TRADE was stronger than seen of late at the first of two November Craven Dairy Auctions at CCM Skipton Auction Mart on Monday (November 13).

Judging was completed by a young and enthusiastic Jack Harrison, from Penrith, who is part of the three generation Harrison family at Wickerfield Farm and they backed up his decision when going on to purchase both the show champion and reserve at joint top £2,300 each.

The leading prices were for Ian Hall, who trades as J Dibb at Old Northcote Farm, Kilnsey, with the victor, a 27kg three week calved heifer, and the reserve champion from Peter and Rob Corner, of West Harlsey, Northallerton, with their 36kg Sassaftas heifer, also just over three weeks calved.

Regular Queensbury purchaser Richard Sutcliffe paid £2,000 for another fresh, well-uddered heifer again from Ian Hall, while the sole cow on offer from Calton’s Robert Crisp, 12 days calved and at 28kg in its second lactation, sold to locally Richard Wright and family in Bell Busk. At £1,835, the average was an improvement on the previous dairy sale.

Next up is the annual Christmas Craven Dairy Auction, on Monday, November 25, which will include the final consignment from Sally Wellock and family’s Harehills herd at West House Farm, Oldfield, near Oakworth.

Also on the same day’s busy agenda are annual Christmas shows for dairy-bred rearing calves, cast cattle and cast ewes, while a brand-new Christmas Carol Service is to be staged on Thursday, December 7, at 7.30pm, to be led by Mart Chaplains James Theodosis and Andrew Webb, with Skipton Brass Band also in attendance.

The latest dairy sale day also heralded the return of fortnightly produce sales, with seven lorry loads on offer and round haylage selling to £30 per bale and quads to £35 per bale. Potential purchasers are reminded that sample bales can be inspected on the calf road, with entry listings posted online at www.ccmauctions.com