Solid Trade for "Blues" at Newark

Newark Market saw centre records smashed on Saturday 19th March 2016 when the market’s annual Super Saturday sale saw best ever numbers of stock sold and a highest single day turnover record set too.

The sale day included sales of pedigree and commercial British Blue cattle as well as the usual stirk, calf and prime and cull sheep sales, with nearly 7000 head of stock traded on the day.

Head auctioneer Paul Gentry said it had been a day of exceptional trading across the board, particularly given the tough conditions being seen in all livestock sectors in recent months. "Once again we’ve proved that the best way to achieve maximum returns is to support live markets, be that for store, breeding or prime stock.

"The results achieved on Saturday are testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire team here are Newark. Everyone plays their part and our vendors and buyers value the input everyone makes."

Pedigree cattle

In the pedigree cattle section it was a top call of 4200gns which was the highlight of the day when Adam Neachell sold January 2014-born Cromwell Jimbo. This son of Solway View Firecracker is out of Berenice De Bierwa, a Belgian import female by Occupant Du Fond De Bois and sold to K Harrop, Derbyshire.

Mr Gentry said the inaugural Blue Day had been well received by both vendors and buyers alike, with plenty of people keen to secure cattle for both breeding and finishing. "The quality on offer was a credit to the the breeders and once again we've shown that Newark has buyers for all classes of cattle, with both breeding and finishing buyers out in force."

Next best among the pedigree cattle at 4000gns was Edward Swindells' bull Ridge Dean Jazz. This one was bred by the late Michelle Wilde and is by Cromwell Gunner and out of Cromwell Gemini, a Tamhorn Sumo daughter. He was bought by J Mills and Son.

Then making 3800gns was another bull, Redmires Jasper from Stephen and Ashley Mills. He's by Boothlow Dynamo and out of Greenfields Betty, a Tamhorn Thumper daughter. Buying this one was K Harrop.

And netting a 3300gns call was Pennys Jarrad from Edward Swindells, a Liberal D'Ochamps sired bull out of Tamhorn Vienna, an Affute Du Ry Ossogne daughter. This one was the choice of Keith Percival.

Averages: four British Blue bulls £4016.25.

Commercial cattle

An exceptional entry of commercial cattle was also in strong demand, with the annual consignment of suckled calves from Stuart Baldwin and family meeting a flying demand once again to peak at £1700 twice for British Blue sired heifers.

The first of these was a stylish entry that was one of the picks of a great run of cattle and was bought by Besthorpe Cattle.

Also making this money was another outstanding Blue cross heifer, with the final bidder on this one being East Anglian Trailers.

Then selling at £1550 was another Blue cross heifer from the same home and similarly bred. This one was also bought by East Anglian Trailers and at £1500 was another Blue cross heifer from the Baldwins which was again bought by East Anglian Trailers.

And among the cow and calf outfits on offer the best call of £2900 came for a Blonde cross cow with a British Blue sired calf at foot from Andrew Bishop. This one was knocked down to Messrs Armett Bros.