Bakewell market
Immediately before the sale, prizes were awarded to the four drovers who had scored the highest marks at the master drovers conference at Bakewell last week. They were Bill Jackson, Joe Jackson, Rob Frith and Rob Hall. The assembled company added their congratulations with a hearty round of applause.
The equivalent market 12 months ago was severely affected by snow. Happily, this year the weather was mild and a total of 600 cattle and 1,995 sheep were on sale.
There were 311 store and breeding cattle on offer – an exceptional entry for the time of year.
Buyers were out in force and a good trade prevailed. Steers sold to £1,195, heifers to £970 and feeding bulls to £900.
In the breeding section cows and calves to £960 and in calvers £750. A decent selection of 107 finished cattle sold and a respectable trade with the best on offerto 230p/kilo £1474 per head.
The 42 heifers averaged 188.4p giving an idea of price levels. There were 116 OTM and feeding cows with top prices of 167p and £1173. Quality was in short supply hence the overall average at 99.4 pence.
66 calves this week with the bulls to £475 and heifers £180.
Turning to the sheep department there were 1394 finished lambs with the best on offer to
237p and £114 per head. The SQQ averaged a healthy 191.2p, and finally the cull sheep. 601 forward with the top price £137 and the average £59.18.
116 OTM, BARREN & FEEDING COWS – OVERALL AVE 99.5P
Plenty of numbers about nationally with no real improvement in trade. Heifers (31months) topped the day at 167p from Messrs Simpson, Bradwell with a run of Limmys from Boden & Davies selling at 155p, 154p, 150p etc. once again numerous cows selling for further feeding with buyers actively looking for cows with potential to improve their value.
54 Black & White and ex dairy cows - ave 90.2p
A very similar trade to last week with the best well bid for and nicely over 105p. Good Holstiens 95-105p, Plainer sorts 80-90p and very lean cows under 80p.
Top prices: 167p/kg 542kg Lim AC Simpson, Bradwell; 155p/kg 654kg Lim Boden & Davies Ltd, Mellor; 154p/kg 674kg Lim Boden & Davies Ltd; 150p/kg 572kg Lim JT & JW Woodfine, Radbourne; 150p/kg 688kg Lim Boden & Davies Ltd; 148p/kg 586kg Lim JT & JW Woodfine; 144p/kg 572kg Lim JT & JW Woodfine; 138p/kg 656kg BB x EA Gagie, Uttoxeter 135p/kg 690kg Lim Boden & Davies Ltd.
Gross Prices:
£1,058.40 882kg Char Boden & Davies, Mellor; £1,041.04 676kg Hols JE & CM Fletcher, Peak Forest; £1,037.96 674kg Lim Boden & Davies; £1,032.00 688kg Lim Boden & Davies; £1,013.70 654kg Lim Boden & Davies; £988.80 824kg Lim AT Turner, Hatton;
£978.88 874kg Hols WJ Sessions, Hilton; £931.50 690kg Lim Boden & Davies; £926.50 850kg Hols E Mellor, Over Haddon; £910.80 828kg Hols WJ Sessions, Hilton. 5 OTM Bulls