Ringside at Malton market

Malton market in North Yorkshire saw a good trade of new-season lambs at Tuesday’s (5 May) sale.

Some 320 lambs were sold, with prices averaging over 217p/kg in firm trade. The best exceeded 230p/kg, equivalent to over £100 a head for 44kg lambs.

“Prices are about 20% up on last year,” auctioneer Keith Waters said. “Numbers were also good for the time of year, especially given the bank holiday weekend.”

Hogg trade picked up after a slight downturn over the past fortnight, with heavy hoggs averaging close to 170p/kg and the best over £2/kg.

Mr Waters described cull ewe trade as “tremendous”, with lower numbers helping support prices. Average prices were about £73 a head, with the best – Suffolk-cross ewes – fetching £106.

Fewer cattle coming forward also helped keep beef prices up. The best heifers did 200-214p/kg lwt, while the best steers made 180p/kg.

• For more UK sales coverage, see p121 and www.fwi.co.uk/takingstock