Exceptional dairy trade continues in Shrewsbury

The new year has begun where 2008 left off - with an exceptional trade for dairy cattle at Shrewsbury Auction Centre.

An entry of 50 cattle on Tuesday (January 20) attracted top prices of £2,100 for heifers, £1,700 for cows and £1,060 for bulling heifers.

Top price of the day went to a Pickston Shottle heifer from regular vendors Messrs J. Allsop and Sons, Enchmarsh. This very good heifer, out of a dam that gave 11,900 kg on her first lactation and 13,700 kg on her second, sold to Mr Colin Hughes of Ellesmere at £2,100.

Top price cow went to Messrs R. Mayall and Daughter, Pymhill for a second calver by a son of Comestar Lee, which realised £1,700.

An entry of 14 maiden heifers from Messrs G. P. and S. C. Whittingham, Bagley sold extremely well to a top of £1,060 for Dragon and £1,040 each for Duce and Reece.

"Even with the recent reductions in milk prices, demand is still ahead of supply, hence the very firm trades throughout the sale," said Halls’ director and dairy specialist David Giles, chairman of Shrewsbury Auction Centre.