Harry Askwith wins at Darlington
A STRONG turnout of 27 junior farmers presented 46 cattle for their overwintering competition at Darlington Farmers auction mart held in conjunction with the weekly sale of store and breeding stock.
The judge Philip Parkin, Howden, found his champion in a Limousin heifer from 19-year-old Harry Askwith of Low Mown Meadows, Crook.
Having been purchased in December from TH Mace and Sons, Hill Top, this heifer went on to realise £1420 when selling to the judge.
The reserve ticket went to a British Blue heifer from eight-year-old Ava Wilson, Throstlenest Farm, Lanchester, in her first year competing. This sold for £1500 to J Dods, Darlington. Ava picked her heifer out at the November suckled calf show from the Stones family of Nun Cote Nook.
Michael Brannen, Scar Top, Temple Sowerby, picked up the top award for showmanship and presentation on the day.
Winning the biggest profit of £710 was a Beef Shorthorn steer from Elliot Grieves of Oakdene, Whinney Hill, with an average of £373.15 per beast achieved.
Tied at the top of the heifers gaining £590 profits were Elliot Grieves and Ava Wilson, Throstlenest.
Bullocks and heifers averaged £1283 and £1124 respectively.
A British Blue heifer from N Wilson, Hill House, led the store cattle at £1740, while steers peaked at £1690 for a Limousin from JS Foster and Son, West End.
Texel hoggs from KO Stones, Nun Cote Nook, meanwhile, topped the sale at £187.
Finally, ewes and lambs averaged £99.55 per life, having reached £135 per life for a Beltex ewe and a single lamb from Francesca Stobbs of Killerby Hall.