Monday 14 April 2008

EXTRA PEDIGREE SALE PROVES GREAT SUCCESS FOR WELSH BLACKS

It was the end of an era when the last breeding animal from the Pengelli herd went under the hammer at the Welsh Black Cattle Society's sale of pedigree cattle at Llandovery at the weekend (April 12).

The two year-old home bred bull Pengelli Cassius was sold by 81 year-old Mrs Jean Edwards of Dolau Ganol, Ffarmers, Llanwrda in Carmarthenshire for 3,500gns.

Mrs Edwards, who has been a member of the Society for 30 years, sold the horned bull from her *elite health status herd to her neighbour on the other side of the valley, Mr J A Jones, Llwyndinawed Farm Cilycwm near Llandovery.

The Champion Bull in the pre-sale show was Rhuddel Kracker.

The 19 month old polled bull was bred and exhibited by Colin and Rhian Evans Nant– y –Moch Gwynfe near Llangadog in Carmarthenshire, and was bought by Mr David Sands, Blossom Farm, New Inn, Pencader.

The bull which was performance recorded with Signet sold for 2,000gns and was one of two bulls eligible for financial support via Hybu Cig Cymru Beef Development programme at the sale.

Colin and Rhian later went on to sell another bull for 1,100gns to Mererid Thomas, Sarngining, Llanybydder.

Overall breed Champion and Champion Maiden heifer was Traws Iona 9 th bred by Mr W D Tudor and exhibited by Ms Emily Evans Tynshettin Llanwddyn Oswestry. The prize winning heifer was bought for 1,300gns by a new face to the Society, Mark Swistern of Llanmorlais,Gower.

At 1,150gns, Cennen Peggy 68 th was the next highest priced heifer and was bred and exhibited by Messers J.R and D.H Francis Tynywaun Gwynfe near Llangadog,Carmarthenshire.

The strong maiden heifer was bought by Mr Thomas,Y Rhos, Cardigan – who another heifer from the Cennen Herd.

Mr Thomas also bought Neuadd Addawol 135 th for 1,100gns from Mr D William Jenkins, Neuadd Yr Ynys, Taliesin, Machynlleth, who also sold Mr Thomas Neuadd Ethel for 1,050gns.

In the Yearling Heifer Class, the trade was topped by 13 month-old Berem Eira bred and exhibited by Mr and Mrs Enzo Sauro,Cwmberem, Pontyberem, near Llanelli, who sold 5 yearling heifers averaging 760gns a head.

The Berem Eira was sold for 900gns to Mr D.Glyn Thomas, Aberdyfnant, Llanddeusant near Llangadog, Carmarthenshire.

Ten month-old organic heifer, Rhys Rhiannon 32 nd was the highest priced animal under 12 months. The heifer was bred and exhibited by Mr and Mrs A.S.R Rees, Cae Mawr Farm, Llanbedr, Dyffryn Clwyd, Ruthin. Rhys Rhiannon 32 nd was sold for 640gns to Mr Oriel Jones, Llygad Enwyn, Llanfihangel ar Arth, who bought three heifers from the Rhys Herd averaging 600gns a head.

The day's activities also included the reduction sale of the Orielton  herd from Messers B.G and M Bateman, Orielton Mill, Huddleton, Pembrokeshire.

Consisting of 45 in calf pedigree Welsh Black cows ranging from 4 to 11 years old they averaged 537gns a head.

The highest priced cow was six year old Orielton Epistle which sold for 880gns to Mr Selwyn Evans a'i fab, Fferm Coedhirion, Llanddarog in Carmarthenshire.

“The pedigree sale was an addition to the Society's sale calendar and proved to be very successful for the society, vendors and buyers, with members travelling as far afield as Cornwall and Wiltshire,” said WBCS Chief Executive, Andrew James.

“Indeed, the Society will now consider including an extra sale in the calendar during 2009 based on the comments and responses from those at the Llandovery sale.”

AVERAGES

45 females (over 3 years)                             537gns/head

5 females (2 – 3 years)                                        1,050gns/head

9 females (1 – 2  years)                               772gns

3 females (under 1 year)                              600gns/head

4 bulls (over 18months)                               1,900gns/head

Total

62 females averaged                                   616gns

66 animals (including bulls) averaged             694gns                 

AUCTIONEERS

Auctioneers Clee, Tompkinson and Francis, Llandovery

* The next Welsh Black Cattle Society sale will be a pedigree store sale on April 18 th 2008 at Llandovery.

Ends.

Notes to Editors

* Elite health status herd is conferred on a herd which is certified monitored free of Johne's disease and certified accredited free of BVD IBR and Leptospirosis.

Photos

Photos are available on request from:

Arvid Parry Jones

Tel: 01970 832423

For further information contact:

Andrew James, Chief Executive Welsh Black Cattle Society

Tel: 01982 551111

Clee, Tompkinson & Francis (Llandovery)

Tel: 01550 720440