Ruby Red Devon record smashed at 14,000gns

Topping a line up of 28 bulls and smashing breed records to a new high of 14,000gns at Sedgemoor Livestock Centre, Somerset was Champson Defender, a 24 month old Red Devon bull from G Dart and Sons, Molland.

Judge Margaret Elliott of the Cutcombe herd told ring siders this champion was everything a Red Devon should be “total balance, tremendous presence, natural fleshing and outstanding locomotion”.

Having had a first call of 5000gns, Greenslade Taylor Hunt auctioneer Derek Biss finally knocked him down at 14,000gns to Robert James for his Red Down herd, which he owns with his partner Kate Palmer. Next to go at 10,000gns was Simon and Grania Philip’s Colleton Felix, a 23 month old son of Efford Down Billy-Wizz. he sold to the Shellwold herd of Swell Wold Estates, Stown on the Wold.

Another high-pricer in the day was Vicky Jones’ Knoll General taken by T and A Durston at 7000gns.

Females were not to be outshone and there were five new herds securing females from the 70 on offer. Dulverton breeder G Vellacottt topped this section selling Meadown Darkie 19. Bred by F R Dart in their herd at Tiverton she now joins Peter May’s Clannaborough herd at 3000gns.

Maiden heifers sold from 1500gns to 2000gns and with cows and calves in short supply it was Ken and Olive Farmer who sold a nine-year-old cow with a calf at foot for 2300gns to F J Verney, South Molton.