Excellent trade at Bentham Christmas dairy show

The Bentham Christmas dairy show saw a great line-up of commercial and pedigree cattle on offer, with auctioneers reporting an excellent trade resulting in a complete clearance.

Buyers were looking for cattle with strong conformation and plenty of milk, with Friesian-type cattle sought after. 

Leading the day’s trade was the champion heifer Berryholme Sammy Avis, selling for £2,650 to the judge Joe Wannop, Morecambe. Put forward by Francis and David Wright, Berryholme, Kendal, she sold giving 31 litres daily.

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The reserve champion prize was awarded to Robert and Elaine Butterfield, Bentham, for their pedigree cow Ingleview Barb Glauco VG85. This second-lactation cow sold giving 44kg to judge Andrew Townsend, Burnley, for £2,520.

The same vendor also sold another pedigree heifer, Ingleview Zoltec Buttergirl 288, giving 33kg for £2,150.

Seven cattle sold for more than £2,000, including the first-prize coloured beast, Red and White pedigree Holstein Jackbeck Spectrum Indigo Red 65 from Colin and Alan Price, Keasden. She was purchased by Ted and Alex Walton,Wray Green, for £2,080.

Averages: Newly calved Holstein heifers, £1,605; newly calved Holstein cows, £1,740; newly calved British Friesian heifers, £1,248; newly calved Friesian cows, £1,503. (Richard Turner and Son)