CONGRATULATIONS go out to the Ayrton family, who took home the title of dairy champion at Craven Cattle Mart’s bi-monthly show and sale of dairy cattle, held on Monday 20th March.
The champion - Hawbank Lightyear Violet 71, sired by Genus ABS bull OCD Yoda Lightyear, is pictured here with herdsman Tom Saxby, alongside sponsor Helen Whittaker of NMR. She was judged Champion by People’s Choice, giving 28kg having freshened on 28th February. Following the sale, she heads home with Richard Sutcliffe for £2200. At the same price, again from Andrew and Louise Ayrton, was the fresh 2nd calver, placed Reserve Champion.
Don’t miss the next dairy sale, which includes the Spring Youngstock sale - Easter Monday (10th April). Entries to Sarah Liddle, Dairy Co-Ordinator: 07710 795585 In another busy start to the week, Monday’s market hosted a nice entry of calves, with Blue bulls averaging £378 overall; prices ranging £250-£480. Best calves £420-£480, mediums sold at £370-£400 and younger goods £270-£330. Auctioneer Jeremy Eaton reported trade for Blue heifers “shifted up a gear, with a strong show put forward”.
Following the monthly show of calves, this month judged by Tom Heseltine of Bolton Abbey, 19 Blue heifers sold to an average of £313, with Paul & Janet Bolland of Airton topping at £395 for their Blue. Nice, medium goods averaged £300-£340 and the younger end £255-£290. Limousin bulls sold to £500 from G Hayton & EC Stocks, Bolton Abbey. Primarily younger natives were put forward, with Angus bulls selling at £220-£260 and heifers selling at £100-£145. Black & White bulls sold to £130 from J Drake, Queensbury.
A smaller showing of prime and cast cattle saw Francis and Andrew Smith of Masongill produce 2 high quality steers, one of which - a Limousin weighing 559kg - lead the prices at 332.5p/kg (or £1859) when selling to Knavesmire Butchers in York. The leading heifer was a 482kg British Blue cross from E&M Townley&Sons which joined the same buyer for 330.5p/kg (or £1593).
Pirme cattle, cast cattle and rearing calves every Monday from 10.30am.
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