Charolais cross crowned continental champion at Dingwall

Dingwall and Highland Market’s annual show and sale saw an entry of 678 store cattle forward.

Messrs E Fraser and Company of Gorthleck Mains, Inverness, was awarded the continental champion by Judge Mr M Martin of Muir of Ord, for their 550kg Charolais cross, which sold for £1,190.

In reserve was a British Blue heifer, weighing 490kg from Dunmaglass Estate Partnership, Dores, making £1,120.

In the Aberdeen Angus section the champion prize went to Messrs J G Grant and Son, Laggan, for a 460kg bullock, which went on to make £945.

While in reserve was a 460kg bullock from the same home, which realised £935.

On the same day the market sold 47 OTM cattle.

Ten British Friesian and Holstein Friesian crosses forward by Goathill Dairy, Isle of Lewis, averaged 86.1p/kg.

The sale represented the dispersal of Goathill Dairy – the only dairy farm left on the island.

Holstein Friesians averaged slightly better than the Friesians at 101p/kg and 90.9p/kg respectively, with a 795kg Holstein Friesian from Goathill grossing 795kg.

Gordon MacKenzie of Goathill Farm said: “It’s a sad time for us, watching a life’s work come to an end. Some of these cows are old friends, they’ve been here nearly as long as I have.’

OTM prime cows (18) averaged 141.7p and sold to 152.5p per kg for a 610kg British Blue cross from Invercharron, Ardgay, and £1,130 gross for a 790kg Limousin cross from 1 Raddery, Fortrose.

OTM feeding cows (16) averaged 106.5p and sold to 121.1p per kg and £890 gross for a 735kg Luing cross from 2 Isle of Ewe, Aultbea.

OTM clean heifers (2) averaged 160p and sold to 170.2p per kg for a 570kg Charolais cross from Invercharron, and £1,030 gross for a 680kg Shorthorn cross from 192 The Doll, Brora.