August 2010 Archives

The AMC English National Sale of Texel's at Worcester may not have realised the major prices witnessed at last week's Texel sale in Lanark as yet, but prices are not doing to bad, with the leading bid so far at 8800gns.

Dominating trade so far is the February 2009 ewe from the Twelve Oaks flock of D and J Chambers, Bromswold, Northampstonshire. This one was reserve female champion at the East of England Show this year and is out if a ewe by Knock Kingdom and by Claybury Nimrod. She sold to Grace and Hugh Reid, Alloa.

A Kelso Prostar son was next in the money selling for 5200gns. Meadowvale Romeo who was forward from Grace and Hugh Reid, Clackmannanshire was out of a ewe by Ettrick Nutcracker. This one sold to his dam's breeders Neil and Emma Pamplin, Northamptonshire.

At 4300gns was a ram lamb forward from the Connachan Flock of Robert Cockburn, Crieff, Perthshire. This one is by Garngour Onyx and is out of a dam by Hull House Nijinsky who was show gimmer in 2009. He sold to D I Corfield and Partners.

 Best in the shearlings was a 1500gns bid for Peacehay Porsche, a Peacehay Masterpiece son out of a Glenside Lumberjack sired dam. He went to S Rogers, Besihorpe.

Other leading female prices included a 2000gns bid for a shearling ewe from the Gibbs family, this was a Stainton Niffy daughter out of a dam by Cambwell Ivory. She went to E G Morgan, Sennybridge. Reserve female champion was a shearling from the Meinspride flock. This is an Annan Jewel daughter out of a dam by Glenside King II and sold to Trinidad Investments.

Averages; ram lambs £800.75, shearling rams £577.78, shearling ewes £578.28 (McCartneys).

Two bids of 700gns led trade at last week's show and sale of Charollais rams at Carlisle.

First in the money was a shearling ram forward from James Carlile, Penrith, Cumbria. This January 2009 ram is by GU6001 Thackwood Godfather and sold to G A and J M Maw, Bewcastle, Carlisle.

The same buyers also snapped up the second lot at 700gns, this time for a shearling ram from the Foulrice flock of Charles Marwood, York.

Just 50gns short of the top prices was a January 2010 ram lamb from James D Clanachan's flock Dumfries,, This one, who was sired by the interbreed champion at the Cumberland County Show, sold to J Baxter, Carlisle, Cumbria.

Five bids then levelled at 550gns, the first for a shearling ram forward from Messrs Wales' Thackwood Flock, Carlisle. This one who was by Springfield Hardy-Harry sold to J Howatson, Wigtownshire.

Next was another shearling ram entry forward from James D Clanachan, Dumfries. Maryholm Jockey Boy sold to D Alderson, Carnforth, Lancashire. Mark Worthington, Ramsbottom, Lancashire was next to secure 550gns for his shearling ram. This one sold to S H Pickthall, Cleator Moor, Cumbria.

The next two bids at this money came for ram lambs, the first of which was consigned by J A and R Geldard and Sons, Levens, Cumbria and sold to A A Johnston, Abbeytown, Cumbria. The second ram lamb was forward from S C and N C Hodgson, Bedale, North Yorkshire and sold to J E Studholme and Son, Carlisle, Cumbria.

15 shearling ram £501.20; 19 ram lambs £380.21 (Harrison and Hetherington).   

Rams lead the way at last week's Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset sheep show and sale, Carlisle.

Leading the way was Richhill No Limits N6, a ram lamb from Ben Lamb, Richhill. This October 09 born poll is out of Trevilley J581 and by Rossiz King Kong, the Ballytaggart flock stock ram. This one sold for 700gns to M Hodgson, Wasdale, Cumbria.

Not far behind, was another ram lamb, Downkillybegs Nitehawk, this time from W and K Carson, Downkillybegs. He went for 600gns to T G Wright, Ballytaggart, County Antrim.

This ram is out of Downkillybegs K76 and by Drumlin Kojack, which sired 2000gns 2009 May Fair Champion.

At the next best money was the shearling gimmer, Bennachie Lala L19. This January 2009 born poll, is by Ballytaggart Keltic Star K75:K56 and out of Ramsden H6:J874. She was put forward by James Royan, Bennachie and sold to J Waller jnr, Killington, Cumbria for 450gns.

Two entries were snapped up for 400gns. The first of which was Huish L341, a Huish Hunter sired shearling gimmer from D W Rossiter, Huish. She is out of Huish F364 and went to J E and S M Gray, Burley in Wharfedale, IIkley.

The second was Huish L129 a poll by Downkillybegs Humdinger H8. She is out of Huish J272 and had been running with Blackhill Kipper K970. This one was put forward by the same vendor as the previous entry and sold  to J Royan, Duns, Berwickshire.

A call of 350gns secured the next entry, a shearling ram from R M Elgin and Son Ltd, Bramain. Braman Lawrence L9150 went to D J and A E Hirst, Castlehaw, Saddleworth.

Average:

5 shearling rams; £245.70, 4 lamb rams; £509.25, 19 shearling gimmers; £309.47, 12 ewe lambs; £209.13

Pens of females:

4 ewes; £183.75; 24 ewe lambs; £157.06

Oxford Down sheep topped at 250gns in Carlisle last week for a shearling ewe. Leading the way was a 2009 ewe forward from A W Rutherford's Langrigg flock, Dumfriesshire.  This one was snapped up by J W and M F S Brown, Tenby.

