Debut Double at Skipton Spring Calves Show
12/03/09

Graham Hayton, of the locally based Hayton & Stocks farming enterprise at Ghyll Bottom, Bolton Abbey, made his first foray into the calf exhibition arena at Skipton Auction Mart – and promptly walked away with a championship and reserve championship double.

Graham Hayton, second from right, exhibitor of both the champion and reserve champion at the Skipton Spring calves fixture, is congratulated by sponsor Mike Redfern, Townson Bros Fuels. The duo are flanked by co-judges Tony Binns, right, and Robert Foster.

The title winner at the annual Spring show of farmers’ rearing calves (Mon, March 9) was a Limousin-cross youngster – out of a Friesian dam – which went on to achieve its full potential in the ring when selling for £390, top price in show, to Philip Summers, of Clayton, Bradford.

A strong entry of promising juveniles was reflected in excellent trading levels – commensurate with the general upturn of late - with the champion making £95 more than the victor at the corresponding fixture last year.

In addition, an average overall selling price of £185.75 comfortably exceeded the 2008 show average of £150, with Continental and native breed bull calves averaging £259 and Continental heifer calves £210. Black and white bull calves averaged £101.

Reserve champion at the 2009 renewal was another heifer– a British Blue-cross, also out of a Hayton & Stocks Friesian – acquired for £288 by Ian Ibbotson, of Oakworth, who purchased the title winner at last year’s Spring fixture.

Other calf class winners were: British Blue bull – A Sowray & Son, Bishop Thornton, £365 to John Townson, Bolton-by-Bowland. Limousin heifer – Shaun Hickey, Earby, £305 to PJ Grassom, Wetherby. Other Continental heifer – Derek Wells, Wilsden, £190 to Paull Drinkall, Gargrave. Native Breeds – Derek Wells, Angus bullock, £288 to Richard Umpleby, Killinghall. Black & White – Robert Lambert, Conistone-with-Kilnsey, £145 to co-judge Robert Foster, Bramham.

The show was sponsored by Townson Bros Fuels, of Chatburn, Clitheroe, who are keen to step up their support at Skipton this year after trading across the region for over 40 years. Prizes were presented by sales manager Mike Redfern. The second co-judge was Tony Binns, Clint, Harrogate.

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