Ringside at Colchester

Colchester livestock market, Essex.

An increased entry of 861 sheep met a strong demand at Tuesday’s (11 June) sale, although prices eased overall. New season lambs averaged 210.06p/kg and sold to a top of 243p/kg (£113 a head) for a pen of heavy Texels. Other strong sorts ranged from £94 to £105, but lean, half-meated lambs were more difficult to place. Old season lambs averaged an SQQ of 156.87p/kg, and sold to 174p/kg or £84 a head.

A short entry of 81 prime cattle averaged 2p/kg less on the week, due to large numbers of black-and-white stock forward. Steers averaged 210.1p/kg and peaked at 232.5p/kg, with heifers settling at 210.68p/kg and topping at 246.5p/kg. Over 30-month cows averaged 133.95p/kg.

Market report