The highlight of proceedings in the sheep sale ring was the sale of the supreme champion lambs from R Hall & Son.

The pair of Beltex X ewe lambs (49.5 kg) went for £520 each to the judge William Lloyd Williams Butchers, Machenllyth.

The reserve supreme champion Beltex ewe lambs (44.5 kg) from the same vendor sold for £480 and were also purchased by the judge.

A pair of Charollais ewe lambs weighing 48 kilos from I T Davies & Son, Brecon sold for £360 each.

Overall trade was much better on all breeds selling to an overall average of 280.98p/kg and £132 a head with 325 lambs sold.

The money was in the baby beef at yesterday's post-championship sale at the Welsh Winter Fair.

An excellent show of quality young calves attracted a huge crowd of keen buyers, all hoping to purchase that exceptional animal that could win gold, says auctioneers McCartneys.

Last year's top price was smashed on more than one occasion, initially with a heifer from R & L Jones from Lower Argoed.

 'Blackberry' weighed 280kg and made £4,700 selling to show man B E Williams from Sennybridge. This one is by a British Blue and out of a Limousin x.

This was closely followed by 'Miss 2011' the supreme baby beef champion shown and bred by Mr Dylan Hughes. She made £4,500 being purchased by A & R Livestock (Mr A Bishop) from Pitfield Farm.

Then at the same money was the Supreme Champion, home bred Limousin heifer 'Cincer' from Christopher Owens, Glantre, which weighed 538 kg. She was  purchased by the judge Mr Alan Davies of Berriew.

Miss Emily Jones took the reserve champion steer with 'Razzle Dazzle' which again was home bred and weighed 320kg to make £3,900 being purchased by Mr P Sellers. This one is by a Limousin and out of a British Blue x.

A homebred steer from John Owen called 'Rooney' made £2,900, while Mr M J Alford sold 'Pokermon' to Mr A Bishop for £2,700.

P J & T A Jones of Tyishaf then sold a Limousin heifer called 'Misha B' for £2,700 to D T Williams from Anglesey.

The Reserve Champion, Limousin heifer 'Red Hot' weighing 564 kg made £2,600. Again being purchased by one of the judges Mr J Maycock of Derby and being exhibited by D Hughes, Cwmhendryd.

The Champion YFC animal was a 350kg BB x heifer from Jamie Breese of Bron Heulog which made £2,000 and was bought by the judge Mr T Bodily.

Other notable prices were paid for the registered Welsh Blacks, which readily sold from 200 - 300 p a kg, many being purchased by D Willis, Croesllan Catering. Other purchasers of finished cattle were Robert Rattray, HMD Butchers, Doug Griffiths, Leintwardine, Owen Liar, Dewi James & Co, Cardigan.

The overall heifer average was 294 p a kg. The overall steer average was 231 p a kg. (McCartneys)

Eyes were on popular favourite Poker Mon at yesterday's Welsh Winter Fair to see whether he would continue his run of successes in the baby beef classes. However, unexpectedly, he was nowhere to be seen in the final line up.

Having won the baby beef championship title at Countryside Live, AgriExpo, and the English and Scottish Winter Fairs he was placed second in his steer class to British Blue sired, Wally from D Huw Jones and was unplaced in the steer championship.

However, he later sold to the day's Beltex judge, Andrew Bishop, Worcester, for £2,800 to continue on the show circuit next year, but not before being shown at Smithfield this weekend by the Alfords, from Foxhill Farm, Cullompton, who originally purchased the beast for £3,000 at the Thainstone Spectacular.

Mr Bishop also purchased the Alford's heifer calf, Poker Doll privately for an undisclosed sum. This one had won her heifer class on the day and was also sold with the agreement she will be shown by the Alfords at Smithfield. Born in March 2011, she is by a British Blue and out of a Limousin x British Blue.

It was a ladies day in the overall beef championship ring. Judge Alan Davies from Butchers' Shop, Welshpool, picked the champion heifer for his top prize, but then called the reserve champion heifer into the ring to make his decision on reserve. In the end, the reserve heifer pipped the champion steer to the post.

The winning ticket went to the Limousin heifer (85) from Christopher Owens, who had previously seen success in the young handlers ring.

Mr Davies said: "The champion heifer was full of meat with a good top line. She was deep in the loin and showy with it."

Speaking about his preference for the fairer sex, Mr Davies said he liked heifers and "preferred them in the shop." He said overall the standard of entry had been good, but the heifers had been better than the bullocks on the day.

This one was bred by Michael Owens and is out of a Limousin cross and by a Derosa Limousin bull by Sarkley Pepsi. She comes from having previously won baby beef champion at Newark in May and been placed second in her class at The Royal Welsh Show. She'll be reluctantly put up for sale at the Fair weighing 538kg.

The reserve was another Limousin sired animal (34), this time from Dylan and Yvonne Hughes who also won Baby beef champion earlier in the day. November 2010 born Red Hot was bred by Brian Griffiths, Welshpool, and was bought at the Second Show Potential at Ruthin in April for £910. This one weighed 564kg on the day.

She was reserve at the Anglesey Winter Fair and third in her class at AgriExpo. This one will be kept for breeding and is one of 15 show potential cows kept by the couple.

In the baby beef classes, Wally (242) from D Huw Jones, Llety Cynnes, Bow Street, Ceredigion, took the steer championship title. This one is by a British Blue and out of a Welsh Black. Reserve steer was (245) Emily Jones' Razzle Dazzle (Coedmore-Hall, Cellan, Lampeter). He is up for sale and is by a Limousin and out of a British Blue x.

In the heifer championship, Mr Dylan Hughes, Ty Cerrig, Ty Nant, Corwen, got the top spot with homebred, Miss 2011 (195), by a British Blue. In reserve was another from Emily Jones, this time Ace Girl (200), which is out of a Limousin x and by a Limousin.

The heifers then reigned supreme in the overall baby beef championship, with the title going to Dylan Hughes' Miss 2011 (above), and the reserve to Ace Girl from Emily Jones.

Heifer championship went to a Limousin heifer (85) from Christopher Owens, Glantre, Pontsian, Llandysul. This one was bred by Michael Owens and is by a Limousin and out of a Limousin cross.

In reserve was another Limousin sired animal (34), this time from Dylan Hughes, Ty Cerrig, Ty Nant, Corwen. November 2010 born Red Hot was bred by B Griffiths.

In the steer championship it was Berwyn Hughes' Mr Curly Wurly (133) that was awarded the winner ribbons. Homebred at Cwmhendryd, Lampeter, this one is by Limousin bull Rhiwllech Carlsberg and out of a Limousin x British Blue and weighed 528kg.

Col. Powerhouse Frigate from B E Williams, Station Court, Sennybridge, Brecon, took the reserve (178). This was bred by C Phillips and by Soleil and out of Chatsworth Bridgit and weighed in at 592kg.

R H Hall and Sons have had a very successful day, taking home both the overall championship title and reserve title.

John and daughter Joanna, secured the top spot with their pair of Beltex lambs (586) - winners of the continental championship section. They weighed 99.5kg and were both out of a Beltex x ewe and by Woods of Kingledores. One of the pair had won the singles class for the Beltex breed at Countryside Live. They will be sold later in the day.

In reserve was their pair of butchers' lambs (473). Again, out of a Beltex x ewe, these weighed 89.5kg and will also be sold at the Fair.

Judge Wil Lloyd Williams said he was looking for a pair that matched on the feet and also on the hook. "The champion pair are a good matching pair that will kill out well."

He said the difficulty had come when picking the reserve spot and it had been a close call between the eventual reserve and the Southdown pairs. However in the end it was their size and killing out percent that tipped it in favour of the Beltex reserves.

Those wishing to follow Taking Stock and get the latest results while Aly is at the ringside can click on http://twitter.com/#!/FWtakingstock .

Sorry for the delay in getting these results on the blog, as twitter followers will know, i've been having internet issues by the ring. Now i am back in the press room i can at last post them up:

The crossbred championship pairs title has been awarded to Katherine and Lindsay Price and Parry for their pair of Suffolk x Welsh mules (299) weighing in at 88kg

The any other cross winner has taken reserve (298). This is a pair of homebred Suffolk x Badger Faces from Miss L K Levinge weighing 93kg.

R Hall and Sons have had a worth while trip down from Carlisle, taking both the overall champion (473) and reserve champion title (471) in the Butchers' weight classes. Both spots were taken by a pair of Beltex x homebred lambs with the champion pair weighin 89.5kg and the reserve 83.5kg.

In the native breed and upland section, the silverware has gone to a pair of North Country Cheviot Lambs (332) from G and L Davies and Western. Bred by G Milne, these weighed 92kg.

In reserve was a pair of Hill Radnor lambs from Elvet Jones and Kate Hovers (309) weighing 89kg.

In the lowland championship(561), a pair of Southdown lambs has got the top spot. These weighed 95.5kg and were homebred by exhibitor Wakejam-Dawson and Harmer.

In reserve was the Suffolk pair of lambs (547) from I T Davies and Son. Bred by G Lewis these weighed 92kg.

Adam Henson from Coutryfile is looking to buy some Welsh breed sheep and spent some time making his way round the breed pair winners in the Welsh Mountain Section championship to get some footage for the BBC programme.

However, taking the top spot in the class, was the Welsh Mountain (445) pair from Ellis Lloyd and Co. These weighed 85.5kg.

Then in reserve was a pair of Welsh Hill Speckled Face Lambs (422) shown by D R Lewis. They hit the scales at 106.5kg.

In the continental section, the championship has gone to a pair of Beltex lambs from R Hall and Sons (586), weighing 99.5kg.

In reserve was another Beltex pair this time from Dafydd Lewis (588). They weighed 93kg.

Now for the Pure Hill and Upland and Welsh Mountain Breeds Championship - the top honours has gone to the champion from the Welsh Mountain section (445), the pair of Welsh Mountains from Ellis Lloyd and Co.

In reserve was (332) the North Country Cheviots from G and L Davies and Western.

The evening sale on the first day of the Aberdeen Christmas Classic livestock show saw a strong trade for Suffolk, Beltex and Texel breeding females with a top call of 1900gns for a Texel.

The bid came from G Taylor, Huntly, Aberdeenshire for a gimmer shearling by Knock Party Time from James Innes and Sons' Strathbogie flock. She was in-lamb to the 40,000gns tup Glenside Razzle Dazzle who is by Strathbogie Python.

Auctioneer Colin Slessor described the trade as "extremely strong" with new buyers chasing foundation females for New Year lambing.

"Quality was good throughout and there was no shortage of confidence among the bidders," said Mr Slessor.

Taking the Texel championship was gimmer from A and G Howie by Garngour Nobleman. She was in-lamb to the 20,000gns Sportsmans Supreme - a tup jointly owned by the Howies. Buyer at 1200gns was B Milton, Fochabers who took several lots.

A good trade for Suffolks reached 1500gns given by Robbie Wilson, Turriff for the champion - a gimmer by the 12,000gns Glenhead Golden Phoenix from the Mair's Deveronside flock. She was in-lamb to Rhaeadr Roger Ram Jet. Durham buyer P Brennan paid 1300gns for the reserve champion which was also from Deveronside and by the Glenhead sire. She was in-lamb to Strathisla Sea Bird that made 10,000gns after standing champion at Edinburgh in 2009.

