MORE selective trade was seen at the latest fortnightly Craven Dairy Auction, the March opener reflecting rising costs at every turn, though buyers remained keen to take the best heifers on, while taller, more extreme animals were less sought after. (Mon, March 7)

Georgie Fort-Minish, who runs the Brackenhill herd with husband David on Silsden Moor, took top price of £2,320 with their just turned two-year-old heifer, Brackenhill Curious George who, fresh since February 15, was already at 36kg. She was one of three heading home to regular West Yorkshire purchaser, Mark Goodall, of Tong.

The first prize cow in milk, the fresh 48kg second calver, Aytonian Mandy 64, by Bookem, from the Petch family, again travelling down from Great Ayton, Middlesborough, was the second purchase at £2,250 by Mr Goodall, his third at £2,100 a fresh heifer that formed part of an ongoing dispersal from Ian Hall, who trades at J Dibb in Kilnsey.

Fixture regulars, Brian and Judith Moorhouse, who run the Aireburn pedigree herd in Bell Busk, finished second and fourth in the heifer in milk class, the former also standing reserve champion, both making £2,000.

Show judge Brian Blezard, of Ribchester, selected as his champion Gibraltar Clincher Miranda 2 from first-time vendor David Crane, of Cranes of Stixwold, who made the long trip north from Lincolnshire.

Having sold their milking herd privately in December they are now selling heifers as they calve and their debut victor made £1,900.

Seven heifers in milk averaged £1,917 and five cows in milk £1,430.

The next dairy show and sale is on Monday, March 21.

The same morning’s weekly sale of 44 dairy-bred rearing calves sold to a top of £445 for a British Blue-cross bull from J&JR Clarkson, of Barkisland, who also consigned the £360 top price Blue-cross heifer calf.

All classes of bulls were dearer on the week.

Auctions and forthcoming shows and dates can be found on the Skipton Auction Mart website at:

https://www.ccmauctions.com/ where there are also links to the latest podcasts.