Trade topped at 3,300gns at the dispersal of the Claxton herd of pedigree Herefords at Shrewsbury Auction Centre of 149 head.

The sale was led by Claxton 1 Countess, a 2014-born Coston 1 Mike Daughter with its Bittern 1 Dambuster sired steer calf at-foot, sold at 3,300gns to RD Livestock, Eccleshall, Staffordshire.

There was a small number of cows with heifer calves and 2017-born cow Claxton 1 Harebell, realised 3,000gns and sold with Bittern 1 Fabulous sired twin heifer calves to S and S Murray, Pattingham, Staffordshire.

This was followed by a trio of cows with heifer calves at-foot selling at 2,500gns. Firstly 2012-born Claxton Ruby C, again secured by S and S Murray followed by two 2014-born cows Claxton 1 Sabrina (M) and Claxton 1 Mirriam M which both sold to G Quant and son of Newton Abbot, Devon. Pedigree cows with steer calves at-foot sold readily between 1,600gns and 1,900gns.

The in-calf cows were an impressive show and topped at 2,600gns for Claxton 1 Anna M, another 2014-born daughter of Coston 1 Mike, due in July to Fabb 1 Pure Force which sold to the Spartan herd with GC and SL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. At 1,900gns was cow Claxton 1 Anne Boleyn, due in June to Bittern 1 Fabulous. This Reydon 1 Jack pot daughter travels to North Wales to Vaynol Estates, Bangor. The same buyer secured Claxton 1 Foxglove, due in July to Fabb 1 Pure Force for 1,800gns.

Maiden heifers met a buoyant trade, as per the current market trend within the breed. A top call in the section of 2,550gns was made for a wonderful heifer Claxton 1 Esme, sired by Dambuster this dark stylish heifer and was secured by RD Livestock. At 2,200gns was Claxton 1 Blondy by online purchaser Mark Voss, Somerset. Not far behind at 2,100gns was Claxton 1 Kirsty, a Reydon 1 Leo Daughter, which sold at 2,100gns to A Wright, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire.

Auctioneers: Halls

Averages: 32 cows and calves, £1,883.44; 21 in-calf cows, £1,635; 6 in-calf heifers, £1,645; 21 bulling heifers, £1,615; 35 yearling heifers, £724.80.

The spring sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart yielded another 100 per cent clearance for Hereford bulls following on from the record-breaking February sale.

Thornbank 1 Romeo sold at 3,100gns

Leading the trade was rising three year old Thornbank 1 Romeo selling at 3,100gns to join the Clogher Valley pedigree Herd of Ian Brown Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone. Bred by Hunter Stewart, Co Tyrone, it was sired by the home-bred Thornbank 1 Mighty Man and out of a home-bred Solpoll 1 Dynamite daughter.

Solpoll 1 Telstar sold at 3,000gns

Following closely behind at 3,000gns was the youngest bull in the sale at 15 months old, from John and William McMordie, Co Down. By Moeskaer Mentos, Solpoll 1 Telstar is another Solpoll 1 Dynamite sired dam and sold to John Wauchob, Co Tyrone.

Brookfield 1 Thor sold at 2,900gns

Alex Ferguson, Co Tyrone purchased the 19 month old Brookfield 1 Thor at 2,900gns from Roy and Pat McClenaghen, Co Down. Qualifying as a superior carcase sire, this Moorside 1 Joseph son is out of a Wirruna Daffy sired dam.

Corraback Nilo sold at 2,700gns

The first bull into the ring, Corraback Nilo, sold at 2,700gns for Mervyn and Henry Richmond. Sired by Kye Rodge and out of a Ballyaville Don dam it travelled back to Co Fermanagh with John Gilleece.

Average: 6 bulls, £2,853

The dispersal sale of the Norfolk-based Claxton herd of pedigree Hereford cattle on behalf of Mr and Mrs J Heathcote has been rescheduled for Saturday 15 May 2019.

