The champion’s prize at Shrewsbury Auction Centre’s September dairy show and sale went to C and SA Brassington from Roden, Telford for heifer Cracking Dalliance Kitty 2 which sold for £3,050.

Reserve champion was WA Jones and Son, Fenns Bank, Whitchurch with another heifer, Malpas Applewood Echo. The judge was Stuart Ford of Minshull Vernon.

“The best heifers were wanted and well bid for throughout the sale and there was no doubt the champion and reserve were two exceptional animals,” said Halls auctioneer and auction centre manager, Jonny Dymond. “Congratulations to both CS and A Brassington and WA Jones and Son.

“These heifers are the result of years of breeding, shrewd purchases and stockmanship which are to be applauded.

“Nearly all the stalls were full with milkers, as 61 went through the ring meeting another wonderful trade from start to finish.

“The entry consisted of the exceptional quality we have come expect on show day at Shrewsbury, with trade peaking at £3,050 twice. However, there was something for everyone, with best Holsteins next to Procross, Norwegian Reds, Ayrshire, Montebeliardes and Freisians.

“The buying power at the ringside is really exceptional, with a strong company of buyers all competing to take 28 of the 61 milkers over the £2,000 mark, with many of these selling for £2,300 or more."

Averages were 17 in-milk cows to £2,620, averaging £1,900, 44 in-milk heifers to £3,050, averaging £1,989, four maiden heifers to £800, averaging £665 and three heifer calves averaging £350.

First time vendor at Shrewsbury, Robert Horton of LF Horton and Sons, Northwich sold Heathleigh Mardi Gras Lively 3, a third lactation cow giving 39kg and completing five generations of very good and excellent dams, for £2,600.

Twenty-one heifers sold for more than £2,180, with 10 over £2,480. Mark Hughes saw a commercial heifer by Peak Altavelvet, descended from a cow of the renowned Brookroad Herd, sell for £2,800.

“Noteworthy is the £1,520 achieved for a sixth lactation Brown Swiss cross from H Davies and Partners," added Mr Dymond, "proving that senior milky ladies have a place at Shrewsbury!”