Pioneer grabs Saler prize
Pioneer grabs Saler prize
TOP price of 2900gns at the Saler breed societys spring fixture at Carlisle went to the man who pioneered the breed to the British beef industry.
Bryan Walling, Kendal, Cumbria, received this for his Cumbrian Grandvil, a June 1995-bred bull by Lowca Grandee.
Having stood champion, he was snapped up by Oxfordshire dairy farmers W Cumber and Son, long-time supporters of the breed.
The bull will be used on Hereford x Friesian cows run alongside the main dairy herd of the Cumbers, who have been using the Saler for eight years.
"The Saler-cross is a great suckler cow. She is hardier than a Limousin-cross, milks exceptionally well and can match any of the Continental-cross cows on conformation," said William Cumber.
An imported French heifer, one of three entered by their breeders, took the female ticket.
Pierre Lafons Lady, from his herd at Corches, combines some of the top French lines. Horned and wearing the traditional French leather halter, she stood out as a female of great capacity and width. She made 2800gns to J P and J Hutchinson, Castle Douglas.
Other leading bids included 2700gns for Rigel Pedigrees Rigel Theseus and 2500gns for Messrs Hutchinsons Lochdougan Knave. The reserve bull champion, M G and K M Jones Ty-Newydd Diamond, sold to Messrs Douglas and Son, Jedburgh at 2200gns.
AVERAGES: 21 bulls £1794; three cows £2345 and six maiden heifers £766. (Harrison and Hetherington.)