More dairy cattle needed as heifer prices reach a new peak

Shrewsbury Auction Centre is appealing for more dairy cattle entries after heifer prices reached a new high today (Tuesday), averaging £1,938.

The sale’s two top prices both went to Winsbury Livestock Limited of Chirbury, near Welshpool, as a new milched Boss Iron heifer sold at £2,320 followed by a heifer by Starr at £2,300.

Next in line was the best of five heifers from the Cracking herd of Messrs C. S. A. Brassington and Son of Roden, Shrewsbury - a Comestar Outside daughter - that peaked at £2,200. Three more heifers from the same herd sold for £2,000 and above.

Another local and regular vendor, Mr Phil Parry, from Emstrey, Shrewsbury, realised £2,180 for a homebred heifer by Champion.

"The trade has never been better and the only thing that is required is ever greater numbers of cattle at the market," said David Giles, Halls’ dairy expert.

The Christmas Prize Show and Sale of dairy cattle will be held on December 15, preceded on December 8 by a catalogue sale of Holstein youngstock. Entries for both sales will be warmly welcomed.