Kirkby Stephen suckled calf sale peaks at £2,800

The annual prize show and sale of 596 suckled calves at Kirkby Stephen mart met strong trade, topping at £2,800 on Monday (3 November).

Sale leader was a nine-month-old black Limousin cross heifer from Messrs Marston, Easegill Head, which was successfully secured by Mr J Mellin, Long Preston.

Next at £2,350 was the overall champion, a six-month-old black British Blue cross heifer from Messrs Brown, Asby Hall, which sold to Messrs Okane, York.

Suckled calf champion with (L to R) Andrew Brown of KA Brown and Sons, Asby Hall, vendor of the champion suckled calf; Garry Starkie of Dugdales Nutrition, sponsor;
Diane Hayton of The British Blue Cattle Society, sponsor;
Kay Watson, judge;
Robert Garth of JG Animal Health, sponsor.

Messrs Brown also took the overall reserve championship with another seven-month-old British Blue cross heifer, which went on to sell for £1,700 to the judge, Kay Watson, Canonbie.

Trade from start to finish was excellent with the over 65 active buyers present.  An overall average of £863.81 was achieved for 81 more calves sold on the year.

(H and H)