Sep 11, 2021

BWCS Autumn Show & Sale Melton Mowbray

PORLOCK HERD TOPS ANOTHER STRONG TRADE FOR FEMALES

Having received a good number of entries forward for the BWCS Autumn Show & Sale at Melton Mowbray on 10th & 11th September, it was superb to see not only another full clearance of females, but an exciting trade throughout. Topping both the British White section and the sale overall was a tremendous pen of three yearling heifers - Porlock Heather, Tammy and Zabrina, all sired by Lordswood Oliver - from Brian Palmer, Minehead, which sold for 2520gns (£2646) per head to Emily Estates (UK) Ltd.

Despite a number of underbidders trying to secure their chosen lots on the day, Emily Estates ultimately purchased the entire run of 25 females in the sale to add to their pedigree herd, which is proving to be fantastically well-suited as a parkland grazing attraction for hotel and day guests at The Newt In Somerset and to supply quality grass-fed beef for their thriving on-site restaurants and butchery.

Reaching 2100gns (£2205) for Vivien St Joseph, Maldon, was homebred maiden heifer Tollesbury Peablossom. A daughter of the Breed Champion of the recent BWCS Virtual Show, Tollesbury Peach, and 2019 BWCS Bull of the Year, Tollesbury Sir Lionel, this striking heifer drew the attention of the bidders along with her stablemate Tollesbury Bianca, another smart maiden heifer this time sired by Salhouse James Arthur, which reached 1750gns (£1837.50).

Two in-calf females exhibited by F W Cook & Son of Cambridge also met good trade; 2015-born Ladbarrow Santa Aquamarine with her heifer calf Alcroft Paisley at foot was first through the ring and knocked down at 1700gns (£1785), followed next by homebred senior heifer Albany Tahiti, sold in-calf to Nidderdale Alladin for 1800gns (£1890).

The buoyant bidding atmosphere continued with two very well-grown and beautifully presented heifers - Woodbastwick Thingaling and Daddle - from Rotac Farms, Norwich, reaching 1700gns (£1785) and 1600gns (£1680) respectively, along with 1700gns (£1785) for another equally strong example, Templar Kwikthorn bred and exhibited by K & RP Harding, Heather.

At 1600gns (£1680) and fresh from her show successes during 2021 was senior heifer Porlock Zareen from Brian Palmer, Minehead, followed closely behind at 1500gns (£1575) apiece for a superb, even pair of maiden heifers Bushwell Kiwi and Kiaora from Brian & Sue Kendrick, Coleorton. John Hair of Nettleton Grange, Market Rasen brought along a good draft of grass-fed heifers which sold for between 1300gns (£1365) for the older bulling females, and 650gns (£682.50) for a sweet yearling heifer which was the youngest of the unhaltered section.

25 FEMALES AVERAGED: £1516.62

GROSS SALE TOTAL: £37,915.50

BRITISH WHITE WINS INTERBREED CATTLE CHAMPIONSHIP AT MELTON MOWBRAY

DATE FRIDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER

JUDGE MR J BRAIN, WARWICKSHIRE

Rounding off the cattle section with a fantastic win in the Interbreed Championship was Tollesbury Balthasar from Dr V St Joseph, pictured below with handler Mark Howland, cattle judge James Brain and Joy Snell from the Northants Native Breeds Club, who kindly donated the Championship sash for the event.

Left to right: Joy Snell of NNBC, Judge James Brain, Interbreed Champion Tollesbury Balthasar and handler Mark Howland

In the breed classes, it was Dr V St Joseph of the Tollesbury herd in Essex who picked up the Male and Breed Championships with young bull Tollesbury Balthasar, with Mr Brian Palmer of the Porlock herd, Somerset, standing in reserve with the Female Champion, senior heifer Porlock Zareen. Winner of a strong junior heifer class of 9 entries was Woodbastwick Thingaling from Rotac Farms, Norfolk, which went on to win the Reserve Female Championship.

Breed Championship: Champion Tollesbury Balthasar, Reserve Porlock Zareen

Male and Breed Champion Tollesbury Balthasar, Dr V St Joseph

Female and Reserve Breed Champion Porlock Zareen, Mr B Palmer

Reserve Female Champion Woodbastwick Thingaling, Rotac Farms

Cow, in-calf and/or with calf at foot, born on or before 31st December 2018 1st Ladbarrow Santa Aquamarine, Miss S Cook

Heifer, born in 2019 1st Porlock Zareen, Mr B Palmer; 2nd Albany Tahiti, Mr L Cook

Heifer, born on or after 1st January 2020 1st Woodbastwick Thingaling, Rotac Farms; 2nd Tollesbury Peablossom, Dr V St Joseph; 3rd Templar Kwikthorn, K & RP Harding; 4th Woodbastwick Daddle, Rotac Farms; 5th Bushwell Kiwi, Mr & Mrs B Kendrick; 6th Tollesbury Bianca, Dr V St Joseph; 7th Bushwell Kiaora, Mr & Mrs B Kendrick; 8th Albany Organa, Mr L Cook; 9th Alcroft Pearl, Miss S Cook

Bull, any age 1st Tollesbury Balthasar, Dr V St Joseph