Belgian Blue bulls unable to set ring alight
Belgian Blue bulls unable to set ring alight
BELGIAN Blue breeders saw a selective trade for bulls at the Breed Societys autumn show and sale at Chelford, where commercial buyers were looking for heavy discounts.
While bidding reached 4000gns, most crossing bulls were changing hands at between 1000gns and 1500gns, a reflection of the times.
It was another good bull to emerge from the Wilodge herd of Don Williams, Shifnal, Shropshire, that inspired the liveliest trading. Wilodge Omega was the only entry from the Williams family, but he comes from one of their herds most consistent breeding lines.
Sired by Savant de Pierrecome, the bull that produced this herds record-breaking 10,500gns Wilodge Meatmaster, he is out of Maybrock Fleur, dam of many of the outfits past commercial champions.
Omega was claimed by local farmer Steve Drabble for his new suckler herd at Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Dan and Jane Wyllie have been savouring some credible wins on the summer show circuit with stock from their herd at Tamworth, Staffs. In the market for a new junior stock sire, they favoured the blue bull Penlas North Star from Carmarthenshire breeder B G Brace and paid 2050gns for this Jardinier de la Bonne Raie son.
Northern Ireland breeder James Martin sorted out the classes and made it a debut victory for Glos-based Sarah Baldwin, who was showing cattle from her herd at Coleford, Forest of Dean.
Her champion, White Farm Nutbush, was withdrawn at 2700gns but sold later to an undisclosed Midlands buyer.
Brookfield Oliver, a white bull by the proven producer Ingenieux du Stordeur from S and G Potter, Thirsk, North Yorks, made 1800gns and at the same money T Kemp, Canterbury sold a son of Urbi de Bois Borsu.
The female champion, Battle-sden Laura from Robin Ivorys herd at Codicote, Herts topped this section. The 1994-bred cow by Battlesden Guido was sold with a heifer calf at foot by Black Moor Magnum. Buyer at 2400gns was W Orme, Leyburn, North Yorks.
Maiden heifers sold to 1100gns for Rawes Noyna from Lancs breeders Mr and Mrs J McGuigan. This Navire de Septon daughter joins the Wilodge herd.
Averages 37 bulls £1428 and 17 females £829. (Frank R Marshall & Co.) *