The seasonal Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale held at Whitland Livestock Market on Tuesday again attracted a great deal of interest throughout the local farming community with the auction ring almost full to capacity for the sale of the supreme champion beast.
This was an outstanding 565 kilos Limousin heifer presented by the Kevin and Angela Williams, of Natts Hook, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest, which, after some spirited bidding, was sold at £1,229.50 (230ppk) to Geraint Bowen, of Bethesda Fresh Farm Meats and Shop, Bethesda, near Narberth.
This year's sheep and cattle classes were judged by Ross Beynon, of Dryslwyn, who faced a tough task despite the moderate entries in the respective classes.
After awarding the overall cattle championship to the Williams's, reserve was given to the Howells family, of Sarnlas, Henllan Amgoed, whose 625 kilo Charolais Heifer realised 180ppk, being purchased by the judge on behalf of Woodheads, of Colne in Lancashire.
The sheep competition attracted some good quality entries from local producers and after much deliberation the overall championship was awarded to local producer Adrian Windsor, of Fforest Farm, Whitland, with lambs weighing 38.5 kilos and were sold for £88 (229ppk) being purchased by Alan Richards on behalf of Welsh Country Foods, Anglesey.
Reserve champion was taken by a pen of 36.5 kilo lambs presented by Paul Monahan, Stember Farmhouse, Portfield Gate, which realised £53 (145ppk) also being purchased by Geraint Bowen.
Results:
Overall Champion Beast (cup presented by the Whitland Mart Committee) - Williams, Natts Hook Farm, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest; res - (a hip flask donated by J. J. Morris, Auctioneers) - Howells, Sarnlas Farm, Henllan Amgoed, Whitland.
Best Butchers Heifer -Williams, Natts Hook Farm, Portfield Gate; res - Howells, Sarnlas, Henllan Amgoed
Best Butchers Steer -Williams, Natts Hook Farm,
Best Bunch of Three Cattle -Richards, Caermedris Farm, Solva; res - Roberts, Llwyndrissi, Whitland.
Top Price Cull Cow - Tunster, Heachlea, Amroth and M. Van Dijk, The Square, Slebech (£865).
Top Price Beef Calf -Nicholas, Dynaston, Martletwy (£138)
Top Price Dairy Calf - Rees, Rest Farm, Henllan Amgoed (£32).
Champion Pen of Lambs (cup donated by John family, Whitland Catering Services) - Windsor, Fforest Farm, Farm, Whitland; res - Monahan, Stember Farmhouse, Portfield Gate
Lambs up to 37.5 kilos - Monahan, Stember Farmhouse, Portfield Gate; res - Wilson, Middle Pool, Pendine; 38 kilos and over - Windsor, Fforest Farm, Whitland; res - Wilson, Common Church.
Top Price Cull Ewe - Davies, Rhydyforwydd (£56.50).
The auctioneers, J. J. Morris, would like to take this opportunity to thank all producers who entered stock for the show and sale with special thanks to all those who donated cups andsponsored classes and also the judge, Ross Beynon.