South Devon Spring Show and Sale delivers another lift in trade at Exeter

The South Devon Spring Show and Sale, held at Exeter Livestock Centre (Kivells) on Wednesday 8th April, delivered another highly successful day for the breed, with strong demand across all sections and a notable lift in trade compared to the previous year.

Buyers travelled from across the country, underlining continued confidence in South Devon cattle for both pedigree breeding and commercial production. A combination of quality entries, competitive bidding, and a buoyant beef trade ensured a firm and consistent market throughout the day. Judge Adrian Rundle of Kestle Farm, Newquay, had no easy task, with an exceptionally strong and consistent show of cattle placed before him. The depth of quality made for some difficult decisions, highlighting the impressive standard of South Devons currently being presented in the ring.

Bulls

The Breed Champion, Trewint Crawford (HH) (Lot 37), from P S and A P Rowe, Trewint, Menheniot, Cornwall, realised 11,000gns. A standout in the show ring and a son of the renowned Trewint Carlos, he was described by judge Adrian Rundle as “everything you could want in a bull” Adrian, the fourth generation of the Rundle family to judge the Spring Show and Sale, brought a wealth of experience to the role. He attracted strong interest before selling to J Richards, Perranwell Station, Cornwall, where he will remain in the county to join the Rietfontein herd, which operates alongside a successful family-run abattoir.

The bull trade was topped by an outstanding top price of 11,500gns for Treguddick Elgar 6 (PP) (Lot 39), a son of Treguddick Ephraim 2 (Lot 39), consigned by D J Thomas and Son, Treguddick Farm, Launceston, Cornwall. This powerful, well-bred bull, reared in an outwintered system, attracted strong interest for his natural doing ability, structure and presence, before selling to C J Page, Coton Farm, Chacombe, Banbury. He is expected to leave a strong stamp on the established Coton herd, well known for its regular success in the show ring.

The depth of quality was evident throughout the catalogue. Boakley Fabio (HP) (Lot 15) from R Saunders, Manor Farm, Garsden, realised 8,000gns, selling to Laity Farms, Churchtown, Cornwall, a previous winner of the National Herd Competition. A son of Grove Brutus 151, who is available in the Society’s semen catalogue, Fabio will now join this well-established herd, where he is expected to make a strong impact.

While Tregondale Marvyn (PP) (Lot 32) from Mr and R J Rowe, Tregondale, Menheniot, reached 7,200gns, going to S Summers, Mulberry Cottage, Farthingstone. A son of Glebe Marvel 3, he is out of Tregondale Dewdrop 186, from the same family as the Female of the Year 2024, adding further strength to his pedigree.

Two further bulls sold at 7,000gns, highlighting the strength in the mid to upper trade. These included Trewint Prosper (HH), which sold to J Emmott, Godford Lane Farm, Awliscombe, marking the Emmott family’s first bull on the farm — and they couldn’t have picked a better breed to start with. He will run alongside their growing South Devon Herd that started only a few years ago and has already won the The Best Small Herd at the National Herd Competition 2025.

Broompark General (PP) (Lot 10), purchased by J and S Rogers, Dunstone Lodge, Yealmpton, also achieved 7,000gns and is the last son of Colcharton Jupiter 3, adding further interest to his breeding. This marks the highest price achieved at a sale by the Broompark herd.

Trade remained consistent across the section, with several more bulls selling in excess of 6,000gns. The Reserve Champion, Treguddick Baron 2 (HP) (Lot 40), added to the strength at the top end, selling for 6,000gns.

Overall, the bull section demonstrated both quality and commercial appeal, reflected in a strong average and a broad base of buyers.

Females

The female section delivered an equally encouraging trade, highlighted by a top price of 5,500gns, achieved twice, with both the Female Champion, Trewint Jill 729 (Lot 48) from P S and A P Rowe, and the Reserve Female Champion, Waddeton Darkie 4 (Lot 45) from The Tully Partnership, East Farm, Waddeton, Brixham, secured by new members Widworthy Barton Ltd, Widworthy, underlining growing interest in the breed.

Further strength in the section came from a trio of females from R V Hartshorn, Telford, each selling at 3,000gns, reflecting a consistent level of demand throughout.

Importantly, all five pedigree heifers sold, levelling at £4,200, representing an increase of £788 on the year. This full clearance and uplift in returns highlight the continued confidence in South Devon females as productive, efficient breeding stock.

Sale Summary

In total, 28 head sold from 39 forward, with averages showing a clear year-on-year improvement. The sale combined strong headline prices with a solid commercial trade, ensuring confidence across all levels of the market.

The full clearance in the female section, alongside a wide geographical spread of purchasers, once again demonstrates the growing appeal and relevance of South Devon cattle within both pedigree and commercial systems.

With continued emphasis on efficiency, maternal strength, and performance from forage, the breed remains well positioned to meet the demands of modern beef production.

Averages