December 2009 Archives

Judged by Richard Rettie, Clackmannanshire, Scotland the Supreme and Grand Male Championship went to an 11 month old bull calf, Leos Pride 1 Ellis by RLOA R271 Dynasty, bred  and exhibited by D and B  Ellis of Wigan, Lancashire.

Fellow North of England breeders, W and R Kemp and Sons, took the Grand Female Championship with their 15 month old heifer, Auckvale Beauty 832F by Auckvale Broadside.

However, when it came to the Reserve Supreme Championship, the Judge chose the Reserve Grand Male Champion, 15 month old Dendor 1 Firkin by Dendor 1 Wolfman bred and exhibited by D E, E D and A L Jones.

The Jones family also took the Championship for the Best Pair of Bull Calves and the Reserve Championship for the Best Group of Three Calves by the same sire.

The Reserve Grand Female Championship went to T G and E I Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, with their 8 month old Glenvale 1 Acorn 321 by Bosa 1 Arnold.

The Championship Sires Group was won by M J and H M Timmis, Shraden Herefords, Baschurch, Shrewsbury, who also took the Championship for the best Pair of Heifer Calves with the Reserve going to C J and I A Braithwaite, Highfields Herefords, Bewdley, Worcestershire.

The Reserve Pair of Bull Calves were bred and exhibited by R A Bradstock and Partners, Tarrington, Herefordshire.

After a hectic day's trading here at Borderway Mart that's the end of the sale and its been one to remember with prices surpassing all expectations.

A top of 38,000gns for the pre-sale show champion was just one of the highlights which saw Smiths of Bloxham dominate the buyers list despite the presence of new breeders, including Boden and Davies and Malcolm Reid.

And with that, its pretty much all over for Taking Stock in 2009. I may have a few more updates for you early next week, but by and large that's us done for the year.

I hope you've enjoyed following our travels across the shows and sales of the UK this year and look forward to bringing you all the news in 2010, here's hoping trade in all sectors remains as strong as its been this year.....

As the embryos on offer have come under the hammer its a struggle to spot and H and H staff member without a mobile phone pressed to their ear, interest is evidently strong.

And the lot they'd been waiting for, the full sibling embryos to Wilodge Dallaglio didn't disappoint, bidding started at 5000gns and quickly shot on with new breeder Malcolm Reid one of the ringside bidders among a feast of phone bids. These four sold at 2200gns apiece for Christine Williams and Paul Tippetts. They were eventually sold to Mr Armstrong.

Then another batch of embryos from the same home, this time by Sympa and out of Wilodge Vavanelle were knocked down at 1500gns to a phone bidder.

A strong run of heifer calves from the Roberts' Hafodlas herd has met an eager trade, peaking so far at 5000gns for Hafodlas Esyllt, a Bailea Spunkie daughter out of Hafodlas Sonia.

At 3000gns was another Spunkie daughter Hafodlas Erin, out of Hafodlas Sara and at 3200gns was Hafodlas Ema, another Spunkie daughter, this time out of Hafodlas Urwen.

A couple of lots later Hafodlas Edith took a 5000gns call, She's again by Spunkie and out of Hafodlas Volly, a Saphir daughter, believed to have sold to Smiths of Bloxham ( that's 77,500gns for SOB today and counting!).

Topping the weaned calf sale so far at 5500gns is Norman Ely from Eric and Elaine Norman. this Saphir son is out Norman Betrys, a Heathmount Trojan daughter. He sold to Michael Loughran, Northern Ireland.

Just one lot earlier at 4000gns was Nebo Earl from the Thomas family. This is by Ulm and out of Fedneyhouse Tinsel, a Dauphin daughter.

Wilodge Dravenelle, a Ravennelle daughter by Cowin Anton from Christine Williams and Paul Tippetts has sold at 5000gns to Mr Annett.

Aside from that trade has slowed a little and couple of vendors have been placing somewhat overzealous reserves on their heifers.

A couple of lots later Melbreak Dazzle from James Callion was knowcked down at 8000gns. She's by Sympa and out of Ashhollow Twinkle, a Malibu daughter

Taking a 4800gns call was Ashmara Duchess, a Rocky daughter out of Brockhurst Surfina, a Brockhurst Neville daughter.

And at 3800gns was Haltcliffe Daville from the Ridleys. This is by Cloughhead Umpire and out of Sympa daughter Haltcliffe Villa.

Making 4800gns was Dinmore Ditty, a Craigatoke Apache daughter out of Kaprico Uppity,a Hawk daughter. She sold with a beef value of +33.

And then at 4500gns was Larkhill Didi from Brian McAuley. this is by Tonka and out of a Kype Spartacus sired dam. She sold to Messrs Irvine.

Following that not sold at 5800gns was Mebreak Delight from James Callion. She's a Ronick Luke daughter out of Sarkley Tarriane, a Sarkley Prentice daughter.

This year's Royal Show Limousin champion Millington Davina, by Mas Du Clo out of Brockhurst Option has just stunned a packed ringside selling for 28,000gns to Charlie Boden's Sportsman herd.

Next int he money is Pyebrook Dixey from the Matthews family. By Tunnelby Scallywag, a Hawk son, this one is out of a Greenwell Mitch daughter Ashledge Umbria. She stood second in her class and sold at 3900gns, this one was expected to sell for a bit more, rightly so!

The next from them, Pyebrook Delia, again by Scallywag, followed at 3000gns.

Messrs Griffiths' Mynach herd has injected a little life into proceedings with a 6500gns sale for Mynach Diamante after a slow patch. This is by Sable and out of Mynach Amethyst, a Sarrasin daughter. She sold to the Ironstone herd of Smitths of Bloxham.

Then being knocked down at 9500gns was Whinfellpark Daisy from Alan Jenkinson, by Ultimatum its not clear yet if this one was sold or not, but DT dropped the hammer to HTM.

Another from the Jerman family, Glangwden Calex, has just sold well on strong run of form for the herd at Carlisle, with this one netting an 8000gns call. This Ullswater daughter is out of Glangwden Ulex, a Paul daughter and sold with a beef value of +33 and open. This sold to Mr Philips.

So far trade is defying the general opinion of the offering forward with solid prices all the way through.

Taking the top call so far of 11,000gns is Glangwden Coquette, an Ullswater daughter from the Jerman family. She goes back to Soleil on her dam's side and sold in calf to Tehix with a beef value of +40. She sold to Smiths of Bloxham.

A few lots earlier also making the magical 5000gns call today is Craigallion Carys from George and Natalie Cormack, This is a Regal daughter out of a Whitelums Louis sired dam. She sold in calf to Tonka to Eric Green, Keith.

Selling is underway here at Carlisle with trade so far topping at third prize heifer Whinfellpark Clover from Alan Jenkinson. This Regal sired heifer is out of Toison and sold in calf Wilodge Cerberus, last year's 50,000gns Carlisle topper. This one sold at 9000gns to Charlie Boden for his recently established herd.

Then at 5000gns was the best from Dinmore so far. This was Dinmore Clupton, a Ronka daughter out of Dinmore Upton, a Wintercott Revolver daughter. She sold having run with Waindale Brazil.

And at the same money was Glenturk Cherky from Brian Allan. This Bridgeford Versace daughter is out of Roughdyke Perky and sold in calf to legendary sire Broadmeadows Cannon, having been AI'd in September.

The championship and reserve tickets here at Red Ladies day at Carlisle have both headed across the water to Northern Ireland with the top award going to Trueman Duet from Henry Savage, a Sympa daughter out of Trueman Acoustics.

Reserve was Sauvignon daughter Dunnamona Davina from John Rainey. This is out of Ashmara Angelina.

Taking the tenth class was Trueman Duet, with Wiggonby Darling second for S Bowe and third was Redrock Diamante.

In the eleventh class the baby bull class the top ticket went to Saphir son Norman Ely from Eric and Elaine Norman, with Cawfields Egor in second from T W Oliver.

In the twelth class, the baby heifer class the winner was John Evans with Lowerfffrydd Eliza, second was Tomschoice Emerald and third was Pyebrook Evita from the Matthews family.

Now its sale time, so watch this space to see who spends the money today....

Judging is continuing well here this morning, although I suspect the 1130am start for selling may be a tad delayed.

