THOUGH prices were once again softer than many seen throughout much of 2023, the late October dairy sale at Skipton's Craven Cattle Mart saw a dozen quality milkers on offer, all finding new homes with six purchasers.

James, Janet, and Percy Bolland from Airton consigned another widely admired and correct batch of quality milkers as part of their ongoing dispersal, with a second calver and four heifers all less than four weeks calved. Again, they were victorious with the top three placings in the heifer in milk class under Monday’s judge, Andrew Ayrton.

Top honours went to the 27kg/day yielding Pine Tree London sired heifer, which was the pick of Alf Townsend at the day's top price of £2,000. The four fresh heifers from the Bolland family averaged £1,730, while the day's overall average came out at a reasonable £1,502.

Robert Crisp presented a big, strong 30-litre heifer; one of five bought by the day’s volume purchaser John Howard, Gargrave, at £1,800. Mr Crisp’s two second-calvers included the day’s first prize cow and overall reserve champion, with both cows heading to the Wright family, at Airton.

For the full report, plus reports from Monday’s prime stock and rearing calves sales, please head to www.ccmauctions.com.

The next dairy sale is on Monday, November 13