Bluetonge zone limits Ludlow Simmental buyers

Disappointing prices were reached at Ludlow Simmental sale this week, as the bluetongue restriction zone diminished buyers and sellers. As culling out prices remain consistently high, low numbers of breeding bulls and heifers were being sold.

Topping the sale, which saw only five of 15 forward sell, was a call of 2400gns for the champion, Sterling Tomahawk, son of Corskie Principal. Consigned from S R Hitchins, Boddington Estates and shown by their stock man Jimmy McMillan, he sold to C M Mercer, Leominster.

The second highest call came for the reserve champion from Messrs Booth and Bell, Warwickshire. Crackley Talisman, a two year old weighing 1950kg sold for 1950gns to M J Boucher, Axbridge.

Depressed prices were also seen with the breeding heifers with the top price of 1380gns being achieved for Beanhill Tzigane. The two year old heifer, weighing 1380kg was consigned by R J and B E Kimber, Chippenham and sold to R A Davenport, Sandback.

Mr Davenport also purchased Swadlincote-based Mr and Mrs Leedham’s Grangewood Snowdrop for 1260gns, a two and a half year old heifer weighing 1200kg, with a milk EBV of +3.

Astcote Serenade, the two and a half year old daughter of Starline Klassik, weighed in at 1200kg and sold for 1260gns. The vendor Mr S L Evans, Towcester sold to L Renshaw and Brassington, Stoke on Trent.

Averages: bulls £1869; heifers £1323 (McCartneys).