A PACKED ringside and large entry of cattle were the order of the day at the Devon Cattle Breeders' Society Spring Show and Sale at Hatherleigh last week.
Champion of the day, chosen by judge Richmond Harding, was Brightley Diamond, shown by Brightley Farms of Umberleigh.
A bull with the cream of Red Ruby breeding in his pedigree, the champion 705kg April son of Nynehead Candidate was sold to R W Huxtable and Sons for their Barton herd.
Top price of the day went to the last bull to be shown, 22 month-old Cutcombe Oliver who weighed in at 685 kg.
Owned by Margaret Elliott of Dulverton, the bull was sold for £1,470 to society president Ken Farmer of Honiton for his Bywood herd.
Andrew Lane, secretary of the Society, said the bull was admired for his length and scope as well as fleshing qualities.
He said Cutcombe Oliver was one in a long line of quality, high priced bulls bred by Mrs Elliott.
'Females met a selective trade, with buyers wanting specific breeding instead of volume,' said Mr Lane.
The top price of £536 went to David Barker of Taunton's entry Clampit Nora 155th with a Thorndale Baron daughter at foot.
Main sponsors of this year's show was Agri-Lloyd International of Loeminster — auctioneers were KVN Stockdale.