News Archive 2008
Rhaeader herd ends on a high
A major reduction sale of the Rhaeader herd was held on Wednesday the 5 th of November 2008 at Old Hall, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells under instruction from Charmaine Middleton.
Sixty head of cattle were sold, comprising of cows with calves at foot, in-calf heifers and maiden heifers.
Established in 1964 the Rhaeader herd has seen great success over the years with show winners at the Royal and the Royal Welsh. In recent years the herd has became an elite herd being accredited monitored free of BVD, IBR, Leptospira Hardjo and Johnes Disease and more recent achieved full organic status. With such a record buyers were keen to purchase a piece of such an old and successful herd.
Trade was brisk with plenty of bidders which saw cows with calves averaging 1395gns. The highest priced cow with cow at foot was Rhaeader Beauty 14 th , this five year old cow was sold for 2100gns and was purchased by A C Allen of Cinders Farm, St Michaels, Tenbury. Messrs Allen also purchased two further cows with calves, Rhaeader Rita 13 th and Rhaeader Rita 14 th reaching 1750gns and 1400 gns respectfully. The second highest cow with calf was Rhaeader Rosita Ddu and was purchased by K A Hughson of Ty Mawr, Newbridge on Wye, Builth Wells for 1820gns.
Also in demand were the in-calf heifers which saw the highest price reaching 1520 gns for Rhaeader Sunshine 5 th , this well bred heifer was bought by H Fairclough of Aberithion, Newbridge on Wye, Builth Wells. All four in-calf heifers put forward for auction were bought by Messrs Fairclough.
As the sale drew to a close, the Maiden heifers were sold, many from mothers sold in previous lots. The highest priced maiden heifer went to Rhaeader Bliss reaching 1000gns and bought by Messrs A C Allen who bought three in all.
"During the sale there was a mixture of established breeders and some new purchasers interested in owning a piece of history and more good quality pedigree Welsh Black cattle. The outlook is bright for the future of Wales's only native breed of cattle," remarked Chief Executive of the Welsh Black Cattle Society Andrew James.
| Averages | gns |
| Cow with Calves at heel | 1395 |
| In-calf heifers | 1017 |
| Maiden heifers | 822 |
Auctioneers
McCartneys, Brecon Livestock Market, Warren Rd , Brecon