THE first Craven Dairy Auction of the year saw Craven Cattle Mart regular Brian Moorhouse take the red rosette on Monday’s sale opener..

Aireburn Pety Scilla 2, sired by Siemers Mogul Pety out of a home-bred from Mr Moorhouse’s 160-strong milker herd in Bell Busk, was picked out by judge Martyn Jennings, of Cowling.

At 14 day calved and giving 34 litres, she also took the top price when going to Brian Blezzard, of Ribchester, at the fall of the hammer on £2380.

Reserve champion went to first time consignors HS Petch and Sons from Great Ayton.

Aytonian Buttercup 389, five weeks calved and giving 35 litres, was sired by De-Subookem out of a home-bred.

She fetched £2,250 when going to Mark Goodall, of Tong, Bradford.

The show was sponsored by NMR.

In total eight heifers averaged a healthy £1,856, and one fifth-calved cow from Ian Parkinson’s ongoing dispersal made £980.

A total of 68 calves today were also sold, with 21 British Blue bulls selling to an average of £333.

Topping the trade was regular supporter of CCM, J&SA Lancaster, at £400 for a British blue calf, as well as JC Marshall, of Dacre.

British Blue Heifers came to a top of £305 from J&SA Lancaster, with strong bulls with best shape taking between £340 to 400, and others going for over £300.

Due to demand, a similar show is expected next week, although more calves are still required.

Angus bulls could be bought between £215 to £180 for medium young sorts, and Angus heifers at around £140.

Good strong rearing black and white bulls fetched between £58 and £95.

The next dairy sale is January 27, please contact Sarah Liddle on 07710 795585 or Ted Ogden with entries or for more details.

In the meanwhile private sale demand is strong with all classes of stock wanted for retained clients.

Get in touch with the mart if interested.