Taking the seventh class this morning was Neil Martin with Ashmara Duchess, a Rocky daughter. In second was Haltcliffe Daville from the Ridleys and third was Kype Desire from the Cruickshanks.

The eigth class went to Neil Martin again with Slyvandene Distin and second was Peter Henshall with Ringway Delphine, then in third it was Dylans Daisy from G J Morris.

Honours in the ninth class went to James Callion with Mebreak Dazzle, a Sympa daughter, while second was Wilodge Dravenelle from Christine Williams and Paul Tippetts. In third was Cowin Daioni from the James family.

Taking the fifth class here at Borderway Mart this morning was Millington Davina from Millington Estates, second was Pyebrook Dixey from the Matthews and third was another from the same home Pyebrook Delia.

In the sixth class the honours went to Sauvignon daughter Dunnamona Davina from John Rainey, while second was Ringway Daphne from Peter Henshall and third was Dinmore Ditty from Paul Dawes.

Here are the results of the first four classes if judging this morning at Red Ladies day.

In the first class the red ticket went to Kaprico Bramble from Messrs Stafford. There were no other entries here.

The second class was won by Paul Dawes with Dinmore Clipton, a Tonka daughter out of Dinmore Upton. Second was Alan Jenkinson with Whinfellpark Celebration. She's by Vendredi and out of Totale, a Pablo daughter and in third was Andrew Ewing with Carnarousk Cindy, a Sympa daughter out of Hesket Vanda.

Taking the thrid class was the Jerman family with Glangwden Coquette, a Haltcliffe Ullswater daughter out of a Soleil sired dam. Second spot went to the Cormacks with Craigallion Carys, a Regal daughter and third was the Jerman family again with Glangwden Calex, another Ullswater daughter.

And in the fourth class it was the Mynach herd which took top honours with Mynach Diamante, a Sable daughter out of Mynach Amethyst. Second was Alan Jenkinson with Whinfellpark Daisy and third was also from Mr Jenkinson with Whinfellpark Convivial taking the ticket here.

Despite the weather conditions further south I've made it to Carlisle for today's Limousin Red Ladies Derby - travelling up yesterday was a good move judging by the TV pictures of the roads this morning!

But, despite a catalogue of well bred stock I have to say the general mood among those in the mart last night and my own impression is that there isn't really much here to set the world on fire. A lot of those offering promise in the catalogue have failed to live up to expectations and I suspect the big money may just stay in the big pockets later.

That said demand for Lim females is running at an unprecedented level and someone, somewhere may see something I haven't in a beast and bid accordingly, we'll just have to wait and see....

The weekly dairy sale at Carlisle saw a large number of cows and fresh heifers forward.

The top call of £1900 went to a Holstein Friesian from Skirwith Hall.

At the next best money was a Holstein Friesian from Forest Hill which sold for £1800. She was closely followed by an entry from Plumpton Foot Farm which sold for £1750.

Among the British Friesians was a £1650 call for an entry from Lake View. Not far behind was another of the same breed selling for £1600 from High Griseburn.

Weanling trade at Carlisle maintained recent high prices with a Limousin steer from Closehead selling for a top call of £740 .

Close behind was a British Blue heifer from Low Plains selling for £730.

A Limousin heifers from High Wood Nook took the next best money of £708.

Two entries then sold for £690. The first of which was a Gelbvieh steer put forward by Closehead. The second was a Limousin bull from Hill Top Farm.

Also from Closehead was a Limousin heifer which sold for £680.

Two British Blue steers from Garriestown Farm went on to sell for £668 with two Limousin Steers going for £650 a head.

Five British Blue heifers put forward by Low Plains went for £648.

Among the bulls two entries from Campingholm sold for £632. The first of which was a Limousin bull, the second a Blonde d'Aquitaine.

A large entry of 350 calves at Carlisle's weekly sale saw a top price of £395 for a Charolais bull calf consigned by Messrs Ball, East Newbiggin Hall Farm, Darlington.

Topping the British Blue bulls was an entry from Ewan Close, selling for £380. Close behind were two heifers from School Hill Farm selling for £370 a piece.

Another entry from East Newbiggin Hall Farm then sold for the next best price of £345 for a Charolais heifer.

In the Limousin bulls, a beast from High Grounds sold for £350 with a Limousin heifer from Summerhill Farm going for £305.

A heifer topped the Aberdeen Angus with an entry from Blackcarts Farm selling for £255. A bull from Cockley Bank made the next best money for the breed, selling for £225.

In the Holstein bulls, two entries from Gate Farm went for £195/head.

The Simmentals peaked at £190 for two bulls from Peddar Hill. And in the Shorthorns there was a top call of £182 for a bull from Healey Home Farm.

British Friesians went for £165 for a bull from Cockley Bank.

(Harrison and Hetherington)

Prices topped 2550gns at Dungannon Farmers' Mart during the draft sale from the award winning Coltrim Aberdeen Angus herd, property of Neville and Ivan Forsythe, Moneymore, County Londonderry.

Leading trade was Coltrim Lady Jane E057, an April 2005 born Wedderlie Privemmic C543 daughter, out of a dam from the home-bred Coltrim Proud Esquire, sold with her seven month old heifer calf at foot. This one headed home with  Robert Ingram, Banbridge, County Down. She is in-calf to Wedderlie Net Profit E916 - a stock bull owned in partnership with Alwyn and Carol Armour's Woodvale herd based at Dromore, County Down.

Next best at 1900gns was the three-year-old cow Coltrim Penelope F326. She is also sired by the Tui Eric Y003 son, Wedderlie Privemmic C543, and out of a home-bred dam by Tegsnose KarmanShe also sold with a heifer calf at foot and is P'd back in-calf to Net Profit.

Also in the money at 1800gns was the January 2004 born Coltrim Lady Jane D803, which sold to Sydney Cromie, Banbridge, County Down.  She was sired by the King 2^nd of Delmore son, Coltrim Proud Etambo, and is out of a home-bred dam by Coltrim Proud Esquire. She is in-calf to Wedderlie Net Profit E916.

Robert Ingram also paid out 1600gns to secure the May 2008 born heifer, Coltrim Princess H687. Sired by the Ankonian Elixir son, Kiltariff Dynamic D711, she is out of a home-bred dam by King 2^nd of Delmore. This one is carrying in-calf to Lockerley Kind Pascal B159.

A tremendous show of cattle at Leek's first Pedigree Christmas Show and Sale saw the market record broken again at £2850 with the top 15 averaging £2393 and the entire entry average being £1993.

Judge for the day, Stuart Heath, had a difficult job but eventually picked out an All-Nure Bellwood Larky heifer from the Harley Grange herd of Mark and Lynne Hodgkinson as his Champion.  A frenzy of bidding eventually stopped at £2640 with the heifer travelling to local purchaser John Holdcroft of Sandbach.

However, it was a Lystel Lorenzo daughter from John Allen, Tutbury that topped the day, breaking all previous known records at £2850.  Boasting an 85 point dam which had given 12,947kg as a heifer, she was sold giving 34kg and was clinched by Phillip Smith, Tutbury. 

St Merryn's carcase show in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales saw a total of 175 quality carcases on display. Taking the champion carcase was a Limousin steer from Aeron Hughes, Ceredigion that weighed 406.9kgs and graded E3 - considered by many to be the optimum commercial shape for an animal with just the right amount of fat cover.

Mr Hughes went on to be named St Merryn Welsh Producer of the Year. A consistent producer of quality carcases that grade within the St Merryn specification.  In reserve was H Brooks

In the Organic section it were T G and H M Williams and Son, Brecon, Powys taking the top spot, with medium steer champion going to Anthony Bros, Newton, Powys. Heavy steer went to T A Hughes and Son, Medium Heifer H B and L H Lear. Aylesbury Bucks.  H J Brooks and Son, also took top spot in heavy heifer class. Young bull went to F C and Son, Orcop, Hertfordshire.

The champion beast, Lim cross Hanky Panky from Michael and Melanie Alford sold at £5000 to Stillmans Butchers, the south west butchery owned by the Devon-based couple.

The reserve champion, Blue cross heifer Lady Ga Ga also from the Alfords then sold at £5800, also heading back to the west country to the Stillmans shops.

The suckled calf champion, Bees Knees from Alistair and Liz Vance was passed unsold at £1900, while the reserve champion, Poker Face from the Alfords was not offered and will form part of their team for next year.

