PEDIGREE cattle breed sales have been the prized domain of livestock markets further north than Yorkshire for many years, but York Livestock Centre’s new multi-breed pedigree cattle sale went so well last year that it’s back next Thursday.

Auctioneer Scott Ferrie is responsible for the event and was taken aback by the response to the inaugural sale that this year becomes a show and sale following the regular market day.

He said: “Many of our customers have to travel hundreds of miles often taking a couple of days out of their week to travel to an individual breed sale.

“With the cost of fuel being so expensive and time away from the farm being critical we felt that having our own pedigree cattle sale would offer them the opportunity to travel a much shorter distance to buy or sell their stock.

“I was surprised by the numbers of cattle we had last year. We had nearly 70.

“It’s clear that this type of sale appeals to our customers close by and those further away. Bulls were sold to people from as far as King’s Lynn and Aberdeen.

“Prices were strong too with £4,000 the top price paid on the day. The atmosphere around the packed sale ring was electric. Local pedigree men such as Carl Fawcett of Kissthorn Farm, Sand Hutton, were very happy with the event.

“This year we will be extending what is now known as the special spring multibreed sale of pedigree cattle to include a show, which will be judged by one of the most experienced cattle judges in the UK.”

Pedigree cattle represented last year were Aberdeen Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Belted Galloway, Blonde d’Aquitaine, British Blue, British White, Hereford, Highland, Limousin and Simmental.

The show and sale takes place at York Livestock Centre on Thursday, March 13.