24 October 2005
Quality Shows at Llandovery Store Sale
Quality Welsh Black cattle were in demand at the Llandovery Autumn Store Sale (October 21st).

Auctioneers Clee Tompkinson and Francis sold 122 Welsh Black store cattle – including feeding bull steers and heifers – from the 648 cattle entered for the sale.

The Welsh Black Cattle Society and Farm Assured registered cattle were in demand, a fact reflected in the prices. Sponsored by Tithebarn, the sale had added incentive with vouchers awarded to the animals fetching the highest prices.

Four steers aged 23-26 months and weighing an average of 647kg were sold for £700 a head by Messers Evans, Gelli, Llanycrwys, Llanwrda, and took the £25 voucher for the highest priced group of 4 or more steers. They were bought by Mr F J Layton, Nantleach, Llanddewi, Llandrindod Wells. The Layton family have successfully diversified into marketing beef direct from their farm to consumers.

The highest priced pair of steers and recipients of another £25 were two 27 month old steers weighing 550kgs, which were sold for £600 a head by Aneurin Francis, Pistyll Uchaf, Abergorlech. Carmarthenshire. They were bought by Mrs Marian Lewis, Cwmgwyn, Llandovery, who specialises in finishing only pedigree Welsh Black Beef which is sold via Cig Calon Cymru Cyf at Cross Hands.

A 28 month old steer weighing 960kg was sold for £740, making it the highest priced steer and winner of a £20 voucher. Sold by Messrs Davies Bros, Bedd Geraint, Brongest, Newcastle Emlyn, the steer – which was the heaviest recorded in the sale – was sold to Messrs Edwards, Pembridge, Hereford.

Meanwhile the highest priced heifer and £20 voucher went to Ms Emily Evans, Tynshettin, Llanwddyn, Oswestry who sold two 17 month-old heifers weighing 460kgs for £375 each to Mr Lander, Cwmynys, Llandovery.

The highest priced animal of the day (pence per kilo) accolade and winner of a £10 voucher went to ADAS UK Ltd, Pwllperian, Cwmystwyth, Aberystwyth. The seven steers aged 12/13 months and weighing 340kgs were sold for £408 and averaged £1.20 per kilo. They were bought by Clive Hussel from St Clears, Carmarthenshire.

“Considering all factors which are currently affecting the agricultural industry, especially the beef sector, I am contented with the day,” said Welsh Black Cattle Society Chief Executive, Andrew James.