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

Auctioneers RG and RB Williams report that the auction on August 24 saw buyers showed increased appetite throughout the sale, resulting in another excellent day’s trading.

Steers topped the market at £2,329 per head from Messrs D A Wookey of Southworthy Farm.

A superb run of Limousin cross heifers from Messrs DE & SJ Cheacker from Ostbridge Manor Farm, attracted fierce competition selling between 390p and 400p per kilogramme, realising £2,440.

Retail and wholesale buyers remained keen to secure quality cattle with well-finished Continental cattle regularly selling between 350p and 380p per kilogramme.

Overall, buyer confidence remains high, with demand appearing to strengthen week by week. The overall average price of finished cattle was £1,866.

A nice entry of cull cows and overage cattle met strong demand topping at £1,967 for an Aberdeen Angus cow from Messrs M R Williams of Trewaugh Farm.

The complete consignment of cows averaged £1,780 per head.

A reduced seasonal entry of lambs met a similar trade to previous week meeting good competition throughout the sale peaking at £192 per head.

Well-finished lambs with good weight and flesh were once again in greatest demand, generally selling between 330p - 385p per kilogramme.

Buyers were 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, as this is being well rewarded in the marketplace.

Top price of the day was £192 per head for an excellent run of Charolais-cross lambs from Messrs J & N Biddle of Manor Farm.

The day's entry was dominated by medium-weight lambs, with the majority of those weighing between 41kg and 44kg lambs selling between £135 and £160 per head.