BAM News 23rd February 2024

Auctioneer’s Report (Will Alexander): A strong calf trade for the 103 forward, with pockets full and optimism high following yesterday’s stirk sale, all classes sold above vendors expectations. James and Deborah Ogden showed a superb 5week old Lim x Blue heifer calf, topping the sale at £565. Other dairy bred heifers would see the stronger end £405 & £355 from JA Salthouse & Sons, Elswick, younger milky sorts £380-£395, next draw down in the early mid £300s to average £356. Blue bulls sharper on the week, the best coming from Steve Wallbank at £495, Whitakers of Bowsber close behind at £485, whilst The Salthouse topped their run at £480, any amount £420+, to average £408. John Fox selling Charolais bulls at £445, whilst Tom Stephenson, Blackburn sold Charolais heifers to £400. Angus calves selling at similar rates to last week, with more strength on offer, bulls from John Lawson, Barnfield, at £410, £430, £450 topping at £455, John Huddleston, Ravenscar also at £430, plenty better end £360+ with the younger sorts £280-£320. Heifers dearer, the best to £290 from John Lawson of Lawson’s Farm, Cockerham, cousin John Lawson, Bentham realising £280 & £275, other better end £260+, next draw either side of £200 with the smalls £100-£150. A great show of black and white bulls, Roger Bainbridge and Hannah Kent topping the section at £295, £225-£265 for the better end, £150-£185, with very few less, to average £197.