AUCTIONEERS RG and RB Williams report a larger entry than usual for the livestock market in Ross-on-Wye on August 18 at which the trade for steers topped at £2,659 and heifers at £2,550.

The entry was dominated by diary cross sorts especially those that were well fleshed and sold between 340p and 380p per kilogramme.

Quality suckler bred steer and heifers met strong competition and topped 416p per kilogramme.

Auctioneer William Probert said that more cattle was required to meet demand from buyers.

The top vendors were BD Watkins of Glebe Farm and DE and SJ Cheacker from Ostbridge Manor Farm.

A short entry of cull cows peak at 290p per kilogramme topping ar £1,983. The top vendor was RF EA DF Pursey of Trevase Farm.

The sale of lambs met a buoyant trade peaking at £190 per head. The divide is growing between lean and well finished with lean lambs trading 20p per kilogramme behind those that are well fleshed.

Heavy lambs again was the order of the day with those weighing heavier that 48 kilogrammes sold between £160 and £190 per head. Well-bred continentals traded up to 388p per kilogramme. The auctioneer observed that it pays to finish the lambs to meet the strong demand.

The top vendors were MG and AD Houdley of Rectory Farm and C Bowness of Bonnay Brae.

The sale of cull ewes and rams met another electric trade topping at £221 per head. Many strong sorts of ewes sold between £180 and £221. Rams sold between £140 and £170 creating an average of £135.

The top vendors were DA Wookey of Southworthy Farm and BE Arthurs of Trewarne Farm and Sexty Brothers of Trewen Farm.

The next sale of store cattle is being held in Ross on Thursday, September 11.