This year’s Black & White sale took place in Carlisle over the weekend and a new breed record was set. Hitting this record was Sandyford Fames Clover, an Ayrshire which sold for 13,000gns.

With strong bidding from a US bidder, the stylish young heifer was eventually knocked down to Michael Howie for his Morwick herd in Northumberland. Fames Clover is no stranger to success, having been a winner at both the Royal Welsh and 2019 National Calf Show. Brought out by the Tomlinson family, she is a granddaughter of EX97 classified cow Sandyford Clover.

Top of the Holstein breed was a call of 10,800gns for Wiltor King Doc Centrepiece from David and Claire Jones. This heifer has a powerful pedigree behind her with her dam Wiltor Silver Centrepiece selling for a massive 43,000gns in April. This young heifer was the pick of the Holgate family for their well-known Aliann herd in Yorkshire.

The first of two heifers to hit the 10,000gns mark was Nethervalley Kingpin Sara consigned by the Scott family. This is another young heifer well used to the show ring, having stood as champion at the Scottish Calf Show and reserve at the National Calf Show.

From the Copywood Integrity Sara family line, she was purchased by Robert McInnes.

Matching her at the money was the red and white Stowey Altitude Red P Polled. Backed by 11 generations of EX classified cows, she is sired by Farnear Altitude Red. Her full sister, Heatherleigh Jazzy Red, consigned by D Evans, sold for 8,000gns. These special heifers were purchased by James McNeil from the Cairnpat herd and Duncan Dawes from Oxford respectively.

Selling at 9,000gns was Holben Kingpin Brae from Holly and Ben Dyer. This winning calf from the south east calf show was purchased by Calum and Steven Innes.

Irish breeders

Irish breeders were out in force at the sale, selling to a top of 7,800gns for Hallow Sol Twizzle. This yearling heifer, bred by Phillip Jones in Co Wexford, stood as reserve champion at this year’s Irish national calf show. Her family line needs no introduction – her dam Hallow Attwood Twizzle secured the interbreed championship at Balmoral this year.

Taking home a price of 6,800gns for his top lot was Kerry breeder Tim Fitzmaurice with Leagh Triple T High O Poppi. This Stanton High Octane-sired heifer is a potential sixth generation EX classified animal. Her dam Triple-T Durham Poppi stood as champion at the Ohio spring show in 2017.

This heifer now heads to the aforementioned Aliann herd who also purchased the top-priced Holstein.

Not stopping there, Tim also sold Leagh Kingdoc Pledge at 4,200gns. This January 2019-born calf is from the renowned ALH Polly cow family and stood as junior champion at Limerick show in August.

Overall average settled at just over £4,000 ,with 31 selling for £4,000 or more.