AFTER a weekend of weary, winter conditions and a most unfavourable forecast for the week ahead, Craven Cattle Mart auctioneers were pleased to see such a sharp trade for sheep with lambs at foot for the early show and sale on Monday, March 13.

“We extend our thanks to John Capstick, of Killington, Sedbergh, for undertaking the day’s judging duties” said Ted Ogden, auctioneer.

“John’s choice of 1st and 2nd prize pairs of outfits in the Lowland class sold for top prices, making £340 and £320 per outfit for vendor Messrs B&ME Craven & Son of Kexby, York. The same vendor also made £315 and £300 on Suffolks with Twins.

“Jack Monk of Mellor in Blackburn showed some nice, single outfits and took £195 for his Cheviot Mules and £185 for Texels.”

Monday also hosted an impressive 4000+ prime sheep, including the largest show of hoggs to date this season, leading to another improved average with the SQQ moving up to 262p. At the top end of the prices, William and Mick Oldfield from Gisburn topped again at 376p for 42kg (£158), Messrs Atkinson & Son of Harrogate made 375p for 37kg goods (£139), and EP&JM Hutchinson of Faceby sold 41kg at 370p (£152).

Over in the calf ring, Monday’s modest but strong show of calves saw British Blue bulls selling to £445 from LD&MA Clarke & Sons, Thornton-In Craven. Averaging £350, strong bulls frequently sold at £380-£425. Younger Blue bull calves with less conformation went for £240-£280, whilst Blue heifers sold to £305 from J&JR Clarkson of Barkisland, and Angus bulls sold to £305 from DE&MA Booth, Lothersdale. The small showing of prime cattle saw a lovely Angus Heifer of Hurries Farm take £1336 (243.5p/kg). Trade was strong for cull cows, with Dairy culls selling to 178.5p/kg (£1478) from GB Moorhouse, Bell Busk.