Overall average: 136 head £441.38 (Aberdeen and Northern Marts).

ends

By Jeremy Hunt

Messrs Ropner's famous Dalesend Holstein herd was dispersed in front of massive crowd at Newton-le-Willows, near Leyburn, north Yorkshire. Over 100 buyers were recorded spanning 26 different counties from all over the UK. The Dalesend herd has been established for 60 years and has remained a major force in UK Holstein breeding.

Of the 300 lots there were 27 animals that made 3,000 guineas or more, but the top call came late in the day when 6,200gns was paid for a fabulous red calf by Fradon Jet Red, bred from the same family as Simon Davies' exciting show cow of the same name. She was snapped up by Albert Innes-Smith from Ponteland for his Movistar herd. Four telephone bidders provided a flurry of bidding, but as always there was only one winner!

Several cattle head for Wales as several discerning Welsh breeders bid keenly - sometimes against themselves! Among these was Peter Jones of the heavy milking Parcgwyn herd in Monmouthshire, who purchased seven cattle including the top priced cow Dalesend Talent echo EX-91 for 4,600gns.She was the only animal catalogued with a genomic test. Her GTPI was 1,824 but her 91 points and 50 litres a day were major factors in her appeal to buyers. Her Mr Sam calf at foot made 2,100gns to D.H Ryder of the Rypark herd near Otley.

Young stock were a flying trade with 52 heifer calves averaging £1,268 and selling to a top of 2,800 guineas for a Talent daughter from the famous Maude family. Tony Hack of the Santamaria herd in West Wales was the successful telephone bidder. Her dam travels to North Wales to join Messrs Jones' Puerto herd at 3,000gns.

An impressive group of 35 in-calf heifers averaged over £2,000 with a top price in the section of 3,200gns. This was for another Rosina, named Rosanna by Comestar Outside. She was carrying an embryo by Palermo out of Cogent Manat Scant EX-90 and was secured by Metcalfe Farms from Leyburn for their Washfold herd.

Maiden heifers sold well with Dalesend Drake Rena making  4,000 guineas to join Peter Miles and family's Littlebridge herd near Northallerton.

Tribute was made to Farms Manager Bernard Liddle, the immediate past President of Holstein UK, who with his family and expert team at Newton Grange had put a large dispersal sale together in great style in just six weeks.

Averages: 152 cows £2566; 35 served heifers £2082 and 62 maiden heifers £1518. (Norton and Brooksbank with Harrison and Hetherington).

The recent Christmas Craven Dairy Auction at Skipton Auction Mart saw a total of 58 cattle put forward with the top price of £2,180 paid for a newly calven heifer.

Securing the top price on the day was a newly calven heifer from John Airey at Elslack.  This one was bought by Shaun Sowray, of Bishop Thornton, who also paid the top price of £2,080 for a newly calven cow from Tony Swires, Stainburn, Otley.

In the championship, three different dairy farmers sharing the name Jennings secured honours.  The championship went to a newly calven heifer from Andrew Jennings, Fountatins, Ripon.

Mr Jennings, who trades as Jennings Farmers, took the title with his Holstein Friesian heifer (pictured below) that had calved 24 days before the show, giving a daily milk yield of 41 litres.  This one is by Gillette Final Cut, out of a dam bought at Skipton two years earlier.  She sold for £2,080 to Ian Dodson, of Soyland, Sowerby Bridge.

Meanwhile Anrew's cousin Robin Jennings, of South Stainely, took the first prize newly calven cow, which came to the market giving 41 litres, having calved 30 days prior.  This one was by Ladino Park Talent and out of a homebred dam.  She sold for £1,720 to Alan Outram, of Bury.

And Martin Jennings, of Cowling, had success with his maiden heifers by stock bull Aireburn Forte.  Class entrants sold to a peak of £840, with 21-month-old maidens averaging £768 and those aged 6-12 months averaging £626.

Averages - 58 cattle put forward of which a quarter realised £2,000 or more, newly calven cows averaged £1,799 and newly calven heifers £1,788.

Here are the results from the individual beef classes earlier in the day...

Class 1: Steer, sired by an Aberdeen Angus Mr & Mrs G & A McFadzean's End of the Line; res, Mr & Mrs G & A McFadzean's Homer.

Class 2: Steer, sired by a Galloway Harvey Cattle's Ben Lomond Cheeky; res, J Paterson & Son's Superstar

Class 3: Steer, sired by a Highland Mr Alan Kennedy's beast (entry 14); res, Mr Alan Kennedy's beast (entry 11).

Class 4: Steer, sired by any other native breed R J Wright's Elmford Lord; res, Mr & Mrs G & A McFadzean's The Friesan.

Class 5A: Steer, sired by a Charolais Mr David Blair & Son's Foo Fighter; res, E Macpherson & Sons' Golden Delicious.

Class 5B: Steer, sired by a Charolais Mr Hugh Dunlop's Mr Brightside; res, Mr W owen's Dazzler.

Class 6A: Steer, sired by a Limousin James Nisbet's Swagger Jagger; res, Mr Gavin Scott's Wonder Pants.

Class 6B: Steer, sired by a Limousin Mr & Mrs M J Alford's I'm Your Man; res, Mr Gavin Scott's Perfect Package.

Class 6C: Steer, sired by a Limousin Messrs Sedgewick & Slack's The Real Deal; res, Aileen Ritchie's Johnny Cash.

Class 7: Steer, sired by a British Blue Mr A & Miss L Bothwell & Allan's Look At Me; res, R J Wright's Ice Man.

Class 9: Young Farmers Steer, any breed or cross Miss Jennifer Hyslop's Mickey Finn; res, Messrs Craig & Gary Hendry & Wright's Dode.

Class 10: Heifer, sired by any native sire Mr & Mrs G & A McFadzean's Upsy Daisy; res, Mr & Mrs M J Alford's Foxhill Doreen 1st.

Class 11A: Heifer, sired by a Charolais Mr Hugh Dunlop's Hips Don't Lie; res, James Nisbet's Edge of Glory.

Class 11B: Heifer, sired by a Charolais Mr Hugh Dunlop's Queen Bee; res, Mr Hugh Dunlop's Eclipse.

Class 12A: Heifer, sired by a Limousin Mr Craig Malone's Foxy Lady; res, Mr & Mrs J. & C. McKechnie's Lucksafortune.

Class 12B: Heifer, sired by a Limousin Messrs Hyslop & Richardson's Mistique; res, R J Wright's Red Mist.

Class 13: Heifer, sired by a British Blue Philip & Beverley Robson's Lady Gaga; res, Mr Donald Morrison's Little Hooker.

Class 14: Heifer, sired by any other continental breed E Machperson & Sons' Tixylix; res, Mr David Hall's Penny Lane.

Class 15: Young farmers heifer, any breed or cross Miss Jennifer Hyslop's Miss Dynamite; res, Miss Clare O'Brien's Red Lace.

A limousin heifer put forward by the showing syndicate Messrs Hyslop & Richardson, Balluskie Farm, Ayrshire, was crowned beef champion at this year's Royal Highland Winter Show in Edinburgh.

Bought in Carlisle in March this year for 2,700gns, Mistique is by Limousin bull Brontemoor Andover and out of a Limousin cross cow.  This one weighs in at 540kgs and was shown today by 18-year-old Jennifer Hyslop, and today's success follows on from winning the Limousin National Show in Carlisle in July.

Taking reserve beef champion, and continuing with their success on the winter showing circuit, was a Limousin x steer from Michael, Melanie and Charlotte Alford, Foxhill Farm, Devon.

Weighing in at 550kg, I'm Your Man is by a Limousin bull and out of a Limousin x cow.  He was bought privately from the Blanfords of Worcester, and today's success follows on from being crowned reserve champion steer at Countryside Live, Harrogate.

Judge Wendy Hunter, Spott Cottage, Angus, said:  "They are both outstanding animals, but I chose the champion because her lines were really good and she was slightly lengthier and a fraction more modern. It really came down to fine points."

A pair of two pedigree Beltex lambs from Mr Andrew Bishop, Epitfield Farm, Gloucestershire, scooped the sheep championship at this year's Royal Highland Winter Fair.

The pair weighed in at 103kg and are by the farm's home tup Luggsmill Dylan.  Coming to the Edinburgh show for the first time ever, Mr Bishop said it had been his ambition to come and win in Scotland, having won championships at other shows south of the border in the past.

Judge Joanne Hall, Inglewood Edge, Dalston, Cumbria, a regular on the showing circuit, said of the winning pair:  "I noticed them from the first time they cam out in their class, and they were a very good, even pair.  Every where I touched them was meat, and they stood out to me right from the start."

Taking reserve sheep champion at the show was a pair of light Beltex ewe lambs from Mr Andrew Morton, Lochend Farm, Denny, Stirlingshire.  These two weighed in at 85kg and are by Beachy Norman, who was bought by Mr Morton for 3,200gns.  Mr Morton won the championship at last year's show.

An eight-month-old heifer from Mr Hamish Sclater, Denhead, Turriff, secured the championship at the Aberdeen Angus calf show at this year's Royal Highland Winter Fair in Edinburgh.

Deveron Elize was homebred by the Sclaters and is one of only two progeny by Deveron Jackson Eric - a bull which sold for 5,000gns at this year's Perth Bull Sales in February.  She is out of Deveron Elize (H241) and today's success follows on from coming first in her class at the National Winter Show in Carlisle.

Mr Sclater, who keeps 60 cows, including 12 cross cows for embryo work, said he plans to take her on to Black Beauty Bonanza this weekend and the Royal Highland Show next year. This one is by the same Elize family that won the female championship at this show in 2008.

Judge Mrs Kay Adam, Newhouse of Glamis, Angus, said:  "I just thought she was very stylish and if I was to take an animal home to breed that was the one.  She is pretty perfect in every way, and oozing with breed character."

Taking reserve was a seven-month-old heifer from Messrs W & D McLaren, Netherton Farm, Perthshire.  Netherton Blackbird is a product of the McLaren's embryo programme and today's win follows on from taking junior female champion at the Stars of the Future show in Forfar.

Mr Willian McLaren said:  "Her dam (Netherton Blackbird (D309)) got sold to the Savills herd, and her grand-dam sold for 12,000gns."

He plans to keep her as a show heifer, taking her to next year's shows, before entering her into the farm's embryo programme.

There's a hub of activity around all three rings in Ingliston today, with the championships due to start at 2pm.

Here are the individual sheep results so far, I'll add more as I get them.

Blackface - Pure Bred

Class 26 (pen of two lambs born in 2011, not exceeding 75kg total live weight) Mr H F Hamilton's lambs; res, Messrs R & B Dickie's pair.

Class 27 (pen of two lambs born in 2011, weighing between 75kg-82kg) Mr Finlay Smith's pair; res, James Warnock & Son's pair of lambs.

Class 28 (pen of two lambs born in 2011, weighing over 82kg) Messrs R & B Dickie's pair; res, Mr Finlay Smith's pair.

