The dispersal of the Malthouse pedigree herd of South Devons on behalf of Mr Clive Salmon at Norwich Market showed a strong level of confidence in the future of the breed, backed by good pedigrees and sound performance-recorded cattle. The Sale attracted buyers from across the country and into Scotland, and those seeking a cheap bargain came away disappointed.
Breed Secretary Caroline Poultney said, “Despite the recent fall in beef prices, this genuine pedigree herd dispersal has rewarded Malthouse Livestock well for its quality cattle. The sale has been an excellent opportunity, not just for existing pedigree herds to acquire different genetics, but for the foundation of a number of new breeding herds.”
Leading the Sale were over 50 cows with calves at foot which demonstrated great length and structure, with impressive genetics from herd sires Woodbastwick Habana, Welland Valley Prince 1, and polled bull Z Malthouse Hurricane.
Top priced cow at 2700 gns was Chipden Garganey 1 by Welland Valley Prince 1, with heifer calf by Woodbastwick Habana, who sold to G Von Opel, Newbury, Berkshire. Next at 2550 gns was Welland Valley Wendy 9 by Stretchford Dynamic 3 with heifer calf by AI X Woodbastwick Ibis 6, to N McDonald-Doig, Kings Lynn, Norfolk; and then at 2500 gns Malthouse Mica 5 by Malthouse Harlequin with heifer calf by polled bull Z Malthouse Hurricane, to A Masters, Docking, Norfolk.
26 two year old served heifers topped at 2450 gns for Malthouse Coral 9 by Woodbastwick Majestic 7, who sold to J Wharton, Alby, Lincolnshire. The same buyer acquired Malthouse Onyx 6 by Woodbastwick Jack for 2200 gns; and Malthouse Pearl 8 by Woodbastwick Habana for 2000 gns.
Ten two year old maidens were led by X Malthouse Flame 5 (T) at 2050 gns to Bures Farm Partners, Thetford, Norfolk; and X Malthouse Rhinestone at 1900 gns to R Edwards, Leominster, Herefordshire.
Maiden yearling heifers were also in strong demand, topping at 1750 gns for Malthouse Countess 3 to Heath Farms, Witton, Norfolk; 1700 gns for Malthouse Onyx 8 to G & W T Williams, Felbrigg, Norfolk; 1650 gns for Malthouse Dolomite 5 to Bures Farm Partners; and 1600 gns for Malthouse Mica 8 to R Edwards.
The stock bulls also found good breeding homes in pedigree herds. Woodbastwick Habana sold for 4600 gns to N McDonald-Doig; Z Malthouse Hurricane was knocked down for 4100 gns to D L Irving, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire; and the two younger bulls sold to A Sell, Basildon, Essex and to O A Reynolds, Hawkhurst, Kent for 3400 gns and 2000 gns respectively.
AVERAGES:
- 53 cows with calves at foot £2073
- 26 served two year old heifers £1700
- 10 maiden two year old heifers £1643
- 22 yearling heifers £1360
- 4 bulls £3701
AUCTIONEERS: Messrs Kivells, Holsworthy, Devon in association with Norwich Livestock Market Ltd
