Charolais Sales Welshpool

Commercial demand drives Welshpool Charolais to 5,400gns

Suckler men fuelled a solid trade for Charolais bulls in Welshpool on Thursday 13 November at the breed society’s official autumn show and sale, where bidding peaked at 5,400gns and 40 lots sold to average £2,626 accompanied by a 75% clearance.

 “This event was the busiest ever at the centre; the ringside was heaving, averages were up £400 a head on the year and we sold 30% more bulls,” commented BCCS’s David Benson. “Trade certainly reflected the fact that Charolais sired calves are consistently commanding premiums this season on a weight for weight, age for age basis, over all other suckled calves. Furthermore, it was worth noting that this was the first sale in Welshpool since HCC’s three year Welsh Beef Quality Improvement Project and its accompanying support package came to an end.” 

Sale leader at 5,400gns was Brynffanigl Cannon, a 19 month old from Bob Roberts, Brynffanigl Uchaf, Abergele. A Mowbraypark Urban son and out of a dam bred from homebred lines, the buyer was G Jones, Llanrwst, Conwy.

 Next at 4,400gns was Esgob Crackerjack, an April 2007 born entry from Gareth Jones, Cwmtirmynach, Bala to WO Jones, Criccieth. Earlier on in the day Crackerjack had been awarded the overall reserve championship by judge, Ben Harman who described him as ‘genuinely classy’. “He is another wonderful bull by the 18,000gns Thrunton Virginian who is leaving that consistent quality.” Virginian is by Burradon Talisman, sire of the 55,000gns Perth supremo Thrunton Voldemort.

 Mr Harman went on to find his supreme championship in the 19 month old Bailea Crosby who was bred and exhibited by Brian Jones, Heol Senni, Brecon. “While there was little between the bulls in the final line up, Crosby was bang on 12 o’clock for this event,” said Mr Harman. “He was full of meat, he had scale, an outstanding spring of rib, and he was beautifully presented.” Sired by Suzeringie and out of a homebred cow going back to Gower lines, Crosby sold for 4,000gns to IW Roberts, Dolgwyddelan, Conwy.

 Two more lots were knocked down sold for 4,000gns each. First class prize winner, Trefaldwyn Celtic, a May 2007 born entry by Burradon Talisman made 4,000gns to local producer, RT Jones, Dolanog, Welshpool.

 Kevin Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn offered Moelfre Chief, the third and final 4,000gns lot. A 19 month old Gretnahouse Vigorous son and out of a dam going back to Dingle Hofmeister, he went home with S and I Williams, Pantydwr, Rhayader. Later in the day, Mr Thomas offered another Vigorous son, this time Moelfre Cadet a 17 month old out of a homebred dam by Doonally New and he made 3,200gns to EH Anwyl, Staylittle, Llanbrynmair.

 Two lots shared a 3,600gns price tag. First to go was Hendy Columbo, a 20 month old by Tullygarley Rollerball and out of a Moyness sired Nibheath dam. Bred and exhibited by John and Diane Rees, Llangurig, Llanidloes, the buyer was M Price, Upper Chapel, Brecon. Another Rollerball son from the same stable, this time the 22 month old Hendy Count, made 3,200gns to Messrs Edwards, Manafon, Welshpool.

 The day’s second 3,600gns call came from IW Roberts, Dolgwyddelan, Conwy for Maerdy Canada, an April 2007 born entry from Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold. Canada was by Maerdy Padirac and out of a homebred cow by Maerdy Grimaldi. Later on the same vendor offered at 3,000gns the June 2007 born Maerdy Crown, bred from homebred bloodlines, to RNI Waters, Clun, Craven Arms.

 The female trade was topped at 1,850gns by Gaer Ophelia, a 10 year old Maerdy Iceman daughter from TE Jones, Welshpool. Ophelia was sold with her July born twin bulls calves at foot, Gaer Diplomat and Gaer Duke, by Kilcullen Ted, sire of Doonally New. The buyer was Peter Darlington, Minshull Vernon, Crewe.

 Averages: 40 bulls £2,626.35; 10 females £1,401.75. 

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales