THE much anticipated “Balbithan” dispersal of Pedigree Charolais was held at Sedgemoor Auction Centre on Thursday, October 12. Owned by Andrew and Beth White from Worth Matravers, Dorset and managed by Jane Haw this renowned show winning herd attracted buyers from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and across the South West making the most of the opportunity to secure their great bloodlines.

With herd manager Jane Haw taking the herd to success at many National shows, it was no surprise that this year’s show team were in great demand. The leading price was a new centre record at 17,500gns for the much admired “Balbithan Faith” and her 6 month old outstanding bull calf by "Goldies Eddy”. She sold into Carmarthen to Llanmorlais Pedigree Charolais. Twice National Breed Champion “Balbithan Iona” stayed in the South West selling for 15000gns with her bull calf at foot.

Two further cow and calf outfits made 14,200gns and included “Balbithan Nabraska” a March born heifer at 8800gns which is believed to be a breed record for a heifer calf. She was by “Davally Illusion” and a great granddaughter of the Supreme Royal Show winning “Nadia”. Also included was a 2011 born cow “Balbithan” Gilly” selling for 9000gns and due next May.

Two of the 5 Bulls offered sold for 6000gns to include “Goldies Lawson” and this year’s 2017 yearling show bull “Balbithan Mackenzie”. The 2017 born bull calves sold separate to their dams averaged an impressive £4620.

The trade for the followers was electric with the first incalf heifer in the ring “Balbithan Louisianna” from the “Nadia” line achieving 7500gns selling to T Atkinson of Cumbria. The 2 year old show heifer “Balbithan Lupin” sold for 9500gns to the Dorset “Kingsbere” Herd.

The yearling heifers sold to 5500gns for the show heifer “Mowlem” and 5400gns twice for the last two lots of the day being “Malteeser” out of the show cow “Balbithan Hersieys” and by “Longbar Goran” and “Mimosa” by “Balthayock Hamish”.

20 years of breeding was rewarded with what was believed to be a breed average record for cows and calves at a dispersal sale with the following excellent averages achieved in front of a packed ringside with a fantastic atmosphere throughout: 23 Cows and Calves £8550.65; 4 Incalf Cows £4121.25; 5 Bulls £5103.00; 6 Two Year Olds £6790.00; 10 Yearling Heifers £4557.00.

Top prices: Lot: 14 & 14A Balbithan Faith & Balbithan, name: Nelson, price: 17,500gns; 19 & 19A Balbithan Iona & Balbithan Nairn 15,000gns; 40 Balbithan Lupin 9,500gns; 5 Balbithan Gilly 9,000gns; 7A Balbithan Nabraska 8,800gns; 17 & 17A Balbithan Dusty & Balbithan Nuala 8,000gns; 21 & 21A Balbithan Gipsophila & Balbithan Nector 8,000gns; 35 Balbithan Louisianna 7,500gns; 15 & 15A Balbithan Fushsia & Balbithan Nimrod 7,200gns.

Auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt (Guest Auctioneer: Scott Donaldson, H & H).