Show & Sale - Great Success

The Annual Breeds of Gloucestershire Show & Sale took place yesterday at Cirencester Livestock Market amid concerns that, in the current climate, buyers would be scarce and prices depressed but all the efforts to publicise the event paid off with 29 out of 33 pigs forward selling, many at top prices.

The leading price was 430 guineas for Windmill Gerald 34 from Mr Malcolm Hicks paid by Mr Charles Martell from Dymock in Glos. Four other lots sold at 300+ guineas each including the Breed Champion, Windmill Ellen 26 from the same stable which sold to Mr William Newth from Somerset.

Three in-pig gilts sold ave 258gns
Four maiden gilts sold ave 89gns
Three senior Boars (born 2007) sold ave 285gns
Four junior boars (born 2008) sold ave 221gns
Fifteen store pigs sold ave 68gns

There were concerns of some poor quality pigs forward which were identified through the card grading process and the Club committee will consider what measures can be taken to improve education to ensure that only good quality pigs are registered as breeding stock.

Trade in the sheep section was poor but the cattle sold reasonably well so all in all it was considered a success in the present climate when farming is so under the cosh.

Buyers new to the breed will be contacted and invited to join the Club in due course.

Many thanks to Marlene Renshaw, Melany Kiddy and Malcolm Hicks who card graded the stock, Judith Sims who judged, Andrew Robinson & Guy Kiddy for reading ear numbers and numbering stock and everyone else who helped in any way. Also to the vendors and buyers who helped to make the event so successful.

End of Article

Richard Lutwyche
3rd August 2008