DARLINGTON Farmers Auction Mart (DFAM) has held its final Christmas primestock show and sale of cattle in its current location.

Having operated in the town centre since 1887 DFAM is due to be relocated in the spring of 2020. Therefore it was quite fitting that this historical show and sale was judged by Paul Garthwaite of Taylors Butchers, Darlington - a local family business established by Harry Taylor in 1922 and now expanded throughout the region to eight other butchers shops, including Ferryhill, Durham, Richmond, Belmont and Blackhall Colliery.

All at the mart expressed their appreciation to Paul, not only for his expert judging on the day, but for his family's continued support over the years with the purchasing of cattle on a weekly basis. Having cast his expert eye over the wonderful show of cattle presented to him, the championship was finally awarded to Ricky Alder, Woodhill Farm, Ponteland, a much valued, long-time supporter of DFAM, for his British Blue Heifer, which subsequently topped the market at 350ppk, realising £1,837, and was purchased by Paul Taylor of behalf of Taylors Butchers, Darlington.

The reserve champion and the best beast of opposite sex to the champion was awarded to Darlington Mart's very own Georgina Laws, High Village Farm, for a British Blue steer which was bid to 252ppk realising £1,678 and was purchased by Willis Piper, Butchers – Easington Lane.

The Ben Craggs Memorial Trophy for the best homebred beast, kindly donated by Mr J Craggs, Glower over Him, in memory of his son, was presented to Robin Gilson, Old Park Hall Farm, for his Limousin Steer, selling to 268ppk – realising £1,578 and purchased by Michael Jewitt on behalf of JA Jewitt Ltd, Spennymoor.

The bull classes were kindly judged by Alan Mullaney of Hartshead Meats, Ashton-under-Lyne, awarding the championship to Keith Metcalfe and Chris Dawson of JK&CE Farming, Blue House Farm, Piercebridge, for their Limousin bull, which sold to 230ppk, realising £1,554, and was purchased by another local butcher, Darlington Indoor Market-based A Mulholland Family Butchers.

DFAM thanked all the exhibitors and customers for their time and effort in presenting their cattle for the show, and their continued support throughout 2019, and is looking forward to the 2020 primestock show at its new location at Humbleton Park.

Thursday 28th November – Darlington Auction Mart had forward:

114 Bulls sold to 230ppk & £1744

38 Steers sold to 268ppk & £1678

108 Heifers sold to 350ppk & £1837

1820 Lambs sold to 236ppk & £118

696 Cast Sheep sold to £120