Scottish dairy farmers considering investing in new cattle housing are being advised to attend two free cow accommodation events in Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

The events will feature two industry experts who will share their expertise on designing living environments which promote productivity and health.

Both events, organised by the Scottish Dairy Hub and AHDB Dairy, will be held on Tuesday 6th December. There will be a lunchtime meeting at the Radstone Hotel, Larkhall from 11am until 2.30pm and later on the same day there will be a second session at Creebridge Hotel, Newton Stewart, starting at 7.30pm.

Stuart Martin from the Scottish Dairy Hub said: "We have had a noticeable increase in queries about cattle housing over the last few months. Farmers are asking about new sheds, about milking parlours, and about upgrading old units. We decided the best way to guide them was to get in two industry experts on the subject, Ian Ohnstad (an expert on milking technology) and Jamie Robertson (an animal health specialist), so they can get practical advice on the options available."

To book a place and help with catering telephone Sharon on 07876 706 391.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 220 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 250p per kg and an average of 198.8p (-2.3p on the week), while 405 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 242.5p and levelled at 209p (+1.6p). Sixty-seven store, B&W bullocks sold to 147.4p and averaged 131.3p (-3.5p).

In the rough ring 235 beef cows sold to £1570 per head and 182.3p per kg to average 111.5p (-6.3p), while 16 dairy cows peaked at £795 and 104.1p to level at 82.7p (no comparison).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 6 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 224.5p and an average of 206.9p.

There were 64 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to £1101.60 and 144p to average 106.8p, while dairy cows peaked at £957.95 and 127p to level at 81.5p.

The firm also sold 994 prime lambs to a top of £85 per head and 213p per kg to average 173.8p (+8.2p).

A nice show of 285 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £99.50 for Texels and average £59.32 (+£5.38), while light ewes peaked at £58 for Blackfaces and levelled at £38.45 (+£6.17).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1564 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £91 and 197.4p to average 169p (+10.6p).