Edward and John Parkinson, of Dunsop Bridge, headed up the prices again at the prime cattle sale at Skipton Auction Mart on Monday, January 20.

Keen interest from buyers and sellers made for a good sale as the new year got underway.

Flying the flag for the Lancashire contingent, the Dunsop Bridge Parkinsons sold a 605kg British blue heifer to Jeff Burrow, of Kirkby Malham, for a very tidy £1,455 or 240.5p/kg.

Snapping close at their heels was George Cropper, of Baxenden, who followed on at £1,449 or 239.5p/kg with his purchase of a 605kg Limousin cross heifer.

She stepped across the from the Yorkshire border when placed for auction from CD&RF Kitching, of Threshfield.

Top priced steer by weight was a 550kg Limousin cross from F&B Smith, of Westhouse, bought by Robertshaws Farm Shop in Thornton.

George Cropper accounted for the leading heifer by weight. That honour was bestowed on a 545kg Limousin cross at 245.5p/kg from JW Stockdale & Sons, of Burnsall.

Once again the week of trade saw a very good show of cattle with prices a shade easier, particularly for heavy cattle and some of the commercials.

Steers averaged 233.05p/kg for the 465-560kg cattle while the 560kg+ steers averaged 226.56p/kg.

Heifers, all over 485kg, averaged 210.45p/kg.

A bigger entry of heavy dairies in the cull cows, with some on the thick side, saw more favourable gavel action.

They pushed the overall average up to 110.93p/kg or £780.31.

All classes saw a sharper trade, selling to a receptive audience.

Once again Angus continue to be the trade to watch closely with a 36-month 775kg cow brought the to ring from G&MA Lawn, of Skipton.

She reached a selling price of 152.5p/kg or £1,182; almost the same gross as an 830kg pure Limousin cow from J&N Feather, which made 142.5p/kg.

Plain cows saw a very good trade, with the least reaching 82.5p/kg.