Swaledale - Pure Bred

Class 29 (pen of two lambs, born in 2011) A Mr Christopher Akrigg's pair; res, Mr J G Thirlwall's pair B Mr D M White's pair of lambs; res, Mr Christopher Akrigg's pair.

North County Cheviot - Pure Bred

Class 30 (pen of two lambs, born in 2011) Douganhill Farms' pair; res, Douganhill Farms' pair.

South County Cheviot - Pure Bred

Class 31 (pen of two lambs, born in 2011) Bridgewater & Wood's lambs; Mr & Mrs B & M Cockburn's pair.

Mules & Crosses

Class 32 (pen of two lambs, born in 2011, progeny of Border Leicester or Bluefaced Leicester Ram and Blackface Ewe or Blue Faced Leicester Ram and Cheviot Ewe) J & G Sinclair's mule lambs; res, James Warnock & Sons' Scotch Mule pair.

Class 33 (pen of two lambs, born in 2011, progeny of Bluefaced Leicester Ram and Swaledale Ewe or Northumberland type Blackface Ewe.  Lambs to be bred by a registered member of the North of England Mule Sheep Association) M W & C M Ridley's pair; res, R D Archer & Son's pair.

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE RESULTS  

Taking the championship and a prize of £300 in the butchers' cattle classes was a Limousin x heifer put forward by Mr Wilson A Peters, Cult Farm House, Perthshire.

Lady Ginger was born in April 2010 and is by a Limousin bull Normade Adventurer and out of a limousin cross.  She will be sold at tonight's auction.

Taking reserve champion today was another heifer, this time bred by Mr & Mrs G & A McFadzean, Woodhouse of Mailer, Perth.  This one will also be sold at tonight's auction.

Butchers' Cattle Classes

Class 16 (steer) Aileen Ritchie's Rod-rico; res, Mr & Mrs G & A McFadzean's steer

Class 17 (heifer) Mr Wilson A. Peters' Lady Ginger; res, Mr & Mrs G & A McFadzean's heifer

Ludlow Market saw the largest entry of TB restricted store cattle for some time last Friday.

There was a good level of demand considering the quality of the cattle on offer, but also some very nice sorts forward but also some extreme dairy types., reports auctioneers McCartneys.

Steers reached 222.0p/kg and averaged 175.0p/kg, heifer's reached 192.0p/kg and averaged 164.0p/kg, bulls topped at 182.0p/kg and averaged 162.0p/kg.  The top price of £1,122 went for a Charolais steer.

Ludlow's sale on Monday saw 398 finished cattle forward and another very strong trade with steers topping at 222.5p/kg, heifers 233.0p/kg and bulls 238.5p/kg.  Allsorts met strong competition again, McCartneys says, with Friesian bulls particularly dear and despite increased numbers, some buyers didn't get the cattle they wanted. 

Barren cows and over 48 month cattle again saw another strong trade with genuine barreners up to 175.5p/kg.

A Picston Shottle son from the noted Inch herd of Jim Morrison, Downpatrick, won the supreme championship ribbons and sold for a top price of 4,000gns at Holstein NI's November show and sale, at Kilrea Mart.

The show and sale topper was the June 2010 born Inch Senior  with a PLI of +£127. His dam, Inch Vitus Joyce EX92 SP, produced almost 13,000kgs at 5.13%BF and 3.28%P in her third 305-day lactation.

The champion attracted a tussle of bids from the packed ringside audience and the successful bidder was John Huey from Armoy, County Antrim.

Second highest price of the day 3,400gns, was paid to David and Austin Perry, Ahoghill, for their reserve champion. The April 2010 born Killane Ferris (PLI +£42) was sired by Jenny Lou Mrshl Toystory PI ET. His dam is the Jocko Besne daughter, Killane Jocko Flora EX93-4 LP50 which produced an average of 8,906kgs at 4.12%BF and 3.31%P in six lactations. The successful bidder was Brian McAfee from Aghadowey, County Londonderry.

Following close behind at 3,300gns was the third prize winning Majestic Tarzen (PLI +£134) brought out by the father and son team of Ian and Kenny Watson, Macosquin, County Londonderry.  Sired by Leif, this September 2010 born entry is bred from ten generations of VG and EX dams from the Roxy family. His dam, Majestic Toystory Tonya VG86, produced almost 10,500kgs at 3.76%BF and 3.12%P in her second 305-day lactation.  The highest bidder on this lot was William Simpson from Cullybackey, County Antrim.

The June 2010 born Inch Gateway ET (PLI +£103) came under the hammer at 3,100gns for Jim Morrison. Sired by Blackisle Glen Albyn ET, he is bred from Inch Sem Daphne 2 ET VG87 (5yr) SP which gave over 10,200kgs at 5.65%BF and 3.42%P in her third 305-day lactation. Backed by three generations of VG and EX dams, he sold to Jim Smyth from Newry, County Down.

The third reserve champion Killane Sabre (PLI +£49) sold at 2,680gns for David and Austin Perry. Sired by Double Trouble Forbidden, his dam is the Cargin Del Clos PI daughter, Killane Dc Starlet 7PI VG88 (5yr) which gave over 10,800kgs at 4.23%BF and 3.16%P in her second 305-day lactation. Bred from six generations of VG and EX dams, he sold to William McBurney from Ballymena, County Antrim.

Averages: 18 bulls, £2,389 a head. (H A Mcllrath and Sons)

Continuing their winning streak on the winter showing circuit, the Alfords from Devon have taken the title of baby beef champion at this year's Royal Highland Winter Fair with their Limousin cross steer Pokemon.

This one was put forward by Michael, Melanie and Charlotte Alford, and weighs in at 395kg.  Today's success follows on from baby beef championship wins at Countryside Live, Agri Expo and English Winter Fair.

Mr Michael Alford said:  "Pokemon has won all four major shows that he has entered.  We are really chuffed because most of the best show cattle in this country are in Scotland, we love coming up here."

Judge Christine Williams, Lodge Hill Farm, Shropshire, said:  "This one was tremendous - very stylish with a tremendous top and good conformation.  It just has that presence."

Taking reserve baby beef champion and best animal bred by exhibitor was Eliza Doolittle, a Limousin x British Blue heifer from John Robertson & Co.  This is the first time the Robertsons have shown at Royal Highland Winter Fair, although they have bred two previous winners at the show.

This one weighs in at 395kg will be kept as a breeding animal for the Robertson's herd of 160 Limousin cows.

Baby Beef Class Results

Class 18A (heifer born on or after 1 January 2011, weighing 300-350kg)

1st: Messrs W McLaren's Limousin cross heifer Ruby

2nd: Mr & Mrs M J Alford's British Blue x Limousin cross heifer Pokerdoll

Class 18B (heifer born on or after 1 January 2011, weighing over 350kg)

1st: John Robertson & Co'x Limousin x British Blue heifer Eliza Doolittle

2nd: Mrs Jacqueline Adamson's Limousin x heifer Black Betty

Class 19 (steer born on or after 1 January 2011)

1st: Mr & Mrs M J Alford's Limousin cross steer Pokemon

2nd: Mr Fred Murray's Limousin cross steer Black Bandit 

A packed ringside saw a flying trade for pedigree Suffolk females at Ballymena Mart with an 84% clearance rate for the 68 inlamb gimmers and ewes put up for sale.

The top price of 4,400gns went to a Strathisla Speedson daughter out of a Strathisla Schumacher ewe.  This one was put forward by AJ & NAJ Robinson who hold the Benrafton Flock; it goes to a new home with Michael O'Neill from Wexford.

Mr O'Neill also paid 2,400gns for a Benrafton Stoner's Chip sired ewe out of a Strathisla Speed dam.  Both ewes, bought by Mr O'Neill were inlamb to Benrafton Right Said Fred, a homebred son of Jubilee Jethro.

The overall champion of the sale was a Cairness New Approach gimmer, out of a Boreland Buddah dam.  This one was put forward by AR Gault, who has the Forkins Flock.  She is inlamb to Forkins Fantastic and sold for 3,100gns to new breeders, the Suffern family, from Maghera.

Reserve champion on the day was awarded to John McKay's (Kirkview Flock) Conveth Master Piece gimmer inlamb to Malinhead Powerhouse.  She also sold to the Suffern family for 1,600gns.

Continuing with the high prices on the day, the Robinsons also achieved 2,400gns for another Speedson daughter out of a Strathisla Schumacher ewe.  This one was snapped up by Irish breeder, Oliver Deane.

All in all, the Robinsons were the largest vendors on the night selling 13 lots to an average of £1,193.  While Alistair Gault received the highest overall average of £1,344.

Holstein breeders made a bee-line for the Yorkshire Dales today for the dispersal of the Ropner family's renowned Dalesend herd. A capacity crowd competed all day for the 300 head of cattle on offer creating a trade that saw 27 lots at 3000gns and over. Top call was 6200gns from Ponteland, Newcastle buyer Albert Innes-Smith to secure the outstanding red heifer Dalesend Rosina Red - a July 2010-bred Fradon Jet Red daughter out of the Rubens cow Dalesend Red Rosina Ex-90. Auctioneers Norton and Brooksbank with Harrison and Hetherington say an average price of £1854 per life was achieved - but full report and detailed averages follow.

A packed ringside and telephone bids from Holland and Belgium guaranteed a 95% clearance rate at the 32^nd Annual Show & Sale of Suffolk inlamb ewes at Abergavenny Market.

Taking the top price on the day, and the title of show champion, was a shearling ewe from Mr & Mrs John Pryce, Meifod.  This one is sired by Stockton Trojan, and sold for 1,200gns to D Morgan, Aberystwyth.

The first prize ewe lamb, and reserve champion on the day, selected by judge Andrew Evans, Caersws, was put forward by Mike Davies & Sons, Brecon.  This one  is from the Davies' Safaddan Flock and was sired by Strathisla Stoner.  It sold for 500gns to M Legge, Isle of Wight.

Other top prices on the day included a shearling ewe by Glenhead Golden Wonder and inlamb to Stockton Cruz.  This one was put forward by G Biddulph, Pexhill, and sold for 700gns to P Margham, Isle of Wight.

Meanwhile, a pen of sheep from local breeders R B & G M Morgan, Usk, sold to 610gns for a three-year-old ewe by Conveth Rock On.  This one goes to a new home with F B & B G Goodell, Llandovery.  And  a shearling ewe from Allison Tyrrell, Gower, Swansea, sold for 570gns to P Margham, Isle of Wight.

Averages

                                                Max                 Av.

38 Flock Ewes                         640gns             £448.71          

33 Shearling Ewes                    1200gns           £493.50          

18 Ewe Lambs                         525gns             £405.70

(Auctioneers: J. Straker, Chadwick & Sons)

A Cairness Achievement daughter secured the top price of 8,500gns at the annual production sale of the Cairness Flock of D G Douglas, Fraserburgh, at Carlisle on Saturday.

Selling to an undisclosed buyer, the gimmer was one of the best on offer from the flock and had been served to Whitestone Footprint. This ones dam was by Solwaybank Salute.

