A packed ring side

Charolais bulls met a solid demand from a packed ringside of commercial men in Brecon on Thursday 26 April at the breed society’s official inaugural sale at the centre. Bidding peaked at 5,700gns and 17 lots sold to average £2,477.

“This first time ever pedigree Charolais sale in Brecon attracted tremendous support from suckler men and breeders seeking bulls in particular those eligible for the HCC’s Welsh Beef Quality Improvement Scheme. In fact demand outstripped supply and several men went home empty handed,” according to McCartney’s auctioneer, Chris Thomas.

The day's Champion, Cargriff Apex made 5,700gns

Maerdy Bonny was awarded the Reserve Championship

Sale leader at 5,700gns was the day’s champion, Cargriff Apex, a 21 month old within the breed’s top 10% with a Beef Value of CH31. A Roundshill Sarcous son and out of a homebred cow going back to Lecreuse lines, Apex was bred and exhibited by Griff and Carolyn Morris, Llanstephan, Carmarthen. He sold to ER Thomas, Lantrisant, Holyhead.

First lot in the ring at 4,000gns was the two year old Charbron Adjutant, a Caylers Supreme son and out of a home bred dam going back to Tattenhall lines. Bred by Mike Brown, Barons Cross Charolais Stud, Aymestrey, Leominster Adjutant was knocked down sold to JR and TR Thomas, Llanwern, Brecon.

Next to go at 3,600gns was the 20 month old Hamilton Aristocrat, from Chris and Jane Turney, Tibberton, Gloucester. A Mortimers Robroy son and out of a Sackville sired homebred cow, the buyer was WH Pedlar, Wadebridge, Cornwall.

Two lots within the breed’s top 10% on Beef Value from Kevin Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthen were in demand. First to go at 2,800gns was Moelfre Brent CH29, a January 2006 born entry by Doonally New and out of a cow by Killadeas Jack. The buyer was DI Williams, Felindre, Swansea. Following on at 2,200gns was Moelfre Benson, another 15 month old this time by Burradon Talisman and again going back to Killadeas Jack lines. Benson was secured by R Brooke and Sons, Spetchley, Worcester.

Highest entry at 2,700gns from Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold was Maerdy Bronco, a 15 month old Maerdy Sinndar son and out of a homebred cow going back to Kilboy lines. The buyers were JH Cowan and Son, Tregarron, Carmarthen.

HO Vicary, Crumlin, Gwent (lot 14) forked out 2,000gns for Stanboro Avalon from J Preece and Sons, Elmstone Hardewicke, Cheltenham. An Iverlochy Topsire son, the 18 month old Avalon was out of a Gretnahouse bred cow sired by Oldstone Egbert.

Averages: 17 bulls £2,477

Auctioneers: McCartneys and Dai Lewis

Charbron Adjutant sold for 4,000gns