British Blue bull pair make 9200gns at Borderway
A “better than expected” trade saw British Blue prices peak twice at Carlisle last Friday (22nd January) at the society’s special show and sale.
First at top trade was Solway View Jasper from K Watret, Annan, Dumfriesshire. This son of Solway View Firecracker, himself a Gitan Du P’Tit Mayeur son and out of a home-bred Norbreck genetics sire, Heros Du Peroy, knocked down to JW Dent & Sons, Lartington, Barnard Castle.
Matching this was Littlebank Jimmy, a son of Empire D’Ochain from HR & WJ Maudsley, Rathmell, Settle. Out of a Heros Du Peroy dam, Littlebank Gorgeous, Littlebank Jimmy was knocked down to A and R Paton, Easter Greenhill, Falkirk.
Littlebank Jimmy (pictured) matched Solway View Jasper, leading the trade at 9,200gns
There were also two bids of 7,500gns, the first for Brennand Jack, a February 2014 born son of Bluegrass Cyclone, from JC Walker and Son, Dunsop Bridge. Out of the home-bred cow, Brennand Black Beauty, Jack went in a two-way split to GA and DE Thompson, Alston, Cumbria, and WD and B Thompson, Haltwhistle, Northumberland.
At the same price was Tanat Jasper from WR and WW Jones, Oswestry, Shropshire. Standing second in his class, this black and white son of the Genus sire, Adajio De Bray and out of Ridge Dean Emily, a Bringlee Volkawagon daughter, was purchased by Rodney Bros Plant Hire, Ripon.
Selling at 7,000gns was first-prize class winner and Reserve Male Champion, Brownridge Blues Jackpot, from DJ and B Spours, Belford, Northumberland. Purchased by BR Fawcett, Bishopdale, Leyburn, he was by Reinbeck Rubin son, Newton Blues Elvis and out of College Valley Fame.
Averages were back on the year but throughput was higher, with a total of 24 out of 31 bulls being sold, auctioneer James Little told Farmers Weekly.
“Demand seemed to be characterised by commercial interest with businesses wanting something for a show calf and that could suit the market,” he explained. “With weight restrictions coming into play some of the smarter cattle are becoming more desirable with the 450kg deadweight limit.
“The British Blue sees demand from dairy farms looking for a cross as well from beef producers so you always feel guaranteed a bit of trade.”
Society Secretary Andy Ryder commented that breeders were well satisfied with trade, particularly in light of the delay in basic payments within the industry.
Averages: 24 bulls, £4,760; 5 maiden heifers, £3,0662; 2 served heifers £1,942.50; 5 recipients with calves, £2,520; 5 recipients with calves, £2,520 (Harrison & Hetherington)