Patron: His Majesty King Charles III

The dispersal of the main portion of the Lumbylaw herd of over 200 South Devons was a flying success for the breed and the breeder.  After 50 years of breeding pedigree South Devons Robert & Sally Lee took the decision to retire and commissioned Kivells at Exeter to conduct the dispersal of the herd.

A total of 54 buyers from across the country had their pick from a tremendous presentation of quality cattle, auctioneer Mark Bromell commenting that it was one of the best, if not the best herds of South Devons he has had the privilege to sell.  The quality was exceptionally high throughout with great depth of breeding, and clever use of DNA testing and performance recording.

The breed records for dispersal sales were set at a new high for cows, yearling heifers, and bulls, and overall averages were strong.  All three record breakers were from the same family.

Robert Lee’s favourite cow, an 11 year old by Welland Valley Hanbury 10 and from the Snowdrop family – Lumbylaw Snowdrop 135 with pedigree heifer calf at foot – led the way at 7,000 gns to Mr A T Threlkeld from Satterthwaite, Cumbria, and they go to join his pedigree Bowkerstead herd. 

Next highest were two cows with calves selling to M A & C Sandbach & Son from Wadebridge in Cornwall, at 5,800 gns for Lumbylaw Snowdrop 193 and 5,500 gns for Lumbylaw Mary 57.  Another family line offered Z Lumbylaw Mermaid 23 at 5,000 gns to Highgate Farm Partnership from Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

Top of the heifer trade and another dispersal record was the April 2021 born daughter of the top priced cow, Lumbylaw Snowdrop 219, selling at 4,600 gns to Laity Farms, Hayle Cornwall.   

Three senior bulls were presented for sale, with another dispersal record being broken at 8,000 guineas to The Tully Partnership, Waddeton, Brixham, Devon.  This bull, Z Lumbylaw Quintus 8, a polled son of Z Colcharton Brutus 2, was the champion at the breed’s Performance Championships this year held at Beef Expo in Darlington at the end of May, and out of the top priced cow.

Averages: 61 cows with calves £3,405; 11 dry cows due to calve August £2,243; 23 dry cows running with bull £2,166; 15 in calf heifers due to calve August £2,275; 7 heifers running with bull £2,093; 30 yearling heifers £1,759; 3 senior bulls £5,460; 3 yearling bulls £2,835

Auctioneers: Kivells

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