Calves from guest consignors Wills Bros’ Willsbro herd from Cornwall attracted the lead prices at the Mitchell family’s Laram Holstein Select sale at Exeter, which also featured youngsters from the Dulais herd of Welsh breeder Nev Roberts.

Good harvesting weather and the absence of milking stock, which have been commanding the best trade in recent weeks, reduced the attendance, but there was a healthy demand on Marteye from breeders from all corners of Scotland, Wales, Cheshire, Cumbria and Lancashire.

Sale leader at 3000gns was Willsbro Hardy Rachel 6200, a four-month-old heifer sired by Siemers Pfct Hardy and bred from 15 generations of Excellent cows. She was purchased online by Robert Martin, Carlisle.

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Another keenly sought heifer was Willsbro Dynasty Rae 5865 ET, out of an Ex94 dam, purchased by Messrs Wills for 21,000gs at a previous Sterndale sale. She made 2600gns selling to the Harris family of the Winkleigh herd.

The Laram consignment sold to 1900gs three times for served heifers. Two were purchased by Blaise Tomlinson, Leicester and the other sold to Mark Thomasson, Cheshire. Lead Dulais calf was an eight-month-old from the Sharon family, which made 1600gs to Phil Bird, Axminster,

Martin Evans Farming, bidding on Marteye purchased 35 head for the Priddbwll herd on the Welsh border, and Baltier Farming bought 11 for their South-west Scotland enterprise.

Averages: Laram herd – 55 served heifers and calves, £1108. Willsbro – 47 calves, £1074. Dulais – Six calves, £1130

Auctioneers: Kivells and Norton and Brooksbank.