TB again and Darlington sale

[Louisa Gidney]

Good to see that cattle coming into the north & east of the country are to be specially TB tested. Finally, someone has twigged that TB breakdowns in these regions are the direct result of bringing in cattle from outside the area.
I see in the local paper that Darlington Mart is having an inaugural rare breeds sale on 26th September. There appears to have been no liason with breed societies as I've received no other notification. Timing is bad as it clashes with Masham sheep fair and it's only 5 days from show day at York sale.

[Rob R]

I kept checking for the catalogue online but it never appeared - how do mart's manage to make any money!?

[Louisa Gidney]

I've spoken to one person who took Soays to Darlington and was not impressed with the sale. A very broad interpretation of "rare" breed, lack of publicity & buyers, prices poor after entry fee, commission & VAT deducted. Some Dexters present but "plain" cattle.
Is it worth Northern Dexters making representation for a change of date, as September is frantic with local shows as well as rare breed sale season. A local sale would be great but no point without promotion.