The dispersal sale of the Norfolk-based Claxton herd of pedigree Hereford cattle on behalf of J Heathcote, saw prices peak at 3300gns for a seven-year-old cow and calf.

The sale, staged at Shrewsbury Auction Mart, was topped by Claxton 1 Countess, a Coston 1 Mike daughter which sold with steer calf at foot to RD Livestock, Eccleshall, Staffordshire.

Selling for 3000gns was the four-year-old, Claxton 1 Harebell, and her Bittern 1 Fabulous-sired twin heifer calves, purchased by S and S Murray, Pattingham, Staffordshire, who also went to 2500gns for the nine-year-old cow, Claxton Ruby C and her heifer calf .

Another two seven-year-old cows with heifer calves made 2500gns. Claxton 1 Sabrina and Claxton 1 Mirriam, both sold to G Quant and Son, Newton Abbot, Devon.

In-calf cows peaked at 2600gns for Claxton 1 Anna M, another 2014-born daughter of Coston 1 Mike, due in July to Fabb 1 Pure Force. She sold to the Spartan herd of GC and SL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Top price amongst the maiden heifers was 2550gns paid by RD Livestock, for Claxton 1 Esme.

Auctioneers: Halls.

averages:

32 cows and calves; £1883.44; 21 in-calf cows; £1635; Six in-calf heifers, £1645; 21 bulling heifers, £1615; 35 yearling heifers, £724.80.