To be held at Shrewsbury Auction Centre and conducted by Jonny Dymond, there will be approximately 160 heads forward for purchase. The breeders’ pedigree registrations can be viewed here.

For further details contact Jonny on 07803 412617 or Shrewsbury Auction Centre on 01743 462620.

On the inauguration of its new Shrewsbury venue, the Hereford Cattle Society’s spring parade and sale saw trade rocket, setting a new society female record average at £3,934 which cleared at 93 per cent, with an overall sale clearance of 95 per cent.

Glenvale 1 Polly 721 from TG, EI and EN Thorne sold for 5,200gns

Topping this lively heifer trade conducted by Halls’ Jonny Dymond, was Glenvale 1 Polly 721 from TG, EI and EN Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire at 5,200gns, after 40 years of private-only female sales for the breeders. April 2019-born, this Netherhall 1 OZ Daffy M024 daughter was sold served to Vexour 1 Palmer. It was purchased by HS and I Griffiths and partners, St Davids and returns to Pembrokeshire as the purchasers re-enter the breed.

Glenvale 1 Polly 712 from TG, EI and EN Thorne sold for 4,600gns

Another heifer from the same home was Glenvale 1 Polly 712, selling at 4,600gns. From the same female line which performs so well for the breeders, and paternal sister to the top price, it was served in January to Fisher 1 Rancher R483 and was also purchased by HS and I Griffiths and partners.

Dendor 1 Keepsake 22nd from DE, ED and AL Jones sold for 4,600gns

Also realising 4,600gns was Dendor 1 Keepsake 22^nd from DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys. March 2019-born, it is a daughter of Bakgard 1 Keno 1178 which stood Royal Welsh supreme champion in 2017. The heifer sold in-calf to Dendor 1 Moonshine which was the 2018 Royal Welsh and Royal Three Counties’ supreme champion. It went home with J Porter of Whites Herefords, Bridgwater, Somerset.

Vicky Weller, Porton, Newport sold 12 month old Porton House 1 Sansa at 4,150gns on her public auction debut. By Moralee 1 Rosco KS R9, it is out of Porton House 1 Poppy and was purchased by JL Forsey, Bridport, Dorset.

Coley 1 Mynte 531 from H Whittaker sold for 4,100gns

Next in the money was April 2020-born Coley 1 Mynte 531 from Heather Whittaker, Halifax, selling at 4,100gns to W Milner, Much Wenlock, Shropshire. With a pedigree packed with Danish breeding, it is by Moeskaer Vegas 1451 and out of Bondes 1 Mynte.

Riverdean 1 Diane from G Brindley and B Birch and NJ Griffiths sold for 3,800gns

Other top prices included Riverdean 1 Diane from B Birch and G Brindley and NJ Griffiths, Weston, Staffordshire selling at 3,800gns to P Murdock, Kilmore, Co Armagh and Rempstone 1 Fashion D559 from M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire at 3,700gns to B Nicholls, Parracombe, Devon.

Barwise 1 Samson from CS Fletcher sold for 7,200gns

A sound average and clearance of 91 per cent continued into the bulls with a top call of 7,200gns made by Martin Jenkins for 24 month old Barwise 1 Samson MO 0835 from Carolyn Fletcher, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria and will join the Gloucestershire-based Appleridge herd. Qualifying as a superior carcase sire, this Moeskaer Online 1444 son has terminal sire and self-replacing indexes in the top 1 per cent, and lies in the top 5 per cent for growth, eye muscle and retail beef yield. It is out of Barwise 1 Grace K2, and is the female line responsible for producing the 2018 UK Hereford sire of the year Barwise 1 Lancer.

Haven Tarzan from EL Lewis and son sold for 6,800gns

Haven Tarzan from EL Lewis and son, Dilwyn, Herefordshire saw the hammer fall at 6,800gns to Francis Elmore of Essmore Herefords, Co Louth, Ireland. October 2019-born, it is the first son to be offered by the 2018 National Show champion Mara President and is out of Haven Louisa 65^th, one of the strongest cows for the Lewis family who celebrate 200 years of breeding in 2022.

