A TOP call of 3,400gns and a clearance rate of 95 per cent produced the headlines at The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s inaugural autumn show and sale of pedigree females at Skipton Auction Mart.

The much-anticipated sale of 55 head comprised a collective portion, followed by a draft of matron cows from the local Airedale pedigree herd of Kildwick father and son farmers and butchers, David and Joshua Isherwood.

It was one of their matron cows, Rawburn Kinannie M580, bred by John Elliott at Roxburgh Mains, near Kelso in the Scottish Borders, which topped the day’s proceedings at 3,400gns. She is a 2012-born daughter of Lockerley Legolas G850 and was sold with her Weeton Ephos R472-sired August-born heifer calf, Airedale Kinnanie U593, at foot.

Next best of the strong Isherwood consignment at 3,200gns was a product of Loftus family breeding, Weeton Rosebud N379, a 2013-born Rawburn Elysium F547 daughter, out of Elliot Rosebud H847. Having previously produced three calves and flushed in July giving 11 embryos, she found a new home in Wales with GV Jones, of Pwllheli.

The same purchaser also went to 3,100gns to secure Weeton Miss Essence N398, a 2013-born cow sold carrying her fourth calf to Weeton Ephos, for 3,100gns. The Isherwoods sold further in-calf cows at 2,900gns and 2,300gns, with other outfits at 2,800gns and 2,300gns.

All were among their consignment of 23 cows, five with calves at foot and all sold ready for service. It represented the largest ever dispersal since the herd was first established at Lane Bridge Farm, in 2013 to add prestige to the combined farming and butchery operation.