Concern about availability of dairy cattle to meet demand

The chairman of Shrewsbury Auction Centre has appealed for more dairy cattle entries and expressed concern about the ability of local supply to meet the spring demand at market.

’Trade has certainly firmed in recent weeks due to a shortage of cattle available and with the winter now largely behind us,’ said David Giles, auctioneers Halls’ dairy cattle expert.’

’It is difficult to see where cattle will come from to fill the usual spring demand, which will very shortly be upon us.’

He made his comment following a successful weekly livestock market in Shrewsbury on Tuesday, which saw an Enchmarsh heifer by O-Bee-Jonah, bred by Messrs J. Allsop and Son of Church Stretton, sell for ’2,420.

The exceptionally well-grown heifer, out of a Zenith dam and a 12,500 litre Zelatti grand dam, is currently giving 39kg of milk.’ Next highest price was a Goldwyn daughter from Messrs S. J. Pickering, Shrewsbury at ’2,250.’ Overall the entry averaged ’1,941.’