Interest in Sussex females remains strong

Sustained interest in Sussex cattle was maintained last week at Ashford Market with a flying trade for females of which 27 maiden heifers averaged more than £800 and in-calf heifer trade hitting 980gns for two from Trevor Kemsley, Maidstone.

The 27 maidens from six breeders sold between 700gns and 1050gns. Top price was 1050gns for Boxted Lock Heedless 81 from Les Stevens and Sons purchased by Ann Rumsey for the Wetland Trust at Icklesham near Rye. The Trust were eventual purchasers of 11 females with others going to Middlesborough, Leicestershire and as well as East Sussex and Surrey.

Bulls, however found buyers more selective, of the seven forward, Les Stevens and Sons topped trade at 1600gns and another at 1500gns, going to Simon jenner, Mayfield and J and H robinson, Lewes.

Leicestershire breeder Michael Mills made 1100gns and 1000gns from his two Poll Duke bulls, while the one senior bull offered from Messrs Ruthven made 660gns going to Yalding with Michael Gibb.

Breeders averages – B W Kemsley and Sons 2 In calf heifers 965gns; L Stevens and Sons 4 heifers 917gns; J C & C Lewis 12 heifers 720gns; J & S Harmers 3 786gns and John Hickman 4 heifers 895gns. Overall maiden heifer average £829 (Hobbs Parker).