Long-awaited return

Bernie Hutchinson, Barbers auctioneer and managing partner, reports: "A long-awaited return to Monday night sales for barren cows and OTMS brought, at Market Drayton Livestock Market, a modest entry selling on an improved trade."

With the introduction of green markets it enabled a few more buyers to compete for grazing cows, thus pushing the grade four and plainer cattle, he added.

"The trade would certainly be up on the week with all grades of cattle up nearly five pence and if export arrives you will see a bigger jump.

"The overall average returned at 55p and many more cattle could have been sold to vendors' advantage. Please continue to pre-book cattle for Monday nights as we continue to return to normal. Call me on 07778 164274, Rob Lea on 07813 625787 or the auctioneers office on 01630 652926."

Mr Hutchinson is also thrilled to see the return of green markets the first of which saw a cracking trade throughout for all weights and grades last Wednesday.

With the introduction of two more buyers around the ring and several more accounts the scene was set for a buoyant trade, he said.