A flying trade at sale

The were 250 prime cattle on sale at Bridgnorth's red market on January 29.

There was a flying trade with many more cattle required to satisfy demand. An overall average just short of 130p/kg resulted, including the bulls.

Butchers and wholesalers are slowly 'acclimatising' themselves to the dearer beef prices - lets hope the housewife will be able to do the same. The strong value of the Euro against sterling is aiding exporters.

The immediate future is set fair with butchers' cattle eagerly fought for with heifers to 165p/kg and passed 150p/kg on many occasions. Steers sold to 154.5p/kg, with ordinary shaped bullocks exceptionally dear. Very few

cattle except for the odd fat heifer sold below 120p/kg.

Young bulls were in very short supply and trade was very hot, with Continentals to 160p/kg and 158p/kg for export orders. Bulls realised over £1,000 on occasions which should encourage feeders to keep in the bull job. Holsteins were dearer still, selling to 118p/kg.

There were 37 Over Thirty Month Cattle on show but there was a disappointing entry of cows and many more are required on this trade.

Cows and OTM clean cattle were as dear as they have been to date, with Charolais heifers to 110p/kg, Holstein cows to 90p/kg and Hereford bullocks to 95.5p/kg. Overall cows averaged 83p/kg with no best cows forward today. Friesian bulls sold to 85p/kg and Limousin bulls to 79p/kg for 980kg.

There were1027 lambs at market with an overall sale average of 116p/kg resulting, selling to 141p/kg for 41_kg and £65.10 for 46kg at 140p/kg. Best meated lambs were in short supply, with customers looking to buy good shaped finished lambs.

Commercial sheep were keenly sought after, with the home trade very busy. 310 lambs over 45kg averaged £55 with a significant amount realising £60 plus. Lightweights sold to 112p/kg for 32kg with quality mixed.

More lambs are required for next week with a new customer expected in attendance

Thre were 251ewes of which Continental ewes sold to £46.50 with only the very best sheep over £40. North Country Mules sold to £34, lean Suffolks to £28, Beulahs to £22 and Welsh to £21.80.