THE annual show and sale of spring born calves at Middleton attracted an entry of 713.
This noted sale features the most superb selection of mainly Limousin and British Blue cross spring calves, the bulk of which are consigned from the upper Teesdale area.
Calves were presented in excellent bloom and the quality of cattle on offer was outstanding once again.
Prior to the sale judge Mark Harryman, of Swainsea Burn, Pickering, awarded the Philip Beadle Perpetual Trophy for the supreme champion to an outstanding black Limousin cross heifer by Keskadale Cyclone and out of a home bred cow, from Messrs JC & J White, Rigg Farm, Lunedale.
This heifer also received the National Westminster Challenge Perpetual Trophy for the champion heifer as well as the Pikestone Rose Bowl, for the champion Limousin cross calf.
She went on to sell for £2,600.
The reserve supreme champion rosette was awarded to David Mallon, Pallet Cragg Farm, with a red Limousin cross making £1450.
The pens of three or more classes were left in the capably hands of Louise Todd and Paul Hodgson to judge and they awarded the best pen of steers, along with the Eric Tarn Memorial trophy, to Messrs JC & J White, Rigg Farm, with his pen of Limousin bullocks selling to £1,060.
The show was generously sponsored by Eden Farm Supplies, Farmers Guardian Marts The Heart, Zoetis, David Teward, Jameson, Barclays Bank, H&H Insurance Brokers and CA Stamp Agriculture.
Outwith the show, top price of the day was paid or a tremendous black Limousin cross heifer from Tom and Kay Hutchinson, of Bail Hill, Forest-in-Teesdale, sired by Wilodge Inchbyinch and out of a cow bred at Stanhope Gate. She sold for £3,000.
Quality, well grown calves met a very strong demand from start to finish, however smaller calves and those lacking bloom met a very selective enquiry.
