Despite a turbulent summer marked by Bluetongue outbreaks, poor grass growth, and overall drought-like conditions, a select entry of high-quality cattle was presented at this year’s Autumn Show and Sale.
Female Section
The show began with the heifer classes, where the overall female champion was awarded to Pebworth 1 Bellatrix, bred and exhibited by Nick and Lucy Holdsworth, Worcestershire. This March 2024-born heifer is sired by Dendor 1 Smokin’ Joe and out of the homebred cow Pebworth 1 Seraphina. Judge Mr David Makin praised her for her presence, dark colouring, and fluid movement, describing her as a great, stretchy heifer with lots of potential. She later sold for 3,600gns to RF & ZM Chilman.
Pebworth 1 Bellatrix
Standing reserve female champion was Moralee 1 Wispa TE359, a May 2024-born heifer bred and exhibited by T & D Harrison. She is the first heifer offered by Dendor 1 Tecwyn, out of the purchased cow Chattlehope 1 Wispa. Strong breeding credentials helped her secure the reserve title among a competitive class of young heifers.
Moralee 1 Wispa TE359
Male Section
The first bull class of the day produced the senior male and overall male champion, Lanscombe 1 Frankel, from RA Mitchell, Dorset. This February 2024-born bull is sired by Maxstoke 1 Willis and out of Lanscombe 1 Cilla. With an impressive show record including championships at Bath and West, Royal Cornwall, and Royal Three Counties, he sold for 5,600gns to J Neagle.
Lanscombe 1 Frankel
Taking reserve senior and overall male champion was Newtoncroft 1 Bushwacker, sired by Bosbury 1 Val d’Isere and out of Newtoncroft 1 Luna 349. Exhibited by the same team behind the junior reserve champion, this March 2024-born bull impressed with his calm temperament and strong summer showing. He was purchased by SC & GL Hartwright for 4,000gns and now joins the Spartan Herd.
Newtoncroft 1 Bushwacker
In the junior male section, junior male champion was awarded to JC 1 Brando, from L Jackson-Carr, near Sheffield. Born April 2024, he is sired by Coley 1 Vincent, joint bull of the year 2023, and out of Grangefell Peach 829-63G. Judge Mr Makin commended his power and strength. He sold for 3,000gns to Darlington Farms.
Reserve junior male champion went to RTC 1 Biggus Dickus, from R Coates, Leicestershire. This young bull had already made a name for himself as reserve junior male at Royal Three Counties. He shares the same sire as Newtoncroft 1 Bushwacker, Bosbury 1 Val d’Isere, and is out of RTC 1 Terri 459.
For Sale Female Section
It was a strong trade for the females forward in the draft-only section, with plenty of interest from buyers seeking quality and functionality.
First into the ring was Moorside 1 Jane 16th, an exceptionally productive cow born in September 2019. Not only was she guaranteed back in calf, but she was also suckling young heifer twins, a true demonstration of the breed’s fertility and maternal ability. Sired by Coley 1 Pilot and out of Moorside 1 Jane, she topped the draft trade at 5,400gns, selling to R.F. & Z.M. Chilman.
Following close behind was Moorside 1 Jane 24th, a stylish March 2024-born heifer from G. & M.C. Shepherd. Sired by Netherhall 1 Oz Daffy M024 and out of Moorside 1 Jane 16th, she attracted strong bidding and went on to make 4,600gns, selling to S. & R. Irving.
Completing the Moorside consignment was Moorside 1 Bluebell, an April 2024-born heifer by Netherhall 1 Matty S098 and out of Moorside 1 Camille. This smart young female also headed to S. & R. Irving after achieving 4,200gns.
Sale results
Bulls to an average – £4,357.50
Show heifers sold to an average – £3, 255
For sale only females – £4,383.75
Full Show Results
Class 1 – heifer born on or before 28/03/2024
1st – Pebworth 1 Bellatrix – N & L Holdsworth
2nd – Ysguborissa 1 Gisele – L Davies
3rd – Bosbury 1 Laurel B188 – S Hawkins
Class 2 – heifer born on or between 11/05/2024 – 06/08/2024
1st – Moralee 1 Wispa TE359 – T & D Harrison
2nd – Auckvale 1 Miss Trina 2404C – W & R Kemp & Sons
Class 3 – no entries forward
Class 4 – bull born on or between 01/11/2023 – 24/02/2024
1st – Lanscombe 1 Frankel – RA Mitchell
2nd – Pepperstock 1 Bovril – Speirs Farms Ltd
3rd – Lanscombe 1 Floyd – RA Mitchell
Class 5 – bull born on or between 01/03/2024 – 22/03/2024
1st – Newtoncroft 1 Bushwacker – Newtoncroft Farms
2nd – Newtoncroft 1 Basso – Newtoncroft Farms
3rd – Pepperstock 1 Basil – Spiers Farms Ltd
Class 6 – bull born on or between 01/04/2024 – 30/04/2024
1st – JC 1 Brando – L Jackson-Carr
2nd – Ysguborissa 1 Brian – L Davies
3rd – Buckenhill 1 Bugatti BTA – MF Gray & Miss L Crowther
Class 7 – bull born on or between 09/05/2024 – 29/09/2024
1st – RTC 1 Biggus Dickus – R Coates
2nd – Parkapella 1 Churchill – Mr & Mrs S Coates
Grand Overall and Senior Male Champion – Lanscombe 1 Frankel – RA Mitchell
Reserve Senior Male and Overall Champion – Newtoncroft 1 Bushwacker – Newtoncroft Farms
Junior Male Champion – JC 1 Brando – L Jackson-Carr
Reserve Junior Male Champion – RTC1 Biggus Dickus – R Coates
Female Champion – Pebworth 1 Bellatrix – N & L Holdsworth
Reserve Female Champion – Moralee 1 Wispa TE359 – T & D Harrison
Best Pair of Bulls – Lanscombe 1 Floyd & Lanscombe 1 Frankel – RA Mitchell