cresswell, Suffolk. The other at this money was again from Chaileybrook, this time a TC4028 daughter out of Chaileybrook A2, this sold to Mr Coulter.

Averages; seven older ewes £93.45, 18 shearling ewes £165.90, 11 ewe lambs £116.55, 13 shearling rams £433.65, four ram lambs £189 (Lambert and Foster).

Top price at last week's sale of Holsteins on behalf of the Western Holstein Club at Beeston Market, was a 2900gns call for the last milking heifer in the sale, Loukat blitz Pansy from C Craig, Goostrey. This Fustead Emory Blitz daughter is out of a Raider daughter and sold to Graham Bell, Ridley, on behalf of Livestock Supplies, Farndon.

Next best at 2500gns was a Talent daughter from Ivygrove Holsteins. This was Shavington Talent Pattern which sold to T C Alderson and Son, Northallerton, North Yorks. And the same buyers paid the nexxt best price of 2450gns for an Aaron daughter from A R and J Stafford. This was Saxelby Piaaron Patricia 4. Then at 2400gns they also bought another from the Staffford family, Saxelby Piallen Spottie, an Allen daughter.

Also at 2400gns was Bassingthorpe Drake Sussette 21 from Ann Harrison, Grantham, which sold to Robbie Bell, Knutsford.

Averages; 32 cows £1620.94, 105 calved heifers £1983; six in-calf heifers £1631 (Wright Manley).

Store lambs met a much improved trade at Ashford on Friday with the 3220 lambs on offer levelling the day at £43.17, up some £7 on the year.

The best crossbred stores attracted prices in the £46 to £48 bracket, medium sorts around £44 and majority of smaller long term sorts £38 to £42.

A pen of purebred Texel ewe lambs topped the market at £65 from Kingswood Farmers and meat lambs sold to £52 from B Tipples, £50 from J M & H J Stuart-Smith, £49.10 from J Seward and £48.20 from K T O Axell.

Best Texel cross stores sold well up to £47.80 from Farrant Bros, £47.50 from D Bishop & Ptnrs and £47.20 from Peter Wickham Ltd while Charollais stores made up to £47.70 and £47.50 from R G & S Hayden and Mrs J M Gregory respectively, Suffolk x Mules to made £46.50 from Little Boarzell Farms and £45.50 from A A Palmar & Son.

A few pens of Southdown Crosses topped at £46.50 from Mrs S Lister and Romney wethers sold relatively well up to £44.50 from B C Ginger.

A massive crowd ensured an exceptional trade at Carlisle Market on Friday for the early breeding sale of 1262 ewes.

Topping the trade were Texel shearlings from Messrs Walkinshaw, Arkleby House, Aspatria, with a pen of Suffolks from Messrs Fisher, Walton, Brampton, also making that figure.

Many pens of strong Suffolk and Texel ewes, regardless of age, reached the £130 mark, report the auctioneers and the entire offering levelled at £116.93.

Among the rams on offer Beltex topped the trade at £420, with Texels making up to £410 and Suffolks reaching £400.

The Major Reduction Sale of Longhorn cattle from Chris and Ceri Morgan's Cwrt Henllys herd, Cwmbran, enjoyed a keen and brisk following for all sections of the sale.

Top price levelled at 2000gns for a home bred bull 'Cwrt Henllys Secundus 2nd', a 3½ year old son of 'Mayhill Secundus' and out of 'Mayhill Christine', a 'Bulford Freddy' cow that sired the 8400gns 'Carreg Cennen', secured by R J Fuller, Ely, Cambs.

Cows and calves ere hotly contested peaking at 1700gns for 'Cwrt Henllys Fettucine', another 'Mayhill Secundus' daughter with a heifer calf at foot by 'Blackbrook Owl' being purchased by N Fuller, Woldingham, Surrey.

John Mellin the well known Texel breeder from Skipton, North Yorkshire, opened an account with the Longhorn breed and took nine purchases including 'Carreg Bonda' with heifer calf at foot and 'Cwrt Henllys Holly' also with heifer calf at foot, both at 1580gns. 

He also secured one of the joint top price maiden heifers 'Cwrt Henllys Irish Cream', a 'Blackbrook Owl' daughter at 860gns. The other maiden heifer at the same joint top price 'Cwrt Henllys Imogen', also by Blackbrook Owl' went to local breeder David Morgan Farms, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan.  David Morgan also took the top prices in calf heifer, 'Cwrt Henllys Gayle', a spring calver to 'Blackbrook Owl' at 1380gns.

Longhorn steers also enjoyed spirited demand selling to a top of £700.

Averages; 11 cows with heifer calves £1250.45, three cows with bull calves £1106.00, two Cows in calf £934.50, eight heifers in calf £1126.50, two heifers running with bull £1197.00,
 11 Maiden Heifers £806.59, one bull £2100.00 (McCartneys).

Saturday's sale of Oxford Downs at Worcester saw the 23 year old breed record smashed by the pre-sale champion, a shearling ram from James Hook. This ram, which had been reserve breed champion at Three Counties Show and reserve male champion at the Royal Welsh was described by pre-sale show judge James Eustice as the best Oxford he'd seen for some time and it took determination on his part to see off a challenge from new breeder B W Heal, Devon, to secure him at 1000gns.

