AUCTIONEERS RG and RB Williams report a nice entry of quality finished cattle continued to meet strong demand throughout the latest livestock auction in Ross-on-Wye, on March 2.

Steers topped at £2,800 per head, while cattle remained keenly sought after by retail buyers, with prices ranging between 350p – 395p per kilogramme.

However, there were few traditional butcher-type heifers being brought to sale, but a smart run of Charolais/Lim cross heifers from Messrs Hardy sold well at 360p to 380p per kilogramme.

An excellent show of quality Continental cross steers and heifers from Messrs GE Phillips and Messrs WCR Cooke and Messrs Hardy sold between 370p and 390p per kilogramme. The overall average price of finished cattle was £2,475.

A good entry of cull cows met fierce competition. The trade peaked at 318p per kilogramme (£2,745 per head), with well-fleshed Continental cows generally selling between 300p – 318p per kilogramme.

The top vendors were W C R Cooke & Son of Nantyderri Farm and CA & RJ Stallard of Upper Maund Farm.

A reduced entry of finished hoggs met a buoyant trade, peaking at £173 per head.

A strong contingent of quality export hoggs sold very freely between 360p and 384p per kilogramme, meeting keen competition from buyers. Quality export hoggs weighing 38kg – 43kg realised £160 – £170 per head.

Demand for heavyweights remained consistent, Generally those weighing in excess of 48kg sold between £165 and £173 per head.

The top vendors were W J Grindle of Maidenham Farm and E C Williams & Son of Tump Farm.

A good entry of cull ewes and rams met strong demand throughout for both weight and meat topping at £202 per head. Well-fleshed stronger ewes regularly sold between £170 and £200.

The top vendors were N & I Bevan of Trothlands Farm and N Squire of The Tynings.