An exceptional trade for suckled calves saw prices peak at £2,850 at Bishops Castle & District Quality Cattle Association’s sale in the Shropshire border market town on Thursday.
The Perpetual Jack Bedell Challenge Cup was won by J. A. Wood and Sons from Ratlinghope, near Church Stretton for an superb pen of British Blue cross steers.
The show and sale at Bishops Castle Auction Mart was conducted by Halls director and auctioneer James F. Evans and the judge was Mr Jack Gibson, Rugby.
“It was an outstanding day, with 163, top quality calves selling to an astronomical trade, the likes of which have rarely been seen before in the region,” said Mr Evans. “Buyers from every area of England and Wales were keen throughout, resulting in prices soaring by up to £600 per head and £200ppk on last year’s levels.
“The trade was on fire across all breeds and qualities, and we could have sold many more calves. Congratulations to all vendors and purchasers on a sale that truly showcased the quality and strength of the district’s suckled calves.”
Eighty-four steer calves averaged 518p per kilo or £1,828 – up 152ppk and £544 on October last year – and peaked at £2,260 or 585ppk, while 78 heifer calves averaged 551ppk or £1,858 – up 201ppk and £678) on last October – peaking at 666ppk or £2,850. The top prices in both section were achieved by J. A. Wood & Sons.
The steer breed averages were: 41 British Blue cross 515ppk and £1,868, eight Charolais cross 487ppk and £1,660 and 35 Limousin cross 524ppk and £1,800. Heifer breed averages were: 17 British Blue cross 582ppk and £2,070, 13 Charolais cross 463ppk and £1,524 and 48 Limousin cross 562ppk and £1,868.
Leading steer prices: British Blue cross: £2,260 from J. A. Wood & Sons and £2,120 and £2,100 from Bowen & Bowen, Brooks. Charolais cross: £1,880 from Fernyhough & Fernyhough, Newtown, £1,680 from B. & M. James, Newtown. Limousin cross: £2,120 from J. H. M. Williams & Co, Llanidloes and £2,080 and £2,010 from J. A. Wood & Sons.
Leading heifer prices were: British Blue cross: £2,850, £2,450 and £2,400 from J. A. Wood & Sons. Charolais cross: £1,750 and £1,670 from D. W. R. Reynolds, Knighton. Limousin cross: £2,140, £2,070 and £2,060 from J. A. Wood & Sons.
Entries are now being accepted for Halls’ November suckled calf prize sale at Bishops Castle is being held on Thursday, November 27. “A large entry of calves is required to meet the exceptional demand,” added Mr Evans.
Contact Mr Evans on Tel: 07581 552438, Jonny Dymond on Tel: 07803 412617, Nick Griffiths on Tel: 07748 306442, Henry Hyde on Tel: 07398 137343, Tom Jerman on Tel: 07948 080906 or Bishops Castle Auction on Tel: 01588 638639
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