End of an era

Western Telegraph: From the archive, first published Thursday 1st Sep 2005.

It will be the end of an era on September 24th, when John and Pauline Beynon of Penlan Farm, St Davids, sell their Tyddewi herd of 140 pedigree Welsh black cattle.

The family has been farming at the 200-acre tenanted farm in the shadow of St David's Cathedral since 1890.

Almost the entire herd will go under the hammer, including two mature bulls; three young bulls; 47 cows, of which 32 have calves and the remainder are in-calf; 22 in-calf heifers; 20 maiden heifers and 17 yearling steers.

The Tyddewi herd is famous for its impeccable bloodlines and show successes. There has already been huge interest in the sale, report auctioneers Edward Perkins, of Haverfordwest.

The Beynons are keeping eight animals to take to their new home half-a- mile from Penlan, with its own 40 acres.

John is positive about the move. "I am 73 now and it is time to cut back. I am looking forward to the next phase of my life," he said.