Harveybros 1 Thomas-The-Tank from G and S Harvey sold for 6,400gns

Making the journey south from Glasgow, George and Sophie Harvey’s 16 month old Harveybros 1 Thomas-The-Tank changed hands at 6,400gns and joins JL Forsey’s purchases from the day. By Normanton 1 Laertes, interbreed champion at the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh shows, it is out of Harveybros 1 Crocus N5. It sits in the top 1 per cent for retail beef yield and top 5 per cent for gestation and calving ease daughters.

Solpoll 1 Trooper from J and W McMordie sold for 6,200gns

Travelling across from Co Down, John and William McMordie’s Solpoll 1 Trooper heads to Gloucestershire with HA Colburn following a call of 6,200gns to join the Crickley herd. It is a grandsire of the renowned Panmure 1 Henry and a Solpoll 1 Perfection son which was top price at the 2019 spring sale at 8,000gns. At 18 months old, it lies in the top 1 per cent for 200, 400 and 600 day weights, scrotal size and terminal sire and self-replacing indexes.

Barwise 1 Tamerlane from CS Fletcher sold for 6,200gns

Another from Carolyn Fletcher, this time the 21 month old Barwise 1 Tamerlane BN 108, sold for 6,200gns to G and A Speed, Carhampton, Devon. By Barwise 1 Nabucco, it is in the top 1 per cent for 200 and 600 day weights and retail beef yield and top 5 per cent for eye muscle and calving ease daughters.

Grifford 1 Try from NJ Griffiths sold for 5,500gns

Nick Griffiths, Penkridge, Staffordshire sold Grifford 1 Try at 5,500gns to Sarah Hawkins, Bosbury, Herefordshire while Classic 1 Scorpio from Richard Edwards and Emma Smith, Leigh, Wiltshire was knocked down at 5,200gns to Jans Boomaars, Woldingham, Surrey.

Classic 1 Scorpio from R Edwards and E Smith sold for 5,200gns

In the for sale only female section, every animal sold. The top price was gained by 12 month old Newtoncroft 1 Jolly 418 from Newtoncroft Farms, Newton Harcourt, Leicestershire which was purchased at 2,350gns by MA Quiney and SM Spears, Moretonhampstead, Devon. Sired by Maxstoke 1 Rambler, it is out of a home-bred Solpoll 1 Hollywood daughter.

Auctioneers: Halls

Averages: 14 show heifers, £3,934; 31 bulls, £4,027; 7 for sale only females, £1,493

The spring parade and sale catalogue is now available online and in hard copy upon request.

You can view the catalogue online on ISSUU format or as a PDF.

The sale is to be held in Shrewsbury Auction Centre on Saturday 10 April. Due to Covid-19, a parade of animals will replace the usual spring show and will commence at 9.30am. The sale will begin at 12 noon and be conducted by auctioneer Jonny Dymond.

As usual, superior carcase sires will be marked in the catalogue. These bulls have some of the best carcase traits in the breed and  should be seen in the quality and performance of subsequent progeny. Making the decision to buy a superior carcase sire even easier, is the £5 per head claim which can be made on the first 100 calves born.

For the first time, cattle entered from herds which have a completeness of recording rating of 4* or more will also be marked in the catalogue.

Online bidding will be available via MartEye. Online bidders should register before 10am on sale day to ensure their bids are approved.

Please contact Hereford Cattle Society on 01432 272057 or the auctioneers on 01743 462620 with any enquiries.

A new record average of £3,477 after a 100 per cent clearance was set at the premier sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart, while a record top price was also established.

Graceland 1 Silas from Robin and James Irvine, Whitecross, Co Armagh sold for 5,500gns

Leading the day’s trade was Graceland 1 Silas from Robin and James Irvine, Whitecross, Co Armagh which changed hands for 5,500gns to AI Services NI stud in Co Antrim, to help meet the ever-increasing demand for Hereford semen. This June 2019-born Blakesley 1 Nathan son sits in the top 20 percentile for weight and eye muscle figures and is out of a home-bred female, sired by Greenyards 1 Dougie.

