Bakewell Market

After the fire and the flood that we had a couple of weeks ago we speculated that the next thing might be a plague of locusts.

We never saw any, but last week’s record temperatures and very little rain has made many fields look as if the locusts have actually been.

In terms of the effect on stock numbers we had 1,604 sheep and 486 cattle and the question of keep is clearly on many people’s minds.

Store & Breeding cattle numbers were fair at 212, but trade remains very strong and many more could have been sold before demand was satisfied. Steers sold to £1,470 with heifers to £1,380 and Feeding Bulls £1,280.

If you have Store Cattle and are thinking of selling give Alastair Sneddon a call, Bakewell buyers would certainly like the chance to bid to bid at them.

There was a good show of finished cattle with 100 steers and heifers and 2 young bulls.

Trade remains solid with top figures 300p and £1,921, Steers averaged 246.9p and heifers 245.8p.

OTM and Feeding Cow numbers have picked up with 101 on offer. Top figures 221p and £2,061 per head.

The average much as last week 172.9p.

A nice entry of 53 calves with fresh buyers operating, bulls to £440 and heifers £350.

Over on the sheep department things were distinctly busy with 1,156 lambs on offer the largest entry yet this season.

As might have been expected the price took a big hit at the end of last week and our Monday trade can only be judged as the week progresses.

Top figures 321p and £173.34 per head.

The SQQ average 247.1p

418 cull sheep this week with ewes to £185 average £111.56.