AN Annandale farmer is celebrating after record breaking success with two of his British Blue herd.
At the weekend, Kevin Watret’s Solway View Rafa was crowned both male champion and reserve supreme at the Border British Blue Club’s spring sale in Carlisle and went on to sell for a record-breaking 32,000 guineas.
The November 2021-born black and white bull was bought by judge Nigel Pennie from Wales, who plans to use him to breed show calves.
He said: “Rafa showed exceptional width, shape and style but was also very correct and walked well.”
And the successes from the Solway View herd at Maulcastle, Cummertrees kept coming as sister cow Solway View Ria then went on to take the joint female breed record and sell for 30,000 guineas.
The British Blue Cattle Society said she was considered to be one of the best Blue heifers ever offered for sale and Mr Pennie added: “She had width, shape, power and style and I don’t think we’ll see a heifer like her again for a long time.”
She joins the Coul Herd of Kevin and Sonya Fletcher, near Laggan.
It was a strong day overall for the Watret’s farm, which took many of the top prizes in the show and sold 24 beasts in total, to an average of £9078, with the British Blue Cattle Society describing the herd as the ‘star attraction’.
Kevin said: “What a day. A huge thanks to all the team who helped over the last few days and Connor for looking after things at home.
“A special thanks to my wing man Ali Jackson who spends countless hours and dedication to the Solway View herd.
“He’s been after that record from the day he started so today was extra special to get the breed record and match the female, and amazingly we did it with a brother and sister.”
