Limousin bulls attracted top prices of 38,000gns, 28,000gns, 22,000gns and 20,000gns at a breed event at Carlisle, where the sale leader, Cowin Tequin, from Welsh breeders Dyfan and Carol James, sold to Robert and Hazel McNee, Upper Finlarg and the Adam family, Newhouse of Glamis.

The bull, a second prize September 2022-born AI son of the 19,000gns Ampertaine Jeronimo, is out of a home-bred cow by Dinmore Jonesy.

The breeder of the sire, James McKay, Northern Ireland, also had a great day selling four bulls to average £14,175, with his three dearest all by home-bred Ampertaine sires. Tops here at 22,000gns was Ampertaine Tornado, the senior champion at the pre-sale show, purchased by Hugh Annett, Widdrington, Morpeth. This rising two-year-old is by Ampertaine Majestic, a bull that sold for 35,000gns and has bred sons to the same money. The dam is by Ampertaine Jamboree.

Iain Scott, farm manager for Allan Jenkinson's Whinfellpark herd based near Penrith, bought three bulls including the junior champion and reserve overall at 28,000gns. This was Craig and Matt Ridley's Haltcliffe Umpire, a 17-month-old son of Haltcliffe Iceman bred from the Westpit Omaha daughter, Haltcliffe Romance that stood reserve female at the National Show.

Earlier, Whinfellpark bought Sarkley Tyndall, a first prize bull by the 26,000gns Foxhillfarm Ourbest, for 20,000gns from Welsh breeders, Glyn Pennie and sons, Chris and Nigel. The dam, Sarkley Leanne is a half sister to the 180,000gns Graiggoch Rambo.

A further 16 bulls attracted five figure prices with the overall average cashing in at £8405.45 for 77 with a 68% clearance – down £773.52 for three less compared to the same sale last year.

For full report and pictures see next week's The Scottish Farmer (11th May 2024)