Black Jack is top trump at the Caley

It was a good day all round for Brian, of Greenwells, Falkirk, when his March-born Limmy cross secured his first overall championship here but there was more to celebrate when he received the second top price of £2000 for a heifer.

Brought out by Andrew Weir, Black Jack was bought at the Caley as a calf at foot along with his Black Limousin cross mother from the McAlisters at Wester Thomaston. He is by the Eagleshead Exterminator, and was knocked down to Young Farmers Suzie Dunn and Cammy Jackson, who will take him out to some of the winter shows.

The day's judge, Welshman Mansel Lewis, of Pentwyn, Pumsaint, commented of his champion: "He's a tremendous bullock, very clean over his top and correct on his legs.

"He caught my eye as soon as he came in to the ring and I didn't think twice on putting him champion," added Mr Lewis who went on to pay £2000 for another from Brian.

That was Roan Joan, a first prize Limousin cross heifer brought out by Alan Jackson. She is bred the same way as Black Jack and was bought with her dam at the same sale.

Two followed on at £1800 apiece, and through the ring first was the reserve overall champion, a Limmy cross heifer from father and son team, John and Craig Robertson, from Newton of Logierait. Standing second to Black Jack in the Limousin championship before taking the senior calf title, she is by a Limousin cross Blue bull and out of a Limmy cross mother. Forking out the cash were Jason and Sarah Wareham, Little Tottingworth, East Sussex.

Matching the previous call of £1800 was the Kintyre and Knapdale champion, the February-born Black Betty from Colin, John and Alistair McCallum, from Strathfanaig, Tarbert. This heifer scooped the British Blue championship on the day to add to her beef title at Kintyre and supreme championship at Mid Argyll. Sired by a Cogent AI sire and out of a Black Limousin cross cow, she sold to Andrew Morton jnr, Lochend, Denny.

See the September 9 issue of The Scottish Farmer for the full report.