THERE is only one way to start this month’s column, and that is with the one and only Wilodge Poshspice, an awesome Limousin heifer, sold for a cool 250,000gns in the Wilodge Herd sale recently, from Christine and Paul Tippetts here at Carlisle, writes Heather Pritchard.

Not only did we achieve a new record - and a World one at that - but we were also rubbing shoulders with her celebrity namesake, Victoria Beckham.

She responded to this marvellous news with a comment on her Instagram stories, saying: “… and there’s me thinking there is only one Posh!”

News and Star: Picture: Victoria Beckham/InstagramPicture: Victoria Beckham/Instagram

Prior to the end of the year, the word ‘Brexit’ was of course frequently mentioned, and usually ended with the final words ‘well let's see what happens after January 1.’

That date has been and gone now, and we find ourselves eight weeks down the road. For the day to day marketing, finished sheep prices are now at an all time high, but for all classes of stock values have increased.

However, the downside of Brexit is that it has virtually turned off all opportunities to export breeding stock to Northern Ireland.

At the present time, this is also impacting on our Northern Irish customers being able to bring stock to the mainland to sell.

We also have to look towards the pedigree sales now, and in particular the entries which arrive from Northern Ireland into Borderway.

The upcoming sale of Limousins has 12 entries consigned from across the Irish sea, and with the new export restrictions in place it means that livestock can come over to the UK for sale, but this is a one way ticket.

If not sold, the return journey will require a six month quarantine. To allow breeders of all stock to market their genetics into the UK mainland, lets hope that there is a path forward to enable this to happen smoothly before we hit the autumn breeding sheep sales.

Early signs are showing that our Online Timed Auction trading platform will be a key marketing tool for breeders in Northern Ireland, as we have already organised a few sales of pedigree livestock to take place through the spring months.

A glimpse of the highlights at recent sales includes the British Blue Society sale at the end of Januar with first time exhibitors securing the top price of 12,000gns for Devine Optimist, from Martyn Hill and Jenny Devine from Biggar in Lanarkshire.

Earlier I mentioned the Wilodge Limousin Sale which also included a consignment from the Brockhurst herd.

This sale saw twelve animals sell over the 10,000gn mark; Wilodge top four entries at 250,000gns, 25,000gns and 20,000gns twice; and the Brockhurst herd topping at 15,000gns.

Staying with the Limousins, our next beef sale coming up will be the 200 head on offer.

Looking at the entries coming forward via social media, there seems to be some very good bulls coming onto the market.

The commercial beef and sheep sales are continuing to be positive, and prices are being maintained to that of recent weeks. The dairy sector is another area which is continuing to be strong with both numbers and trade.

Lastly, we continue to operate on the Drop & Go system.