Breed records were both matched and broken at the most recent Border British Blue Club’s Spring Show and sale in Carlisle.
Breaking the previous breed record of 30,000gns set two years previously was Solway View Rafa, who went for the new record of 32,000gns and stood Junior Male and Male Champion before going on to stand Reserve Supreme.
The November 2021-born black and white bull was bred from one of the herd’s best-breeding cows – Solway View Milly.
Rafa caught the eye of judge Nigel Pennie, who paid the 32,000gns to take him home to work breeding show calves.
“Rafa showed exceptional width, shape and style but was also very correct and walked well,” he said.
Pennie sold 24 animals at the sale, averaging £9,078, and also matched the female record of 30,000gns with Solway View Ria, which stood Senior Female Champion before going on to take the Female and Supreme Championships.
A full sister to the 32,000gns Solway View Rafa, Ria had “width, shape, power and style”, according to Pennie.
“I don’t think we’ll see a heifer like her again for a long time.”
The sale averages were:
- Senior bulls (21) – £6,336;
- Junior bulls (27) – £8,707;
- Maiden heifers (45) – £5,734;
- Embryo calf (1) – £9,450.
With the top prices following the top prizes, it was the Reserve Male Champion that sold for the second highest bull price of 20,000gns for Geraint and Kim Williams from Llanwnnen, Lampeter.
The June 2021-born was sired by Nox D L’Orgelot and was sold to Lloyd Fowille of Alford, Aberdeenshire.
The next best female price was 18,000gns for Solway View Rainbow, who was also bred from the proven cow, Solway View Milly, and this time sired by Solway View Odin.
The September 2021-born blue and white heifer was sold to Craig and Jack Hendry who will take her to near Keith, Aberdeenshire.
