BARNARD Castle Auction Mart held its annual prize show and sale of suckled calves, judged by David Leedham and Rob Mallinson, of Leicestershire, on Saturday.
A mart spokesperson said a tremendous show of calves were put forward for judging, and every credit must be given to the vendors for presenting probably the best ever show of suckled calves at Barnard Castle.
After much deliberation, the championship was awarded to a superb Limousin heifer from NG Beveridge, Low West House, Tow Law, which was later sold for £2,400 to TWH Ltd, Leeds.
The reserve championship went to an outstanding Limousin steer from JE&E Dobson & Son, White Kirkley, Frosterley and was purchased by Rob Mallinson, Leicestershire for £1,400
Top price of the day was a Limousin heifer at £3,800 from WD&B Thompson, East Unthank, Haltwhistle, purchased by TA Lyons, Bourne, Lincolnshire.
Reserve champion (steer), with judges Rob Mallison and David Leedham, and Rebecca Dobson of JE&E Dobson & Son
Prize list
Limousin steer: 1st and reserve champion JE&E Dobson & Son, White Kirkley, Frosterley, £1,400; 2nd TM Bellas & Son, Timpton Hill, Barnard Castle, £1,300, 3rd NG Beveridge, Low West House, Tow Law, £1,335
AOB steer: 1st JE&E Dobson & Son, White Kirkley, Frosterley, £1,295 (BRB); 2nd Dowson & Sartin, Battle Hill Farm, Lartington, £1,205 (BRB), 3rd NG Beveridge, Low West House, Tow Law, £1,125 (BRB)
Limousin heifer: 1st and overall champion, NG Beveridge, Low West House, Tow Law, £2,400; 2nd DC&KL Hutchinson, Old Spital Farm, Bowes, £1,650; 3rd WD&B Thompson, East Unthank, Haltwhistle, £3,800.
AOB heifer: 1st KO Stones, Nuncote Nook Farm, Marrick, £1,650 (BRB), 2nd JW Dent & Sons, Naby View, Lartington, £1,225 (BRB); 3rd J&MJ Walton, West Shotton Farm, Staindrop, £2,400 (Char)
A catalogued entry of 290 Suckled Calves were presented to a packed ringside of buyers, resulting in a tremendous trade from start to finish.
The mart spokesperson added: "Thanks to all the vendors for presenting an outstanding show of cattle and to both regular and new purchasers for ensuring they were rewarded for their stockmanship."
Steers averaged £1,106.18, and heifers averaged £1,085.39.
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