HOWARD Quayle, president of the Manx National Farmers' Union, proved himself one of Britain's leading breeders of pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle, indeed of beef animals of any breed, when he took four bulls to the world renowned Perth bull sales in Scotland and sold them to a top price of 9,000 guineas (£9,900).

The bulls from his Ballavitchel herd reared at Crosby or at Ballahowin, St Marks, had been in Scotland for a month where they were tended and prepared for the sale by a friend, Richard Rettie.

'It was a nostalgic occasion and Aberdeen Angus breeders were out in force for the last sale at Perth before the annual event moves to Stirling,' said Howard.

The first pedigree sale at Perth was held in 1865 and for many years the show and sale were held in the street until when trade grew a new auction mart was built.

Mr Quayle's offering brought the best average a Manx breeder has achieved, probably ever, the four bulls settling at £6,300 compared with the overall average on the day of £4,921 for a total of 129 Angus bulls.

His top bull, named Ballavitchel Barclays Prem, made 9,000 guineas to J. R. Galloway of Doune, and not far behind was Ballavitchel Power fetching 8,500 guineas (£8,850) to Messrs McFarlane of Duns.

The dearer bull was judged reserve intermediate champion.

Two lower priced bulls, still exceptionally high for a breeding bull, were Ballavitchel Blackmagic, selling at 3,800 guineas to a breeder in Kinloss, and Ballavitchel Black Knight at 3,000 guineas to a buyer near Berwick.

Howard Quayle founded two pedigree beef cattle herds at Ballavitchel which is close to Crosby Village.

They covered two breeds, the native Aberdeen Angus and the French derived Limousin.

Two years ago he sold his Limousin to make room for more Angus.

The decision has proved a wise one for at Perth there was a keen demand for Angus. Limousin averages dropped on last year.

As well as running his farm with his wife, Lorraine, Howard has much on his plate in farming politics.

Manx agriculture is in the throes of adopting the Single Farm Payment instead of government support on individual enterprises, the introduction of the Countryside Care Scheme and continued direction from the all-powerful European Union.

A busy man indeed with all his responsibilities.