The next best bids came from a sample put forward by the Strathisla flock of Robert H Wilson, North Dorlaithers, Aberdeenshire.

At 5,000gns she was a daughter of Strathisla Speedson, the 25,000gns 2008 Edinburgh Champion. This ones dam, by Strathisla Kingsway sold for 12,000gns. She found a home with A J ad N A J Robinson, Summerhill House, Downpatrick.

Then at 4,000gns was a January 2010 born Glenhead Golden Phoenix daughter out of Strathisla Kingsway. This one went to S Govin, Flass Farm Cottages, Berwickshire.

Another from the Cairness flock also sold for 4,000gns. This one went to D J Duncan, Cherryvalley road, Crumlin. By Muiresk King of Diamonds, this one had been served to Whitestone Footprint, a Cairness Liam son.

Again at 4,000gns was an entry from W G Troup's Whitestone Flock of Shaggart Farm, Sauchen. She is out of a Glenho Cowboy daughter and by Whitestone Warrior. She sold served to Cairness Cyclone, which sold to Gary Beacom for his Lakeview Flock for 26,000gns. This one went to J G Douglas, Woodhead of Cairness, Aberdeenshire.

Averages:

Cairness Flock:    8 ewes, £2,021.25; 34 gimmers, £1,561.10

STRATHISLA Flock: 10 ewes, £1,118.25, 42 gimmers £1,347.50

WHITESTONE Flock: 16 Gimmers            £790.78

STOCKTON Flock: 17 ewes, £ 718.32, 16 ewe lambs         £   764.53

HAZELTREE Flock: 9 gimmers, £493.50, 3 gimmers         £682.50

(Joint Auctioneers Harrison & Hetherington Ltd and United Auctions)

A 2,050gns call topped 11^th Annual Show & Sale of Welsh Black Cattle at Abergavenny on Friday.

Auctioneers J Straker, Chadwick & Sons reported a quality entry of stock, attracting a strong contingent of buyers from many parts of the Country.

Top price on the day was given for the second prize Bull from P M & T Bowen, Treharris, sired by the 12,000gns Iwrch Blackjack 3^rd, this April 2010 born bull was purchased by A Morgan Farms, Aberdare, Mid Glam.

Messrs Bowen also took the Overall Championship with a homebred heifer, but this lot went home unsold.

Top price was the 1,580gns paid by Mr M Thomas, St Clears, Carms, for the first prize in-calf heifer from D Glyn Thomas, Llangadog.  The same buyer and seller combination accounted for the next best call for another in-calf heifer at 1,500gns.

Maiden heifers sold to a top price of 1,050gns for one from L Bigley, Michaelchurch, Hereford and purchased by Messrs Willis, Pontypool, whilst the 880gns paid again by Messrs Willis, for one from DW & P E Evans, Llandefalle, Brecon, topped the junior heifer class.

Cows & calves topped at 1,350gns for an entry from G & D James, Clarbeston Road, purchased by Martin Thomas, St Clears.

Averages: 4 Cows & Calves: £1391.25, 7 In-calf heifers, £1107;12 Maiden Heifers, £783, 1 Bull, 2050gns (J. Straker, Chadwick & Sons.)

Suffolk breeders had a good day on Saturday at the annual sale of females at Carlisle with some really classy sheep up for grabs from ace flockmaster Jimmy Douglas (Cairness) as well as strong consignments from John Sinnett (Stockton), Robbie Wilson (Strathisla), W Troup (Whitestone) and County Turf (Hazeltree). Cairness Achievement's record as the breed's top sire for the last two years was maintained when an ET-bred daughter sold for the top price of 8500gns to an un-named buyer. Topping the ewe lambs was one from John Sinnett at 2000gns. Full report later. (Harrison and Hetherington and United Auctions).

Taking the pig championship was Mark Horsley, Yorkshire with a pair of homebred cutter pigs weighing between 65-80kgs.

Sheep

Purebred

Suffolk

I T Davies and Son, Powys; res, A J and L M Geary, Bucks

Shropshire

R T Davies and Co, Worcestershire; R T Davies and Co, Worcestershire

Texel

S and S Gibbons, Herefordshire; D S and L E Wadland, Northamptonshire

Jacob

Mr and Mrs J R Fozzard, York; R Chapman, Derby

Badger Face

D Price Jones, Carmanthenshire; D Price Jones, Carmarthenshire.

Beltex

D S and L E Wadland, Northamptonshire; S and Gibbons, Herefordshire

Any other Native Mountain breed

V G Howells, Herefordshire; Miss L K Levinge, Herefordshire

Any other native breed

R O Cox. Leicestershire; res, R O Cox, Leicestershire.

Any other continental

S and S Gibbons, Herefordshire; Res, R J Slade, Herefordshire

Trimmed Butchers lambs

C W Showteam, Lancashire; P Houldey, Gloucestershire

Pair ewe lambs

S and S Gibbons, Herefordshire; D S and L E Wadland

Butcher Lambs

Pair lambs, total weight to be no more than 70kgs

R J Slade, Herefordshire; Res, P Houldley

Pair lambs, total weight to be over 70kgs and not exceed 80kgs

R J Slade, Herefordshire; res, D S and L E Wadland, Northamptonshire

Pair lambs, weight over 80kgs and not exceed 90kgs

R J Slade, Herefordshire; res, D S and L E Wadland, Northamptonshire

Pair Lambs, weight over 90kg not to exceed 100kgs

R J Slade, Herefordshire; res, G Rowlands, Monmouthshire

Pair of lambs, weight over 100kgs

C W Showteam, Lancashire; res, D Sand L E Wadland, Northamptonshire

Pair Lambs, any weight, sired by any breed other than Texel, Blue, Texel or Beltex

K Power, Oxon; Res, Madders and Johnson, Staffordshire.

Sheep champion pairs

S and S Gibbons, Herefordshire; res, D and S Wadland, Northamptonshire

Champion Native breed in pedigree section

Mr and Mrs Alford's heifer Superstar; res, M Kirby's heifer Oakchurch Duchess

The overall champion animal in pedigree section

A D Bishop's heifer Bishops Feather; res, F Page's heifer Dinmore Fenella

Champion crossbred steer

A Dickinson and L Powdrill's steer Mr Humbug; res, D E and S J Cheaker's steer Duke

Champion crossbred heifer

P and S Sellers' Limousin Miss Scarlet; res, A D Bishop's Limousin x British Blue heifer Black Beauty.

Overall champion crossbred

P and S Sellers' Limousin Miss Scarlet; res, A D Bishop's Limousin x British Blue heifer Black Beauty

Supreme overall

 P and S Sellers' Limousin Miss Scarlet; res, A D Bishop's Limousin x British Blue heifer Black Beauty

In The sheep ring it was Steve and Sara Gibbons, Hay-one Wye that took the title with their pair of homebred Dutch Texels. This February born pair have not been out this year and will not be out again.

In reserve was a pair of March born Beltex's weighing 43kg from David Wadland, Northamptonshire. This is the first time they have been shown this year and will next be appearing at the East of England Winter Fair.

 Judge Martin Brown who farms in North Yorkshire said: "The champion pair were full of meat in shoulder, had unbelievable width and carried the meat down in to the loin and leg. They were finished to the point of perfection," he said.

Regular showman Phil Sellers has just taken the beef supreme championship with his Limousin heifer Miss Scarlet. This one is 18 months old and was bred by Wendy Morgan, Wales, who has bred the last three champions at the English Winter Fair. She is out of Limousin sire Raffertrys Buster. This one will be sold later today.

Taking the reserve title was Andrew Bishop from Gloucestershire with his Limousin cross British Blue Black Beauty. This one was bred by the Blandford Brothers and is by Waindale UFO and came third at Countryside Live.

We are just waiting on the beef championship, but in the meantime here's a lowdown of the results in the beef ring from yesterday.

Hereford

Zintec Agri's steer Clinwill Geronimo; Res, T Livesey's steer Normanton 1 Grandstand.

South Devon

AEJ and FJ Claridge's heifer Knowlhill Margret; res, N and E Bunkum's steer Thorncott Butch Cassidy.

Charolais

Brailes Livestock's heifer Roundshill Funny; Res, Armstrong and Partner's heifer Dunesk Fair Lady.

Blonde d'Aquitaine

A Bailey's heifer Baileys First Born; res, Moores Livestock's steer Fougere

Limousin steer

T C Edwards and Sons' steer Dolcorllwyn Figaro; res, G R Fountaine's steer Bosworth Frank

Limousin heifer - class 20

F Page's Dinmore Fenella; res, A D Bishop's Fflur-ffidora

Limousin heifer-class 22

A D Bishop's Bishops Feather; res, K W Ludgate's Tweeddale Fidela

Any other Native Pedigree Pure Breed

Mr and Mrs M Alford's heifer Superstar 371250; res, M Kirby's heifer Oakchurch Duchess Duffy K002

Non Pedigree Cattle

Class 28-31 Crossbred steer or heifer sired by a Charolais

P and S Sellers' heifer Shadow; res, Williams and Tippets' heifer Tother Half

Class 36-37 crossbred steer sired by a Blonde d'Aquitanine

F H Fairburn's The Machine; res, L Todd's Hot 4 Blonde

Class 38-39 Crossbred heifer sired by a Blonde d'Aquitaine

A D Bishop's Davon Run; Res, T C Edwards and Sons' Cracker

Class 40 43

J M and S M Rowlands' British Blue x heifer Baz; res, D Hall's Limousin x heifer Penny Lane

Class 44-45

B E Williams' British Blue x steer Black Bob; Res, Brailes Livestock's British Blue x steer Sir Adrian

Class 46-47

AA and E Critchley and Son's AngusxBritish Blue heifer Miss Lee; Res, A E J and F J Claridge's Limousin x heifer Knowlhill Gaga

Class 48 Crossbred steer, homebred and fed

R L Bellis' Betws Jordie; Res, F Page's Budgie Smuggler.

Class 49 Crossbred heifer, homebred and fed

D E and S J  Cheacker's Myrtle; res, T J Commercials' Woody's Girl

Crossbred steer sired by British Blue

Class 50-52 P and S Sellers' Smooth Operator; Res, T C Edwards and Sons' Gambler

Class 51

A Dickinson and L Powdrill's British Blue x steer Mr Humbug; res, JEL and C S Morgan's steer Black Magic

Class 52

S Madeley's Coco; res, Mellin J and Cropper C's Black Jack

Class 53-55

T W H Farming's Dimple; res, T W H Farming's Chivas Regal.

