Signs point to a commitment to beef production in Wales

WELSH BEEF producers continue to make hefty investments in quality sires and levelled 41 Charolais bulls at £2035 at the breed society’s autumn fixture at Welshpool.

The sale achieved a new centre record of 5500gns from a packed ringside. Auctioneer John Jones observed a clear commitment to the future of Welsh beef: “Commercial buyers are looking for sires that will deliver high weight gain for age from the type of calves that will be in demand under the new regime (post CAP reform).”

The day’s hottest bull presented bidders with a total package. Not only did Kevin Thomas’s Moelfre Ulster rank in the breed’s top 10% with his beef value of 29 but he’d proved his conformation superiority by taking the junior championship at the Welsh breed club’s calf show.

At Welshpool, under judge David Barker, of Royston, Herts, he maintained his winning ways by taking the overall title. Commented Mr Barker: “He stood out with a great top, good back end, sound legs and natural fleshing.”

The 17-month-old Ulster is by Blelack Rommel who was purchased in a private deal as herd sire for his breeder’s 50-cow unit at Newcastle Emlyn. Ulster now goes to work in the 60-cow suckler herd of Eurof Jones, Dryslwyn, Carmarthen.

A strong start to the bidding produced an opening deal of 3600gns for the two-year-old Brynffanigl Tudur (beef value 19). Consigned by Bob Roberts, Abergele, this son of the renowned Allanfauld Vagabond was bought by A G and E L Jones, Llangwm, Corwen.

A 3000gns call from E T and S K Hamer, Craven Arms, Shropshire, secured the Barnsley Piquet-sired Charbron Upperclass (beef value 23) from Mike Brown’s Barons Cross herd at Aymestry.

Towcester breeders Peter and Shelagh Donger took 2800gns for their Seawell Upwards (beef value 17) – a son of Seawell Icon that traces back to Brampton Fourstar. Buyers were Tynbryn Farms, Tregynon, Newtown.

Bala-based vendor Gareth Jones struck two deals at 2700gns for bulls from his successful Esgob herd. Class winner Esgob Uno is by the good producer Simpsons Gregg and out of a home-bred dam by Grove Enterprise. He heads for Denbigh with M D Williams.

Soon after, the bid was matched by D E Roderick, Brecon, to take Esgob Umbro – a son of well-known sire Doonally New.

Collecting the reserve championship was Esmor Evans’ Maerdy Unusual. By the French import Maerdy Grimaldi, this twin-born bull realised 2000gns to Coleg Powys, Newtown. Herdmate Maerdy Uphold, by Kilboy Liseron, made 2500gns to R Stratton, Warminster.

Also at 2500gns was Gwenog Umpire (beef value 22). This Derryharney Outstanding son from John Howells, Llanybydder was claimed by R and D Parry, Oswestry (Welshpool Livestock Sales).