Next in the money was a 240gns bid for another lot forward from A W Rutherford, this time for a shearling ram. This March 2009 born ram is by Redhill Raider 11 and sold to C R Lamb and Sons, Sea houses, Northumberland.

Mr Rutherford went on to secure the next two highest lots, a 170gns bid for a shearling ewe by Redhill Raider 11 and to A Millar, Aberdeenshire and a 160gns bid for a shearling ram by Langrigg Investment to Doonies Farm, Aberdeen.

Two lots forward from P and J Delday were next to dominate the money securing a 150gns bid for a senior ram by Delmur Highlander, a Langrigg Digby son and out of Doleen selling to J B and L M Benson, Penrith Cumbria. Also at the same money was a 2008 born ram by Sulgrave Hustler and also out of Doleen to L A J England, South Molton.

Averages 3 shearling gimmers £175; 2 ewes £173.25; 2 ewe lambs £102.38; 1 shearling ram £168; 2 aged rams £1157.50 (Harrison and Hetherington)

Today sees more Texel's go under the hammer in Worcester. Although bidding has just kicked off, which of course we will keep you informed of top prices throughout the day, we do have news of some of the show results from yesterday.

Taking the champion title at yesterdays show was the ram lamb from Malcolm Reid's Kelso flock, Kelso Rebel. This one is by Kelso Pot Luck, a Douganhill Mc Fly son and out of a ewe by Tophill Joe.

In reserve was a ram lamb from another well known flock, Glenside Red Robin, from John Forsyth Glenside flock. This one is out of a ewe by Castlecairn L.A. Lover and by Strathbogie Python. This one was purchased in Lanark last year for 9000gns.

The well known Cairness flock of Jimmy Douglas is currently going through the ring, and the first lot, Cairness Ranger has secured 30,000gns. This one is by Deveronvale Perfection and out of a ewe by Baileys Money Maker. He is out of one of the best ewes in the flock.

 At 32,000gns was Llangwm Rocky from the Llangwm flock of Iolo Prys Jones. This one is by Kelso Picasso a Mellor Vale Officer son and out of a ewe by Cowal Monarch of the Glen.

A new bid of 65,000gns is leading the sale at Lanark, this time for a ram lamb from across the water in Northern Ireland.  The ram lamb, Forkins Rocksolid from the Forkins flock of Alistair Gault, County Antrim, is by Tamnamoney Ned and out of a ewe by Clynnog Joe Tex. Rocksolid was also interbreed ram lamb champion at Ballymoney Show. This one was bought by to Trinidad Investments UK.  

Then at 22,000gns was Cowal Rob Roy, a Kelso Pavarotti son out of a ewe by Muiresk Northern Dancer. This one, consigned by Messrs K A and R Campbell, Argyll, is from the same family as the 8000gns Cowal Powerhouse and Cowal Kidnapper.

Then at 14,000gns was the first lot forward for the Rowandale flock of Darren McKay, County Antrim. This bid was secured for Rowandale Rocky, by Tullagh Legend and out of a ewe by Brague Jethro.  

Just a couple of thousand guineas' less at 11,000gns was a bid for Clinerty Ronaldo from Brian Buchan's flock in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. This one is ET brother to the £9000 ewe lamb sold to Deveronvale.  

Also at the same money was a lot forward from Messrs J and H Clark of the Garngour flock, Garngour Rebel. This one is ET brother to Rockafella and is by Teiglum Outlaw and out of a ewe by Hexel Lexus.

Another bid of 40,000gns has secured Cambwell Rob Roy from the Cambwell flock of Messrs T A Laird, Biggar, Lanarkshire. This one is a Cowal Powerhouse son, out of a ewe by Cambwell Laird.

A new leading bid of 50,000gns has just been secured for ram lamb Haddo Ringleader from William Knox's Haddo flock. This one is by Knock Powerpacker and out of a ewe by Cowal Maverick. His dam is maternal sister to 32,000gns Inquirer and dam of 11,000gns Knockout.

A bid of 11,000gns has also just secured Knock Ronick from the Knock flock of Messrs A and G Howie. This one is by Garngour Playboy and out of a ewe by Anglezarke Krug. This one is maternal brother to 20,000gns Knock Oregano.

Prices are beginning to trickle in from Lanark and already leading the way is a 40,000gns bid for Glenside Razzle Dazzle forward from John Forsyth, Maybole, Ayrshire. This one is by Strathbogie Python and out of ewe by Castlecairn Keltic Star, who was also responsible for a 40,000gns bid at Lanark last year with Kelso Pavarotti out of a Glenside ewe by Keltic Star.

Next at 11,000gns was Stainton WPS 1000031 forward from P K Woof, Kendal, Cumbria, who is by Fachell On Approval and out of a ewe by Cambwell Mountain.

Two more consignments from the Glenside flock were then responsible for the next two highest bids of 10,000gns, the first coming for Glenside Ring A Ding. This one has the same sire and dam as the 40,000gns Razzle Dazzle and was third prize ram lamb at the Royal Highland Show.

Next at the same money was Glenside Rocket, whose dam is a great example of a Keltic Star ewe.

Then at 9000gns was Kelso Referee from Malcom Reid's flock in Kelso. This one is by Kelso Prostar, who was the ram that went unsold last year in Lanark at 45,000gns and out of a ewe by Baltier Mercedes.

At 8000gns was another ProStar sired ram Meadowvale Rolls Royce, who is out of a ewe by Ettrick Nutcracker.

buyer information will follow

A soar in gimmer prices was seen at Skipton's annual show and sale of gimmer shearlings this week, with averages up £32.35 on the year.