Class 54

T W H Farming's Highland Queens; Res, Williams and Tippetts' Pricey

Class 55

A J and L m Geary's Abbie; Res, B E Williams' Party Girl

Crossbred Steer sired by a Limousin

Class 56-61

Lawson and Wilkinson's Buster; res, J L White's Mr H

Class 57

B E Willians' Dynamite; res, Mr and Mrs M Alford's I'm Your Man

Class 58

D E and S J Cheacker's Duke; Res, B E Williams' Sir Lancelot

Class 59

B Hughes' Ms Smarty Pants; res, M Morris' The Game

Crossbred heifer sired by a Limousin

Class 62-64

Mr and Mrs M Alford's Real Thing; Res, P and S Sellers' Wishful Thinking

Class 63

A D Bishop's Black Beauty; Res, Mr and Mrs M Alford's TakeThat

Class 64

P and S Sellers' Miss Scarlet; Res, A Dickinson and L Powdrill's Shakira

Class 65

C R Donaldson's Ruby; Res, N and E Bunkum's Bonnie Wee Lassie

Class 65A

Sedgewick and Slack's Juat 4 Play; res, T W H Farming's Knockando

Baby Beef

Class 66-68

D and C Edwards' Dyffryn Rambo British Blue steer; Res, Lawson and Wilkinsons' Limousin x steer Billy

Class 67

N E Slack's Limousin x steer Halfie; res, Williams and Tippetts' British Blue x Limousin steer Top Gear

Class 68

Mr and Mrs Alford's Limousin x steer Pokermon; res, J L and D A Davies' British Blue steer Black Star

Class 69-71- Baby beef heifer, any breed up to 400kgs, born after 01.01.11

N Beardsley's heifer Woodlands Gem; Res, Sedgewick and Slack's Charolais x heifer Pink Chick

Baby Beef Champion

Mr and Mrs Alford's Limousin x steer Pokermon; res, Lawson and Wilkinson's Limousin x heifer Lulu

There were no surprises in the baby beef championship when Pokemon from the Michael, Melanie and Charlotte Alford, Devon reigned supreme. This one has had a flying success this season winning every beef championship class he has been in this year including Countryside Live, Agri Expo and now the English Winter Fair.

Pokemon heads next to the Scottish Winter Fair, Welsh Winter Fair, where he will be sold as well as The East of England Winter Fair incorporating Smithfield.

The judge John Peckitt, Thirsk, North Yorkshire said "Pokemon was as good as perfect with a good body, legs and was a very classy show animal."

In reserve was Brian Lawson and Rachel Wilkinson with their homebred Limousin x heifer Lulu. This one came fourth at Countryside Live and is not heading anywhere else this season.

This year's AgriScot was branded the best show ever by chairman Andrew Moir with some 8,000 - 9,000 visitors.

The individual cow results are as follows:

Class 5: Red and White Cow

1st: W J Nadin & Co's Sterndale Deuce Rose Red

2nd: L Davidson & Sons' Halmyre Urr Louise 209

Class 6: Jersey Junior Cow

1st: Murray Farms' Trecanda Vindication Lily

2nd: G B Moorhouse's Saxown Lexington Cash 64

Class 7: Holstein Junior Cow

1st: R A Bown's Richaven Shottle Squaw

2nd: W J Nadin & Co's Sterndale Shottle Ghost

Class 8: Ayrshire Junior Cow

1st: R A Bown's Loukat Lucky

2nd: John Adamson & Son's Swaites Bunce 4

Class 9: Jersey Senior Cow

1st: The Hunter Family's Clydevalley Julian Flora

2nd: W & J Templeton's Braymeadow Lends Sophie

Class 10: Holstein Senior Cow

1st: B & V Davidson's Errolston Damion Rikki

2nd: W & A Watson's Muir Damion Eliza

Class 11: Ayrshire Senior Cow

1st: G Templeton's Knowe Bertha 193

2nd: J & M Barr's Calderglen Silverbell 7

The title of overall supercow went to a Holstein junior cow from Richard Bown, Northfield Farm, near Worcester.

Returning to Agri-Scot for the first time since 2003, Mr Bown presented this second calver which is by Picston Shottle ET.  Richaven Shottle Squaw calved three weeks ago and is giving 57 litres a day.  She was champion heifer at the South West Dairy Show in 2010 and took champion heifer at this year's Royal Norfolk.

Judge Ashley Fleming said:  "This is a tremendous individual.  She has a long body with a hard top, and for a big cow, she moves excellently well with tremendous feet and legs."

Mr Bown said he plans to take her onto the European showing circuit in spring 2012.  He currently keeps 82 cows, with nine red and whites, and the rest being black and whites.

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE COW RESULTS

The Ralston Family, from East Drumlemble, Campbeltown, have scooped the prestigious title of AgriScot Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year.

This is the first time the award, which is sponsored by World Wide Sires, has been awarded to an Ayrshire herd.

The family have been farming in Campbeltown since 1908, and father Willie, wife Catherine and sons Andrew and Murray are all involved in the business milking 200 Ayrshires, selling to First Milk for Mull of Kintyre Cheese.  They average at 7,900 litres.

Willie Ralston said of the win:  "We have a large number of seven, eight and nine calvers and our fertility has been consistent with a calving index of 392."

Judge Sue Cope, executive director of the Cattle Information Service, said:  "Not only do the Ralstons have a great herd of cows with fantastic management right from the new born calf to the mature herd but they have constantly planned and improved buildings for cow comfort and made new and wise use of the older buildings.

"They have also well thought out management plans in operation and for the future, continued detailed attention to sire selection, the use of sexed semen but never forgetting the key stockmanship skills.  I am sure every retail milk buyer would love to have this herd as a supplier."

A Jersey heifer has been crowned supreme heifer at this year's AgriScot event in Edinburgh.  Clydevalley Governor Flora is by Griffens Governor ET and was put forward by the Hunter family, West Tarbax Farm, Lanarkshire.

This one was shown by Alison Hunter, who said "she has never been beaten" and today's title follows on from the success of breed heifer champion at this year's Highland Show.

Judge Ashley Fleming, Downpatrick, Co. Down, said:  "When you are in this you are looking for a heifer that comes to the top of her breed.

"This one had tremendous ring presence; she went around the ring really enjoying herself.  She has a tremendous, long body and moves exceptionally well with really good legs and feet."

FOR MORE HEIFER RESULTS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

The Ivaniskey herd owed by I & R McElroy & son, Dromara Co.Down have become the first Blonde breeders to export embryos to Australia.

A large quantity of embryos from Ivaniskey Ur for Me, Ivaniskey Sabrina and Ivaniskey Vanessa have been selected for shipment.  These cows have been successfully flushed to stock bull Doncombe Aga Khan.  A large quantity of Semen from Aga Khan is also being exported.

Ivaniskey Ur -for-me is a daughter of Ivaniskey Ruthybaby and is sired by Ballygrainey Jack.  Over the years she has done extremely well in the show ring, being awarded Champion and Interbreed champion at many Agricultural shows throughout her show career.  A daughter of Ivaniskey Ur-for-me sold for £4,250 in 2009

Ivaniskey Sabrina's dam is Ivaniskey Olga and is sired by Ashtonlodge Jet.  She is from a very milky line of breeding cows within the herd.  Her brother Ivaniskey Uel was the Supreme Blonde Champion at the Perth bull sales in February 2004.  Olga is one of the oldest cows in the herd and is continuing to breed a consistent line of good offspring.

The third cow selected was Ivaniskey Vanessa, who is a daughter of Ivaniskey Sabrina and sired by Blackwater Jockey.  Like the other two cow's she has had a very successful show career and won many awards.

The stock bull Doncombe Aga Khan was selected as the sire for all the embryos. Doncombe Aga Khan was purchased in Carlisle in 2007 and was bred by David and Sue Knight in Bristol.  Aga Khan to date has done well in the show ring, having won 29 Championships, 13 of these being beef interbreed titles.  These Include the ''Royal Ulster Reserve Interbreed Champion in 2007'', Best NI Blonde Stock bull in 2008/09 and 2010/11 and on both occasions he went on to take reserve best Blonde bull in the UK.

Hopes Auction Co, Wigton, saw an increase in numbers forward and a step upwards in trade at their weekly sale of Primestock.

The sale had an entry of 156 Cattle including 35 Bulls, and 747 Prime Sheep including  20 Ewes.

The top price paid was 247.5p/kg for a Limousin Heifer shown by L Skelton & Son, Low House Farm, Dearham, and purchased by S Wilson, Butcher, Corby Hill. 

Top price per head for Heifers was £1594.28 for a Limousin shown by Messrs Lawson, Hundith Hill Farm, Cockermouth.

Steers sold to 228.5p/kg for a British Blue shown by D A Harrison, The Old Vicarage, Westnewton.  The top price a head for steers was £1772.36 for a British Blue shown by Messrs Bowe, Bothel Parks.

Bulls sold to a top price of 223.5p/kg for a Limousin Bull shown by D A Harrison, The Old Vicarage, Westnewton.   Top price a head was £1726.28 paid for a Blonde Bull shown by Miss A.J Wilshaw, Oulton Hall.     

Over Thirty Months cattle sold to 217.5p/kg paid for Limousin Heifer shown by Messrs Lawson, Hundith Hill Farm. 

Averages:

HEIFERS MW 201.5 (201.5) HW 247.5  (205.52)

STEERS MW 202.5 (202.5) HW 228.5 (208.16)

BULLS   MW 212.5 (189.61) HW 223.5 (206.29)

Charolais females met a solid demand selling to a top of 6,300gns in Welshpool last week when Kevin and Sioned Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn, staged a major reduction from their Moelfre herd.

Sale topper at 6,300gns was Moelfre Eirlys TI +33, SRI +35, a two year old Burradon Talisman daughter, out of a Moynton bred dam and sold in calf to Gretnahouse Vigorous. The buyer was breed newcomer, Mark Swistun, Llanforlais, Gower who went on to buy two more lots including at 4,000gns Moefre Crystal TI +29, SRI +17, a Major daughter sold with her five month old heifer, Moelfre Gail by the 8,500gns Newhouse Chicago.

Next at 6,200gns was the split cow and calf pair, Moelfre Aur, a six year old Killadeas Jack daughter and her eight month old bull, Moefre General by Chicago. Aur went for 2,800gns to DL George and Son, Cardigan, while General made 3,400gns to CM Hughes and GT Jones, Machynlleth.

At 5,500gns, Moelfre Desire TI +31, SRI +23, a three year old Greatnahouse Vigorous daughter and out of a Mowbraypark bred dam sold to AL Evans, Coedbryn, Llandyssul. She was accompanied by her five month old heifer, Moelfre Goldie by Allanfauld Norseman.

Moelfre Becca TI +54, SRI +55, a five year old bred by Gretnahouse Ultimate and out of a Ffynnon bred dam, together with her bull calf, the five month old Moelfre Gladiator, by Texan made 5,200gns to JS Abel, Cwmdelan, Llanidloes.

Two entries shared a 5,000gns bid. First in the ring was the split lot, Mowbraypark Starshine, a 10 year old by Brampton Chopper and her yearling bull, Moelfre Freddy TI +26, SRI +17 by Chicago. Starshine sold in calf to Chicago for 1,800gns to DG Davies and Sons, Aberaeron, while Freddy made 3,200gns to TWC Williams, Llanwrddfa, Carmarthen.

The second 5,000gns call came from J McGuigan, Maghera, County Derry for Moelfre Arian TI +30, SRI +26, a six year old by Thrunton Torreador and out of a homebred dam by Allanfauld Norseman. She was offered with her Chicago sired four month old twin heifers, Moelfre Goldilocks and Moelfre Glena.

