Welsh Black bulls to 16,600gns at Dolgellau

The New Year may only be a few weeks old, but it has started in style for the Welsh Black Cattle Society, with their first sale of the year achieving a top price of 16,600gns at Dolgellau on Tuesday. But despite this high price buyers were cautious in their spending and only the best cattle were in demand.

Leading the way was the much admired bull Caerynwch Banner 6 from local breeder T W Williams. Fully homebred, Banner 6 is by Caerynwch Ebrillwr 9 and out of Caerynwch Mai 59. Born in August 2007, Banner 6 sold to join pedigree breeder Alun Vaughan, Moel Irwch Uchaf, Llanrwst.

Next best among the bulls was a 5400gns sale for Graig-Goch Gerwyn 29 from Emyr Jones, Nebo, Llanrwst. Gerwyn 29 is by Brysgaga Erddyn 42 and out of Graig Goch Cer 3. At 19 months old Gerwyn 29 joins alwyn Morris at Merrddyn, Llanrug, Caernarfon.

Trading just below this was 20 month old Rhydygarnedd Rhys at 4700gns. Bred by Messrs E L and M Williams, Towyn, Rhys is by Gwern-Cynyddion Rhys 37 and out of homebred dam Rhydygarnedd Polly 69 and sold to Dylan Morgan, Alltgoch, Talybont.

Best among the females on offer was a 1980gns sale for the pre-sale show female champion, Morwynion Olwen 35 from Dylan Wynne, Bryneglwys, Corwen. This one is by Hafodesgob Hefin and out of Morwynion Olwen 16 and was bought by M Jones, Darngau.

Second top in the females was the first placed maiden heifer, Seisiog Bet 130 from Goronwy Jones, Nebo, Llanrwst. This stylish heifer is by Seisiog Bedwyr 137 and out of Seisiog Bet 107 and the buyer on this occasion was Lloyd Roberts, Abergele, Conwy.

Averages; 22 bulls £3323.25; 48 females £889.35