Christmas primestock round-up

Masham Nov 26

A record entry at the North Yorks venue saw the champion beast – a Charolais-cross heifer from Peter Newcombe of Bedale – achieve 240p/kg (1296) to butcher Peter Wilkinson of Quality Fare.

Averages Steers 102p/kg, heifers 115p/kg, bulls 88p/kg.

Gisburn Dec 2

Auctioneers reported a “superb” day for prime cattle with more than 50 heifers averaging 142p/kg liveweight and both the champion and reserve beasts achieving four-figure prices. The champion, an 18-month Belgian Blue heifer from P Watson of Skipton sold to G & K Mitchell & Son Butchers of Blackpool for 1921.

Averages: Bulls 124.6p/kg, steers 135.4p/kg, heifers 141.6p/kg (Richard Turner & Son).

Stornaway Dec 2

Held at Long Island Mart, the overall champion and first prize bullock, a 580kg Limousin beast from Mrs S MacLaughlin realised 230p/kg (1334). A pen of three Cheviots from C MacLeod took the sheep championship and first prize tickets at 164p/kg lw (75).

Averages: Bullocks 145.2p/kg, heifers 125.3p/kg. Sheep: Cheviots 118p/kg Scottish Blackfaces 105p/kg Texel-cross 109p/kg (Dingwall and Highland Marts).

Ludlow Dec 6

The champion, a 570kg Limousin x Belgian Blue steer from Colin and Wendy Phillips, achieved 180p/kg (1026) to Woodhouse Bros following spirited bidding.

Averages (Heavy classes): Steers 111.5p/kg, heifers 112p/kg, bulls 98p/kg. Sheep: Standard lambs 114p/kg, medium 115p/kg, heavy 106p/kg (McCartneys).