Averages: 21 cows and calves £4,140; 11 in calf heifers £3,131; 11 maidens £2,367; 2 bull calves £4,620. (Welshpool Livestock Sales)

Exmoor Farmers welcomed an entry of371 head of cattle on Monday. Most stores

sold were of busk calf age with only a very small proportion being more than 12 months.

 

A typically busy sale ring with buyers again travelling from away to purchase the Exmoor stock saw competition that held a strong trade.

 

Store heifers averaged £445 representing the high number of busk calves forward

and peaked for a Charolais X heifer from Messrs J Pugsley, Zeal Farm, selling for £700. Other notable heifer prices included a pair of March born Charolais X from

Mr PA Willis which sold to £625 and a trio of March/April born Charolais from Miss Black making £592.

 

Steers achieved an average of £522 and peaked at £1,015 for a 19 months oldCharolais X with the second top being from the same home, a 14 month Charolais also which made £940. This was followed by Simmental steers of 14/15 months from Messrs J Pugsley making £860.

 

Store cows were met with a firm demand with several buyers, an average of £740

was achieved and a peak of £1,180 was gained by Messrs J L Johns & Sons who

also gained second highest reaching £1,150.

 

Cows with calf at foot sold to a brisk trade with keen demand for all animals forward. An average of £815 was attained and peaked for an eight year old Simmental cow with her May born steer and heifer twin Charolais calves and the cow having been

PD back in calf to the Charolais bull. The outfit of four making £1,360 for Mr KG Bellamy.

 

This was followed by a six year old Aberdeen Angus cow with her two month old

steer Charolais calf which sold for £1,010 for Mr DE Kingdon.

 

A small number of breeding heifers made an average of £735 and peaked at £800

for three Devon from Mr D Branton. Aberdeen Angus heifers made £745 for Mr D J Vellacott. A single Charolais stock bull sold by Mr J Floyd achieved £960.

 

Averages:

Stores: 117 Heifers; £445, 210 steers; £522, 27 cows; £740. 6 Cow and calves; £815; 8 breeding heifers, £735; 1 bull; £960 (Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions)

 

 

 

 

 

High genomic test figures were in demand at the Autumn Showcase Sale at the Bristol Sales Centre earlier in the month when Willsbro Niagra Pammy ET, with a GTPI of 2214 and an exceptional type prediction of 3.24 sold for 36,000gns

She was sired by Ri-Val-Re 2338 Niagra and out of a VG-87 2yr Baxter granddaughter of the famous Windy-Knoll-View Promis (Ex-95). One of a strong consignment from Wills Bros Ltd's noted Cornish herd, she attracted strong bidding, finally falling to the bid  from Kay Griffin, representing Seaspray Holsteins, new investors in the Holstein industry.

Brutus Fixit, a son of Bailea Umber from local breeders D S and D A Brute, topped the strong trade for Limousin bulls at the breed society's show and sale at Brecon on Saturday making 9000gns.

Fixit stood champion on the day under judge Jamie Cooper (Tomschoice) and as usual combines some of the best imported Bailea genetics with that all important dash of the indomitable Greensons Gigolo. Fixit is out of a Tanholm Claus dam and stays in Wales to join the Montgomeryshire-based Sarkley herd of well known breeders E H Pennie and Sons.

Columbpark Fiasco, the reserve champion from from M R and V A Smith, Exeter made 6600gns to M E Price and Sons, Builth Wells. Fiasco is one of the first Fleethill Clipper sons (who is by Maraiscote Volt) to be offered for sale at auction. He was shown this summer standing fourth at the National Show as well as taking the title and reserve inter-breed ticket at Dorset and was part of the Interbreed Champion Pair at the Royal Bath and West.

Averages: 66 bulls £3136 and 36 heifers £1743. (McCartney).

It was smiles all round at the British Charolais Cattle Society's show and sale at Welshpool where a new centre record of 12,000gns was paid for a bull from Kevin Thomas's Moelfre herd.

The average of £3744 for the 70 bulls sold was also a record for this venue on a day that saw a storming trade for Charolais bulls and a strong demand from suckler calf producers prepared to go the extra yard for top-notch sires.

Speaking after the sale, BCCS chief executive David Benson said buyers were clearly responding to the solid trade for suckled calves this autumn.

"We're seeing resurgence in demand for Charolais bulls and there were plenty of new buyers at the ringside. The market was chokka-block with people - the biggest crowd we've ever seen at this sale."

Top call came for Moelfre Fabulous TI +57, SRI +43. This 21-month-old bull is by the 8,500gns Newhouse Chicago and out of a homebred dam from Kevin Thomas's herd at Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn. Buyer was Mark Swistun, Llanforlais, Gower who takes him to head-up his new pedigree herd after using Charolais sires on his Welsh Black suckler herd.

Fabulous stood reserve breed champion at the 2011 Royal Welsh Show but at Welshpool he took the supreme ticket awarded by judge Alasdair Houston of the Gretnahouse herd.

"Fabulous was a well-balanced, well finished and powerful bull with breed character; he stood out in his class as well as the final line up and had all the attributes to join a pedigree herd," commented Alasdair.

Mr Thomas also sold two more sons of the 8,000gns Inverlochy Verne. First to go at 5,800gns was Moelfre Feisty TI +43, SRI +38, a 20-month-old out of a homebred dam going back to Mowbraypark Paramount. The buyer was Greystoke Castle Farms, Penrith.

At 4000gns Moelfre Fanfare TI +33, SRI +39 was taken by E Lewis, Lower Chapel, Brecon.

The day's second highest bid of 7,800gns came from W Price, Llaithddu, Llandrindod Wells to secure Wesley Folio TI +48, SRI +48, a 17-month-old entry by Balthayock Aesop and out of a cow by the 20,000gns Thrunton Trojan. Bred and exhibited by Wesley Estates, Markfield, Leicester, Folio was the final entry to be sold from the 150 head herd which was dispersed last month.

Herd mate Wesley Fugitive TI +34, SRI +37 made 4,200gns to Gipsy Hall Farm, Wilmcote, Stratford upon Avon.

At 7,500gns Seawell Festival TI +53, SRI +53, a 17-month-old bull by the 30,000gns Thrunton Voltage and out of a homebred dam going back to Maerdy lines, was sold by Peter and Sheilagh Donger, Foxley, Towcester to J L James, Clydach, Swansea.

Seawell Ferguson TI +64, SRI +55, an 18-month-old son of Seamore Archie and out of a Maerdy sired homebred dam, made 5400gns to E Lewis and Sons, Forge, Machynlleth.

Belan Format, by Moelfre Champion and consigned by J Abel, Cwmbelan, Llanidloes, made 7,200gns to near neighbour M Bound, Tylwch, Llanidloes while a bid of 6,800gns secured the reserve champion Trefonnen Foynavon for J and P Owens, Shobden, Leominster. He was bred and exhibited by Mr and Mrs Roy Hughes and is by the 55,000gns Thrunton Voldemort.

There were two bulls at 6,000gns: Carrigbeg Frankie (by Goldies Unbeatable) from R J Butler, Rudford, Gloucester sold to T Lightfoot, Callington, Cornwall while Pedr Fonzy (by Blelack Tycoon) TI +41, SRI +43 sold to W Bowen and Son, Llanbister, Llandrindod Wells. Vendor was Peter Howells, Llanwenog, Llanybydder.

Averages: 70 bulls £3,774; 4 heifers £1,955.63; 2 cows and calves £1,680.

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales 

Welshpool Charollais

By Jeremy Hunt

Pedigree Charollais in-lamb females met a solid trade at Buttington Cross, Welshpool achieving 90% clearance and a new Charollais female record price for this venue.  The sale included 95 Charollais females and saw leading flock owner Percy Tait collect the championship and realise the top call of 2000gns for a yearling ewe claimed by J and J Corbett, Highleadon, Gloucestershire. Mr Tait sold also took the reserve championship with a ewe that later sold for 1350gns. Ewe lambs reached 700gns for an entry from Mr and Mrs J Davies, Old Hall Manafon and bought by breed stalwart Lionel Organ for his flock at Llandovery.

Averages: 52 yearlings £477; five two-year-olds £325 and 25 ewe lambs £355. (Welshpool Livestock Sales)

ends

A freshly calved Holstein Frisiean heifer secured just shy of £2,000 at the November Craven Dairy Auction, at Skipton Auction Mart (Monday 7 November).

Taking the title of champion on the day, as well as the top price of £1,960, this newly calved Holstein Friesian heifer was put forward by Kilnsey Show chairman Robert Lambert, Mile House, Kettlewell, and his daughter Gina Hodgson.

This one was home-bred by a dairy bull from Brian Moorhouse, Bell Busk, and giving 24kg of milk, ten days after calving.  She goes to a new home with John Howard, Carleton.

Taking the title of reserve champion, was an in-calf heifer from father and son dairy farmers David and John Calvert, Southfield Farm, West Marton.  This one, by a pedigree Ayrshire bull, sold for £1,450 to another father and son dairying duo, Malcolm and Robert Swires, Haverah Park, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate.

Other leading prices on the day included a newly calven heifer from Robert Crisp, Calton. This one achieved £1,890.  While a newly calven heifer from Alan Midgley, Ludendenfoot secured £1,840.

Shining through in the non-black and white category, was a freshly calved Brown Swiss heifer from Nidderdale's David Brown, Ramsgill.  She sold for £1,800 to Robin Boothman, Fence, Burnley.

AVERAGES
Freshly calved heifers averaged £1,613; newly calven cows averaged £1,063 and in-calf heifers averaged £1,278.

The strong trade of store cattle seems set to continue, as steers hit £1,235 and heifers reach £995 at a sale of more than 1,000 cattle at Frome Market last week (Friday 4 November).

Auctioneers Trevor Rowland and Lester Williams reported a "blistering trade" with many buyers present for the "quality entry".

Trade for suckler cows and calves saw strong demand, with many units achieving more than £1,000. 

In particular, South Devon cows with two-month-old bull calves from Messrs White, Glastonbury, sold to £1,100, £1,150 and £1,320.  While the Hardwick Bros from Bridgwater had success with their South Devon cows and heifer calves selling to more than £1,000, their in-calf South Devon cows topping £980, and their Charolais x cow with her Angus heifer calf securing £1,040.

Trade of store bulls wasn't as strong, with the entry mainly dominated by Holstein Friesians.  Dairy-bred Herefords sold to £380 and Friesians to £240. 

Trade picked up with the sale of young continentals - a run of 43 five to eight month old Charolais from SL & MV Mitchell, Dorchester saw steers top £750 and heifers hit £552. Other leading prices included Charolais steers from Jane Haw reaching £745 and heifers hitting £665.  While eight-month-old Blonde steers from Bramble Farms, Langport hit £850. 

The auctioneers remarked:  "There was no let up in the high prices being achieved with most six to eight month old steers over £600 and the very best close to £800.  Heifers saw keen bidding, with many good shaped types over £500 and the top grades to £640 to £670."

Strong trade continued for forward continentals, with Charolais steers regularly reaching £1,000, with the top price of £1,235 going to 21-month-old steers from Steve Pinner, Andover.

