Blackbrook bounty at CCM Beef Shorthorn Society showcase

Calderdale-based Andrew Thornber & Daughters, Blackbrook Herd, Barkisland

• Event: 15th Annual Beef Shorthorn Society Highlight at CCM Skipton
• Date: Wednesday, November 6

Highlights:

1. Heifers:

   • March 2023-born Heifers: Among the first to be sold from a herd established five years ago.
   • Top Performer: A maiden heifer sold for 4200gns.
   • Supreme Champion: Another heifer stood female, then supreme champion, achieving 4000gns.

2. Leading Performer on Price:

   • Blackbrook Lancaster Tilly:
     • Details: Roan daughter of Millerston Roly, bred out of Coldrochie Leif-sired cow, Highlee Luscious Ruby.
     • Breeders: Mark and Tracy Severn, also from Barkisland.
     • Ratings: Both sire and dam rated VG88.
     • Buyer: Thomas Cheetham, Bothamsall, Nottinghamshire.

3. Supreme Champion:

   • Blackbrook Phantasy Thora:
     • Details: Roan daughter of Highlee Phoenix, acquired from the Severns.
     • Characteristics: One of the biggest stock cows in the herd, family producing plenty of milk.
     • Sire: Responsible for two Beef Shorthorn Society calf show winners.
     • Herd: 40-strong holding, reigning North of England champion herd (2023).
     • Breeding Females: 25 currently.
     • Dam: EX90 Delphead Phantasy Nina, by EX95 Gilven Journey.
     • Shown by: 18-year-old Emi Thornber.
     • Judge: Lee Oakes, Norfolk show judge.
     • Description: “Super, beautiful, powerful, really stylish – completely balanced throughout and showing all the traits of breed characteristics.”
     • Buyer: Andrew Holgate, Rathmell.

4. Other Notable Sales:

   • Cow and Calf Outfit: Topped its section at 3900gns.
     • Details: October 2021 roan Blackbrook Waterloo Robyn with her Perseus of Upsall March-born bull calf, Blackbrook Vulcan.
     • Buyer: L Driver & Son, Oakenshaw.

5. Heifers In-Calf:

   • Top Sales: Two 3rd prize 2023 roans from Alistair Gibson, Cutthorn herd, Burnopfield, each made 3500gns.
     • Details: Sired by North of England champion bull, Cairnsmore Phenomenal, scanned in-calf for April next year to Healind Sergeant.
     • Buyer: Andrew Holgate.

6. Show Classes for 2023-born Heifers:

   • Winners: Upsall Castle Farms, run by Gerald Turton.
     • 1st Prize Winners:
       • Augusta X1791 of Upsall: April-born, roan daughter of Mandalong Of Upsall.
       • Tessa X1797 of Upsall: May-born, roan daughter of Mandalong Of Upsall.
     • Buyers: Blake family, Penrith, and Mrs A Falkingham, Goole.

7. 2022-born Heifers:

   • Top Sales:
     • Jual Taransay Siena: Light roan March 2022, sold for 2500gns to B Foster, North Somercotes.
     • Burnfoot Lovely Yasmin: March 2023, sold for 1850gns to SE Cowan, Derbyshire High Peaks.

8. In-Calf Heifers:

   • Top Sales:
     • Sandwick Millicent Scrumpit: November 2022, sold for 2500gns to Andrew Holgate.
     • Beautry Shuna Trilby: March 2023, sold for 2400gns to MJ Atkinson, Briercliffe.

9. Heifers with Calves:

   • Top Sales:
     • Anderson Family, Harrietsfield Herd: Two sales at 2200gns.
     • Kirklees-based Emma Andrews, Holstead Herd: Sale at 2100gns.

10. Maiden Heifers:

    • Top Sales:
      • Thomson, Roddick & Laurie, Shawhill Herd: Sale at 2100gns.
      • Tim Riley, Stoneyroyd Herd: Sale at 2000gns.

Overall Sales:

• Maiden Heifers: Sold to 4200gns, average £2156.
• In-Calf Heifers: Sold to 3500gns, average £2332.
• Heifers and Calves: Sold to 3900gns, average £2905.
• Cows with Calves: Sold to 2100gns, average £1872.

Show Co-Sponsors: Skipton NFU Mutual, Morrisons, I’Ansons Feeds.

Additional Sales:

• Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s Sale
• British Blue Production Sale for the Greystone and Pendle Herds
• Total Head Forward: 100