The dispersal sale of the Wesley Charolais Herd in Leicestershire, will provide a fantastic opportunity to acquire cattle from one of the country’s finest Charolais breeders. The sale includes 148 cattle from this prizewinning herd with a wealth of breeding pedigrees. To be auctioned by Harrison and Hetherington, the on-farm sale takes place on Saturday 1st October 2011 at Whittington Grange, near Markfield in Leicestershire.
The Wesley Herd is BVD accredited, and routinely Lepto vaccinated. Its last clear TB test was on 22nd August 2011. Influential stock bulls are Maerdy Rock, Thrunton Trojan, Perth Champion in 2004, Balthayock Aesop, and Balmyle Dingle. The sale consists of:
58 cows & heifers, served and/or suckling 35 calves
19 served heifers
29 maiden heifers
1 stock bull (Balmyle Dingle)
5 young bulls
Harrison and Hetherington are one of the foremost firms of Pedigree Auctioneers in the UK and Auctioneer Scott Donaldson of Harrison and Hetherington, is delighted to be conducting the sale which affords such excellent opportunities for Charolais breeders:
“This is one of the best dispersal sales of Charolais that we have had for years. The Wesley Charolais Herd is one of the UK’s longest established Charolais herds. The cattle have power, size, and eye-catching appeal to match their champion pedigrees. Because of the herd’s status in the industry, it is a unique opportunity to acquire a complete breeding unit and we expect a busy day with both buyers and spectators keen to attend.”
During the 2011 show season the Wesley Herd achieved Reserve Female Champion and Reserve Breed Champion with Wesley Euphoria, and Male Champion with Wesley Fugitive at the National Show – Three Counties Show. Euphoria was also Breed Champion at Lincoln show.
Owner, Mr Jonathan Sankey is understandably proud of the herd’s achievements:  “We have been associated with the Charolais breed since the 1970s, and have taken a great deal of pleasure in watching the herd develop throughout these years. During this period we have supported many shows and society sales, having great success at both.”
He adds: “Our breeding programme has been overseen in the past few years by the expert eye of Alistair Smith and through strategic purchases of stock bulls the herd has consistently continued to improve.”
The Wesley Herd has been based on the values of the Charolais breed, their aim has been to retain the power, and size that has propelled Charolais into the position of being the ultimate commercial sire. Through the Breedplan EBV figures they have endeavoured to produce breeding animals with ease of calving and conformation, removing any followers that do not demonstrate these traits.
Commenting on this sale, Mr David Benson Chief Executive of the Charolais Society said: This is one of the best dispersal sales of Charolais that we have had for years. The Wesley Herd is a fully established herd which has been working over many years, the quality of the genetics is of a very good standard, and within there are a lot of good cows and calves available for sale. This sale is recommended not only for established Charolais breeders but also for any aspiring livestock farmers who wants to establish a foot hold in the Charolais world. There are bulls and females suitable for both pedigree and commercial cattle breeders.”
The sale, which will be a big attraction to the farming and breeding community, will also be an emotional day. Jonathan adds: “My father Stuart and I have enjoyed the friendships and experiences that being a member of the Society has afforded us. We hope that any purchasers at the sale obtain the same degree of pleasure that we have over the years.”
The dispersal sale, on Saturday 1st October begins at 12.30pm, and is at Whittington Grange, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RP. Cattle are available to be viewed prior to sale. Interested buyers should contact: Jonathan Sankey (07711 595049) or Alistair Smith (07739 854535) or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk"www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk