FIRST Milk has announced that a seventh consecutive milk price cut in as many months will come into effect from December 1 when it will reduce its liquid pool price by 1.4p per litre (ppl) to 22.7ppl and the price of milk destined for its manufacturing pool by 1.8ppl to 24ppl.

Chairman Sir Jim Paice MP commented: "The major reason for this drop is that liquid and cheese returns have fallen over the last month."

Market round-up

Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 20 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 242.5p per kg and an average of 186.6p (-28.9p on the week), while 19 prime, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 233.5p and levelled at 192.4p (-8.3p). Nine prime, dairy-bred bullocks sold to 164.5p and averaged 141.2p.

Twenty-four prime, beef-bred bulls sold to 228.5p and averaged 190p (+2.5p), while 65 prime, dairy-bred bulls peaked at 172.5p and levelled at 135p (-14p).

In the rough ring, 113 beef cows averaged 118.9p (+5.2p) and 133 dairy cows levelled at 79.7p (-6p). Seven bulls averaged 85.1p (-18.4p). The firm also sold 2,464 prime lambs to a top of £108.80 per head and 265.3p per kg to average 173.4p (+6.4p). The 138 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £101.50 (Suffolks) and £75 (Hill Cheviots).

John Swan Ltd sold 60 prime heifers in St Boswells yesterday to a top of 248p and an average of 212.6p (-3.8p), while 26 prime bullocks peaked at 239p and levelled at 219p (+0.6p).

In the rough ring, 80 beef-type OTM cattle averaged 117.9p (-6.1p).

The firm also sold 2,259 prime lambs to £88 and 214p to average 168.7p (+13p).

The 778 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £120 for a Suffolk and £62 for Lleyns, with the overall average levelling at £64.27.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 2,044 prime lambs at Ayr yesterday to £84 and 186.7p to average 161.1p (+10.9p). The auctioneers remind producers that from next Monday all lambs must be clean and have their bellies clipped.

There was also a smaller show of 536 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £110 for Texels and £69 for Blackfaces, with the overall average levelling at £57.53 (+£2.94).

Lawrie & Symington Ltd sold 15 prime heifers in Lanark yesterday to 255p and an average of 216.8p (-5p), while 11 prime, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 236p and levelled at 218.4p (+4.8p). Nine prime, B&W bullocks sold to 148.8p and averaged 145.3p (+4.8p).

In the rough ring, 40 beef cows averaged 110.8p (-3.1p) and 38 dairy cows levelled at 79p (+6.2p). Four bulls averaged 96p and 12 OTM cattle levelled at 138.2p (+1.2p).

The firm also sold 2721 prime lambs at an average of 164.1p.