The inaugural Red Ruby Devon Spring Connection Sale at South Molton mid-April attracted many people but there was a reluctance to buy as ground conditions are still wet and fodder stocks low.

The cattle that caught the buyers' eye were keenly sought after topping with four year old bull Beechlea Major consigned by breeder Nick Hill of Winkleigh. This son of Ashott Barton Merlin out of an Essington cow met fierce bidding, levelling at £2520 and finding a new home with local organic farmer Tim Budden.

G Dart & Sons sold a two year old bull Champson Top Gun, a Knowstone Troy son out of their Clara family, to Ray Auvery of Bideford at £2205.

Mr Auvery also took 24 heifers and a cow. The cow was consigned by Mrs Heather Darwin from Holsworthy and bred by Mike and Dani Cowell from their renowned Camilia family and it sold empty at £1155.

The best of the two year old heifers from Donald and Margaret Elliott’s Cutcombe herd sold at £966. The best yearling from Messrs TJ & CA Jakins Plymouth sold at £840.

There was a good entry of steers which achieved £750 for Nick Hill.

Semen sales were strong with Thorndale Assaratii at £52.50, Yeomadon Ferdinand at £42, Boskenna Donal at £31.50 and Whitefield Mark My Word at £26.25.

Andrew Lane ran the sale in conjunction with Stags