A packed ringside saw particular interest in NEMSA-tagged consignments, with trade topping at £198 a head for a championship pen of Mule shearling gimmers forward from David Coates, Coniston Cold. Buyer of the champions was James Bracewell, Burnley.

Next in the money was a bid of £182/head for a pen of Continental shearlings from Bob Newby, Wetherby. The 697 Texel and Continental-cross shearlings on offer saw a rise of £13.15 a head on 2009 and averaged £128.17.

Texel's topped at £164 a piece for Nick Dalby's second prize pen and joined Mark Thompson, Long Preston. At £158 was the first prize pen of Texel's from R H and M R Ireland, Whalley which headed home with long distance buyer S J Stables, Wincanton.

Masham gimmer shearlings were also in demand with bids levelling at £158 a head for a pen from Mike Allen, Saltburn and purchased by Michael and David Wilson, Beckwithshaw.  John Wright had a 38-strong consignment forward on the day which secured the first prize pen for his breed as well as a bid of £125 a head for a pen of 10. These ones joined R W and M Walker in Keighley.

Averages 2448 mules forward £137.23; 183 Mashams £122.82; 697 Texel and Continentals, £164. (Skipton Auction Mart)  

It was success for father-and-son duo at this week's Skipton calf show which saw Peter Sowary and son George take the champion title and top bid of the day of £340 with a British Blue cross calf.

 The Genus-sired youngster, out of a Sowray Holstein Friesian cow headed home with Derek Taylor, Ripon. The Sowray's then went on to present the second prize British Blue cross bull calf and reserve champion, which also sold for the next highest price of £335.

The Sowary's are no stranger to the showing scene, after bagging the champion title at February's inaugural BOCM Pauls sponsored calf show. Therefore it was know surprise they were also responsible for the first and third prize Limousin heifer calves at this weeks show and sale, which made £318 and £225 respectively, along with the first prize Continentals class winner, a Charolais bull calf which sold for £315.

Leading the trade in the Meon Hill Texel dispersal at Worcester on Saturday was a 700gns bid for the best of the shearling ewes. This one was a Sportsman's Oswald II daughter out of a dam by Trujim Lion King. She sold with an index of 253 to D Farmer, Petersfield.

Following that at 680gns was another of the shearlings, this time a Lumbylaw Madras daugher out of a dam by Summerwood Grand Union. With an index of 312 she sold to J M and C E Mitchell, Tewkesbury.

The same buyers paid  the next best price too, laying out 650gns for another Madras daughter out of a Winkleigh Falcon sired dam. She has an index of 316.

And at 600gns was the leading older ewe, a 2008-born East Middle Mark of Esteem sired ewe out of a Trujim Lion King sired dam.

In the ewe lambs the best price was a 380gns bid for a Madras daughter with an index of 340. Out of a dam by East Middle Mark of Esteem she sold to S and A Ayres, Ludlow.

A guest consignment of shearlings from the Meon Valley flock of Drayton Farm Partnership sold to a peak of 610gns for a Sportsmans Oswald daughter out of a dam by Summerwood Grand Union. She sold to E I Davies, Llangadog.

Averages; Meonhill 42 flock ewes £236.50, 29 shearling ewes £320.79, eight ewe lambs £261.45; Meon Valley 10 shearling ewes £261.45 (McCartneys).

Females dominated the winning lines at the recent Hereford Cattle Society National Horned Show, Tenbury Wells.

Taking the top spot was Mara Pansy 20, a cow described by Australian judge James Higgins as 'world class' .

"She had great femininity, good top line and udder and had a calf to be proud of," he said.

This one was put forward by Lesley Jackson, Tring, Herefordshire, who had similar success last year after receiving Grand Female Championship with another Mara female, Mara Blossom 31.

Reserve Supreme Champion was another female, this time the Intermediate Female Champion 15 month old Copperfield Lament 09 from Mr Rob Shimwell from Kidderminster, Worcestershire.

 In the male section the Senior Bull Champion Haven Cavalier from E.L Lewis & Sons, Dilwyn, Herefordshire came out top as the Grand Male Champion. 

The Junior Bull Champion, 11 month old Church Preen Galileo from A.R. Owen, Shropshire, was awarded the Reserve Grand Male Championship. "Galileo" beat off strong competition from the Intermediate Male Champion in the form of Free Town Fortune from R.A. Bradstock & Partners, Tarrington, Herefordshire. R.A. Bradstock also took the Junior Female Championship with Free Town Pansy 3rd.

MJ & M Nash had a marvellous Show taking five trophies including; The Group of Five, Best Pair of Calves one from each Sex and Best Pair of Heifers. They also took the Reserve Senior Male Championship with Whartonspool Donizetti.

Trade was strong at this month's August collective sale at Ross-on-Wye market, with five heifers selling in excess of £2000 and a top price of £2200.

Leading the way was Richaven Squawbuck Jess Red, a daughter of Richaven Squawbuck and out of an EX91 dam. Consigned by Brownswood Holsteins, Worcester, this one was bought by Trebersed Farm Partnership, Carmarthen.

Next in the money was a 2150gns bid for Gordonel Bolton Greenage 47, a Sandy Valley Bolton daughter forward from T S and M Oakes. This one was purchased by J and R Twose and Sons, Whitland, Carmarthen.

The same buyers also went on to pay 2100gns for another Bolton daughter, Richaven Bolton Squaw from Brownswood Holsetins,

Cows peaked at 1800gns for Twotims Shottle Airhead a third calver from R J Court and Sons, Banbury.