The champion lambs from the Bishops have made what is believed to be a world record price of £4500 each to Chris and David Wright, Boston.

The reserves from John Hall made £600 on what was an impressive sheep trade all the way through, full credit to Paul Gentry and his team for getting the buyers here to bid.

Alistair and Elizabeth Vance may not have repeated their win in the main cattle classes, but they did win the calf title this morning with Limousin cross Bees Knees. This was bred by Messrs MacArthur Brothers and bought from Caledonian Marts in September. He's by Dyke Triumph.

Reserve here was Charlotte Alford, Michael and Melanie's daughter with Poker Face, their big winning heifer of the year. This one, bred by Christopher Dick is by Limousin sire Attila and was also bought from Caledonian in September.

Pictures to follow....

In a quite unprecedented run of form the Smithfield sheep title has gone to Andrew and Becky Bishop with their Beltex crosses. This makes it five out if five for the couple this year, including Countryside Live, Agri Expo, English and Welsh Winter Fair and now Smithfield, included in that are back to back English and Smithfield wins and debut wins at Countryside Live and Agri Expo and a first win in Wales.

Their winning pair are by Lugsmill Laney and were described by judge Andrew Walton as being as close to perfect as any pair could be. "No matter where you look on these lambs there is flesh and they handle brilliantly." It was a team effort from the Bishops with shepherdess Rachel Story and dresser Kate Gunn both playing their part in getting the lamsb right for the day.

Reserve overall was John Hall and daughter Joanne Skelton with a pair of Dutch Texel crosses by a ram bred by Robin Slade. These were out of Beltex cross ewes and were hard to split from the champions according to Mr Walton. They followed them through from the shortwool Continental championship earlier this morning.

Well, just for once I've managed to make the right call and the steer champion, Hanky Panky from Michael and Melanie Alford has taken the overall cattle title here at Smithfield. This one, by Bailea Oboron and bred by Andrew Anderson at Smallburn farms was bought from Thainestone for £4000 in September.

Taking the reserve overall was the heifer champion, also from the Alfords. This was Lady Ga Ga a British Blue cross by Netherwood Umpire and bought this spring at Ruthin from Trefor Jones for £6800 too.

It is a remarkable feat for the Alfords and hearty congratulations go to them for their win, having been close to it at all the main primestock shows this winter.

Pictures to follow....

Michael and Melanie Alford, Devon, have done a remarkable double here at Smithfield, taking both the steer and heifer titles.

Steer champion was their Limousin cross Hanky Panky. This is a November 2008 born steer bred by Smallburn Farms and by Bailea Oberon. Reserve steer was Elfed Williams with King Kong. This is another Lim cross and is by Powells Vagabond. He was bred by Andrew Powell.

Heifer champion was Lady Ga Ga, a British Blue cross by Netherwood Umpire and bred by Trefor Jones. Reserve heifer was Paul Walker with a homebred Limousin heifer New Edition. This is by Waindale UFO.

In a peverse decision there was no split on the heifers, with just one overall heifer championship awarded, this class of 20 heifers was some spectacle, but its a ludicrous situation and needs correcting ahead of next year.

In the steers the lightweight title went to Alistair and Liz Vance with Kaiser Chief, a Lim cross, reserve was Jennifer and Drew Hyslop with Tommy Zoom a Lim cross.

Intermediate steer was James Forsyth with Jay-Z, a Lim cross and reserve was Scott Innes with McTavish, an Angus cross. The heavy steer and reserve were the overall steer and reserve winners.

So, the Alfords are on to take the title the question is with which beast, my money is on the steer, but I've been wrong before..!

Championship judging got underway here at 9am this morning in both cattle and sheep and in the sheep lines Andrew Bishop booked a spot in the overall later by taking the Continental shortwool title with a pair of Beltex cross lambs - watch out for these lambs taking the title later......

Reserve to these was John Hall with a pair of Texel crosses. Taking the native shortwool award was Richard Colegrave with a pair of Suffolk crosses and reserve was Malcolm Stewart with the second prize pair of Suffolks. Sadly my two pairs weren't quite up to the mark this morning, so we didn't get a sniff here.

In the cattle the steer championships are underway, so I'm away now to find the results from this....

Because I'm busy at Smithfield I'm afraid I can't be in Carlisle today for the in-lamb Texel sale, but word has reached of what I beleive could be a new record, a 20,000gns bid for the first ewe in the ring from Jimmy Douglas.

This one was DJV 08129, a Clola Marksman daughter out of a 19,000gns dam from Glenside by Turin Fantastic. This one, in lamb to world record price holder Deveronvale Perfection sold to Malcolm Reid,

For the stattos among you I reckon that makes it 84,000gns Malcolm has spent on pedigree stock in the space of three weeks, some going!

SHEEP:

BUTCHERS LIVE/DEAD SHEEP (ALIVE)

Class 46, Beltex

A D Bishop's Beltex; res, R Hall and Son's Beltex x Beltex x Texel

Class 47, Texel or Dutch Texel

A D Bishop's Dutch Texel; res, R Hall and Son's Dutch Texel x Beltex cross

Class 48, R Hall and Son's Rouge de I'Ouset x Beltex cross; res, Susan and Davis Eglin's Charmoise cross.

Class 50, Suffolk

Messrs M Malcolm Stewart's Suffolk x Texel x Suffolk; res, G and R Colegrave's Suffolk x Texel x Beltex.

Class 51, Any other British Sire

Harmer and Wakeham-Dawson's Sothdown x Suffolk Mule; res, Jonathan Long's Southdown x Texel cross.

Class 52, Any Mountain Breed

D L Gardiner's Swaledale x Beltex, bred by K and R Buckle, Buckles Farm, Cumbria; res, S J Jessop and D McBreath's Scottish Blackface, bred by A Blackwood, Boghead, Cronberry, Ayr.

Class 56, Continental Sire

Andrew Morton's Beltex x Beltex cross; res, R J and J B Slade's Dutch texel.

BUTCHERS LIVE/DEAD SHEEP (CARCASE)

Class 46, Beltex

A D Bishop's Beltex; res, R and G Colegrave, Beltex x Beltex x Texel.

Class 47, Texel or Dutch Texel

R J Slade's Dutch Texel; res, R and G Colegrave's Texel x Beltex x Texel.

Class 48, Any other Continental Sire

R Hall and Son's Rouge de L'Ouset x Beltex cross; res, Susan and David Eglin's Charmoise cross.

Class 50, Suffolk

R and G Colegrave's Suffolk x Texel x Beltex; res, Messrs Malcolm M Stewart's Suffolk x Texel x Suffolk.

Class 51, Any Other British Sire

Jonathan Long's Hampshire Down x Suffolk; res, Harmer and Wakeham-Dawson's Southdown.

Class 52, Any Mountain Breed

S J Jessop and D McBreath's Scottish Blackface, bred by A Blackwood, Boghead, Ayr; res, D L Gardiner's Swaledale x Beltex, bred by K and R Buckle, Buckles Farm, Barras, Cumbria.

Class 56, Continental Sire

Andrew Morton's Beltex x Beltex cross; res, S J and J B Clatworthy's Dutch Texel.

CLASS 3A Aberdeen Angus Heifers

Taking first place in the purebred or sired by a purebred British Aberdeen Angus heifer was Harry Emslie with his Aberdeen Angus, Black Beauty shown by Chrissie Lawrence. This January 2009 born heifer is by Lissduff Dukey and out of a British Blue cross bred by James Alexander, CO Antrim.

In reserve was Michael Kirby, Devon with Lockerly Black Butterfly, out of Aberdeen Angus sire Lockerly Kasino and by Lockerly Black Butterfly Z346.

Class 3B Devon Heifers.

Taking the top spot was Oxon Amatures, Oxford with Bloody Mary. In reserve was Stonegrove Livestock and A J and P D Thomas with Bollowal Queenie 16^th.

Class 3C Longhorn Heifers

Tiger Lily was the female taking the prime position in this section from Mr and Mrs G Woollatt, Somerset. In reserve was another one from the Woollatt's with Gupworthy Imogene.

Class 3D South Devon Heifers

R K Rundle, Cornwall topped this class withy Kestle Tulip 80^th. In reserve was Mr and Mrs Clemen also from Cornwall with their heifer Penrose Stonehedging Jeanette.

