Cattle still in firm demand

There were 541 Finished Cattle at Ludlow Market recently and a good firm level of demand throughout with some nice cattle on offer.

Butchers heifers would be in greatest demand selling up to 140.5 pence. The trade felt better however right the way through, with steers topping at 132.0 pence and bulls 129.0 pence. Prices were as follows:

LIGHT STEERS - Best quality to 109.0p av. 109.0p; Also rans to 84.5p; Overall average 96.8p.

MEDIUM STEERS - Best quality to 132.0p av. 122.2p; Standard quality to 110.0p av. 107.9p; Also rans to 103.5p; Overall average 107.4p.

HEAVY STEERS - Best quality to 128.5p av. 119.0p; Standard quality to 114.0p av. 109.0p; Also rans to 104.5p; Overall average 108.4p.

LIGHT HEIFERS - Standard quality to 114.0p av. 114.0p.

MEDIUM HEIFERS - Best quality to 140.5p av. 125.4p; Standard quality to 112.5p av. 108.9p; Also rans to 103.5p; Overall average 110.1p.

HEAVY HEIFERS - Best quality to 136.5p av. 122.3p; Standard quality to 114.0p av. 107.8p; Also rans to 103.5p; Overall average 112.2p.

The bulls were a firm level of demand right the way through, with medium bulls to 122.5p av. 104.1p; heavy bulls to 129.0p av. 109.2p.

There were 68 Cull Cows & OTMS Cattle making it a very strong trade indeed. Steers to 99.5 pence. Plenty of good cows above 90.0 pence. Prices were as follows: Grade 1 cows to 95.5p average 86.21p, Grade 2 cows to 79.5p average 73.24p, Grade 3 cows to 69.5p average 65.39p, Grade 4 cows to 57.0p average 46.33p, steers to 99.5p average 88.41p, old bulls to 66.5p average 65.81p. Overall average 67.9p.

There were 4,031 Finished Sheep. A very good lamb trade with quality again at a marked premium. Prices were as follows: Light lambs to 115.0p average 114.0p; Standard lambs to 148.5p average 126.7p; Medium lambs to 151.5p average 125.4p; Heavy lambs to 124.0p average 118.0p.

Export quality lambs sold up to 151.5p average 130.5p and home trade lambs to 125.0p average 122.7p.

The killing ewes were a marvellous trade again with ewes actually up to £72.50 and an overall average of £42.50. Rams to £56.50 average £45.50. More needed.