Averages first quality calved heifers £2187.50; second quality calved heifers £1748.25; first quality cows £1863.75 (Gwilym Richards)

Some noted pens of tups have been through later in today's sale, with the Airyolland pen from the McQuistin's offering some sought after tups.

Top for the them and second best of the sale so far was a 10,000gns sale for their first Airyolland Nailer. This had been reserve male champion at the Royal Highland and is by Airyolland Kingsize. With semen retained for the vendor's own use he sold in a split to Anne Story and James and Thomas Whiteford.

From the same home and by the same sire at 3000gns was Airyolland No Thanks when he sold to Mr Beckwith.

A little earlier Michael Owens sold one at 3500gns, this was Glantre Norris, an Airyolland Loyalty son and he went to Stewart Wood for the Woodies flock.

After that came the Clary pen from Jock McMillan. His best was a 7700gns sale for Clary Number-One, a Clary Muscle Man son, he sold to the Dunlops, Biggar.

At 6800gns was a Clary Kaiser Chief son, Clary Nithsdale which sold to Brian Hall, Ainstable Hall. And making 3500gns was Clary Naevus, an Eskdale Lionheart son which found a new home with John Mellin.

Trade for the Haddo shearling ewes was strong with the top call a 3000gns bid for a Combs Valley Nistleroy daughter out of a Tophill Joe daughter - KWJ091644.

At 1800gns was a Haddo O Neil daughter out a Craighead Hercules sired dam - KWJ091741 and making 1700gns was a Millar's Outsmart daughter out of a Craighead Hercules-sired dam - KWJ 091692, she is maternal sister to 11,000gns Leduc.

Selling at 2000gns was an Anglezarke Nimrod daughter out of a Tophill Joe sired dam - KWJ091666, and at 1700gns was a Haddo O Neil daughter out of a Glenside Gurka sired dam - KWJ091556.

Overall the draft averaged a very healthy £993.

The Beltex breed has really made its mark here in Carlisle today with an 18,000gns bid for Dooley Napal from David Thornley. This one is a Viagrow V/d Vrie Musschen son out of a Clovis V/h Groentenhof sired dam and sold in a three way split to set a new Shearling record for the breed.

David also sold another at 2250gns this was Dooley Nissan, a Dooley Look out son.

Here are the latest run of notable prices from the Beltex here at Carlisle.

Making 3000gns was Walerdyke Nightlife from David Cunningham, this one is a Langlands Mascot son.

Firstly, selling at 2800gns was Langlands Nuggart from the Wilkinson family, this Brickwo KaKa son sold to Paul Tippetts and Christine Williams.

At 1800gns were a brace from the Brickrow flock, Brickrow Narrow, a Belmore Lamar son and Brickrow Nod, a Fron Kevin son both made this money.

Other notable news includes a non-sale at 2100gns for Borderesk Newsworthy from Anne Story. This full brother to Borderesk Leap Frog is by Airyolland Galliano and was turned out of the ring unsold despite strong bidding from a telephone bidder.

Today's draft sale from the Haddo flock of Texels has reached a high of 5500gns has got off to a good start, with a top so far of 5500gns given for a Tophill Joe daughter out of a Craighead Hercules daughter - KWJ05682. She sold to the McKerrows.

At 2000gns was another Joe daughter also out of a Hercules sired dam  - KWJ04402, while making 3000gns was a Glenside My Lord daughter out of a Hercules sired dam - KWJ071103, her grand dam bred 32,000gns lamb Inquirer.

And at 2000gns again was another Joe daughter again out of a Hercules dam. This one was KJW071232.

Several have also sold at the 1000gns mark. More to follow in due course....

Top Holstein heifers saw a biding frenzy with more than 400 bidders present at this week's Causeway Classic II, held at Balmoral which resulted in a top bid of 10,200gns.

Hitting the headlines at 10,200gns was the December 2009 born Priestland 4955 Gold Fifi ET consigned by Iain and Joyce McLean from Bushmills, County Antrim. This potential fourth generation EX was sired by Braedale Goldwyn and is bred from the noted Penn-Gate Skychief Fifi EX94, which gave more than 16,000kgs in her third lactation. She attracted spirited bidding from the packed ringside audience, with the securing bid coming from Lewis McMurray who runs the Matfield Herd based at Banbridge, County Down.

William and Andrew McCollum, Coleraine, County Londonderry, offered an Ensenada Taboo Planet ET daughter bred from Pine Tree Martha Sheen ET.  Ballycairn Planet Missy ET is a potential eighth generation EX or VG, and is a full sister to the number 13 GTPI Ammon Peachey Shauna (GTPI 2363) - which sold for $21,000 as a first choice in 2008.

 She sold with contract interest from several AI companies, and was snapped up at 8,500gns by Anthony Wills who runs the noted 1,000-cow Willsbro herd based at Pawton Dairy in Cornwall. This heifer was the first to sell in Europe from the hot new USA cow family. Pine Tree Martha Sheen has more than 20 sons in AI in America, and over 80 per cent of her offspring have genomically tested above parent average.

Trade has slowed a little here in Carlisle for the Beltex shearlings, with the best call in the last few runs being a 3000gns bid for an imported shearling from Gavin Shanks. This one was Bobana V/D Duvels Vleeskupe Terminator, bred in the same flock as Viagrow and Rustler. Two others from Gavin made 1000gns, the first being Inveresk Northern Exposure, an Artnagullion Layabout son with the second Inveresk Notorious, a King Kong son.

Andrew Baillie topped at 1600gns for Callacrag Ned, a Longley Hero son which sold to noted primestock showman Tecwyn Jones.

