New 8800gns record for Dexter breed
It was expected to be a fantastic sale, and it didn’t disappoint! Prospective buyers from some 27 counties travelled to the Knightsway dispersal of pedigree Dexter cattle at Sway, New Forset, Hampshire on behalf of Judy Knight.
Long-time stalwart of the breed and owner of the top show herd in the country, Mrs Knight had decided to retire and hang up her white coat and her exit from the breed was met with
Top price of the day of 8800gns was paid for Knightsway Paddy, the senior stock bull and well-known champion bull (born 12.4.99).
He was purchased by Lisa Bell of Wheatholme Farm, South Clifton,
The previous record auction price of 2300gns set in 2007 was also beaten by the junior stock bull Sollershope Tippet at 3200gns and purchased by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. For a while the six month old calf Knightsway Boris held the record at 2500gns.
The previous record price for a short legged female stood at 2600gns set in 2005 and was beaten on 6 occasions to a top price of 6400gns for champion show cow Knightsway Jody, the March 02 daughter of Paddy, sold with her June born heifer calf at foot to Annie Pollock of Norley Farm, Lymington.
The record for a non short legged had stood at 1350gns since 2004. This was again well beaten when Knightsway Doris with her steer calf was knocked down at 3000gns again to Annie Pollock.
Fiona Miles Chairman of the Dexter Cattle Society stated ‘What a fantastic sale, years and years of breeding have been put on the market today. The success demonstrates the growing recognition of the Dexter Breed’.
Averages:
Cows with young calves at foot £3381
Cows in calf £2132
Bull Calves 6-7 months £1785
Heifer Calves 7-8 months £1282
Maiden Heifers £1690
Young Bulls £2362
Stock Bulls £6300
Overall 38 Females and bulls averaged £2028 (Southern Counties Auctioneers).