British Whites hit 1,600gns at Worcester

The first significant virtual dispersal sale of British Whites for sometime took place at Worcester Market when the Bridge Homestead herd for Jeff and Marion Scotcher, Sussex came under the hammer.

Top call of the day went to Bridge Homestead Melophone, a second calver with heifer calf at foot by the homebred bull Maraca which was a former Society Bull of the Year in 2008. She went for 1,600gns to A Wiles, Crudington, Telford, Shropshire.

Cows and calves in general enjoyed a close following and strong supporter at the sale, Mr S Hopley, Ranton, Stafford, secured several purchases including Lot 1, Bridge Homestead Mandolin, an eleven year old cow with heifer calf at 1,220gns.

The only in-calf heifer in the sale was Bridge Homestead Carimba, due in September to Wellington Fable, she was hotly contested and was knocked down at 1,320gns to Mr P Cooke, Stoke Prior, Leominster, Hereford.

Bulling heifers enjoyed a flurry of competition selling at 850gns twice to Mr S Hopley, Stafford and G Weaver, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucester respectively.

Yearling heifers were particularly well supported selling to a top of 740gns for Bridge Homestead Antara, also secured by Mr G Weaver, Moreton in Marsh, closely followed by Bridge Homeastead Taletta at 730gns to S D Pennington, Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

Averages: Nine cows with calves, £1,200.50; four in-calf cows, £903.00; two empty cows, £724.50; one unregistered cow and calf, £1,491.00; one in-calf heifer, £1,386.00; two bulling heifers, £892.50; seven yearling heifers, £745.50; one bull, £1,239.00. (McCartneys LLP, Worcester)