Strong trade at Bakewell Market

More than 600 cattle and 1600 sheep were forward at Bakewell market this week. Back to normal after the Bank Holiday with 612 cattle and 1,684 sheep on offer.
There were no fewer than 286 store cattle on offer, with a great trade for a mixed sample with steers selling to £1,285, heifers to £1,190 and a pure bred bull at £1,720.
A show of 136 finished cattle saw a top call of 248p/kg and a maximum gross price of £1,585.
119 OTM cattle easily maintained recent price levels with a top of 204p and grossing up to £1,840.
The calf section enjoyed a good day with 71 forward. Bulls sold to £440 and heifers £330.
Auctioneers are now beginning to see lamb numbers rising with 488 forward this week selling
to 315p and £126/head.
Hoggs are not surprisingly in decline at this time of the year, but there was no shortage of demand for the best reaching 240p/kg and £106/head.
485 cull sheep saw a stronger trade than last week with ewes hitting £131 and rams £111.

119 OTM & BARREN CATTLE – overall average 134.3p
Some good quality cows were on offer but as always a number of very lean Holsteins had their effect on the averages. Topping the cow trade was a superb cross bred Blue from H Hodgkinson and Sons, Earl Sterndale that sold at 207p (£1,606). A number of good fed Limousin type cows sold in the 170p price bracket with second quality and older cows 155-170p. Best native cows 140-150p with a good deal of cows again going for further finishing in dedicated feeding yards.
A few younger clean black and white heifers sold from 165-174p for Messrs Gosling, Parwich with best cows selling in the mid 150’s. Fed Holsteins 135-145p with leaner sorts 120-130p and very lean cows 100-120p depending on meat and belly. Very few cows today under £1/kilo.