Blonde tops Gisburn Christmas show

An entry of 250 prime cattle were forward for Gisburn auction’s Christmas show and sale where Hayley Baines’ of Trawden, Lancashire, 21-month old 552kg Blonde D’Aquitaine cross heifer took the championship and made 400p/kg (£2208) to local restaurant Fisherman’s Retreat, Ramsbottom, for its New Year menu.

Diners close to Ramsbottom’s eatery were in for a double delight when the same buyer bagged the reserve champion in the form of a 580kg Belgian Blue heifer from Richard & Julie Critchley of Hutton, near Preston, for 295p/kg (£1711).

Another Belgian Blue from the Critchley’s entry picked a first prize in the steer classes and saw the 518kg animal make 169p/kg (£876) to local quality butcher Matthew Mitchell of Newsholme, Clitheroe.

Completing a trio of tickets the Critchley’s son, Thomas, beat strong competition in the young farmers’ class and saw his 568kg fleshy Belgian Blue heifer make 170p/kg (£966) to Blacklidge Bros, Wigan, Lancashire.