Belgian Blue sucklers soar
Belgian Blue sucklers soar
A FIERCE demand from suckled calf producers, underpinned by dairy farmers aiming to cash in on the suckler replacement market, drove prices to 4200gns at the Belgian Blue Cattle Societys fixture at Chelford, Cheshire.
The biggest earner was Staffs breeder Mick Heaths bull Norstaff Rambo, a son of Odilio VD Boshoek bought by Steve Smith of Castle Caereinion, Powys. Mr Smith, a well known Texel sheep breeder, is setting up a suckler herd after losing his stock in a foot-and-mouth cull.
Another good bull from Doug Hazels herd at Luton realised 4000gns. Hazelwood Jake, by Hazelwood Sylvester, heads for Settle, North Yorks, with buyers Messrs Cornthwaite.
Leighton Buzzard breeder Michele Wilde, no newcomer to big prices, sold at 3900gns when J and JJ Bowman of Carlisle claimed Ridge Dean Scot, who has a 400-day weight of 552kg.
Taking a second successive supreme title were Derbys breeders Keith and Janet Belfield. Judge Graham Brindley gave the top ticket to their Boothlow Sam, a son of Totem De Chocquenee. Buyer at 3300gns was J Hall, Bakewell.
Jane and Danny Wyllie from Staffs claimed the female title with Tamhorn Shona, a blue-and-white daughter of Vigour Du Grand Courty. Her dam is full sister to top show cow Tamhorn Oriana. Shona made 2500gns to MG Morgan, Leominster.
Second highest female call was 2000gns from Devon breeders Ted and Christine Haste to secure the black-and-white heifer Chancellors Sooty consigned by Messrs Walwin, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
Averages 35 bulls £2676 and 12 heifers £1465. Commercial: 56 steers £804 and 49 heifers £623 (Frank R Marshall). *