The auctioneers said heifers met an "explosive trade with tremendous bidding throughout".  The top price on the day went to a Limousin from HRH Hansford, Sherborne, which achieved £955.

A total of 208 Angus went under the hammer with the top price of £1,065 going to a 17-month-old steer from Whitbusy Farm Stud Ltd. 

Meanwhile, 77 Hereford sold, with the auctioneers reporting a short supply of 6-12month old heifers.  The top price on the day went to a steer from Steve Pinner - this one secured £890.

232 Friesians went under the hammer, with more Holstein types put forward.  The auctioneers reported an "insatiable demand" for deeper body types with the top price of £980 going to a steer from the Fooks Bros, Bridport. 

Exmoor Farmers Livstock Auctions reported a strong trade at a packed Blackmoor Gate Market with some 3,124 ewes and lambs going under the hammer.

Ewe lambs averaged £6 above the last sale at £70.91, with a top price of £83 achieved by Messrs MA & M Collins.  Store lambs followed suit with an average of £62.60 - a rise of £2 on the previous sale - with the top price of £79 secured by a pen from Mr SJ Belle.

The auctioneers said producers selling grazing ewes benefited from the "brisk trade" and reported strong demand for stock with the average up £5 on previous sales, at £62.60.  Mr DE Kingdon sold the top price ewes on the day for £88.

Despite a smaller entry of breeding ewes, an average of £67.35 was achieved, with a top price of £104 for ewes from Mr England.  Sales of breeding rams went slowly, and reached an average of £102, with a top price of £200 going to a shearling from Mr T Hasson. 

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd reported a strong sale of cattle "at increased rates" last week.

A total of 296 weand calves and store cattle, 34 breeding cattle, and 53 over thirty months cattle, went under the hammer at Dingwall Mart.

Averages:

Stot-calves (128) averaged 201.2p/kg and sold to 233.3p/kg for a pair of 300kg Limousin x from Clury Farm, Dulnain Bridge.
Heifer calves (107) averaged 181.6p/kg and sold to 225.2p/kg for a pen of 262kg Simmental x from Kirkton Farm, Melvich.
Store bullocks (40) averaged 191.1p/kg and sold to £960 gross for a pen of 503kg Simmentals from Blackford Farm, Croy.
Store heifers (45) averaged 179.4p/kg and sold to £920 gross for a pair of Limousin x from Achlain Estates, Inverness.
Young bulls (4) averaged 171.1p/kg and sold to 175.5p/kg for a 305kg Aberdeen Angus x from Terryside, Lairg, and £510 gross for a pair of 305kg Aberdeen Angus x also from Terryside.
In-calf cows (25) sold to £1,100 gross for a Limousin cross from the dispersal of 7 North Duntulm, Isle of Skye.
Cow with calf at foot (3) sold to £1,080 gross for a Charolais x with a heifer calf at foot from Leodibest, Latheron.
OTM prime cows (10) averaged 144.7p/kg and sold to 156.3p/kg and £1,250 gross for an 800kg British Blue cross from Alvie Estate, Kincraig.
OTM feeding cows (38) averaged 112.1p/kg and sold to 127.5p/kg for a 710kg Aberdeen Angus from Baddery Croft, Dingwall, and £970 gross for a 765kg British Blue x from Dunmaglass Estate, Inverness.
OTM clean heifers (3) averaged 128.8p/kg and sold to 147.6p/kg for a 525kg Limousin x from Glenaldie, Tain, and £815 gross for a 680kg British Blue x from Muirton Mains, Muir of Ord.
OTM bulls (2) averaged 106p/kg and sold to 113.2p/kg for an 870kg Whitbred Shorthorn from Longley Farm, Forres, and £1,035 gross for a 1,035kg Charolais from Baddery Croft, Dingwall. 

A total of 1,471 animals were sold at the two day Exmoor Suckled Calf Rearers Association busk calves sale, at Cutcombe Market.

Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions Ltd said it was a "very positive two day sale" with well grown calves and a strong contingent of buyers across the two days.

Day one of the sale saw 785 steers go under the hammer, with the top price of £975 paid for an animal from Mr M R Scott, Brendon Hill Farm. While the top price animal a kilo went to a beast from Mr P Land, Hillview Upton, which secured 321.6p/kg.

Day two of the sale saw 686 heifers go under the hammer, with the top price of £745 paid by Mr R Norman for a heifer from first time vendor Mr J C Hancox, Hinam Farm.  This one marked the highest price a kilo, at 281.1p/kg.

McCartneys reported an excellent sale of prime lambs and cull ewes at Kington Market last week, but have warned against overfeeding lambs.

The auctioneers said:  "With the warm weather and the sprout of grass, be careful not to spoil your lambs.  Check them regularly and do not leave them to get too fat and be worth less money."

The sale on Thursday 3 November, saw 2,236 prime lambs sold to an average of 177.7p/kg.  The top price of £86.70 went to 60kg Texels from Williams Bros, Llanedw.

In addition, 650 cull ewes and rams sold to an average of £63.30 with the top price of £115 going to Texel x ewes from Vic Hardwick.

Sale Averages:

Pedigree

19 Bulls average £3962.37

8 Heifers in-calf average £2736.56

3 Heifers with calves average £1680.00

10 Bulling Heifers average £2698.50

Commercial Cattle

12 Heifers in-calf average £ 760.00

94 Bulling Heifers average £ 919.36

120 Yearling Heifers average £1012.92

Stephen Kirkup, who procures stock for abattoirs, reported a strong sale of lambs last week in line with the religious festival Eid al Adha.

For the week ending 4 November 2011, a total of 5,478 prime lambs, 1,172 store and breeding sheep, and 80 cattle.

The best averages for lambs were £81, with standard lambs selling for £3.70-£3.90/kg to 22kg, and £3.80/£3.85/kg on the grid to 21kg.

Organic lamb prices were £3.85/£3.90/kg on grid with smalls up to 13.5kg at £4.00/kg.

Looking ahead to trade for the coming weeks, he said:  "There is a strong home trade demand for cutting lambs at the moment and processors are looking for small lambs for export leading up to Christmas.

"Processors are sourcing small amounts of organic lambs but there is no great demand for these at the present time.  With the favourable exchange rate and a good demand for lambs from UK processors, the lamb trade should become stronger towards Christmas.

"There is definitely a great deal of confidence in the lamb market from farmers who are prepared to invest in store lambs at the moment." 

A catalogued sale of 86 Pedigree Charollais Females on behalf of the Midland area Charollais Sheep Society attracted keen interest from both pedigree and commercial buyers alike. 

The judge for the day was Cyril Dougherty from Malton who had some very strong line-ups to pick from especially in the ewe lamb class.  This class was won by H S Ashley from Boston with a home bred twin born lamb which went on to win the Champion of the day and sell for 1,400 gns with others from the same farm selling to 820gns and 650 gns.

In addition to the Pedigree Sale a small sale of accredited rams followed with a wide variety of breeds on offer.

Charollais Ram Lambs sold to £360

Charollais Shearling Rams sold to £320

Texel Shearling Rams sold to £280

Beltex Shearling Rams sold to £190

Dorset Ram Lambs sold to £150

Averages  Ewe lambs to 410 gns Average £410; Shearling Ewes to 680 gns Average £418; Ewe lambs to 1400 gns Average £378

(Auctioneer - Peter Oven)

Record entry numbers and a record sale price of 5,000gns was achieved for one of the Ayrshire breed's top young show cows at the third Northern National Ayrshire Sale and Show held at Harrison and  Hetherington's Borderway Sale Centre, Carlisle.

The show and sale included 79 entries comprising heifer calves, milking heifers and cows as well as an impressive entry of 11 young bulls. Topping the sale at 5,000gns was Halmyre Urr Jinks VG88, 3^rd Junior Cow at The Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh, 2011 and 1^st Junior Cow, Champion Ayrshire and Reserve Champion Dairy Interbreed, Dumfries Show 2011.

Bred and owned by L Davidson and Sons, Castle Douglas, and fresh since May 2011, Jinks was 1^st place in the Almins Cow in Milk class and was Reserve Champion overall. Judge Geraint Thomas's admiration for the three-year-old was evident in the pursuing sale with the final bid taking Jinks to his renowned Gwynnog herd, Carmarthen, Wales. 

Cuthill Towers Kyles Lady took 1^st place in the Red and White Heifer In-milk class and was awarded Champion overall.  Bred and owned by A and S Lawrie, Cuthill Towers, Kinross, Scotland and fresh since September 2011, the stylish two-year old exhibited a superb udder and cleanness throughout.   

Sired by Morwick Kyle Red, Lady's second dam carries more Morwick bloodlines being sired by the famous Morwick Sand Ranger Red; she sold for 2,400gns to Messrs Galbraith, Sunny Bank.  Commenting on his placement reasons Judge Geraint Thomas said: "The Champion is a lovely balanced young cow with a little more dairy character owing to her stage of lactation."   

Hopes Auction Co reported a strong sale of primestock at Wigton, with quality beef bred animals being rewarded in the sales ring.

A total of 200 cattle, 49 bulls and 1,420 prime sheep, including 76 ewes, were put forward.

Cattle

Bulls sold to a top price of 215.5p/kg for a Limousin Bull from D A Harrison, The Old Vicarage, Westnewton.  And the top price paid on the day was £1,853.31 for a Limousin bull from RE & JM Jackson, Lane End, Blencogo. 

Meanwhile steers sold to 222.5p/kg for a Limousin from F Dickinson, Low House, Southerby. And the top price for a steer - £1,669.34 - went to a Limousin from Messrs Lawson & Sons, Kirkland Green, Mealsgate.

The top price for a heifer was 231.5p/kg for a Limousin from DA Harrison, The Old Vicarage, Westnewton.  And the top price was £1507.31 for a British Blue from Messrs JW Rae, Greenah Villa, Langrigg.

Over Thirty Months cattle sold to 211.5p/kg for a Limousin Steer from F Dickinson, Low House, Hesket New Market, and also to a Limousin heifer from Messrs Bowe, Mechi Farm, Blennerhasset.

FOR SHEEP PRICES CLICK BELOW

The champion female at the Welsh Black Cattle Society's 50^th autumn show and sale held at Dolgellau market topped the trade at 3,400gns. Bred by William P Jones of Tywyn, the 2½ year old heifer, Ysguboriau Vera 53^rd, was snapped up by Sion Wyn Jones for his Perthi herd based at Penisarwaun. The heifer, sired by Machreth Banner 7^th, is in-calf to the 11,000gns Caerynwch Major 4^th, and due to calve next spring.

The second highest price of the day was 3,000gns for Hafodesgob Branwen 65^th from Mrs Gwenfair Jones and Sons of Bala. The champion maiden heifer, sired by Llwynsarn Cawr, was purchased by Messrs P and A Moss of County Durham, who purchased a total of three females. Mrs Jones and Sons had another successful day at Dolgellau market, selling their other four entries for 1,720gns, 1,600gns, 1,550gns and 1,400gns respectively.

Messrs A and R C Williams, also of Bala, sold the 1^st prize winner, Mynach Gwyneth 28^th, to J P Owen a'i Gwmni of Gwytherin. The maiden heifer that was sired by Gwarcwm Max 22^nd fetched 1,650gns.

