Record breaking dairy trade at Sedgemoor

An exceptional entry of 159 dairy cows and heifers, saw a centre record 16 cows sell for £2,000 and over at Sedgemoor Auction Centre.

Top price was £2,220 for a non pedigree two year old heifer from Mr FE Luff, who had two further non pedigree heifers at £2,050 (x2) giving him a healthy £2,106 average. Other leading prices were £2,160, £2,140 and £2,040 from Ricky Popham; £2,120, £2,100 and £2,060 from Alan Whitcombe; £2,080 and £2,000 from Mr AP Ractliffe; £2,020 from Messrs RL and ME Trott; £2,020 from Messrs CB Powell and Son and Messrs J and H Snook; £2,000 from Messrs M and K Churchill and Son.

First quality heifers averaged £2,054 also a record. A Market record for a Brown Swiss heifer was also set at £2,120 from Mr R Webb.

No best quality cows forward sold to £1,510 and £1,300 from Mr HMV Weeks. The trade remains difficult for the second quality.

A record entry of 72 youngstock included a consignment of yearlings and in-calf heifers from Bampfield Farms, Barnstaple. Incalvers sold to £1,350 (six months in calf). Yearlings and older to £820 and £800. Other bullers to £820 x 2 from Mr CE Veysey. Shorthorn cross yearlings to £450 from Andy Neill Farm services.