An exceptionally strong trade from start to finish was reported by auctioneers Halls as 145 dairy cattle went under the hammer in front of a good company of buyers at Shrewsbury Auction Centre on Tuesday.
The auction included the dispersal of a herd of 119 cattle by G. F. Kempster and Son, Oswestry. Top price in the herd was £2,250 for a Keystone Potter January calved 2C giving 30.30 kilos.
Waholdon Marshall Harry daughters sold to a high of £2,150 with many realising £2,000, a Regancrest RB Miles fresh heifer sold to £2,190 and a mid-lactation 2C Markwell Durham Rhythm sold to £2,150. Mid-lactation heifers by Mr Regal Creek Shot-Al also sold to £2,150.
“The longevity in the herd spoke volumes and, with many aged cows forward, the average of £1,554 was a great achievement,” said David Giles, Halls’ director and dairy specialist.
There was also a good entry of dairy cattle from other vendors, as cows sold to £2,250 and heifers to £2,480.
A lovely show of fresh heifers saw Richard Howard of Ellesmere lead the way with a Matson daughter at £2,480 followed by Homestead at £2,400. W. H. Higgins of Wilderley Hall Farms, Shrewsbury also sold heifers by Mammoth and Joylan Specialist for £2,400 and £2,000 respectively.
Other excellent prices were £2,020 and £2,000 respectively for heifers by Groovy and Douglas from Pimhill and £2,000 for a heifer from T. W Goldstraw, Audlem by a son of Baxter.
“With strong demand from buyers, I would appeal to dairy farmers across Shropshire and bordering counties to keep bringing their cattle to market in Shrewsbury,” added Mr Giles.