A SHORT entry of finished cattle met another fast and competitive trade at Monday’s livestock auction in Ross-on-Wye.

Auctioneers RG and RB Williams report that steers topped the market at £2,635 per head from Messrs DM & CS Andrews of Glen Court Farm while heifers topped at £2,597 per head from Messrs DE & SJ Cheacker of Ostbridge Manor Farm.

Buyers remained keen to secure quality finished cattle with well-finished Continental cattle regularly selling for 370p per kilogramme.

Overall buyer confidence remains high with demand appearing to strengthen due to the national shortage. The overall average price of finished cattle was £1,950.

There was a short entry of cull cows and overage, however the cull cows continued to sell well showing demand from buyers.

The auction saw a Saler Bull and Cow sell well from Messrs AW & GS Panniers of Wellington Farm, along with a good run of Charolaise cross and Limousin cows from Messrs CJ & R Pugh, topping at £1,892.

The Overall average price of cows was £1,876.

A quality entry of Lambs met an exceptionally strong trade from start to finish with prices peaking at £203 per head with an average weight of 43 kilogrammes.

Well-finished lambs with good weight and flesh were once again in greatest demand with buyers keen to secure lambs with plenty of finish proving once again that meat is money.

Producers are encouraged to continue feeding lambs to achieve the extra finish.

Top price of the day was £203 per head for an excellent run of lambs from N & I Bevan of Trothlands Farm.

There continues to be strong demand from buyers for all weights and grades of well-finished lambs.

The sale of cull ewes and rams sold to an excellent trade with better sorts being sold up to £220 from JE Clark of Flat Farm.