Store cattle in demand

Shrewsbury Auction Centre is appealing for more entries of quality store cattle to satisfy demand from buyers.

An entry of 400 store cattle went under the hammer at a spring prize show and sale at the market last Thursday, with vendors travelling from across Shropshire and border counties.

"The rise in beef prices has been passed on to store cattle, which are in keen demand," said auctioneer James Evans, a director of Halls.

"A wide range of cattle in terms of quality and age were sold to a good trade at the prize show and sale."

Top price at the sale went to A and J Powell, Broniarth Hall, Guilsfield, with a 420 kg Limousin heifer, which sold for £730. Young steers from Messrs O Davies and Son, Ryton Villa Farm, sold for 178p/kg.

Prizewinners:

• Bull section: Messrs JB and JBE Jones, Redhill Farm

• Continental steer section: Messrs Davies, Monksfield Farm

• Continental heifer section: Messrs RJ, EM and AJ Wilson, Church Farm

• Non-continental steer section, DT Cadwaladr, Gibbons Farm

• Non-continental heifer section, Messrs O Davies and Son

Judges were Mr Keith Morris from Picklescott and Mr Nick Hill from Ludlow.

A quality entry is also anticipated for a prize sale of store cattle at Bishop's Castle Auction Centre on Thursday, April 24, where the Barclays Bank Salver will be on offer to the winner.

For more information about the store cattle sales contact Shrewsbury Auction Centre on 01743 462620.