Then Glen Forsyth sold at 1700gns for Corra Ninian, a Brickrow Lionel son, a King Kong son from the same home, Corra Norman made 1400gns.

A strong run of tups from Kevin and Rachel Buckle have met a feverish demand, with their first, Buckles Nashville Dreams, an ET bred Newton Leo son making 4400gns to Paul Slater, Cheshire, he was third in his class yesterday.

A full brother to this then sold at 3000gns to the underbidders of the previous lotMeanwhile, another full brother made 1200gns. So far there's a good solid trade in the shearlings with not much being sold at less than 500gns.

Beltex shearling and aged tups have been selling well so far this morning with the pick of the trade so far a 3000gns call for Ardstewart Nice Lad from the McCrabbes. This Ardstewart King of Speads son stood second in the shearling class yesterday and sold to commercial tup breeder Paul Slater.

Making 1800gns was Bishops Norville from Andrew and Becky Bishop, he is a Fearn Grand Slam son. Then at 1600gns was Artnagullion Ninja from Elizabeth McAllister. He is by Ulysses and sold to Mr Mason. Another from the same home and by the same sire, Artnagullion Noddy sold at 1400gns to Paul Slater.

Top call in the aged rams was a 2300gns bid for Eskdale Lionheart, a Langlands Hudson son, he was forward from Jock McMillan having been bred by Messrs McIlwraith and Co.

Tup lamb trade here has been strong for the best of the offerings, with Stewart Wood and Jock McMillan enjoying the pick of the money.

In Stewart's pen the best money came at a brace of 4200gns bids for the first pair in the ring, first was Woodies Pheunominal a Forager son, Then at the same money was Woodies Perfection, a Viagrow son.

Also in Stewarts run was an 1100gns sale for Woodies Playboy, a Ballydown Magnus son.

At 2050gns was one from Richard Wood, Kingledores Popeye, a Cookstown Mr 11th.

Jock McMillan's best call was a 5500gns call for Clary Prankster, a Borderesk Leap Frog son.

A full ET brother then sold for 2000gns. Then at 2500gns was Clary Professor, another Leap Frog son. Making 4500gns was Clary Platform, a Eskdale Lionheart son. And at 1100gns was a full ET brother to the first pair, while at 1000gns was Clary Participate, another Eskdale Lionheart son.

Andrew Bishop sold at 1900gns Bishops Percy, a Luggsmill Lainey son which is full brother to one of last year's Smithfield champions.

Bidders came from far and wide for the recent dispersal sale of the entire milking portion of Messrs F and E Thomlinison and Son, Bolton Park, Mealsgate.

The top price of the day was a 2900gns bid for a newly calved Ayrshire cow. She went to Messrs McIntyre, Stewarton who also secured a Guernsey cow for the next best price of 2000gns.

Close behind was a call of 1900gns for another Guernsey, this time going to W J F Ramsay, Drummore. The same buyers also went away with a Guernsey cow, in-calf to Jensgolden Victory Hunter. This one sold for 1800gns.

J W McIntyre paid the same money for another cow of the same breed, this time in-calf to Lang Haven Spider Nomar.

Three entries secured a bid of 1750gns. The first of which was from W J F Ramsay, who took home a Jersey cow.

A Guernsey cow bought on behalf of a client in Surrey also made the same money with prolific buyer, J W McIntyre paying the same for a June calved Jersey.

Two Guernseys made 1700gns, the first of which calved last month. She was bought on behalf of a client in Surrey. The second also calved around the same time and went to A and R Paton, Avonbrdge.

Averages: 62 Jersey cows and heifers; £931.96, 47 Ayrshire cows and heifers; £1149.20, 137 Guernsey cows and heifers; £1029.84 (Harrison and Hetherington)

From 1 May next year all stock entered for nominated premier Limousin Society sales will have to come from herds which are members of, and adhering to the terms of, a CHeCS licensed herd health scheme.

Announcing the change BLCS chairman Jim Bloom said that customer reaction to the society's ongoing health initiatives and herd health declarations at sales had been hugely positive. "This next step will enable us to deliver animals to the market with a known health status which is a real added value to both pedigree and commercial producers."

The society's new policy is formed of three strands, firstly from 1 May 2011 herds selling at premier collective society sales have to be members of and adhering to, the terms of a CHeCS approved herd health scheme. Minimum standard for this will be a whole herd test for Johne's.

The second part of the initiative is that all animals, male and female and including calves at foot must be from either a BVD accredited herd with a CHeCS scheme of have been tested BVD virus free. In addition all animals forward will have to be BVD vaccinated prior to sale. Pregnant animals must have had testing and vaccination completed prior to service.

And thirdly the cash-back health initiative refund from the society, for herds who are members of and adhering to the terms of a CHeCS approved scheme will increase from £2 to £4 per animal for all participating herds in 2010, subject to an annual review thereafter.

Sales denoted as premier sales in 2011 will include the May and October Carlisle sales as well as Red Ladies day and the autumn sale at Stirling. Subject to an ongoing review the policy may then be rolled out at other society sale centres including Brecon, Dungannon, Ballymena and Thainstone.

The announcement has been made now to allow breeders sufficient time to join a scheme and undertake testing ahead of the first sale in May 2011. As at January 2010 28% of all pedigree Limousin calves registered came from CHeCS scheme herds, with 94% of bulls in the May 2010 Carlisle sale carrying a herd health declaration.

All in all, it sounds a good initiative which should help to give buyers additional confidence in the stock they buy, but there are a few herds which may well have to sharpen up their act in order to get stock into society sales.

