Sale sees excellent entry

Prices of up to £1,800 were recorded at Shrewsbury Auction Centre's successful Christmas dairy show and sale on Tuesday, December 18.

A quality entry of 47 cows and heifers was attracted to the event, sponsored by Hatchers Solicitors and accountants Whittingham Riddell.

Judge David Mathias had his work cut out in both the cow and heifer sections, but awarded the championship to a Comestar Lee heifer from Mr CAS Brassington of Roden, Shrewsbury, which sold at £1,760 to Mr Anthony Mathews of Whitchurch.

Reserve champion was a second calver Comestar Outside cow from Messrs RJ Clare and Partners, Market Drayton, which sold at £1,560 to Mr Thomason of Norbury.

The sale's top price went to a Juror Ford heifer from Messrs Brassington, which realised £1,800. Overall, 30 heifers averaged £1,373 and 12 cows averaged £1,150. Five in-calf heifers sold to a top of £1,120 to average £1,030.

"Only 15 animals out of the entire entry sold below £1,200, underlining the ongoing strength of the dairy trade which seems set to continue in the New Year," said dairy auctioneer David Giles, a director of Halls and chairman of the auction centre.

Pictured: (from left) judge David Mathias presents the cup to championship winner Mr CSA Brassington.