Crowds gather for Belgian Blue sale
THE LARGEST show of top quality Belgian Blues for some years saw the overall champion hit the day’s top price of 11,600gns, at Chelford’s recent pedigree and commercial fixture.
The main ring saw a packed house for the sale of the pedigree consignment, particularly when the champion took centre stage.
From Cumbria breeders Andrew and John Bellas, Ballygrange Vinney defeated 20 other bulls in his class and met a packed ringside when he stepped out.
Buyer Alan Wheelwright of Halifax said: “I picked the bull out in the judging ring and there was no way I was coming home without him.”
Vinney is by Woodview Solo and out of Ballygrange Roxy, and will run with Mr Wheelwright’s 400 head suckler cow herd.
The Bellas family also picked up 4200gns for their other consignment, Ballyfin Viagra, by Osborne Van Terbeck. This white bull with great length and style went to the Francis family of Newtown.
Second-highest bull on the day was Staffs breeders Jane and Danny Wyllies’ naturally-born Tamhorn Venture which sold for 5000gns to Mr Morphet of Lancs. Tamhorn Vagabond, from the same stable, realised 4800gns to join the Clayton family of Wetherby.
The smart white female champion Widewath Valentine, from Mark Bousfield of Cumbria, sold for 2700gns to Mr Mawer. But it was his five year-old cow, Ridge Dean Royal Lady, which secured the top female price of 3300gns. Bred by Michelle Wilde, this embryo-transfer female and daughter of Ridge Dean Jessie went to J M Cooper of Harrogate.
Bids rose to £3350 for Pete Bodily’s commercial male champion entry, a Belgian Blue x Limousin steer. This 12 month old beast was bought by commercial judges Elgan and Emily Jones of Lampeter.
The Jones family also bought their champion choice, a Belgian Blue x Limousin heifer from Nigel Pritchard for £2100.
Averages: 60 pedigree bulls £3004; 20 pedigree females £2325; six pedigree cows and calves £2108; 82 cross bred steers £683; 85 cross bred heifers £657. (Frank R Marshall)