This year's Northern Irish Simmental club's male and female of the year awards were decided last week following the final show in the series at Eniskillen.

Taking the female of the year title was Ashland Lady Diamond 3 from Pat Kelly and Son Frank, Tempo, Co Fermanagh. This Raceview Nigel daughter has been champion at Ballymena, Lurgan, Omagh, Clogher and Enniskillen.

In reserve spot and just two points behind was David Hazelton's heifer Ranfurly Weikel 3, she took the honours at Balmoral, Armagh, Saintfield, Newry and Castlewellan and was also reserve to Lady Diamond at Enniskillen.

Meanwhile, the male of the year award was won by Harold Stubbs and grandson Alan Burleigh, Linaskea, with their Omorga Regan son Derrycallaghan Alan. He has stood reserve breed champion at Balmoral and Armagh, male champion at Lurgan and Omagh and reserve male champion at Enniskillen.

And in reserve was Willandale Admiral, a Raceview King son from Andrew Patterson, Cookstown. This one has been champion at Antrim, male champion at Ballymena and Enniskillen and reserve male at Armagh and Omagh.

Trade at the July Western Holstein Club show and sale was slightly down on previous months, but the good choice of quality animals were keenly sought by several buyers.

Taking the best money of 3200gns was the heifer Chaterley Talent Darel, a daughter of Talent, bred from four successive generations of VG/EX dams from the renowned Dellia heifer.

She was consigned by Stan Price, Stockport and sold to J Lomax and Son, Chorlton.

At 2800gns was one of nine heifers sold to an undisclosed buyer from the south. This one is Wardle Bambam Cherry by Braedale Bambam and out of a EX90 dam by Storm. She was put forward by Harold and Pat Crapper, Derbyshire.

Selling for 2600gns to the same buyer was a Bolton from a ninth generation VG/Ex Sinatra dam from B and L Whitfield and Son, Wem.

He also snapped up a Damion from Wilson Boow, Millom for 2500gns and the day's champion, Fordswood Champion Roxy for 2400gns. She is a daughter of Calbrett Champion and was put forward by the Roxy family, Garstang.

Averages:

7 cows; £1255.50, 83 calved heifers. £1753.50, 90 head; £1714.77 (Wright Manley)

Jerseys from the final dispersal of the Loseley Herd, Surrey, topped the trade at Beeston's quarterly sale of coloured breed dairy cattle with a call of 2450gns.

However, overall sale-goers witnessed a rollercoaster trade with demand for the best, but a selective trade for second quality entries.

The highest price was secured by the young dry cow, Loseley Zik Scandette 2. This one is expecting her third calf in September to Ahlem Lemvig Abe. She sold to S Parfit of Masbury.

Loseley Farms also achieved the next best price at 2300gns for the third calved cow, Loseley Paramount Wendy CM, an Ex90 cow and a daughter of Rockella Paramount. She is also due in September, but sold to Gilmour Evans, Guilsfield, Welshpool.

The Brown Swiss saw the next best trade, with bidding particularly strong for the milkers.

David Whitehead, Macclesfield sold his fresh heifer, Riverdean Sheila, for 2080gns. This daughter of Top Acres Brinks went to D and H E Colclough and Son, Sandbach

Selling for 2000gns was another entry from the same vendor, Riverdean Bee. This fresh second calver by Webscott Dominate went to E M Kirk, Melton Mowbray.

Close behind was a Shorthorn from Geoff Royle and family, Altrincham selling for 1820gns. This second calver sired by Dunham Discovery is giving 31 kg and went to P E Bailey and Sons, Oswestry.

At 1700gns was a fresh Ayrshire from Alan Coultts and Sons, Knutsford. Knutsford Flo 167, a daughter of McCornick Nelson, has been calved just over a week and went to Philip Jeffries, Welshpool.

Averages:

Ayrshires - 11 Cows and Milking Heifers £1169.32; 19 Maiden Heifers £474.71;

Shorthorns - 6 Milking Cows and Heifers £1324.75; 3 Crossbred Milking Cows and Heifers £1242.50; 1 Maiden Heifer £630.00

Brown Swiss - 12 Cows and Milking Heifers £1220.63; 1 Served Heifer £1239.00; 3 Maiden Heifers £843.50; 3 Crossbred Maiden Heifers £602.00

Guernseys - 1 Cow £966.00

Jerseys - 10 Cows and Milking Heifers £788.55; 12 Served Heifers £758.62; 2 Maiden Heifers £367.50. Loseley Herd: 35 Cows and Milking Heifers £777.90; 11 Served Heifers £812.32; 30 Maiden Heifers £535.50 (Wright Manley)

Charolais bull Edenhurst Cognac, bred by Peter Vasey and bought last year for the Moyness herd of Sandy Innes  for £15,000, has been sold in a private five figure deal to the Milne family's Elgin herd and Tom Clarke's Springfield herd.

Cognac, is ranked in the top 5% of the breed for both terminal sire and self replacing indices and is by Oldstone Egbert and out of a Dingle Hoffmeister-sired dam.

This year's Aberdeen-Angus National Show, held in conjunction with the Border Union Agricultural Show, saw more than 75 head of Aberdeen-Angus cattle forward from all corners of the UK for judge Robert Lane of the Penguin herd, Shropshire, to place.

