Friday 28 October 2011

Away day again... The Holme (Newcastleton) blue grey sale

 
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Once again Shep disappeared off to a mart. Just over the border into Scotland is Newcastleton, renowned for it's two day sale of blue grey cattle. Yup! you heard right - cattle, not sheep for once. Once again the offer of a lift was made and Shep took it up, I was grinning to myself that I keep turning up at marts with different fellas - they say variety is the spice of life!

Newcastleton Mart has long been a focal point for blue grey cattle sales, a trip down memory lane as in my youth, when first working, the boss and I used to sell cattle there and low and behold, the mart and sale still exist. Other sales we attended at Haltwhistle, Rothbury and Bellingham no longer exist but Newcastleton does!

I did attend the mart half a dozen years ago but since then there have been further changes, subtle and necessary changes. The pens have been rebuilt, wooden gates have been replaced by metal ones, but other than that there is little difference since many years ago when we would be selling cattle there. The mart still retains it's character.Quite a treat nowadays!

I've written in the past that I have a soft spot for the humble Galloway cow, a black, hairy, hardy beast which used to prolific in hill areas. The blue grey is a cross bred beast out of the Galloway, sire being a White Shorthorn. The end result being a hardy beast with less hair than the mother possesses, a good carcase animal which will cross well with continental breeds. It also tends to take on a grey look, which I guess is what you get when you cross black with white! There are a variety of colourations, with 'red' ones thrown on occasion also.
 
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Cattle waiting to enter the ring
 
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suckler calves in the ring being sold There are a range of ages of heifers on sale on the first day of the two day sale, there are ones such as these known as sucklers, weaned straight off their mothers and taken to be sold. These were off Ottercops and realised £460 each.
 
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There are then bulling heifers such as the ones above from High Thorneyburn. These are mature, a year older than the suckler calves and old enough to go to the bull, hence the reason they are known as bulling heifers. The consigment from this particular farm averaged £1,027 a head. It is also possible to buy incalf heifers at the sale. Those which have been run with a bull and served, they have usually been 'scanned' and are guaranteed in calf.
 
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Cattle penned up after they have been sold, as you can see, there is an odd 'red' one. Notice the numbered labels on their rumps, these are attached to the beast prior to going into the ring, quite literally stuck on with glue which eventually weathers off and causes no discomfort to the animal at all. The numbered labels give everyone a quick and easy reference as to the animal and who bought it. These cattle are now waiting to be loaded onto a wagon and head for their new homes where they will hopefully live and breed for a few years to come.

The day didn't quite go as planned, there were issues with cars, trying to be organised Shep waited patiently outside her cottage for the arranged lift to appear, not knowing they were trying to 'phone me to inform me they had broken down. There must be something in the air.......... Eventually all was sorted and I found myself able to return favours, come to the rescue and take my own car, which still looks clean and respectable due to the fact I have only had it for a week, my passengers didn't have cause to hold their noses during the journey!
 
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I'll leave you with this shot of two Highland heifers which were the last cattle through the ring, I thought they looked cute, a bit of a teddy bear look about them. The second day of the sale is for bullocks (castrated male calves) which will also range from 6 - 18 months of age. Shep wont be in attendance, breeding sales are more interesting and work needs to be done.

12 comments:

Dafad said...

Hi Shep,
No need to publish this comment. Sounds as is you've been busy and, have a new set of wheels. Hurrah!
A friend suggested that I let you know about my attempts at a blog.
So, only if you want to, check out dafads-days.blogspot.com
Yours inspired me to give it a go!
Happy Halloween, where on my blog,
sheep make a silly appearance.
All the best.

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johnscena said...

Away days can be a great way to break up the monotony of work and get to know your colleagues better. However, they can also be a bit of a drag, especially if they're not well-planned or if you're not in the mood for team-building activities.
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sanradavid said...

It looks like you're talking about going on a "blue grey sale" and taking a "away day" to "The Holme" in Newcastleton. "The Holme" could be a reference to a particular Newcastleton location, establishment, or event space. A "blue grey sale" could be any kind of sale that features both blue and grey goods.

Check the date, time, and venue of the event, along with any special information or deals associated with the sale, if you intend to attend. Additionally, because event specifics and safety precautions can change, think about verifying whether any unique needs or COVID-19 rules are in effect. Have fun during the event today!

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Ralphsjo said...

The "Away Day Again... The Holme (Newcastleton) Blue Grey Sale" review captures the essence of a noteworthy event with commendable brevity. It highlights the engaging nature of the blue-grey sale, portraying it as an exciting and anticipated occasion. The review notes the venue, "The Holme" in Newcastleton, as a fitting backdrop for the event, adding to its appeal. The tone reflects enthusiasm, suggesting a positive experience and successful sale. In summary, a concise and upbeat review that encapsulates the essence of the Holme blue-grey sale away day.
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Hudson said...

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The Holme (Newcastleton) blue grey sale was a fantastic experience, with a well-organized event and an impressive range of items. The quality of the products was excellent, showcasing the unique style and craftsmanship of the region. The staff at The Holme were friendly and knowledgeable, providing excellent customer service. The lively atmosphere created a vibrant shopping experience, allowing attendees to connect with fellow blue grey enthusiasts and learn about the history and significance of these items. The sale is highly recommended for anyone interested in adding elegance and tradition to their home, with a variety of items available and reasonable prices for the quality offered.

Robert said...

Wow, what an insightful post on Shepherd's blog! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thoughts on this topic. Your writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to dive into each paragraph. I really appreciate how you broke down the complex concepts and presented them in a way that's accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
The way you explained the importance of shepherding in today's society was eye-opening. Your perspective on the ways shepherds guide, protect, and care for their flocks, and how these qualities can be applied to our own lives, was truly thought-provoking. It reminded me of the power of leadership and the responsibility we all have in nurturing and guiding those around us.
Thank you for sharing such valuable insights on Shepherd's blog. I'm looking forward to future posts that continue to challenge and inspire your readers. Keep up the fantastic work!

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derrickmusa said...

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The text acknowledges the informative content about The Holme (Newcastleton) blue grey sale and suggests including unique features to help potential buyers understand its value. It encourages descriptive language to create an engaging review, and suggests sharing personal experiences or anecdotes to add authenticity. The text concludes by summarizing key points and expressing anticipation for future events or sales hosted by The Holme (Newcastleton).

Robert said...

Oh, another away day adventure! Exploring new places is always exciting, isn't it? The Holme in Newcastleton sounds like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. And a blue grey sale? That definitely got my attention! I can only imagine the gorgeous pieces they have on offer.
It's wonderful to stumble upon unique sales like these, where you can find something special that perfectly complements your style. And let's not forget the thrill of finding a great deal!
I'm definitely adding The Holme to my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing this exciting update. Do let me know if you find any other interesting places or sales like this. Happy exploring!

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yara said...

"Away day again... The Holme (Newcastleton) blue grey sale" offers a unique shopping experience for those seeking quality blue-grey items. From stylish apparel to home decor, this sale showcases a diverse range of products to suit every taste. With its picturesque setting and friendly atmosphere, it's more than just a shopping trip—it's a memorable outing. Don't miss out on the chance to discover hidden treasures at The Holme's blue-grey sale!
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