Class 3E South Devon Heifers

In the second category of  South Devon heifers weighing 66 to 76kg, Lucombe Carro 2 was awarded first place. She is a 20 month heifer by Haddenham Spencer 1 and out of Waddeton Carro.

Close behind was Kestle Buttercup 116 by Lumbylaw Leo 2 and out of Kestle Buttercup 105. She was put forward by R K Rundle.

Class 3F Any other British Heifers

An 18 month old heifer by the Lincoln Red, Hemingby Wallace and out of a South Devon picked up first prize. Trehudreth Loveday, which weighed in at 477kg was put forward by Trehudreth Farm, Cornwall.

In second place was another entry from Trehudreth Farm, Trehudreth Cascade. This one was also by Hemingby Wallace, but out of Fenton Cascade.

Class 4A Steer up to 486kg

A Longhorn from Mr and Mrs G Woollatt, Somerset secured first prize. Monty is by Cwyt Henllys Footloose and out of Polden Fanny. He was bred by C C Morgan and Son, Cwrt Henllys, Cwmbran, Gwent.

A nine month old Aberdeen Angus from m and H D Currie was awarded second price. This one is by Drumawhey Boris and out of Diana 17 of Luckiesheil.

Class 4B Steers 489 to 560kg

The Aberdeen Angus Del Boy, by Drumawhey Boris and out of Kingholm Equidora walked away with the first prize. He weighed 516kg and was owned by M and H D Currie, Dumfries.

In second was Chunky, a 20 month old Devon sired by Thorndale Fitzroy 4.

Class 5 Steer 540 to 580kg

Picking up first prize was McTavish, a 15 month old from Scott Innes, Aberdeen. This one is by Flodden Warden and out of a Limousin cross.

In second place was Dangerous Drummond by Aynho Beck. This one weighed 554kg and was put forward by G and A McFadzean.

Class 6A Angus Steers more than 580kg

G and A Mcfadzean's steer, The Bullock; res, G and A McFadzean's steer, Cherrybank Elrick.

Class 6B Herford Steers more than 580kg

Harvey Cattle's Harveybros Elvis; res, B E Williams's, Jim Royal.

Class 6C Other British Steers more than 580kg

J E and I H Roberts's Welsh Black, Pennant Serraff 3; res, R K Rundle's Kestle Mickey.

Class 7A heifers 482 to 580kg

A D Bishop's heifer Chomba-Womba; res, J and D Hyslop's Miss Chief.

Class 7B heifers 588 to 700kg

Work and Watson's Quicksilver; res, James Forsyth's Lady Gaga.

Class 10 steers more than 580kg

R Roberts and E Hughes's Mister Snazzy; res, Hugh Dunlop's Tam O'Shanter.

Class 11A Limousin heifers 420 to 491kg

Craig Malone and Bett Stewart's Miss Dynamite; res, J and D Hyslop's Foxy Lady.

The cattle judging at AgriLIVE started this morning with the suckled calf classes.

In first place in the suckled heifers weighing 319 to 343kg was the heifer calf, Tinkler Maidgie, a Limousin from Hugh Dunlop, Ayr. She is by Silex and out of a Limousin cross and weighed in at 331kg.

In second place was J and S Wareham's heifer, Black Betty. She is by the British Blue, Pendle Valley and out of a Limousin.

Close behind was Fi Fi, a eight month old Limousin put forward by J L and D A Davies, Warwickshire.

The first prize for suckled heifers weighing 374 to 396kg went to Poker Face from Charlotte Alford. This 11 month old was bred by Dick Dunmore, Falkirk and is by the Limousin, Attila and out of a Limousin cross British Blue.

In second was Peaches, a eleven month old by the Limousin, Vivaldi and out of a Limousin cros British Blue.

Among the steer calves, born after 1^st January and weighing up to 425kg, Bees Knees from A and E Vance took home first prize. This one is by the Limousin Dyke Triumph and out of a Limousin cross.

In second place was Red Rob, put forward by J L and D A Davies. This six month old is by the Limousin, Wilodge Vantastic and out of a British Blue cross Limousin.

Female trade was flying at the recent Christmas show and sale at Talgarth Livestock Market with a Limousin heifer selling for an impressive £15/kg.

This home bred heifer and show Champion from Messrs Price Bros, Tyleheulog weighed in at 495kg and sold for £7500 to Stuart Roberts and his son Gareth of H M D Butchers, Swansea.

 The reserve champion also made good money, selling for £2500 equating to £5.30/kg for the 490kg beast.

Heifers weighing up to 480kg peaked at 230p/kg for a 450kg Limousin also from Messrs Price Bros.

The Prices also sold a 475kg Limousin steer for the 220p/kg - the top price in the 465-560kg steer category.

Steers weighing more than 560kg topped at 200p/kg for a 570kg animal from T J Eckley, Talwen Fawr.

Averages:

3 steer weighing 465-560kg; 200p/kg,

4 steers weighing more than 560kg; 180p/kg

Total for steers; 188.5p/kg

3 heifers weighing up to 480kg; 206.5p/kg

Heifers weighing more than 480kg; 392p/kg

(Sunderlands and Thompsons)

A 590kg British Blue cross steer secured the top price of 250p/kg at the recent Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale, Hull.

He was put forward by T and B Boothroyd and Son, Crown Farm. Welwick and was purchased by show judge, Brian Laverack of A Laverack and Son Butchers Shop, Holme.

At the next best money was a Limousin cross steer weighing in at 535kg. He was exhibited by J L White and Son, Eastrington and sold to Mr Laverack for 212p/kg.

The reserve champion pen on pigs exhibited by ACMC of Beeford sold for 135p/kg to F Dillon, Hessle Road, Hull.

The champion pen of pigs, put forward by the same exhibitor went for 130p/kg to R and S Wholesale Butchers, Hull.

Among the sheep, the champion pen from Bishop Burton College, Beverley sold to T Wallis, Ye Olde Pork Shoppe, Beverley for £162/head. And the reserve pen from N Harland, Walcot went for £89/head to D and J Coulson Livestock.

A record entry at Sedgemoor's Christmas Cracker Show and Sale saw a top price of £3045 for a calved heifer.

Moorshard Silky Marie is from four generations of VG and a show winning family and was sold by R K and S G Miller and Sons. She joins the well known Ruckshall herd of P J Andrews, Herefordshire.

The reserve champion, Mendip Outside May 2 sold to the same purchaser for 2700gns. She is a second calver by Comestar Outside, classified VG85 as a heifer and was put forward by Tim Quick from the Mendips.

Two entries sold for the next best price of 2450gns. The first of which was Walkabout Riki 2, a calved heifer consigned by E G Gay and Sons. At the same money was the Picston Shottle daughter, Treetop Shottle Jasmine, sold by Jeff and Lucinda Morgan.

Of the bulls on offer, a top price of 2000gns was achieved by R H Harris with Winkleigh BX Sharp, by Emerald-AXR-SA T Baxter and from the Tallent Sheila family.

30 in-calf heifers, due in the spring, travelled from the Isle of Wight and sold to 1650gns for Brian Morris' Nunwell Peridot Katrina 5. She is by Delta Peridot and out of a 11,000kg dam.

A small entry of Jerseys sold to 1200gns for Hareplain Bombers Elizabeth from S E Lane and Partners of Kent.

The 16 month old heifers topped at 890gns with an entry from R and J Bowles. Sidedowns Tiergan Kersch 228 has a PLI of £146.

At the next best money were commercial heifer calves from T I Miller and Partners seeling for 560gns.

Averages:

33 dairy cows; £1880, 44 calved heifers; £2007, 37 in-calf heifers; £1375.50, 33 bulling heifers; £849.23, 17 heifer calves; £459.53, 3 bulls; £1767.50, 3 Jerseys; £1099.88. (Greenslade Taylor Hunt)

As AgriLIVE Smithfield draws nearer this week is your last chance to enter the competition to win a Musto jacket courtesy of the supreme champion sponsors Merial.

All you have to do to win is place the last three Smithfield champions in order as you believe they would stand if judged alongside one another. The catch is your order has to match that of the Taking Stock team.

Entries should be posted as comments on the original posting and must be received by 5pm on Saturday. So click here to enter....

Topping the cattle entries at Louth's annual Christmas Show, the last of its kind in Lincolnshire, was Louise Todd with a British Blue cross steer weighing 632kg. This one sold at 405p/kg to L Brown and Son, Meridian Meats.

