Beef breeds share the limelight

David Dickinson

No one breed dominated this year's May beef sales at Borderway, writes auctioneer David Dickinson.

While the number of bulls sold was slightly down on the year, the number of females traded rose by a massive 191 head levelling at 422 sold.

Three new breeds joined the May beef sales - Hereford, Bazadaise and Parthenais, all society sales, and all enjoyed a healthy trade as can be seen by the results.

Belgian Blues claimed top price of the month in both male and female sections. Bulls topped at 21,000gns, a new breed record, breaking the previous record set last year by 9,000gns. Females peaked at 6,000gns and also claimed top female average falling just short of £2,600.

Limousins held on to the top slot for the number of bulls sold, down by three on the year, but still selling 175 with a top call of 19,000gns.

Charolais topped at 18,000gns and laid claim to the top average for bulls for the month, levelling at a very impressive £3,560.

Only two breeds increased the number of bulls sold on the year. Blondes rose from 23 sold in 2004 to 27 this year and produced a new breed record. Aberdeen Angus sold 49 bulls this year, an increase of 14 on 2004.

Aberden Angus also sold the top number of females at 104. Simmentals increased the number of females sold on ther year as did South Devons and Bef Shorthorns.

All in all it was a very good month, with 11 breeds both continental and native proving that quality sells.

Overall averages 497 bulls £2,949.53 - 422 females £1,359.60 - 919 head £2,219.45

* Top prices in gns, averages in £s

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