Tuesday 1 April 2008

Extra sale for Welsh Blacks

Devotees of Wales ' native cattle breed will have an additional opportunity to purchase pedigree Welsh Black breeding cattle when the Welsh Black Cattle Society holds an extra sale at Llandovery Market on Saturday, April 12.

The sale is an addition to the pedigree breeding cattle sales calendar, and was arranged for the benefit of young bulls which would qualify for the Welsh Beef Quality Improvement Project funded by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC).

The judging in the pre-sale show will start 10am prompt followed by the sale at 11.30am.

A total of six bulls have been entered for the sale, three of which are eligible for HCC funding.  In addition 27 females will go under the hammer, including two in-calf heifers, 11 maiden heifers and 14 yearling heifers. 

“The 33 animals forwarded by 12 different vendors are from leading breeders from Ruthin in North Wales to Treharris in Mid-Glamorgan,” said WBCS Chief Executive, Andrew James. 

“The choice is excellent for both established and new buyers to the breed.  There are nine organic animals, three naturally polled bulls, and 27 of the animals are certified free of Johne's disease. 

“There are also eight animals including two bulls for sale from an Elite Health Status Herd, which is certified free of Johne's disease, BVD, IBR and Leptospirosis.

“A combination of well bred cattle with herd health status which adds to buyer confidence.”

The day will also include a reduction sale of the Orielton Herd of pedigree Welsh Black cattle.

Established in 1987 by Brian and Margo Bateman, Orielton Mill, Hundleton in Pembrokeshire, the cattle are out wintered on the coast at Freshwater West. 

The consignment for sale comprises of 48 in-calf cows, which are due to calve between the end of May and July.   All cows are in calf to a pedigree bull and pregnancy diagnosis and an up-dated herd health status will be announced at the sale. 

The judge in the pre-sale show will be Mr Llewelyn Jones MBE, Nantfforest, Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery. Mr Jones is a former WBCS Chairman and President, who with his wife Buddug, established the Clynmawr Herd of pedigree Welsh Blacks in 1964. 

Assisting him in the ring will be his grandson, Wyn Jones, who lives with his parents Emyr and Heulwen Jones at Clynmawr, Rhandirmwyn.

The sale is kindly sponsored by Blue Merle Animal Health Products Ltd c/o Mr Peter Phillips, to the value of £300 product vouchers.

Auctioneers: Clee, Tomkinson & Francis

Ends.

Notes to Editors

For further information contact:

Andrew James, Chief Executive Welsh Black Cattle Society

Tel: 01982 551111