HARRISON & Hetherington Ltd sold 50 prime heifers in St Boswells yesterday to a top of 239p and an average of 216p (n/c), while 33 prime bullocks peaked at 228p and levelled at 203p (n/c).
In the rough ring 66 cast cows sold to £1,933 and 201p to average 133p (+14p).
The sale of prime lambs continued on an upward trend that has been evident across the UK for a few weeks now. Despite the strength of the pound, which would normally have a negative impact on the export price of prime lamb price, demand for quality lambs continues to drive the price.
This week’s sale was also helped along by the mart’s annual Christmas show and sale of prime sheep. Top price per head was a very satisfactory £200 and top price per kilo was 416p/kg for Beltex lambs. The 2,117 prime lambs averaged 190p which was five pence up on the week.
The 567 cast ewes averaged £70 with heavy ewes selling to a top of £131 for Texels and levelled at £89, while light ewes peaked at £89 for Cheviots and averaged £53.
Harrison and Hetherington also had its sale of prime stock at Carlisle yesterday. After its excellent Christmas show and sale last week averages of prime cattle returned to normal values.
Thirty-one prime heifers sold to a top of 227p and an average of 202p (-32p), while 31 prime, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 221p and levelled at 183p (-30p). Sixty-one prime, beef-bred bulls sold to 226p and averaged 191p (+2p), while 24 prime, dairy-bred bulls peaked at 170p and levelled at 149p (+1p).
In the rough ring 178 cast dairy cows sold to 140p and averaged 93p (-1p), while 198 cast beef cows peaked at 188p and levelled at 131p (-9p). Ten cast bulls topped at 154p and averaged 115p (-1p). There were also 2,705 prime lambs that sold to £113.80 and 271p to average 189p (-4p).
A modest show of cast sheep were dearer on the week with 101 heavy ewes selling to £140 for Texels and averaging £76.42 (+£3.12), while 18 light ewes peaked at £78.50 for Hill Cheviots and levelled at £58.11 (+£11.64).
Caledonian Marts had forward 362 Store cattle and Suckled calves, and 403 Store lambs at their fortnightly sale at Stirling yesterday.
Bullocks sold to 462p/kg and £1200 for the same limousin to average 210p overall.
Heifers sold to 431p/kg and £1250 the same Limousin to average 196p overall.
Black & Whites sold to 153p/kg and £800 and levelled at 144p.
Store Lambs sold to £79 for a pen of Texels and to £76 for Suffolk crosses. Cross lambs peaked at £71 and Blackfaces were topped at £71.
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