Good quality Welsh Black offering at Dolgellau peaks at 2,000gns
A small but high quality offering of Welsh Black maiden heifers and cows with calves saw highs of 2,000gns at Dolgellau’s annual autumn show and sale.
Top price went to Hafodescob Molly 150th, first prize winner of class 2 and Reserve Champion of the day. The November 2013 born heifer from Mrs Gwenfair Jones, Hafod-Yr-Escob Isaf, Cwmtirmynach, Gwynedd, sired by Graig Goch Berwyn 59th sold to Mr R Reed, Trevayne Farm, Saundersfoot for 2,000gns.
Champion Maiden Heifer of the day was Dancoed Mair 18th from Mrs Marian Phillips, Dancoed, Cwm Gwaun, Dyfed. Born April 2014, the heifer was sired by Brysgaga Berwyn and sold to Mr R Reed, Trevayne Farm, Saundersfoot for 1,400gns.
Sally Lloyd, breed promotions officer, said the small offering of 15 cattle reflected the market trend for 2015 overall, which had seen more stocked pushed through commercial lines due to a strong store price.
“Fattened cattle have been lower but stores really haven’t dipped and have held their own as a terrific trade meaning breeders are opting to sell as stores to help with cash flow, rather than going down the pedigree route,” said Mrs Llyod. “We also have a Finished Welsh Black Premium currently offering a 30p/kilo premium deadweight through Two Sisters and Welsh Blacks are proving popular with local butchers.”
She told Farmers Weekly that, considering the pleasant market climate, trade was good, with all entries sold and new breeders breaking into the breed, attracted by the animal for not being as high input as other continental breeds.
Champion Female on the day was Felin Ceiro Dita 6th, born March 2013. Exhibited by Mr Meirion Botwood, Y Felin, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion she was in calf to Neuadd Dafydd Ddu 217th and sold to AW Owen, Bronwerydd, Carmel, Gwynedd for 1,050gns.
A & R Williams, Pentre, Cwmtirmynach also had two good heifers, lots 11 and 12. Mynach Gwyneth 49th, third prize winner in the same class as the champion, sold for 1,350gns to R Reed, Trevaynes Farm. Lot 11, Mynach Mair 7th made 1,200gns, again selling to Mr Reed, Trevaynes Farm, Saundersfoot.
Averages: Maiden heifers, 1,225gns. Cows and calves, 1,166gns.
November 2013 born Hafodesgob Molly 150th made 2,000gns for Mrs Gwenfair Jones, Hafod-Yr-Escob Isaf, Cwmtirmynach, Gwynedd.