Reserve champion went to Michael Read, Hemingby, with a British Blue cross Lincoln Red which weighed 555kg and sold at 350p/kg.

Leading the lamb entries was George Allison with Continental cross lambs which sold at £160 each to C R Laking and Sons. Reserve champion here was another pen from Mr Allison which sold at £185 each to Andrew Vernon.

An all-time mart record price of £300 for a pen of hens was recorded at the recent annual Craven Feather Auctions Christmas Show and sale of poultry and waterfowl at Skipton.

The new record-breaking price fell to a trio of White Wyandottes from Alan Barnes, Cowden, Great Harwood. They were purchased by an anonymous North Yorkshire buyer.

The same buyer also further feathered his nest by paying £100 for a trio of Large White Wyandottes from M Stansfield, Barnsley.

The show champions, a trio of free-range show-class Buff Orpingtons - a cockerel and two point-of-lay pullets, went on to secure the next best money of £80.

The victors are descended from show-winning bloodlines developed by well-known breeder and showman, Will Burdett, Thirsk, who was in charge of the Queen Mother's Buff Orpingtons for 20 years.

A trio of 2009-bred Light Sussex bantams, from regular Skipton prize winner and former show champion, Richard Pickles, Bent, picked up reserve champion.

These three were bred from local show winners and sold to Richard and Patsy Hodgson, Skipton.

Taking the championship in yesterday's Christmas primestock show was M V Fleming, Mosstower, with a homebred Aberdeen-Angus steer which weighed 550kg and sold at 405p/kg.

Reserve overall were Robert and Jac Neil, Upper Nisbet, with a Limousin cross heifer which weighed 540kg and sold at 290p/kg.

Full class results

CLASS 1 SINGLE BULLOCK NATIVE BREED
1st       M/s Fleming, Mosstower, 550kg made 405p to Lees Butchers
2nd      M/s S&J Allen, Longnewton, 685kg made 186p to Martin Baird Butcher
3rd       M/s RR Braes, Burnshot,  555kg made 177p to  James Cockburn, Dalkeith

CLASS 2 SINGLE BULLOCK CONTINENTAL BREED
1st       M/s Campbell, Glenrath, 565kg made 208p to  Colin Peat, Haddington
2nd      M/s Cuthbertson, Jedderfield, 690kg made 186p to  M/s JP Mason
3rd       Robert Neil & Ptrs, Upper Nisbet, 197kg made 197p to   Denholm Meats, Hawick

CLASS 3 SINGLE HEIFER NATIVE BREED
1st      M/s Ross Farms, Wester Middleton, 505kg made 189p to Harry Emslie, Peterhead
2nd     M/s Osborne & Sons, Outerston, 475kg made 178p  to Alex Smith, Edinburgh
3rd     J Connell Esq, Wantonwalls, 500kg made 179p to John Anderson Butchers

CLASS 4 SINGLE HEIFER CONTINENTAL BREED
1st      M/s Campbell, Easter Harprew, 575kg made 199p to Ramsay Butcher, Edinburgh
2nd     Bain Farming Co, Coxydene, 580kg made 195p to Halliwells Butcher, Selkirk
3rd      W B Hamilton & Sons, Bee Edge, 620kg made 193p to Harry Emslie, Peterhead

CLASS 5 BEST BULLOCK or HEIFER BRED BY EXHIBITOR
1st     Robert Neil & Ptrs, Upper Nisbet, 540kg made 290p to Craig Douglas, St Boswells
2nd    Swarland Old Hall, 565kg made 204p to WTS Forsyth & Sons, Peebles
3rd     M/s J Logan, 605kg made 186p to Worsley Wholesale Butchers

CLASS 6 PAIR BULLOCKS
1st    W  B Hamilton & Sons, Bee Edge, 580kg /592kg made 195p(twice) to Ramsay Butchers & WTS Forsyth & Sons, Peebles
2nd  G&A Hamilton, Ramrig, 575kg/535kg made 195/193p to Malone of Edinburgh 
3rd   Robert Neil & Ptrs, Upper Nisbet, 565kg/575Kg made 196p to Tulloch of Paisley & 200p to WTS Forsyth & Sons, Peebles

CLASS 7 PAIR HEIFERS
1st  Robert Neil & Ptnrs, Upper Nisbet, 530kg/550kg made 208p to Gosford Bothy Shop & 209P 191p to Harry Emslie, Peterhead. 
2nd   W B Hamilton & Sons, Bee Edge, 570kg/615kg made 199/195p to Harry Emslie, Peterhead.  
3rd  Bain Farming Co, Coxydene  weight 590kg/570kg made 187p to M/s T Kerr & Son ,Selkirk, & 195p to Worsley Wholesale Butchers

Lifting the silverware at Gisburn's Christmas Show and Sale were A A and E Critchley and Son, Hutton, with their Brritish Blue heifer which tipped the scales at 460kg. It later sold at 420p/kg to Jimmy Wood, Bowland Foods.

Reserve champion was Willie Timm, Goole, with a British Blue steer. This weighed in at 480kg and sold for 310p/kg to Accrington butcher George Cropper.

Taking the young bull class was another Blue cross, this time from J C Walker and Son, Clitheroe. This weighed 488kg and sold at 240p/kg to Knavesmire Butchers, York.

And taking the young handlers class was Steven Walker with a British Blue cross heifer which sold at 324p/kg.

Prime cattle champion at Bentham's Christmas show last week was a British Blue heifer from Chris Hewitt. This sold for £1120 to Frank Towers, Wray.

Reserve champion was Sheila Lors, Roeburndale, with her British Blue cross steer which sold for £895 to Geoff Burrows.

Sheep championship honours went to a pen of 10 Beltex cross lambs from Messrs Coates, Stainforth. These weighed in at 39kg and sold for £130/apiece to Sam Howarth Butchers, Dingle.

Reserve champion were Beltex crosses from George Parker, Slaidburn, which weighed 42kg and sold for £120 each to Frank Towers.

Texel females sold to a highest bid of 3000gns at Dungannon on Friday night with this figure paid for the best of the day from Brian Hanthorn's Mullan flock.

This one is a daughter or Cowal Maverick and out of the same dam as 6000gns sire Mullan Moneyspinner sold in 2006. She sold in lamb to 5200gns tup Livery Predator and was bought by Rob Ellis.

Selling at 2000gns was one from Jim Wilson's Blackstown flock, a ewe lamb by Mullan Odds On. This sold to Steven McCollam for his Carmavy flock with another lamb by same sire making 1100gns to the same buyer.

At 1400gns was a ewe from Jim Wilson which is by Millcomb Monarch and sold to Gareth Fyffe, while at 1000gns was another Blackstown shearling which sold to Jonny Kerr, Comber.

And Mullan sold another shearling at 1000gns, this was a Tamnamoney Navvy daughter and sold to Cahir McAuley, Larkhill. This ewe's sister sold for 3000gns at the breed's premier sale in August.

A new Irish Charolais breed record was set at the weekend when Cottage Devon, a Texan-Gie son was bought by the National Cattle Breeding Centre, Co Meath, at E24,000.

Bred by the Butler family, Co Tipperary, Cottage had previously stood male champion at Tullamore and was male calf champion in the pre-sale show at Carrick-on-Shannon. A September 2008-born calf, he is in the top 1% of the breed in Ireland for suckler beef value and weighed in at 865kg at 13 months old in October. The NCBC intend to have semen from Cottage for sale next spring.

One of the great things about my visits to Carlisle - and the distance from home isn't one of them - is that I rarely come away without a new catalogue in hand for a forthcoming sale.

And so it proved last weekend when I had a number thrust into my hands, including the Limousin Red Ladies Derby catalogue which makes for interesting reading.

So, having found a couple of quiet minutes over the weekend here is my preview of the ones to watch. As always it is by no means an exhaustive list and its likely I'll have missed something you've picked. But here goes with my selection...

First up, rightly or wrongly is the first animal in the catalogue, Kaprico Bramble. This is a Broadmeadows Tombola daughter out of Kaprico Tansy, a Hawk daughter out of a dam by Gigolo. She sells having been served to Vantastic.

A little later is Glangwden Coquette, a Haltcliffe Ullswater daughter out of a Soleil sired dam. She has a massive beef value of +40 and was second in her class at the Royal Welsh this summer.

