A CATALOGUED entry of 324 prime suckled calves from the east Dartmoor area last month was judged to be the finest show on offer in the South West this season report Chagford auctioneers Rendells.
Trade on November 25 was exceptionally fast throughout the day with all buyers staying on to the end to enable them to make up their loads.
Local Devonshire feeders competed strongly against the away buyers, with many less calves leaving the county than usual.
Demand for the South Devon breed was particularly noticeable, either pure bred or crossed with the Limousin or Blonde bull — several of the classier sorts making up to 150p/kg with no premium claimed.
Show judge Bill Hosking from Ivybridge had a difficult task separating the top two animals for the championship, eventually awarding the top spot to Mr W Luxton of Moretonhampstead for a February born Limousin cross steer and backing his judgement with a purchase for £500.
Reserve was a March born Blonde cross steer exhibited by Mrs B Brown of Moretonhampstead, selling to Totnes farmer/butcher Mr D Goss for £520. The animal also took the Tom Turner Trophy for the best Blonde.
Mrs Brown also took the Lloyds TSB Farmers Trophy for the best animal in the sale yard outside the show classes. Judge Richard Candy of Exeter picked out an outstanding February born Blonde heifer against all comers, selling to Mr J Mead of South Brent for £400.
Second placed was a strong Limousin/South Devon steer born in December and exhibited by Mr L Bromell of Chagford selling to Mr R B Dawe of Gulworthy for the day's top price of £520.
The sale demonstrated firmly the modern demand for quality by buyers with well farmed sorts commanding a substantial premium whilst the small hill types elicited much less interest, although still selling to a good trade weight for weight.
Heifers also met better interest than expected and the older cattle section was also well supported with Limousin/South Devon steers on first claim being particularly sought.