Marvellous Mason reduction sale (From Gazette & Herald)

Marvellous Mason reduction sale

ON Wednesday of last week, with rain clouds over most of the country, the sun shone on Danebury Manor where Roland and Patrick Mason were having a reduction sale of their suckler herd.

There were 200 beef cows to sell, mostly with calves, and the quality was outstanding - a tribute to their breeding and stockmanship. As several farmers commented: "Where else in the country could you go and see a show like this at the moment?"

It was also the first real test in this part of the world for trade after the FMD outbreak and a chance to see if some of the compensation paid out would be reinvested into stock.

The answer was pretty positive, and there were strong buyers from Cumbria and the north-east, all looking to replenish their empty farms.

The cow herd was mainly mixed continentals with the odd pure bred Blonde D'Aquitaine or Simmental thrown in. The calves were by Belgian Blue bulls and were quite outstanding in conformation.

The best outfits made up to £1,480 and there were plenty making over four figures.

Cows in calf made up to £780 but there were some older ladies that added a touch of commercial realism.

At the end of the sale, Roland offered six mature pure Belgian Blue bulls of his own breeding that made to a top of £4,000 for both a 2 year old called Wold Newton Sabre, bought by Neville Raine of Barnard Castle, and a 4 year old, Wold Newton Overdrive, which went to Mr Bolton of Westbury on Severn.

At the end of the day the averages were:

- Cows with calves at foot £815;

- Cows in calf £554;

- Stock bulls £3,200.

- The biggest event of the week, and in fact of the year, must be the Queen's jubilee and I hope everyone was able to celebrate in their own way.

Although quieter than Buckingham Palace, Howsham Hall provided a splendid setting for our thanksgiving celebration of the Queen's 50 years; and we were all proud to sing the National Anthem (first verse only!).

From the agricultural column of the Gazette & Herald - Congratulations, Your Majesty, and long may we have a monarchy.

- Beef Exports Resume?

As part of the BSE controls, the EC would not allow British beef to go out of the country in carcass form unless it had been slaughtered in an abattoir totally dedicated for the purpose.

Not surprisingly, not a single abattoir has been able to afford that luxury and give up its home trade for the Russian roulette of the export market.

Currently there is a team of inspectors from Brussels assessing our BSE control structure and it is hoped that they will be favourably impressed.

The best we can hope for is that they will allow "time dedication of abattoirs" which will be much more practical and may kick start beef exports.

Having said all that, we are now a long way from being self-sufficient in beef, having imported over 200,000 tonnes last year.

- No Cure for PMWS

There was open discussion at the Pig & Poultry Fair about the pig wasting disease which has devastated a lot of herds.

Although the causes are still unknown, it was generally agreed that mortality could be reduced if sow numbers were cut and less stress put on the breeding stock.

One farmer reported that cutting his stocking rates by 15pc dropped his mortality rate from 20pc to 4pc within a few months.

- Pro-Hunting Graffiti

Over the weekend, some mindless vandal sprayed a lot of road signs around the City of York with pro-hunting graffiti.

I find it hard to believe that anyone genuinely interested in supporting country sports can possibly stoop to such stupid and ineffective behaviour.

The perpetrators, whichever side of the fence they are on, should stop this sort of activity immediately.

The extra bank holiday disorientated marketing and Tuesday was very quiet for cattle, with perhaps more sheep than buyers.

Unfortunately, the regulations for operating abattoirs with huge multiple payments for overtime, make it impossible for many small to medium-sized slaughter houses to open up; and this has certainly disrupted livestock marketing this week.

There were 610 sheep forward and the lambs averaged 126p/kilo up to a top of 138p for a pen from E Fussey & Son. The highest price per head was £60.

Ewes were a reasonable trade with the best making £46.50, from Bill Chambers.

Anyone wanting further information, please contact the helplines at Malton on (01653) 697820/692151 and York on (01904) 489731.

Updated: 10:15 Thursday, June 06, 2002