Dairy prices pushed up

Dairy cattle prices at Shrewsbury Livestock Market remain "exceptionally good" despite the severe pressure faced by the industry.

Market chairman David Giles, a director of auctioneers Halls and a dairy specialist, said: "Week after week, the dairy trade at Shrewsbury never ceases to amaze.

Due to limited supply of cattle, numerous buyers are competing extremely well, particularly for the very best. Seldom do the top priced animals in any week fail to reach between £1,100 and £1,200."

The local supply of dairy cattle was boosted tomorrow when a dozen bulling heifers from the Tica pedigree Holstein herd owned by Mike Viner, of Petton, Shrewsbury, went under the hammer followed by the entire milking portion of the 45-head herd.