Mr Lane found his champion in the form of Netherton Focus J491 from Messrs W and D McLaren, Perthshire. Sired by the 36,000gns The Moss Mr Eshton (who was this year's Male Champion at the Royal Highland Show), this January 2009-born bull is out of Netherton Fleur B199 who sold for 10,000gns to Dr Michael and Martin Sheahan, Ireland, where she was the 2008 female and reserve Supreme All Ireland champion. She is also the dam of Luddenmore Fleur H001, a full sister to Focus, who was Ireland's National Calf Show Champion.

Netherton Focus is now destined for the Stirling Bull Sales in October. Describing his champion Mr Lane said: "This bull is a well fleshed, powerful young bull with great locomotion. He will no doubt make a great pedigree stock bull for the future."

Commenting on his win, a delighted William McLaren jnr said: "We couldn't have asked for more from this show. Having done so well at this year's Royal Highland Show it was fantastic to win the championship at the National. We look forward to bringing Focus to the Stirling sales."

Taking the reserve champion spot was the leader in the female championship, Linton Gelibertines Ella J177 from Gordon Brooke, Malton, North Yorkshire. This March 2009-born heifer is by Rawburn Rommel E423 and is out of the Rawburn Lord Ross C216 daughter Rawburn Ebony F618 who was sold at the Best of Blacks sale in 2008 for 11,000gns. Ella was an embryo inside her at the time.

Mr Lane described his overall reserve champion as: "A great heifer with great breed character. She was equally well fleshed and an easy female champion." Commenting on the overall standard of cattle in front of him, he added: "There was a great top quality to the classes making this show one of the best standard's of Aberdeen-Angus cattle I've seen for quite a long time, the classes were a pleasure to judge."  

Having stood second in the same class as the champion, the reserve male championship went to Cumnock, Ayrshire-based Alastair Clark's Duncanziemere Jaguar J306. Born January 2009, Jaguar is by the Hoff Limited Edition SC 594 son Aln Govenor D833 and is out of the Newcairnie Pastor Z006 daughter Duncanziemere Jody D147.

Taking reserve in the female championship having made the journey up from Romsey in Hampshire was Lockerley Hall Farms, with their February 2008-born heifer Lockerley Georgina H904. By the Netherton Eastern Cruz son Lockerley Mr Big D462, she is out of the Idvies Jester Eric A057 daughter Lockerley Georgina E591.

Commenting on the National Show, the Society's chief executive Ron Mchattie said: "We were delighted with this year's National Show. The standard on offer was incredibly impressive throughout the classes. The Society would like to thank the Border Union Show for their hospitality and management for helping make the event such a positive one for the breed."

Apologies for this only just getting up here, I was tied up with the Sheep Event at Malvern on Monday and Tuesday.

Last week's sale of Suffolk ram lambs at Edinburgh failed to produce the sparky trade of previous years, with the average falling by more than £200 on the year and 30 fewer lambs finding new homes.

Traditionally the dearest sale for the breed, this year it only managed a top price of 20,000gns, some 6000gns short of the best achieved at the previous week's National sale at Shrewsbury, with a number of the best prices paid by flockmasters dispersing their flocks later this year.

Taking the top call was the reserve champion from the pre-sale show, a Cairness Carbon son out of a dam by Strathisla Sinatra, which was also dam of last year's champion from Shrewsbury. Bred by Steven and Louise Buckley, Derbyshire, this one was bought in a two way split by the event's judge Robbie Wilson and Charles and Kevin Proctor.

 Next best was an 18,000gns bid for the best from Mr Wilson's own Strathisla flock. This was a son of last year's Edinburgh champion Strathisla Sea Bird and is out of a dam by Glenho Gurka, which is herself full sister to 48,000gns sire Strathisla Dylan Thomas. Buying this one were Northern Irish breeders Alfred and Norman Robinson, Co Down.

And then at 12,000gns was the best of the day from Myfyr Evans Rhaeadr flock, Denbigh. Taking this price was a son of this year's Reserve interbreed from the Royal Highland, Baileys BMW. Out of a ewe by Cairness First Flight, he was knocked down to Iain Barbour for his Solwaybank flock, Annan.Then, making 10,000gns was Jimmy Douglas with a lamb from his Cairness offering. This one, a Fyvie Classic son is out of a dam by Cragoe Craftsman. The only lamb by Classic this year, he sold to a brace of buyers, H P Sleigh and Sons for their Wells flock which will be dispersed later this year and Gordon Troup for his Whitestone flock.

Selling at 9000gns was a Cairness Achievement son from the Proctor family's Conveth flock. This triplet lamb is out of a dam by Castlewellan Nutcracker and sold with an index of 2.23. Taking this one home were a duo of Northumbrian buyers, Hugh Annett and Sons, Morpeth and Colin Campbell and Sons, Alnwick.

Following that sale at 7000gns was the top sale for Northern Irish consignor Mark Priestley of the Limestone flock. His best was a Strathisla Stoner sired lamb ET bred out of a dam by Castlewellan Tonto which has bred lambs to 7500gns previously. This one sold to Shetland-based Bryden Nicholson for his Innfield flock, another flock due to be dispersed later in the year.

Two then sold at the next best price of 6000gns with the first being a Baileys Headstart son out of a dam by Burnview Beamer from Willie Tait. Selling with an index of 3.28, he was first prize ram lamb at Balmoral show and sold to Helen Goldie, Dundonald.The second at this money was a son of Strathisla Sea Bird from Barclay and Lucy Mair, Turriff. He is out of a dam by Meikleson Impression and was bought by Chris Holmes for the Rookery flock.

ADDITION

Champion was a Baileys Bacchus sired lamb from Jimmy Douglas out of  a dam by Cairness Renovator which is in turn out of a Glenisla ewe bred in the late Gordon Wilson's flock.

