An exceptionally businesslike crowd of buyers attended the dispersal of the Jealottshill herd at Warfield, near Bracknell, Berkshire. This extremely well run commercial pedigree herd attracted purchasers from far and wide including Cornwall, Kent, Lancashire, Shropshire and South Wales. With 46 animals selling for 2,000 guineas or more and an average of over £1,660 the owner’s decision to sell on farm proved that it is not necessary to move your cattle to the other side of the country to achieve a good result.

Of particular interest were the large number of red and white animals, many of which featured among the leading prices including the sale topper, the freshly calved heifer Jealottshill Countess Red 2, sired by Baileys Red Rock Red, which made 3,000 guineas to the bid of Ledger Farms Ltd, Deal, Kent. The same buyers also purchased the top priced served heifer, another from the red Countess family sired by April-Day Wisconsin Red, at 2,500gs and a fourth calver from the same family at 2,400gs. T.G.Anthony & Sons made the trip from Bridgend in South Wales to secure a number of the best lots for their Haregrove herd, including young cows by Bolton and Shottle at 2,650gs and 2,500gs, while Ladyhouse Farm Ltd, from Minsterley, Shropshire, had to to 2,500gs to secure a smart calved heifer by Drake. There were 45 milkers that made prices of 2,000gs or more.

The young stock met an equally brisk trade, with served heifers rarely making below 1,800 guineas and yearlings making up to 1,520gs for a Wisconsin heifer, taken by D.J & D.J.Heller, Truro, Cornwall for their Aclandfarm herd. The top price for heifer calves at foot was 820gs for daughters of Picston Shaker and Braedale Pagewire, bought by R.J.Goss & Son, Devizes, Wilts and Ledger Farms respectively.

The three year old Aberdeen Angus stock bull, Lockerley Predator, made 2,900gs to Simon Swerling, Chalfont St.Giles, Bucks. Biggest volume buyers were M.R & J.Cheney, Alfresford, Hants and Fred Simcock, Ledbury, Hereford who both took 35 head or more.

Averages: 176 cows and calved heifers £1731; 34 served heifers £1920 and 38 maiden heifers £1124.

(Norton and Broooksbank)