Calves in demand at Shrewsbury Auction Centre

More calves are needed to meet strong demand at the Tuesday sale at Shrewsbury Auction Centre, report auctioneers Halls.

Auctioneer Tom Jones said the calf trade was the strongest it had been for around 10 years, with bull calves making up to £350. He is urging farmers to bring their calves to market to establish their true market value rather than selling them privately.

Last Tuesday’s market saw a packed ring of trade and farmer buyers from five counties competing for the calves on offer. Top honours went to Messrs D. R. and B. Trow and Sons with a Limousin bull, which realised £328.

Second and third best prices went to Messrs J. G. and D. J. Francis and Son for Limousins at £325 and £310. Also passing the £300 barrier was Mr J. A. Garmston’s Limousin at £302.

Aberdeen Angus bulls and heifers created a stir, topping at £162 to Messrs R. H. and S. Roberts, while heifers peaked at £295 for a Limousin from Messrs D R. and B. Trow and Sons, followed at £250 by a Belgian Blue from Messrs J G. and D. J. Francis.

Welsh Black bulls sold to £270 and heifers to £155. Friesians topped at £150 to Messrs J. G. and D. J. Francis and Son, followed at £145 to Messrs W. G. Bebbington and Sons.

"Demand for calves is currently outstripping supply, probably due to the price increase for beef," said Mr Jones. "We are attracting between 60 and 100 calves every week and we could sell double that amount.

"There are farmers who continue to sell their calves privately on the farm. I appeal to them to come and support their local market because that is the only way of getting a true price comparison for their stock."