CUMBRIA will see a livestock first next month with the sale of more than 150 pedigree Beef Shorthorn cattle from the renowned Ballylinney herd.

The auction, which takes place at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway mart on March 14, is the first time that stock from the Ballylinney herd will be available publicly through a sale ring.

All home bred, the cattle are owned by Derek and Cindy Steen, of Whitcastles Farm near Lockerbie.

The sale includes all of the cattle born in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and comprise of 50 cows carrying second and third calves; 20 first calved heifers with calves at foot; 40 in-calf heifers, due in the spring; 30 maiden heifers;10 bulls, including stock bulls and eight young bulls, three of which are sons of the renowned Fearn Wyvis.

Harrison & Hetherington livestock sales director Scott Donaldson said: “This offering of all of the 2011 - 2013 heifers as well as a number of top class young bulls, gives an unrivalled opportunity for any existing or new breeders to purchase from a high health status herd with some unique breeding, combining breed character with excellent genetics and a sound commercial emphasis.

"Although I expect great interest from pedigree breeders, these cattle will suit any commercial beef producer. The cattle from this sale will be available for direct export, providing an opportunity for buyers to purchase cattle and take them home directly. However, interested parties must pre register their interest in advance.”

Mr and Mrs Steen, who farm 1,500 acres in the Scottish Borders, have a herd of 400 cattle and a breeding flock of 2,500 sheep. They established the Ballylinney herd in Northumberland in 1998, moving to the Borders in 2000.

Frank Milnes, secretary of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, said: “The Ballylinney herd is one of the largest herds of pedigree Beef Shorthorns in the UK. This sale gives very significant opportunities for breeders and commercial farmers to purchase top quality functional cattle with an outstanding temperament, ease of calving and the ability to grow rapidly off grass and forage alone."

To view the herd, call the Steens on 01576-710641

Those interested in viewing the herd beforehand should contact the Steen’s - phone 01576 710641; mobile 07703-581191.