Beltex-cross ‘trialists’ prove champion material
07/09/06

A trial using a Beltex tup for the first time on his Texel-cross lambing sheep paid rich dividends for Hebden Bridge hill farmer Brian Lund when his first-ever consignment to market was awarded championship honours at the monthly prime lambs show at Craven Cattle Marts’ Skipton Auction Mart. (Mon, Sept 4)

Brian Lund, right, gathers in his Skipton September prime lambs champions, assisted by judge James Dewhurst.

Brian, of Walshaw Farm, admitted to being both “surprised and delighted” when his pen of five Beltex-cross charges, weighing in at 37 kilos and first of an opening crop of 30 lambs, were chosen as victors by judge James Dewhurst, of Lothersdale, who buys lambs for Skipton-based Stanforth’s butchers.

“The champions were a very even pen with good confirmation, exceptional meat coverage and tight skins – with no waste whatsoever,” said Mr Dewhurst. The title winners sold for £48.50 a head to Nick Dalby, of Hartwith, Harrogate.

Top price of the day was achieved by the reserve champion pen of 44-kilo Texel-cross lambs from Roger Handy, of NM Handy, of Stainforth, which sold at £56 apiece.

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