Shorthorn breeders retain title

The Paisleys, of Westmoor House Farm, Middleton, Ilkley, kept their hold on the title with a 19-month-old heifer, Westmoor Rhona Dido – like their 2010 champion, a product of the highly acclaimed Glenisla Zetor.

The heifer was rated best in show by Catriona Gibb, who runs the Blairgowrie-based Glenisla herd with her father Major John Gibb, but did not realise her chosen winner was from a Glenisla sire until later.

Chris Bellerby, of Weeton, bought the animal for 2,600gns (£2,730). She was one of six heifers the Paisleys entered at Skipton from the same sire and the rest all sold for more – up to 3,300gns.

Glenisla Zetor was also responsible for the top price in show: 4,100gns for 21-month-old bull Shawhill Donald, sold by Scottish breeders Thomson, Roddick & Laurie, of Annan, Dumfriesshire, to Jim Innes of Huntly, Aberdeenshire, who will put the bull to work with Limousin-cross heifers to supply Morrisons Supermarkets.

The Hon Gerald Turton’s Upsall Castle Estate at Thirsk sold the top-priced heifer at 4,000gns – 2009-born Tessa X683, in calf to Dingo of Upsall. Her sire, Bilsdale Anson, bred near Stokesley by David Hollingworth and acquired by Mr Turton in 2008, was responsible for the top-priced 6,500gns bull at the breed society fixture at Kelso last month.

Stuart and Dale Currie of Beautry Farm, Rathmell, bought the heifer and paid 2,600gns for another Turton maiden.

And Upsall stock manager Ian Park had several other sales of up to 3,000gns to celebrate.

The Cruckley herd of J Johnston at Foston-on-the-Wolds, Driffield, sold a senior in-calf heifer, Cruckley Broadhooks Jem, to J Stewart & Partners of Peebles for 3,200gns. The day’s first prize bull and reserve champion, Highlee Archie, a son of Chapelton Wildfire, was shown by Tracy and Mark Severn of Brick Green Farm, Barkisland, Halifax, and sold to L & B Abbott of Guiseley. All but one of the 61 pedigree Shorthorns forward on November 9 found new homes.

The Beef Shorthorns Society’s Frank Milnes said: “Trade was undoubtedly boosted by enhanced confidence in the breed, coupled with the incentive offered by the Morrisons premium.”

Angus calves go on show

ANOTHER recent breed show was the North East England Aberdeen Angus Club calf show at Thirsk Mart last Saturday.

Victor and Paula Dobson’s Water End herd, of Holme-on-Spalding Moor, took the female and overall honours with Water End Miss Betsy and the male and overall reserve honours with Water End Evolution.

Both were sired by Blelack Evergreat, purchased in February 2010 for 7000gns.

Picture shows trainee handler Ashleigh Fenwick, with Aberdeen Angus judge Jimmy Minto, centre, champion calves and owner Victor Dobson.

The bull calf is on the left and the heifer to the right.