But Mr Heal wasn't to be deterred from finding himself a new stock ram and at 620gns he bought the next tup through the ring, again from Mr Hook. This was a first prize winner from the Bath and West and Royal shows.

Among the females on offer it was another from Mr Hook which took the top call, a 520gns bid. This ewe lamb was bought by Tudur Jones, Anglesey, for his flock. And at 440gns was the top priced shearling ewe of the day which had been AOB champion at both Rutland and Lincolnshire Shows for Geoff Watson and Carol Grain. She also sold to Mr Heal.

Averages; eight flock ewes £301.88, nine shearling ewes £365.75, 12 ewe lambs £330.75, eight shearling rams £394.41, eight ram lambs £231.88 (McCartneys).

A top call of 62,000gns was the highlight of last Friday's sale of Suffolk tups at Edinburgh and with just four sales at 10,000gns and above it certainly wasn't the highly charged sale seen in previous year's at the venue.

Leading the sale was Jimmy Douglas' Cairness flock, Aberdeenshire, with an ET bred son of Cairness Just the Best out of a Whitestone ewe which is dam to Mr Douglas' stock sire Whitestone Warrior. This one is an ET brother to Mr Douglas' 20,000gns sale topper at the breed's Shrewsbury sale just week earlier, he sold to Iain and Judith Barbour for their Solwaybank and Ewebank flocks, respectively.

And Mr Douglas also took the next best call of the day a 20,000gns sale for a Cairness Golddust son. This one is out of a dam by Langside Lightening which is full sister to the stock tup Cairness Just The Best. He was bought by Harry Stewart, Northern Ireland, for his Castlewellan flock which is to be dispersed later this year.  Then at 12,000gns was the best from Angus Wilson, Melrose. This was a Glenhead Black Diamond son out of a dam by Glenhead Glaramara which is full sister to 5000gns Glenhead Impreza. This one sold to Robbie Wilson for his Strathisla flock. 

At 10,000gns was the champion from the pre-sale show a Strathbeg Stan The Man son out of a dam by Strathisla Kingsway which has bred sons to 15,000gns. This one was from Robbie Wilson's Strathisla flock, Turriff, Aberdeenshire and sold to the Mair family and Neil Benzie, both Aberdeenshire.

At 8000gns was the best from Eire-based breeders Tom and Jeff Bailey, a son on Cairness New Approach. This one is out a dam by Rhaeadr Rossi and goes back to Boreland Buddah on his dam's side and sold to Myfyr Evans for his Rhaedr flock, Wales.

Also at this money was Judith Barbour's top priced lamb, a son of her brother Iain's sale topper from last year, Solwaybank Special One. This one is out of a full sister to Miss Barbour's succesful show ewe from 2006, a Glenisla Grimaldi daughter which goes back to Muiresk Marci Marvellous and was taken home by Gerry Killilea, County Galway, Eire.

Following closely behind at 7500gns was another from the Bailey's pen. This Cairness Kanine son is out of a dam by Cairness Thunder which goes back to the well known sire Stockton Almighty and also goes back to a Findowrie ewe, he was also bought by Mr Evans, Rhaeadr.

A brace then sold at 7000gns, with the both coming from Robbie Wilson's Strathisla entry. First up was a Lakeview Leeroy son out of a dam by Strathisla Shirrocco which is full ET sister to the top breeding sire Strathisla Schumacherwhich and goes back to a ewe bred in the late Gordon Wilson's Glenisla flock. He was snapped up by John Christie for his West Carse flock, Stirling.   The other at this level was an ET brother to the first, with this one selling to Stuart Davies, for his Beaufort flock, Brecon. 

Ram lambs sold to a top call of 3000gns at the recent Northern Ireland Charollais Sheep Club sale at Dungannon as pedigree and commercial men fought to secure the tups on offer.

Heading the sale was Sidney Corbett with a lamb from his Drumsallagh flock by his imported French sire J17. This one sold in a two way split to Robert Gregory, Shropshire, and David Mawhinney, Newtonards.

Selling at 1900gns were Drew and Stephen Cowan with their shearling by Tullyear Egbert selling to Cumbria-based breeder Jonathan Wales. The same vendor then sold at 1350gns for another shearling by Egbert. He sold to Stewartstown-based George Hammond for his Ballymaguire flock.

Norman McCordie, Riverdale, then took the next best call of 1150gns for a triplet son of Rutland Humdinger. This one joined Jonathan O'Loan's Martinstown flock. And at just 50gns less was the pre-sale champion from William McAllister's Artnagullion flock. This one was a Loaning Foot Highlander son and sold to Edward Buckley, County Cork.

Reserve champion and next best call went to Jonathan Aiken with another Highlander son which sold to County Cork-based Jim Jeffery. A full ET brother to this one then sold at the same money to Aidan Brannagan, Newry.

Averages; 19 shearling rams £578.55, 67 ram lambs £544.95 (Dungannon Farmers Mart).