A COUNTY show and sale took place last week in Somerset. 

The Devon Society's Spring Show and Sale was held at Sedgemoor Auction Centre on Tuesday, March 26. Buyers travelled from as far as Wrexham down to Cornwall for the event. 

Bulls sold to an 100% clearance rate with averages excelling on the year.

Leading the day and standing at the top in his pre-sale show class, under the watchful eye of Malcolm Hurd from the Whitefield herd, was Dira Yeoman from Mr R D and Mrs J L Youngman from Crediton in Devon. 

This April-2022 born polled son of Priorton Useful (SC) goes back to the Boskenna Donal EX95 and is out of Tilbrook Gracious 12th. Five keen bidders were eager to secure him, but the hammer eventually fell at 8200gns and he now heads to Moreton in the Marsh with Daylesford Organics.

Following at 6200gns was Priorton Yawl from Crediton-based, John and Sue May.  Sired by Dira Halcyon EX93 and out of Priorton Show Lassie 70th, who also goes back to the notable Boskenna Donal EX95, this polled April-2022 born bull caught the eye of the Joe Dufosee for the Warminster-based Blackhill herd.

Next at 5700gns was Champson Bullion from the Dart family, South Molton. April-2022 born and out of the homebred Champson Tulip 119th, who goes back to the Knowstone Fitzroy 4th, this one found a new home with Kilkampton, Bude-based Keith Francis.

The Dart family then followed with Champson Premium, who stood second in class and reserve male champion. This March-2022 born son of Colleton Thorven and out of the homebred Champson Clara 321st saw the gavel fall at 4000gns. He heads back to Exeter with Ross May and family.

A trio of bulls then hit the 3600gns mark. Larkbarrow Accomplished, from the Exford-based Wellshead Estates, previously won his pre-sale show class and then stood overall male champion. This March-2022 born son of Bollowal Back Row VG88 is out of Larkbarrow Daisyann 2nd, who goes back to Knowstone Rock Solid. He found his home with W J Watkins and Son, Holsworthy.

The polled November-2021 born Tilbrook Red Hot from G M Hunter, Cambridge is sired by Longwells Uptown Funk EX91, who goes back to Forde Abbey Beauty 112th and out of the homebred Tilbrook Hotel 11th. This one now heads to Stafford after being the pick for R M Gray.

Lastly, at 3600gns was another from the May family being Priorton Yankee 2nd. April-2022 born and sired by Champson Diamond 2nd, he is out of Priorton Show Lassie 47th who goes back to Dira Drum-and-Bass VG85. Taking him home to Westhay, Glastonbury, were T G and A Durston.

Females rose to 1800gns for Rocknell Azalea from Graham Summerhayes, Tiverton. After previously winning her class then standing overall female champion, she caught the eye of previous buyer Daylesford Organics, Moreton in the Marsh. This May-2022 born heifer is sired by Knowstone Showboy EX92 who goes back to the highly noted Yeomaden Ferdinand 2nd.

Other heifers from Graham Summerhayes sold to a top of 1400gns for Rocknell Lindsey 3rd. This February-2022 born daughter of a Yeomaden Ferdinard 2nd son is out of the homebred Rocknell Amber 3rd. She was the pick of George Reason and now heads to Cocklake, Wedmore.

Cows and calves topped at 1600gns for Gratwick Selinna 88th from Barrow Gurney, Bristol-based A W H Gibbs. This February-2016 born cow is by Whitefield Jason and out of Higher Hall Shandy 8th who goes back to Whitefield Descartes. She sold with her February-born birth notified bull calf at foot and heads home with previous buyer, George Reason.