Further through the book and likely to make some money, if only for her show record, is Millington Davina. This Mas Du CLo daughter is out of Brockhurst Option, a Ronick Matador daughter. She was Lim champion at the Royal this year and reserve interbreed too, causing some debate on these pages at the time.

And the Ridleys of Haltcliffe are also offering a run of females this time round, one my picks being Haltcliffe Dee. This Sympa daughter is out of Brontemoor Sue, a Haltcliffe Olympus daughter. She sells with a beef value of +31.

A British Blue heifer from the Walker family, Dunsop Bridge, took the championship at Clitheroe's Christmas show and sale of prime cattle.

This one weighed in at 460kgs and sold at 340p/kg to Alan Beecroft of Country Style Meats, Clitheroe.

Reserve champion was awarded to T W Pickard and Son, Great Harwood, with another British Blue heifer which weighed 426kgs and sold at 219p/kg to the same buyer as the champion.

Claybury breeding dominated Saturday's sale of Texel females for the Gloucester and Border Counties Texel Club.

Leading the prices was a 1220gns call for the a Clynnog Joe Tex daughter from Claybury carrying twins to Cambwell President Obama. She sold to A and M Bruce, Wem, Shropshire.

Next best at 1200gns was another from Claybruy,a Castlecairn Keltic Star daughter in lamb to Millars Olympian. This also sold to Messrs Bruce.

And two sold at the next top price of 860gns, the first being another from Claybury. This one was a Garngour Maestro daughter which sold to B D Lowe, Nantwich. The other at this level was from Colin Ponting's Penstones flock. This was a Kirrin Nijinski daughter due with twins to Millend Piece of Gold. She sold to J Champman, Whitchurch.

Averages; 47 in-lamb shearlings £427.82 (McCartneys).

A Limousin cross heifer set a new Centre record when she sold for £3600 at Newport Market Auctioneers Christmas Primestock show and sale, Abergavenny last week.

Presented by E G and L M Cadogan, Usk, the heifer smashed all previous records by a considerable margin. Weighing in at 624kg, this one had previously won the Heavy Weight Heifer class before going on to take the overall Championship.

She was purchased by a longstanding stalwart of the Winter Primestock Shows, Doug Willis, Cwmbran on behalf of the Celtic Manor Hotel, Newport.

Mr Willis is no stranger to purchasing top quality beef for his chain of retail butchers shops in Cwmbran and Llanyravon together with a substantial catering operation, also in Cwmbran.

After the hustle and bustle of last week  - Builth Wells and Carlisle in the space of three days - once again this week there is plenty going to to keep Taking Stock busy, but as always it all happens together.

The end of this week sees the first AgriLIVE Smithfield event at Stoneleigh. The new format for the Royal Smithfield Show holds much promise, so long as enough visitors fill the halls it should be a good event. There is the usual top drawer entry of stock and a healthy number of trade stands too, so if you've got the time it will be well worth a visit.

Also at the end of the week the run of in-lamb ewe sales continues with Texel, Beltex and Zwartbles offerings in Taking Stock's second home of Carlisle.

Texels are being offered in two sales, the first being the Solway and Tyne breeders club sale and the second being the Christmas Crackers sale. And it is this second sale which is likely to draw the money, entries for this sale include runs from Cairness, Rascarrel, Glenside, Tophill, Knock, Haddo, Midlock and Deveronvale.

And in the Cairness entry Jimmy Douglas look's to be selling the family silver with all the shearlings offered in lamb to 220,000gns sire and world record holder Deveronvale Perfection. In this his first season I'm a little surprised to see such an offering - wouldn't you want to have lambs on the ground by him first before letting the rest of the breed have some too?

The Deveronvale offering also includes an implanted embryo which is full sibling to Perfection, something else the big money flocks may be after.

Coverage of these Carlisle sales will be tricky as I'll be at Stoneleigh from Thursday onwards, but rest assured we'll bring you all the news just as soon as we're able to and of course there will be running updates from AgriLIVE Smithfield throughout the show.

Thanks to a spy in the north east for the pictures and results from Acklington.

Leading the show was a British Blue cross steer from C Manners, Chevington Moor, it sold at 250p/kg to Martins Butchers of Morpeth.

Here's a round up of a few more of the price highlights. At 6000gns was Tegan Pronto Rae, a Windy Knoll View Pronto daughter out of Scientific Dangle Rae.

And making 6500gns was Markwell-CBS Advent Reflection Red from Karl Rutten. This is by KHW Kite Advent-Red and out of Markwell JR Rainbows-Red.

Then at 6000gns was Lillyhall LPT  Dream Red from H and H staff member Ruth Watson. This Ladino Park Talent daughter is out of M Riverview Rnr Drea Red.

Making 5300gns was Leagh Pledge from T Fitzmaurice. This one is by To-Mar-D Fortune and out of ALH Polly.

Messrs Innes Strathbogie flock made a top call of 3400gns at Carlisle when selling a Strathbogie Nixon II daughter. This was out of a Tophill Joe daughter and sold in lamb to Mossknowe Pudsey. Buying this one was Procters Farm.

At 2300gns was a Douganhill Navaro daughter out of a dam by Craighead Hercules. She was also in lamb to Pudsey and sold to Messrs Pyman. And 1950 gns secured another Strathbogie Nixon daughter from the same home. She is out of a Castlecairn Kung Foo Fighter daughter and sold in lamb to Knock Party Time to Messrs Howie.

Making 1500gns was another Navaro daughter out of a Craighead Hercules sired dam. She is in lamb to Pudsey and sold to Mr Bennett.

Selling at the day's top call so far of 10,000gns was Shanael Minister Golden from M K Miller. This Mr Minister daughter is out of Shanael Shottle Golden and has a full brother at Cogent already with a Cogent bull contract already secured for her progeny.

Then at 8000gns was Overside Goldwyn A Amanda. This Braedale Goldwyn daughter is out of Overside Allen Amanda, a Canyon Breeze Allen daughter. 

Keith Jamieson's Annan flock has had possibly the most consistent trade of the day here at Carlisle with a top call of 6500gns given for an Annan Freebie daughter out of a dam by Garngour Lightning. She sold in lamb to Castlecairn Nile God to Stephen Cobbold, Suffolk.

And 4200gns was paid for a Lindstar Nic Nak daughter. This one is out of a dam by Clynnog Joe Tex and sold in lamb to Castlecairn Nile God to Messrs Ellis.

Then at 3500gns Annan sold an Annan Limmy daughter out of a dam by Knock Impulse. She is in lamb to Annan Prelude, a Teiglum Outlaw son.

And making 2900gns was another Lindstar Nic Nak daughter. This one, embry sister to the 4200gns sale is also in lamb to Prelude and sold to Messrs Joseph. Selling at 2200gns was an embryo bred daughter of Annan Limmy out of a Knock Impulse sired dam. She sold in lamb to Castlecairn Nile God.

A brace sold at 1500gns, both of the them embryo bred sisters to the 2200gns ewe. Both were also in lamb to Annan Prelude.

And 1100gns saw a Lindstar Nic Nak daughter sell.She's out of a dam by Clynnog Joe Tex and in lamb to Annan Prelude.

Taking the day's best price so far is the Willsbro herd, Cornwall. Their leading heifer is Willsbro Howie Lila Z, a Kerndtway Howie daughter out if Acecroft Goldwyn Lila. She sold with a E3000 contract to Diamond Genetics for a bull, a four embryo contract also to Diamond Genetics and a six embryo contract back to Willsbro, which cvombined to a total of more than £6000. She sold at 9000gns.

And making 5700gns was Ards Baxter R Sara Red from H Patton and Sons. This one is by Emerald D-ACR-SA T Baxter. She's out of Ridgefield Sara Rampage and a full sister sold at 6600gns at the Causeway Classic sale earlier in the year.

Taking the days top call so far in the Black and White sale was Denmire Shottle Marie from the Dennison family. This is by Shottle and out of Denmire Gibson Marie, a Silky Gibson daughter rated Ex91 which was bought for 18,000gns at the Smiddiehill dispersal last year. She's from five generations of Ex rated females and sold at 7500gns.

Selling at 6000gns was another heifer choice from the Haffey family. This offering is the first choice of three pregnancies due on February, by Braedale Goldwyn and out of Smidiehill Zahara, a Regancrest Dundee daughter.

