THE 441 store bullocks and heifers among 669 head forward at Skipton Auction Mart’s fortnightly Wednesday cattle fixture met trade said to be as buoyant as recent levels, with a swift sale moved along by several larger consignments of five and six-strong pens sold together. (Wed, Feb 3) An increased ringside of buyers out for all classes saw all goods well catered for. Suckler-bred steers sold from £1,250-£1,350 for the best end, though some weighted Limousins exceeded these prices when selling to a top of £1,490 from Fair Place Farm in Keighley, followed by one at £1,440 from AJ Shepherd, of Eshton. Other good quality bullocks with plenty of size and style were able to command £1,350-£1,400, while 14-month-old Charolais bullocks sold to £1,290 from G&R Bulmer & Sons, of Wakefield. A consignment of 52 young 10 and 11-month-old Charolais and Limousin bullocks from William King & Son in South Kelsey all made at least £1,000, topping at £1,230.
Phil Gregory, of DA Gregory & Sons Butchers in St James Square, Bacup, made another successful foray across the border when securing three entries at Skipton Auction Mart’s weekly Monday prime cattle sale, two of which were high quality retail heifers both selling at top per kilo call of 260.5p. (Mon, Jan 18) First up was a 560kg Limousin-cross from regular Red Rose vendors, RT&J Critchley & Sons in Hutton, Preston, which grossed £1,459, followed by a 535kg British Blue-cross from Keighley’s David Bailey, snapped up at £1,394. James Robertshaw took up his usual position at the ringside, claiming six cattle in total, all for his Robertshaw’s Farm Shop in Thornton and among them the leading price per kilo steer, a 595kg Limousin-cross from mart regulars, Threshfield brothers Charles and Richard Kitching, at 254.5p/kg, or £1,514.