More than 300 head of Pedigree Holstein and Friesian dairy cattle were catalogued for sale at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Wednesday 10th September 2003.

Virtually every conceivable sort age, breeding, type, sex and quality came under the hammer. Following the normal weekly commercial sale of newly calved cows and heifers (similar entry; average quality; slightly slower trade) was the monthly Border & Lakeland show and sale of 55 fresh young pedigree cows and heifers (larger entry; acceptable, but not startling quality; good and steadily keen trade).

In the afternoon the extremely well bred, quality “Shawbrae” herd of PI and Pedigree Holsteins belonging to Edward and Sian Williams of Nether Collinghurst Farm, Ecclefechan was dispersed in its entirety – some 170 head in total. This herd has only been in the Borders since 1996 when the William’s moved up from North Wales, but in that short time the herd and the owners have earned an excellent reputation in the breed. No surprise then to see a packed pedigree ring of top Pedigree breeders and commercial dairy farmers competing hard for “Shawbrae” animals of all ages.

Rounding off a busy day was the annual evening Holstein and Friesian bull show and sale for the Border and Lakeland club. Well established in the calendar after fifteen years this event was as unpredictable as ever trade wise. The entry, in terms of classy pedigrees, variety and quality of animals was as good as ever – possibly better.

That 53 young bulls averaged over £1,550 with a dozen making over 2,000gns, including five over 3,000gns to a top of 4,600gns made the event an undoubted success. But, quite simply due to the vagaries of the Black and White bull market some vendors will have gone home disappointed, some satisfied, some handsomely rewarded and, no doubt, all philosophical if not slightly puzzled. Mr Aubrey Greenhalgh, “Enchanted” Holsteins, professionally judged the show. Aubrey tapped forward the Champion Snow Phoenix from G&M Wilson & Son followed by the Reserve Champion for B Weatherup & Partners for Lesmay Gallander, a Huddlesford Floatation son. The first ever British Friesian class at the Evening Bull sale was won by Marshside King from EA & RS Bell. The champion, taking home the first time presented EA & RS Trophy, also realized top price of the evening of 4,600gns.

PBF - Pure British Friesian PI - Pure Import HF - Holstein Friesian

Of the thirteen 2,000gns or more bids, 4 were PI bulls, 2 were from 100% Pure Friesian and 7 from Holstein Friesian or varying blend.

Averages:
7 Cows in Milk and/or In-Calf £1050.00
40 Heifers in Milk and/or In-Calf £1012.20

Averages:
66 Cows and Heifers in milk/ in calf £1295.16
35 In calf heifers £875.40
25 Bulling/Maiden heifers £547.26

Averages: 53 Bulls £1553.21