Lack of shop demand

There was a more difficult trade at Ludlow Market, with buyers complaining of a lack of shop demand. Best cattle were still easiest sold.

Several of the cattle forward were just too dirty this week. Some buyers were not able to bid for certain animals because of the cost of cleaning them in the abattoir and problems with the MHS.

Medium steers: Best quality to 122p (average 117.9p), standard quality to 113p (109.8p, also rans to 104.5p, overall average to 107.5p

Heavy steers: Best quality to 129p (118.1p), standard quality to 113p (108.3p), also rans to 104.5p, overall average to 108.5p.

Medium heifers: Best quality to 129.5p (121.8p), standard quality to 111p (107.1p), also rans to 104.5p, overall average to 108.4p.

Heavy heifers: Best Quality to 141.5p (121.6p), standard quality to 113.0p (108.1p), also rans to 104.5p, overall average to 111.1p.

A firm level of demand on all of the bulls with the Friesians being easiest sold this week together with some best light export bulls. Light bulls to 102.5p (95p), medium bulls to 128p (106p), heavy bulls to 137.5p (111.8p.)

Cull cows and OTMS Cattle: An excellent entry (198) and another very good trade. Again steaking and plain cows a good trade this week but best cows also keenly competed for.

Grade 1 cows sold up to 103.5p to average 87.6p, grade 2 cows to 79.5p (74.7p), grade 3 cows to 72p (65.3p), grade 4 cows to 58 (50p). Steers up to 84.5p (84.5p), heifers up to 106p (84.2p), bulls up to 64p (54.3p). Overall average to 78.2p per/kg.

Finished Sheep - 3,338: A difficult hogget trade but with prices every bit as good as anywhere else.

Standard hoggets to 117.5p (102.4p), medium hoggets to 110p (102.3p), heavy hoggets to 103.0p (97.8p).