EDITED: Apologies, the top call was actually a 5500gns sale for  a Dougnahill Navahoe daughter, Milnbank 08569. She's out of a dam by Durisdeer Instructor and sold in lamb to Mossknowe Pudsey to Procters Farm.

Next best was a 4800gns call for a Douganhill Navahoe daughter out of a dam by Carighead Hercules. This one sold in lamb to Castlecairn Provost.

At 3000gns was another from the same home by Baltier Nijinsky. This one, out of a dam by Hercules again, sold in lamb to Mossknowe Pudsey to Stephen Cobbold, Suffolk.

Top call in the Black and White sale so far is a 5800gns sale for a first choice heifer calf from P and S Haffey. These pregnancies are by Wilcoxview Jasper and out of Field of Dreams Formation Erle.

Then at 5200gns was Shanael Shottle Papoose from the Millers. This is by Picston Shottle and out of Shanael Rudolph Papoose, a Startmore Rudolph daughter. Buyer is unknown at this stage.

Top call so far in the Texels is a 13,000gns for a Cowal shearling from the Campbell family. This one is by Muiresk Northern Dancer and is out of a dam by Cambwell Jacobite. She was the only one offered in lamb to Kelso Pavarotti, a 40,000gns buy from Lanark this year and she sold to Pavarotti's breeder Malcolm Reid, Kelso. At 1000gns was the best from Sandy Lee's Fordafourie flock. This is a Garngour Nobleman daughter out of a dam by Durisdeer Instructorsired dam. She sold in lamb to Fordafourie Pure Gold.

As you may have gathered from the two previous posts I'm up in Carlisle today and is set to be a busy day for both Texel and Holstein breeders, with the annual Borderway Black and White sale taking place and also the Christmas Stars sale of Texel females.

Both sales offer some of the top bloodlines in their respective breeds and with yesterday's Texel sale hitting a high spot of 12,000gns there should be some good prices today too.

On the Black and White front its safe to say there are plenty of sore heads around Borderway Mart this morning after many salegoers and H and H staff hit the nightspots of Carlisle last night!

So, check back here later from 11am to get updates from both sale rings.....

Suffolk females sold to a top call of 5000gns at Carlilse yesterday, with the top price paid by Robbie Wilson, Strathisla, for a ewe lamb from Mark Evans' Jubilee flock.

This one is by Strathisla Shirocco and out of a dam by Didcot Dominator which goes back to Stockton Select.

Then at 2600gns was a ewe from Jimmy Douglas by Cairness Renovator, this one is out of a Mullanboy Mohammed daughter and sold in lamb to 20,000gns Cairness Achievement. She was bought by R More, Caithness.

And making 1400gns was another from Cairness, this time a Meikleson Impression daughter out of a dam by Fordafourie President. With a female line back to Cairness Gold Dust, she is also in lamb to Achievement and sold to Beacom Farms, Dumfriesshire.

Just short of that marrk at 1200gns was a Westcarse First Glance daughter from Cairness. This is out of a dam by Cairness Save the Day and again in lamb to Achievement, she was bought by David Inman, Melton Mowbray.

The only other bid above 1000gns came when Michael Waycott, Ashburton. paid 1050gns for a Strathisla Shirocco daughter from Mark Evans. This ewe lamb is out of a dam by Everton Forever and going back to Didcot Dominator.

Trade for tonight's Twilight Texel sale of in-lamb females at Carlisle was resoundingly strong throughout, with most ewes sold at fair prices.

Leading the sale was the first lot in the ring from Malcolm Reid's Kelso flock at 12,000gns. This one was Kelso 08040, a Garngour Nirvana daughter out of a dam by Castlecairn Celtic Star. In lamb to Douganhill McFly and due in March, this one has had five emryos taken from her and sold to the breed's biggest spenders of the year Trinidad Investments, Sussex.

Next best at 5000gns was one from Robert Forsyth's Baltier flock. This one, by Garngour Numan is out of a dam by Craighead Hercules and saw Mr Reid reinvest some of his earlier earnings, taking this one back to Kelso. She is in lamb to Baltier Panther and due in February.

Then at 4500gns was one from the Pen Parc flock of Steve Smith. This one, Pen Parc 08011 is by Annan Jewel and stood first prize ewe lamb at the Royal Welsh in 2008. She is out of a dam by Glenside His Nibs and sold in lamb to Skiddaw Magic to Graham Morrison, Aberdeenshire.

And at 4000gns was another from Baltier, which again sold to Malcolm Reid. This was Baltier 08902, a Baltier Nimrod daughter out of a dam by Kirrin Kroner. She is in lamb to Baltier Panther and due in February.

Making 2800gns was the best of the night from the Ridley family's Haltcliffe flock. This one, Haltcliffe 081524, is by Hexel Lexus and out of a dam by Annan Jewel which was bought as a lamb for 5000gns. She sold in lamb to Drumpark President to Mr Atkinson.

Then at 2600gns was one from Arkle.This was Arkle 082198, a Brague Jethro daughter out of a dam by Haddo Kingpin. She is in lamb to Curley Orlando, a Mellor Vale Masterpiece son and sold to Mr Ellis.

Those are the highlights for now, full report to follow in due course....

The domination of Phil and Sharon Sellers in this season's primestock show cattle championships and Andrew and Becky Bishop in the sheep championships has got me thinking about whether such exceptional runs of form are a good or bad thing.

Does the continual winning by one exhibitor serve to encourage others to try and beat them or turn potential exhibitors away from events because they don't beleive they have a chance of winning?

I sit fairly firmly in the first camp and strongly beleive that anyone, no matter what they're showing is always able to be beaten provided you put the effort in. Now, obviously in the commercial cattle scene there is the small matter of money too, with many of the top animals often costing a pretty penny (I think my thoughts on this are well enough known).

But overall while the big spenders may have the upper hand when it comes to buying, they still have to feed the cattle right and bring them out in top condition on the day. After all there have been plenty of big money cattle which have never grown into their potential or been overdone - and that's true of the pedigree world too!

When it comes to the sheep lines, there is first and foremost, a darn sight less money floating about, with most of the lambs being homebred, or bought at reasonable store lamb prices. But once again the same skill in feeding is needed to get the lambs to be spot on - particularly in making them handle as pairs.

I sincerely hope the great success enjoyed by both the Sellers and Bishops doesn't deter others from having a go, after all it may just be that next year is your year, or maybe even next week at AgriLIVE Smithfield!

My thanks to Northern Irish spies for the following results from yesterday's Allams show and sale off prime cattle.

Taking the top ticket in the cattle was Messrs Law Brothers with their senior Limousin steer which sold for £3800, reserve honours went to Messrs McKenna Bros with their junior Charolais heifer which brought them £3000.

Top in the housewife's choice award were Rainey Bros with a Limousin which made £4000, reserve here was M Johnston.

Taking the calf championship was G Cutler with a Limousin heifer which made £3000 and reserve in the calves were Okane Bros.

The Limousin title went to the overall champion from Law Brothers, while reserve was the same beast as took the Housewife's choice award. The Law Brothers also won the British Blue championsip with the reserve from N and S Cochrane. Simmental champion came from McKenna Brothers, with James Alexander bringing out the reserve. Charolais champion also came from the McKenna brothers, the same beast as reserve overall and the reserve in these was A Farlow. Hereford champion was from James Alexander and the reserve came from McKenna Bros.

And the Angus champion was also from James Alexander, with his Black Beauty two taking the honours. This one sold at £2300 to Nigel Matchett and now heads to the west coast of Scotland and is likely to be seen on the circuit next summer. She is twin to Black Beauty one which won at Clogher Valley, before being bought by Harry Emslie and being Smithfield bound next week.

Here are the Christmas Classic results from Thainestone yesterday after piecing together bits from my various spies in the area!

Topping the cattle was Harry Brown with Charolais cross heifer Cath, which weighed in at 614kg and sold at £5000 to judge John Davidson, Inverurie.

Reserve was Monzie Spinner a Limousin cross from the Paton family, Spott. This one went over the scales at 532kg and sold at £1300 to Direct Meats, Colchester. The Patons also took the reserve heifer spot and reserve steer spot. Reserve heifer was Tootie Frutie a Limousin cross which weighed 520kg and sold at £1352. The reserve steer award went to Limousin cross The Bard, which went over the scales at 722kg and sold for £1584.

