A QUALITY entry of finished cattle continued to meet strong demand throughout the livestock auction at Ross, topping at £2,812 per head at its January 26 sale.

Auctioneers RG and RB William report that despite a softer deadweight trade, cattle remained keenly sought after by retail buyers, with prices ranging between 360p and 400p per kilogramme.

There were few traditional butcher-type heifers forward; however, a smart run of Angus cross heifers from Messrs Orgee sold well at 360p to 370p per kilogramme. An excellent show of quality Continental cross steers from Messrs GE Phillips & Son sold between 380p and 400p per kilogramme, with heavyweight steers achieving in excess of £2,600 per head.

A short entry of cull cows met fierce competition, with the sale largely comprising Grade two and three beef cows. The trade peaked at 275p per kilogramme (£2,099 per head), with well-fleshed cows generally selling between 260p – 270p per kilogramme.

The overall average price of cows was £1,780. The top vendors were C Simcock & Sons of Green Farm and the Sexty Bros of Trewen Farm.

A reduced entry of finished hoggs met a buoyant trade, peaking at 354p per kilogramme.

A strong contingent of quality export hoggs sold very freely between 340p and 354p per kilogramme, meeting keen competition from buyers.

The reduced demand for heavyweights seen towards the end of last week continued, reflected in the smaller number forward.

However, hoggs weighing in excess of 48kg still realised £145 to £150 per head. The overall average price of hoggs is £128 per head. The top vendor was E C Williams & Son of Tump Farm.

A good entry of cull ewes and rams met strong demand for both weight and meant, topping at £195 per head. Well-fleshed, stronger ewes regularly sold between £160 and £195. A short entry of tups sold up to £140 per head.