Chelford Sale

Saturday 4th March 2000

Fierce Trade For Blues at Chelford as Averages Soar by 540gns for Double the Number Sold!

There was a definite element of Spring-time around the ring at Chelford as a returning influx of dairy producers vied, with a vast selection of suckler men, from all over the U K, to push trade to heights unseen for several years.

Auctioneer Gwyn Williams commented:- "Not since the glory days of the early 90's has a ringside been so packed with fierce bidding for all bulls, from the very first lot."

The sale was led at 4550 gns for 'Seifion Paulo' , from Messrs I Evans and Son, Machynlleth, Powys. By 'Springhill Kentucky', in turn, by the renowned 'Opticien d'au Chene', this stylish, March, '98 born, white bull, met fierce competition from the packed ringside and was eventually snapped up by Marshall Farms of Watchet, Somerset.

Michele Wilde's Ridge Dean herd usually produces something special for Chelford and this time it was 'Ridge Dean Perkins', born in May 98, sired by 'Hazelwood Jake' and out of 'Park Daimler' sired 'Ridge Dean Lace'. Again, after spirited bidding he went to Co.Durham based J D Kirkup, for 3800gns.

It was a day to remember for manager Eddie Astbury, of the Wirral based Leverhulme estate. Judge, Alan Cleland, of Down Patrick, Northern Ireland, chose his show Champion, 'Leverhulme Philip ET ', by 'Marquis due Molina' out of the 'Savant de Pierrecome' sired 'Leverhulme Martha', he made 3500gns to J M Towsend, Colne, Lancashire. Reserve Champion going to 'Leverhulme Prince ET' by the same breeding. Champion Female being awarded to 'Leverhulme Pandora ET' by 'Minstre de Bouchelet' out of 'Leverhulme Nestegg' both also from the Leverhulme stable.

The 'Bannister' herd of A S Woods and Kate Fisher, produced 'Bannister Patriot', a son of '97 Royal Show Champion' Battlesden Marshall Miggs', who sold for 3500gns to L Driver and Son, Bradford, West Yorkshire. David Walwin and Son, Wanstrow, Somerset, put forward 'Chancellors Premier' who lived by his name by making, 3300gns to J Stevenson, Anstruther, Fife.

Female trade was brisk, although not as fast as the bulls. Michele Wilde produced two superb yearling heifers by 'Navire de Septon', which created plenty of excitement around the ring. 'Ridge Dean Rosa', a February born heifer made 1850 gns to T Addison, Barnard Castle, Co Durham. Adrian Cooke, Llantilis, Crossenny, Abergavenny gave 1700gns to secure the October '98 born 'Ridge Dean Princess' by 'Ridge Dean Mahogany' out of 'Ridge Dean Hamanda'

Sale Summary (Spring '99)

30 (16) Pedigree Bulls averaged £2744 (£2206)

13 (13) Pedigree Females averaged £1313 (£1421)

5 (6) Recipients averaged £ 945 (£568)

Commercial Cattle

A record entry of 245 commercial cattle came under the hammer of auctioneer Jonathon Farrel at Chelford, comprising of what can only be described as, "The Best Show of Cattle ever seen on Sale"

The judge Phillip Sellers from Derby had the unenviable task of placing the four classes. After much deliberation he awarded the Championship to a Belgian Blue X Limousin steer from the Wilodge herd of Bart and Christine Williams. Spirited bidding pushed the steer to £2000. The lucky buyer being Mr J Hutchinson, Thurlstone, Derby.

The Reserve Championship was awarded to a heifer from the 'Ridge Dean' herd of Michele and Graham Wilde. This very smart heifer was secured by Dermot Small of Co. Down, Northern Ireland at £2050.

Top honours of the day went to a steer, which was not shown, from Andrew Davies, Llandeilo, Camarthenshire. After frantic bidding this tremendous beast realised £2350 and was purchased by Messrs S and G N Jones Belper, Derbyshire.

95 (35) Steers averaged £671.05 (£679)

127 (36) Heifers averaged £558.51 (£554)

222 (71) Total sold