YFC champion was Christopher Brown, of the same family as the overall winner, with Twinkle Toes, a 580kg Lim cross. This one sold to Harry Emslie for £2100 for breeding.

Topping the YFC sheep results was Bruce Ingram with a pair of Texel x Charollais lambs at 43kg. No other sheep results at the moment.

Another of the northern markets hosting its Christmas Show this week was Kirkby Stephen, where the championship in the cattle went to a Limousin cross heifer from Messrs Richardson, Appleby. This one sold for 409.5p/kg to Messrs Dent, Naby View, for further breeding.

Reserve was another Limousin heifer, this time from Messrs Sowerby, Ormside. This one sold for 284.50p/kg to Steadman Butchers, Sedburgh.

The lambs meanwhile were led by Beltex crosses from D and C E Marston, which later sold for £100 each. Reserve went to H R Hayton and Son, with more Beltex which also sold at £100/head.

Keith Downs, Milner Field, Bingley, took the top honours at Skipton's annual Christmas Show and Sale, with his British Blue cross steer which weighed in at 499kg, taking the the silverware. This one later sold to Keelham Hall Farm Shop at 419.5p/kg.

Reserve spot went to Willie Timms, Goole, with his British Blue cross heifer. This one sold at 369.5p/kg to Tim and Lisa Metcalfe for further breeding.

Taking the lamb title was James Garth, Clapham. These were a pen of three 39kg Beltex crosses which sold for £420/head to butcher Richard Bamford of Calderdale.

Reserve championship honours in the lambs went to Martin and Val Brown, Bedale, with their 50kg Beltex crosses. They sold at £200/head to Mike Allen, Whitby.

And the pig title went to Kelly Armitage with an 86kg pen of Pietrain crosses which sold at £151/head.

Taking top honours in the Baby Beef section was Limousin cross heifer Poker Face from Michael and Melanie Alford, Devon. This one, bred by Christopher Dick, Falkirk, is by French stock bull Attila and was bought from Caledonian Marts in September.

Standing reserve was Wendy Morgan with Babes, a homebred Limousin cross heifer out of a British Blue cross dam.

And that's about it from me here in Wales. Once again its been a great show and without doubt the strongest show of primestock so far this year and a tremendous turnout of people - more than 14,000 yesterday alone. Now I've just got the tortuously slow journey home to contend with!

Both pairs and singles championship tickets in the show's pig section were claimed by Joe Gray with Pietrain sired pigs from his six sow herd. His single winner was a gilt weighing in at 88kg, while his pair were a brace of gilts which tipped the scales at 87.5kg and 88kg apiece.

Taking reserve in both sections was B Beck with Welsh cross pigs. His single weighed 100kg, while the pair went over the scales at 100kg and 101.5kg each.

Continuing a fine run of form which started at Countryside Live Phil and Sharon Sellers have collected the overall cattle championship here at Builth Wells with their 536kg British Blue sired steer Dick Turpin - so named because it was bought from John Richardson, Penrith, referred to by Phil a few mintues ago as the highway robber!

But, the couple say this one, by Auchenlay Vagabond, was one of the cheaper cattle to come out of the Richardson yard and was bought privately. He was previously overall champion at Countryside Live and had been entered for next week's AgriLIVE Smithfield, but now won't be heading there.

Taking the reserve overall title was Elfed Williams with Blonde cross heifer Tiramisu. This one, was bought privately from Andrew Powell and weighed in at 564. Having come through from the first heifer class of the dayn yesterday Tiramisu picked up a fourth reserve championship for Elfed at the show.

And the Sellers success continued in the heifer classes where their 546kg British Blue sired heifer Betty Boop picked up the reserve heifer award.

Reserve steer winner, meanwhile was Flash, a Limousin sired entry weighing 486kg from Gordon Brooke.

Well, as predicted here earlier it was the unstoppable force of Andrew and Becky Bishop which took the sheep championship here at Builth Wells. And so in form is their team this season that they took not only the overall title (right in the photo below), but also the reserve championship (left on the photo below) and the overall carcass championship.

The couple's leading pair of lambs, which netted them their fourth championship of the season and makes them unbeaten in championships since Smithfield last year, were a 100kg pair of Texel sired lambs by a homebred Beltex tup which is registered with the Texel Society, under an agreement between the two breeds, from their 1200 ewe flock. One of the pair had been a part of the winning live/dead team from this year's Royal and Royal Welsh Shows, while the other was fresh to the show circuit.

Taking the reserve award were a pair of Beltex sired lambs which are by a homebred tup and tipped the scales at 99.5kg. These had earlier stood reserve in the Continental lamb section to the overall champions.

Andrew Bishop rashly told me earlier today that if he picked up the silverware here he woudl take a two year break from primestock showing and so far he's staying true to his word and says once he's attempted to defend his title next week at Smithfield he'll be hanging up his white coat. However, he did say he's willing to sell potential primestock lambs to other producers in future, so form an orderly queue ladies and gents, you read it here first!

Two 4000gns bids topped the Western Holstein Club's final show and sale of 2009, which saw more than 130 cows entered.

First to demand the top bid was the Champion animal of the day, Rowarton Stormatic Daisy, a daughter of Stormatic out of an EX91-3E dam by Juror. Giving more than 9000kg as a heifer, this one was consigned by Roger and Pat Sutton of the Rowarton Herd, Congleton, Cheshire. 

Also at the same money was the third prize cow, Rowarton Axiom Orchid 2^nd, also from the Sutton's who were staging a mini reduction of their herd. This one is a fresh calved second daughter of Canyon-Breeze Axiom who was the fifth generation of cows classified in the two grades from the Orchid family. Both animals were purchased by a well known undisclosed south Wales buyer, who also purchased two others from the Rowarton consignment. These included the second calf Rowarton Stormatic Orchid at 3800gns and Rowarton Axiom Meg at 2900gns and the reserve champion, a second calver Rowarton Sensation Rose at 2500gns.

Heifer trade was mixed, with quality more varied than recent months, but a price of 3300gns was still realised for Dunnerdale Bolton Kim from Wilson Boow, Millom Cumbria to Keith and Martin Lowry for their Halen Herd, west Wales. They also purchased the next highest priced heifer, Forte DS Baby from A L and H F Nottage, Norwich for 2700gns. 

The Lowry's also purchased Dupasquier charisma daughter, Rowarton Carisma Meg from the Sutton's for 2550gns. A bid of 2550gns was the price also paid for the Shottle heifer, Felmersham Shottle Sarah 8^th from H G Robinson and Sons, Bedford.

 Averages 29 Cows £2035.91;   87 Heifers £1975.57;   116 Milkers £1990.66.  6 Maiden Heifers £964.25; 122 HEAD £1940.17 (Wright Manley)

Here are the bulk of the cattle results from yesterday's judging, which by all accounts was a long drawn out affair in the heifer classes.

Leading the Blonde cross heifers was Elfed Williams with Tiramisu, while the Charolais heifers were topped by Robin Roberts with Modlen.

The first British Blue heifer class went to Phil and Sharon Sellers with Betty Boop, the second class saw Andrew Bishop win with Queen of the South, while the third class went to John Owen with Miss Wales.

The first Limousin heifer class went to T C Edwards with Miss Steak, with the second class going to Ellis Lloyd and Co with Lady and the third class was claimed by Elfed Williams with Ting Ting. The fourth Lim heifer class was won by T C Edwards with Miss Fit, while the last class went to Emily Jones with Alex Fifi.

The AOB native heifers were led by Oxon Amatures with Bloody Mary and the Pedigree Welsh Black heifer winner was Derrick and Lynn Davies with Menir Gwilym.

The first pedigree Lim heifer went to Elfed Williams with Bailea Duffy, while the second class went to Graham Sevenoaks with Sevenoaks Delilah.

Alford.

Well, it may be -1 outside here in Builth Wells, but the competition in the stock lines is sure to be hot this morning once championship judging gets underway.

I've only had chance to scan through the sheep lines so far, but the unstoppable Bishop team look to have been in fine form yesterday, scooping up at least two red tickets with Beltex and Dutch Texel sired lambs, so once again my money is backing Andrew and Becky to clinch the one title they missed out on last year.

More news to follow in due course.....