Kentish Express Ashford & District
Market Prices
Finished Sheep – 2266 Sold: This week saw a difficult trade with overall averages now back by some 50p per kg in two weeks, a significant drop in such a short time. Today’s trade proved to be difficult and selective with all buyers looking to purchase well fleshed lambs while the leaner sorts were further heavily discounted. The majority of heavy weight lambs grossed in the £75 to £80 bracket and made up to £86.50 for 52kg continental crosses from J Smith and £86 from the North School. Medium weights generally grossed either side of £70 and the majority of lighter weights £58 up to £67.50 (187.50p) for smart 36kg Beltexs from J A Cox. The leaner and under finished sorts selling at lower levels with the majority grossing £55 to £62 and averaging 145.34p.
A small entry of hoggets and 2 tooth hoggets saw the majority selling in the £45 to £57 bracket.
Cull Ewes and Rams – 657 Sold: There were slightly more ewes penned this week than last and they met a more difficult trade throughout. Big ewes were harder to sell which would suggest the current Muslim fasting is still having an impact on the trade. Leaner sorts to keep alive and improve would still look well sold with the continuing dry weather conditions.
Top Prices on the day included Suffolk crosses to £84 from AJ Thompson & Sons, Beltex ewes to £81 from J Cox and Romneys to £67 from R H Kingston.
Finished Cattle – 130 Sold including 13 Young Bulls: This week saw a few more numbers come forward with quality being maintained amongst the yarded and fed, but a bit more variability amongst the grass types once again. Trade is easing a little as numbers increase slightly nationally and also from our Irish neighbours. Bull numbers have increased quite significantly in the North which has a short term effect of increasing production but at lower carcase weights than if taking them through to heavier older steers. We had good competition from a large attendance of buyers around the ring and we are seeing a slight mid summer adjustment to price - no surprise!
Congratulations to the High Weald Academy whose outstanding British Blue steer, bred by Mrs W Turley, sold at a new record price of 258p with their Limousin heifer making the double on the day at 248p. There were some good quality cattle at the top end, several of which had been shown in the summer show season.