The decision to sell a good portion of the Autumn calving heifers from Bickfield herd was not an easy one. Loss of some summer grazing meant numbers had to be cut. So the Durbin family of Compton Martin, Nr Bristol, offered 41 head of cattle for sale at the Sedgemoor Auction Centre, near Bridgwater. A ringside of supportive local breeders watched keenly as the well turned out cattle were sold.

Top price of 1000g was Lot 146, Bickfield Rainbow 51st a very stylish daughter of Slindon Posies Ambionic whose daughters have made a big impression among the herd. She was purchased by Ian Crouch who also added Lot 154, Bickfield Silver 59th by Treloweth Karen Oak, to the new partnership with Digby Gribble at Chettle.

Fifteen Lots were sold at between 800 and 1000g reflecting the quality of cattle on show. Seven made 700 to 800g and 14 lots sold between 600 and 700g.

Most animals joined mixed herds throughout the southwest. Three stayed in Somerset, 2 went to Cornwall, 8 to Dorset and the rest to Devon, mainly in the Crediton area.

Average price was around 730g. Hopefully the cattle will fare well in their new homes and bring the qualities of the Golden Guernsey to a wider audience.