The fireworks continued when it came to selling the weaned calves, where there was an entry of 18. Caerynwch Mai 84^th, a six month old heifer sired by Caerynwch Ebrillwr 14^th, from Mr T W Williams of Dolgellau, sold for 920gns to a young breeder from Whitland, Mr Ben Morgans. Mr Williams sold another four weaned heifers on the day to give a respectable average of 694gns.

Close on the heels of Caerynwch Mai 84^th was Gwarcwm Ester 20^th from Mr D H Jones of Bow Street, which was reserve champion maiden heifer on the day. This stylish weaned heifer sired by Perthi Xavier sold for 790gns to Messrs P & A Moss of County Durham.

Another young breeder, Mr Carwyn Lewis of Llanybydder, paid 710gns for Bro-Waen Doli from Mr Alwyn Morris of Ceunant. This weaned heifer was sired by Graig-Goch Gerwyn 29^th.

There were eight bulls forward from an entry of ten. Buyers were cautious with Ynysfor Guto from Mr Ken Ellis a'i Feibion of Tywyn  selling for 2,500gns to W T Jones & Co. of Tywyn.

Society Council Chairman, Mr Robert Jones, commented that the cattle forward were of a high standard and that the female trade reflected the demand for quality animals by both pedigree and commercial breeders.    

Averages Over 3 years old - 2 at 1,475gns; 2-3- years old - 14 at 1,336gns; 1-2- years old - 15 at 970gns; Suckling calves - 17 at 598gns; Bulls over 18mths 3 at 1,900gns

Farmers Marts (RG Jones) Ltd, Dolgellau

Angus Stovold of the Rosemead Aberdeen-Angus herd, Godalming, Surrey, has sold the April 2009-born bull Rosemead Karona J957,  in a private five figure sum deal to Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society President Albert De Cogan, Co Cork, who runs the 55 cow Mogeely herd.

Karona J957 was National Show champion at Westmorland and breed champion and native interbreed at the Royal Berkshire Show this year.   He is by the homebred sire Rosemead Jeronne F073 who is a son of previous stock bull Ellin Erroneous C570 and out of Rosemead Karlotta F657 who is by Rosemead Junior Eric D453.  

Speaking of the sale Mr De Cogan said: "I was particularly taken with Karona at this year's National Show at Westmorland. He has a good calving ease figure, coupled with a Terminal Sire Index of +30 and a Self Replacing Index of +37. He is also a very correct bull with great locomotion, natural fleshing and fantastic breed character.

Darlington Farmers Auction Mart yesterday held their weekly sale of 161 cast cows, 276 store cattle 1,361 store lambs along with 117 store and breeding pigs. Along with the dispersal Sale of the late Mr R L Ramshaw, Church Lane Herd, Cleveland.  
 
The dispersal sale of superb suckler cows and calves sold to an exceptional trade, showing the confidence farmers have in the beef industry at the present time. The tremendous show of Limousin, British Blue, and Blonde X cattle brought a keen ringside of buyers from far and wide across the UK. Mr Bobbie Ramshaw sadly passed away two days prior to the sale.

The cattle were a credit to a life time's work the herd were greatly admired by a large ring of buyers who were prepared to invest in an outstanding show of cows and calves. 

Heifers with Calves at foot:- £3,000 x3; £2,850; £2,750; £2,600 x2; £2,500; £2,400; £2,300 x4; £2,250 x2; £2150 x2; £2,100; £2,050x2; £1,950; £1,900 ; £1,750; £1,600.

Cornwall pedigree calf show saw well over 100 quality calves forward with cattle being judged through two rings with the natives judged by David Barker and the Continental ring by Mike Yeandle and the commercial and supreme champion by Hugh Lello.

In the native ring Aberdeen Angus went to GE and AG KIRK, res; ID and D Rowe

Devon champion to M and D COWELL , res; M and D Cowell

South Devon champion to A L PASCOE, res; N and E Bunkum

A.O.B champion to BRENDA WEAR (shorthorn) res; SA Hollier (Speckle Park)

OVERALL Native Champion  GE and AG KIRK;res champion ;SA Hollier

Continental bred champions

British Blues champion to Ross Withers; res; JN and LP Dunn

Charolais champion to R Tremayne , res; R. Tremayne

Limousin champion to David and Ann Wheeler, res; JH Neale and son Simmental champion to Steve and Gill Gummow, res;James Berry

OVERALL Continental Champion; David and Ann Wheeler, res ;Steve and Gill Gummow.

COMMERCIAL CHAMPION ; Ross Withers, res; Matt and Vicky Smith

OVERALL SUPREME CHAMPION of the show; David and Ann Wheeler.

Store numbers were again tight at Greenslade Taylor Hunt's sale with 774 cattle forward. However, a larger overall entry of 1260 store, stirks and sucklers saw strong trades all round.

But there were no real big cattle forward to hit former highs but stronger feeding cattle were very keenly sought.  Top was £1,150 twice for a smart black Limousin steers (13/21m) from Mr M R Lee, West Buckland, who sold another 25m at £1,120 and a strong Simmental steer (29m) from Messrs T R Paull, Merriott. 

Other good feeding red and white Simmental steers (17/18m) from Messrs R J Hill and Son, Tavistock hit £1,100, with others £1,015.  Quality Charolais steers (18/19m) from Mr JF Biffen, Wellington rose to £1,080, with two other bunches both at £1,032. 

A shapely Limousin steer (19m) from Mr J L D Burrough and Son, Wambrook sold particularly well at £1,065.  The best of a run from Messrs R A Wilkins  andSons, Henley achieved £1,060 for Simmental steers (20/22m).  Quality Limousin steers (18/20m) from Mr A Wheeler, Torrington rose to £1,055, who sold a Blue steer (18m) at £1,050 and a Simmental steer (19m) at £1,045.

Another at £1,050 was a Charolais steer (19m) from Mr F R Butt, Dunkeswell.

Angus steers, part of the special monthly native store cattle sale also over £1,100 at £1,128 for 17/20m feeders from Mr R J Wall, Lympsham.  Another Angus steer (19m) this time from Mr R A Reed, Seaton sold well at £1,090.  A Hereford steer (21m) from Messrs R L Jones and Son, Wiveliscombe rose to £1,065.  Angus steers again (20m) from   Messrs A Male and Son, Martock met a call of £1,055.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt reported another large weekly dairy entry to include 56 fresh calvers.  But with not so many top quality heifers forward, the edge was taken off the trade. A super pedigree Bumaz heifer from Mr J G Morgan of Tewkesbury topped the market at £2,120.  Other heifers sold to £1,920 John Snook; £1860 Messrs R F Tucker and Son; £1,850 Messrs M and K Churchill and Son, Axminster and £1, 810 for Nick Goss, Devizes.

More cows were forward that previous weeks meeting an improved trade to a top of £1,710 for a New Zealand bred Friesian from Cloverlait, Salisbury.  Other cows sold to £1,690 and £1,680 for 2 pedigree 2^nd calvers from John Snook and £1,650 for Messrs R S, N J and M P Glanville.  Jersey x cows sold to £1,140 for Cloverlait.

A very large entry of 30 calves sold to a top of £370 (5m) and £345 x 2 both from Messrs M P and L M Crudge and Shere.  Younger calves under 1m sold to £340 for Mike Smith, Berkely, Glos. 

Kivells dispersed the entire crop of youngstock from the highly regarded Loford herd at Holsworthy Market, Devon on behalf of the Wade Family of South Yeo, Bideford.  A massive crowd of buyers travelled from as far as the South East, Wales and all over the west country to see this exceptional consignment of heifers go under the hammer which saw prices reach 6,900gns.

The Wade family have over the years invested heavily into well-known international cow families and this dispersal sale resulted in a mouth-watering catalogue of deep pedigrees, every animal sold with at least five generations of VG or EX dams.

Leading the trade was Loford Damion Rhonda a 15 month old heifer by Erbacres Damion and bred from 11 generations of VG/EX cows going back to Glenbridge Citation Roxy EX97. She sold to Sheikha Noora Bin Alkhalifa of Bahrain for her Sahara herd in Monmouthshire, Wales. 

Next in the money was Loford Bolton Fifi a Sandy-Valley Bolton heifer bred from nine generations of VG/EX going back to the Plushanski Chief Faith EX94. She sold in calf and due in January to Picston Shottle for 3,000gns to Messrs S R Houlford and Partners of Barnstaple.

The Fifi's were certainly in demand with Loford Shottle Fifi 22 by Picston Shottle from the same family selling incalf and due the end of November to Gerrard for 2,800gns to Mr Laarveld of Winkleigh.

The only red and white in the sale was the first lot through the ring being Loford Rampage Meggie Red and this powerful heifer by Rampage Red was bred from 14 generations of VG and EX cows from the Meggie family and she sold incalf and due in December to Robert Page of  West Sussex for his Blanches herd. 

Suffolk sheep supporters were out in force at the dispersal of the Brightonhouse flock for Keighley, west Yorkshire breeders, G & A Fort. The auction mart car park at Skipton was filling up with trailers several hours before the sale which drew buyers from Morayshire in northern Scotland to Devon.

This flock impressed for its outlook and "meaty" conformation and it was the stock ram Tomcroft Titan - a son of Meikleson Impression - that realised the top price of 1,100gns. Bred by Tom Cox and bought as a lamb at the breed society's 2009 National Show and Sale, he stays in Yorkshire with Harrogate buyer R Earnshaw.

Females were a good trade selling to 1,050gns for a January-born ewe lamb by Titan and bought by Mrs Caroline Nelson for her Rosepark flock at Kelso.

Gimmers sold to 900gns for a January 2010 daughter of Deveronside Dalesman that had been scanned for twins by the homebred Brightonhouse Seventy Seven. Buyer was Ian Kirk of Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Another gimmer by Sitlow Noble, also scanned for twins by Seventy Seven, made 870gns to D Harvey, Builth Wells who runs the Hawkesridge flock.

Ewes sold to 850gns twice. A three crop ewe by Glenhead Morangie carrying twins by Tomcroft Titan sold to Roger Harrison, Spilsby, Lincs while a one-crop daughter of Sitlow Noble, also carrying twins to Titan, goes to Emma Robinson of Forest in Teesdale, County Durham.

Averages; 41 flock ewes £557.52; 20 gimmers £647.33; 32 ewe lambs £488.25 and two stock rams £971.25. (Wright Manley with CCM Auctions.)

Certainly nothing to disappoint on price at an average of £1,804 for 61 milking heifers and a top call of 3,000gns, but there wasn't quite the same buzz about the ring at last Friday's Western Holstein Club show and sale at Beeston Castle in Cheshire.

Auctioneer Clive Norbury admits he doesn't know why trade wasn't as lively as we've seen in recent months, but buyers were rather more cautious about spending. A smart heifer from the Mallinson family's Carrhall herd at Armathwaite, Carlise - but consigned by the Easthams from Samlesbury near Preston - topped the day at 3,000gns after taking the championship. She heads for Anglesey to join Harry Evans' herd. (Wright Manley).