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THE Red Ruby Devon Breed record price was broken by almost double at the Devon Cattle Breeders Society Spring Show and Sale.

A line-up of 28 show bulls , the largest entry for many years, was headed by Champson Defender a 24-month-old son of Primore Thorald bred and shown by G Dart and Sons, Molland.

Judge Margaret Elliott of the renowned bull breeding Cutcombe herd told a packed ring side (some six deep) that her champion was everything a Red Ruby Devon bull should be with total balance, tremendous presence, evenly distributed natural fleshing (weighed at 903kg) and outstanding locomotion. All four members of the Dart family, who own one of the oldest herds in the breed, were thrilled with their championship against exceptionally strong competition.

However their delight turned to near euphoria when, under the expert gavel of Derek Biss from Greenslade Taylor Hunt, the society's chosen auctioneer, the bull having been put up at 5,000gns quickly rose to the new heights of 14,000 gns and sold to life-long member Robert James. Robert has breeded countless champions for his Red Down herd, which he owns with his partner Kate Palmer.

Robert and Kate's success left a trail of disappointed breeders who then took advantage of the exceptional quality on offer and saw Simon and Grania Philip's Colleton Felix, a 23-month-old son of Efford Down Billy-Wizz change hands at 10,000 gns to the recently established Swellwold Herd of Swell Wold Estates, Stow on the Wold Gloucestershire. Other bulls sold to 7,000 gns for Vicky Jones Knoll General (T and A Durston).

Not to be outdone, the female trade was once again electric with many buyers including five new herds keen to snap up the 70 females present. Leading the prices was Meadown Darkie 19th bred by FR Dart at Tiverton and consigned by G Vellacott, Dulverton, she sold to Peter May's Clannaborough Herd at 3,000 gns.

Many of the other 55 maiden heifers sold between 1,500gns and 2,000gns to give a very pleasing average. With cows and calves in short supply Ken and Olive Farmer sold their nine-year-old cow with calf at foot at 2,300gns to new breeder FJ Verney South Molton.

Breed secretary, Andrew Lane, said this was one of the best days he had experienced in his association with the breed. He added that things for the Red Ruby Devon seem to be getting just better and better as more and more farmers and landowners discover the positive commercial benefits of Red Ruby Devons.

Averages: 22 bulls £3,570, two cows and calves £1,873, five in calf heifers £1,338, 53 maiden heifers £1,309.

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