Brookfield 1 Teddy from Roy and Pat McClenaghan, Holywood, Co Down sold for 4,300gns

Next in the money at 4,300gns was the youngest bull forward, Brookfield 1 Teddy from Roy and Pat McClenaghan, Holywood, Co Down which went home with T McAuley, Ballmoney, Co Antrim. A superior carcase sire, this Moorside 1 Joseph son also sits in the top five per cent for eye muscle and retail yield figures.

Solitude 1 Sunshine for Andrew Mcmordie Ballygowan, Co Down sold for 3,800gns

At 3,800gns, and first animal through the ring, was Solitude 1 Sunshine from Andrew McMordie, Ballygowan, Co Down which sold to A Porter, Omagh, Co Tyrone. This 23 month old is by Moeskaer Upgrade and out of Solitude 1 Helen G131, which is a Solpoll 1 Dynamite daughter.

River-Dale 1 Spartacus from the McMordie family, Saintfield, Co Down sold for 3,600gns

Not far behind was River-Dale 1 Spartacus from the McMordie family, Saintfield, Co Down, selling to JA Humphrey, Coleraine, Co Londonderry for 3,600gns. Another superior carcase sire, this May 2019-born Panmure 1 Henry son is out of a home-bred female.

The next sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart will be held on Tuesday 20 April.

Averages: 9 bulls, £3,477

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart

Auckvale Curly 1831S from W and R Kemp sold for 10,000gns to T and D Harrison

Breaking the European record for a horned Hereford female, Auckvale Curly 1831S from W and R Kemp and sons led a tremendous trade at the fifth Designer Genes sale. After a heated bidding war between online and phone bidders, the heifer knocked down to Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland for 10,000gns. The 23 month old horned heifer is sired by Auckvale King-Maker 1265K and bred from the renowned Curly cow family, and was sold in-calf to Ervie Classic S30.

This year’s sale was conducted in an online-only format and saw a total of 13 lots sell to average £6,308.08, clearing at 87 per cent. The female trade averaged at £6,214.09 and is a UK and European Hereford record.

Moorside 1 Jane 16th sold for 8,000gns to Linda Mooney

Leading the poll female trade was 15 month old Moorside 1 Jane 16^th from G and MC Shepherd, Woodplumpton, Lancashire which met a top call of 8,000gns to Linda Mooney, Lancashire, and is the first daughter of the 13,000gns Coley 1 Pilot to sell at auction.

A pick of the herd lot from Halifax-based Heather Whittaker’s Coley Herefords also reached 8,000gns, and sold to George Morgan, Abergele, Conwy. The successful purchaser was offered the chance to pick any animal in the herd’s full ownership, including donor cows, herd bulls, embryo calves and embryo pregnancies.

Moralee 1 Kylie KS S10 sold for 6,600gns to T Vasami

Moralee 1 Kylie KS S10 from Tom and Di Harrison realised 6,600gns, and was knocked down to T Vasami, Ffostrasol, Ceredigion. This March 2019-born heifer is a daughter of current UK Hereford sire of the year SMH King Size 87K and out of a Cornriggs 1 Knight Rider daughter.

Coley 1 Hasimara 504 sold for 6,000gns to E Hodge

Another entry from Heather Whittaker, 16 month heifer Coley 1 Hasimara 504, saw bids to 6,000gns, and was purchased by new breeder Emma Hodge, Duns, Berwickshire. This heifer was the first daughter born to current UK Hereford bull of the year, Romany 1 Primetime BL P62.

Auckvale 1 Janet 1756R sold for 5,900gns sold to P Martindale

The Kemp family also offered March 2018-born Auckvale 1 Janet 1756R and its Dendor 1 Mutley bull calf, which sold to P Martindale, Bolton, Lancashire for 5,900gns. This female is a three-quarter sister to Royal Welsh supreme champion 2019, Auckvale 1 Curly 1725R, which was purchased for 7,300gns at Designer Genes 2018 by L and L Bowen, Nelson, Glamorgan.

Dendor 1 Greta 31st sold for 5,600gns to A Fitzgerald

DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys offered October 2018-born female, Dendor 1 Greta 31^st, which crosses the Irish sea to Anselm Fitzgerald, Co Westmeath after a closing bid of 5,600gns. Sired by former Royal Welsh Champion Bakgard Keno 1178 and from the famed Greta line, it sold in-calf to Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine.

At the same money was the final lot of the day, nine month old heifer calf Moorside 1 Julia 4^th from G and MC Shepherd which was purchased by Ian Wilkinson, Inchture, Perthshire and is another daughter of renowned Coley 1 Pilot.

M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire consigned Rempstone 1 Curly D561, a January 2020-born daughter of Gouldingpoll 1 Double Decker, which went to Jimmy Hodge, Horndean, Berwickshire at 5,300gns. The first ever daughter of Double Decker to sell from the herd, it is also a granddaughter of Blakesley 1 Kimberley which stood female champion at the National Poll Show in 2016.

Two daughters of former sire of the year Barwise 1 Lancer from the well-known Romany herd of JRB Wilson and sons also sold in the sale. April 2019-born heifer Romany 1 Dawn BL S48 was bought for 5,000gns by A and J Taylor, West Lothian, while September 2019-born Romany 1 Ishbel BL T2 sold for 4,100gns to Bethan Hutchinson, Greatham, County Durham.

Fabb 1 Princess Sofia, a March 2019-born daughter of Danish-bred Bare Mr Youtube 4Y from DRA Fabb, Warboys, Cambridgeshire changed hands at 3,000gns and joins A and J Taylor’s purchases.

Herd sire prospect Moralee 1 Tommy Lad KR T2 from Tom and Di Harrison sold for 5,000gns to Neil Howie, Northumberland. Sired by Cornriggs 1 Knight Rider and out of a King Size daughter, Tommy Lad was the first bull to sell at Designer Genes since Coley 1 Pilot in 2018.

Averages

11 females, £6,214.09; 1 bull, £5,250, 1 pick of the herd, £8,400

Auctioneer: Jonny Dymond, Halls

Sale manager: Josh Dowbiggin, Dowbiggin Marketing

A small turnout of bulls saw six bulls forward at the December native breeds sale at Dungannon Farmers Market, resulting in an average of £2,415.

Solpoll 1 Show Time sold for 3,000gns

Auctioneer Trevor Wylie found his top priced animal in the form of John and William McMordie’s Solpoll 1 Show Time. After some fast bidding on this 19 month old bull, sired by the home-bred Solpoll 1 Prime Time, it was knocked down at 3,000gns to Valerie McCrea from Stewartstown for use on suckler cows.

Taking the second top price was first time sale exhibitor Jonah Laughlin with his 19 month old entry, Mountober 1 Powerful, sired by Graceland 1 Giovanni, which sold at 2,000gns to G McHahan, Dungannon.

Colin McCord sold the youngest bull forward, Ballycrune 1 Solomon. This 17 month old Graceland 1 Micheal son sold for 1,900gns to Edward Robinson,  Dungannon and is the second Hereford bull added to his dairyherd this season.

The next native sale will be held at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Tuesday 9 February 2021.

Champion Hereford at the Royal Ulster Beef and Lamb Championships, Balmoral Park was from Gerald Law, Ederney, Co Fermanagh.

Weighing in at 636kg, the steer sold for £1,950 to Omagh Meats.

Champion Hereford at the Royal Ulster Beef and Lamb Championships from G Law, Co Fermanagh

From 1 January 2021 the UK will trade with the EU as a third country and therefore new rules for entry into the EU of certain animals and products from third countries, including livestock, will apply.

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, the same requirements will apply for these live animal movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.