Ringside: Exceptional store cattle prices in Dorset

Shaftesbury Market, Dorset. Last Thursday’s (4 November) sale produced an excellent trade, with 120 store cattle going under the hammer.

“Trade was a lot better than we’ve seen for a long time,” said John Bundy from Southern Counties Auctioneers. “All crossbreds were most keenly sought and, with some very committed buyers in attendance, some quite exceptional prices were achieved.”

Simmental steers secured the top price, ranging from £400 to £775 a head. Aberdeen Angus steers scooped second spot, selling from £380 to £728, with top-priced Charolais heifers reaching £499 a head.

Monday’s (8 November) sale of 40 Friesian in-calf heifers saw 20 bidders pay between £900 and £1230 a head. “They weren’t the biggest heifers, calving at two years old, but we were pleased,” Mr Bundy said.

• For more sales coverage, see p128 and fwi.co.uk/takingstock