Churchill Tops at 7,500gns as Trade Holds Firm at Worcester

Trade held firm at the South Devon Midland Club Sale, held by McCartneys at Worcester Livestock Market, with a solid commercial demand underpinning the sale throughout and ensuring a consistent, honest trade from start to finish.

The Midland South Devon Breeders Club enjoyed a keen and positive following for their Annual Show & Sale, with buyers focused on well-grown, functional cattle suited to modern commercial systems.

A total of eight bulls sold to average £5,066.25, reflecting a steady demand for cattle that combine performance with practicality. The female section saw three heifers forward, averaging £2,345, with buyers showing selective but genuine interest.

Leading the trade at 7,500gns was Foxhole Churchill 5, a 26-month-old bull from Margaret Plain and Alex Riches. By Trewint Churchill and out of the proven Foxhole Calla 2, the bull had stood second in the pre-sale show before going on to meet strong ringside demand, eventually selling to A.J. & F.J. Claridge, Buckinghamshire.

Taking the Championship honours was Lot 17, Broadwood Inspiration 2 from Julian and Sara White. A powerful, correct bull with real presence, he impressed the judge to secure the Male and Overall Championship before selling for 6,200gns. Close behind, the Reserve Championship went to Lot 21, Swansay Dynamo from the Paton family, another quality entry that met a solid trade in the ring.

The day’s trade was set early on, with first prize winner Broompark Gryffindor from James Warwick going on to sell for 5,000gns, highlighting confidence in the market from the outset. Additional strength in depth was seen with other well-bred bulls meeting competitive demand, including entries from established herds.

In the female section, trade was selective but steady. The top price was achieved by John Williams with Hopton Ruby 135, reinforcing the continued demand for quality breeding females. Elsewhere, prize-winning heifers met a solid trade, reflecting buyer focus on productive, well-bred females suited to herd improvement.

Across the sale, buyers remained focused on cattle that deliver in real farming systems — growth from grass, structural correctness and the easy-doing nature the breed is known for. While the trade did not see extreme peaks at the very top end, it remained consistent and dependable throughout, with cattle finding new homes across a wide range of commercial and pedigree operations.

A big thank you goes to McCartneys for hosting the sale, along with all vendors, purchasers and supporters who contributed to a successful and well-supported day.