Average; 122 ram lambs £1929.38 (Lawrie and Symington).

It was a bid of £1185 (219.5p/kg)  for a home-bred Limousin cross heifer that secured the top price at Skipton Prime Show and Sale this week.  

This one was forward from Jimmy Baines, Gisburn who went on to enhance his chances of retaining the title of Stockperson of the Year when sending out the prime beef champion for the second month in succession and securing the top price. This one sold to show judge, Saltaire butcher Richard Binns.

Mr Binns was buying on behalf of his son Paul, another butcher who runs Binns Quality Meats at Bradford's Oastler Shopping Centre. The same business also acquired the first price bullock from L Bamforth  and Sons, Halifax, at £967 (203.5p/kg).

Prime lambs topped at £96 per head for a pen of five 41kg Texel-cross-Beltex from Robert Fielden, Todmorden, who also won prime lamb title. Mr Binns went on to buyt these champion animals for his own shop in Saltaire.

 The reserve champion 49kg Masham lambs from W and R Verity, Middlesmoor, Pateley Bridge, sold for £78 each to Paul Watson, Hellifield, on behalf of Dunbia Foods, Preston.

Returning champion winner Robin Jennings not only took top spot in classes at Craven Cattle Marts early August sale but also bagged the top price of £2000 . The freshly calved Holstein Friesian by their home-bred former dairy bull Stainbank Oxygen, was sold giving 33 litres to Geoff Blezzard, Ribchester.

Mr Blezzard then went on to purchase another Jennings entry, the third prize freshly calved heifer, a 27 litres daughter of Penn-England Garrison, along with £1460 for the first prize fresh calved cow from Derek Wells, Bradford.

The next best price of £1580 and £1490 was then paid for the fisrt and second [prize in-cal ehifers, both exhibited by Alan Simpson, York and snapped up by Wick Williams, Nantwich. He then went on to purchase the reserve champion from Peter Baul for £1450.

Maiden heifers also met a fair trade with the class leader levelling at £770. Consinged by Robert Metcalfe, Harrogate, this one headed home with Robert Johnson, Felliscliffe. Johnny Metcalfe also sold two maiden heifers for £750 and £680 to Simon Spensley, Gargrave.

Newly calven heifers £1571; newly calven cows £910; in-calf heifers £1530; in-calf cows £1003; maiden heifers £722

Sheep dog trade at the NSA Sheep 2010, Malvern may not have set any new world records, but trade was still strong, with a top price of 3350gns and an average of £1050 for the 52 dogs on offer.

Leading the day's trade was Maid, a black and white bitch from A D Powell. By Spot and out of Gwen, both of which were bred by G A Lewis, this experienced bitch was snapped up by A Roffe, Cornwall.

Next in the money at 3000gns was another black and white bitch, this time forward from the youngest consigner on the day 15 year old Aeron Games. Pip whose mother Mel sold for £1580 last year is a good all round bitch and headed home with S W Clarke, Burton on Trent.

For more news from this week's NSA Sheep 2010 visit www.fwi.co.uk/sheepevent

With a lift in the average prices paid for virtually all breeds and a top bid of 2000gns, ram sellers hoped the trade at the first of the season's multi-breed rams sales held at Builth Wells this week was setting an upbeat trend for the coming autumn.

Buyers were certainly choosey, but the air of confidence underpinning the sheep sector encouraged generous bidding and good competition among bidders for the best rams.

Charollais breeders Charles and Valerie Marwood achieved the top price of 2000gns with a shearling ram from their Foulrice flock at York. The ram, by the Irish-bred sire Ballynoe House Isaac, was one of a large consignment from the Marwoods who brought 16 shearlings and three ram lambs to the sale.

"He's a ram that's got that something extra. Plenty of shape and a very good growth rate but a ram with that all important character and style that makes him stand out as a breeder's ram," said Charles Marwood.

The price brought the Foulrice average up to £740 compared with £650 last year.

"The benefit of the Hybu Cig Cymru Elite (HCC) performance ram scheme - which pays up to a maximum of £400 of the purchase price for a recorded ram - had undoubtedly been a factor in the higher prices achieved," added Mr Marwood.

Paying the top price was David Curran and his son Paul from Talgarth, Brecon.

"I've followed the Foulrice breeding lines and was very impressed with the ram's conformation, correctness and performance figures," said Mr Curran who bought him under the HCC scheme.

Geoff Biddulph of Macclesfield, Cheshire led the Suffolks at 1180gns with a ram lamb from his Pexhill flock.

The ram's twin had taken second prize for a single ram lamb at the National Suffolk sale last month and sold for 13,500gns.

Buyers of the 1180gns ram were the Hughes family from Felinfach, Lampeter.  "I had him marked in my catalogue as soon as I set eyes on him," said Mr Hughes.

Topping the Texels at 1150gns was a ram from Rob and Barbara Smith's Slapton flock in Northamptonshire.

The Smith family, who achieved the highest breed price of 1950gns last year, run 175 Texel ewes.

Beltex best was 950 guineas with a Berrichon tup reaching 400 guineas and Hampshire Downs up to 370 guineas.

There were 447 sheep sold compared with 441 in 2009. Gross takings were £214,475.79.

Leading averages: Charollais shearling (147) £595; Texel shearlings (214) £462; Suffolk lambs (65) £488; Beltex (16) £477

Averages; nine breeding ewes £124.83, 33  shearling ewes £178.34, 37 ewe lambs £138.86, 13   rams £355.79, 21 ram lambs £207.56 (McCartneys).