MULTIPLE Craven Dairy Auction champions, the Lawson family, landed their fourth title of the year at the opening July show and sale at Skipton Auction Mart.

Husband and wife David and Claire, and children Suzy and Matt - who run the Newbirks pedigree Holstein herd at Mill Farm, Arthington - bagged no less than eight title wins last year and they added to their 2014 tally at the latest renewal when their first prize newly calven heifer was adjudged champion.

The 18 days-calved victor, giving 32 litres, excelled in the ring when falling for £3,000, the highest price of the Skipton dairy year to date, to Stephen and Edward Jeanes, from Glusburn.

The reserve champion was the first prize newly calven cow from J and J Whittaker, of Far Laithe Farm, Laneshawbridge. The second calver came to market 27 days-calved and giving 25kgs. She found a new home with Pat Gratton, of Burnt Yates, when knocked down for £1,820, top price in class.

The runner-up formed part of the final portion of the Whittaker dairy herd dispersal following the passing of John Whittaker earlier this year. The family has sold its entire 150-strong herd at Skipton.

Once again they found a ready trade, achieving total clearance, with their top price performer on the day, a Dairy Shorthorn-cross cow in-calf to a British Friesian, selling to Tom Green, of Wrightington, Wigan, for £2,000.

Craven Cattle Marts will conduct an on-farm sale of the Whittakers’ flock of 190 Mule shearling sheep and farm machinery, on Friday, August 15.

Back in the Skipton dairy ring, the Aireburn pedigree herd of Brian Moorhouse, of Bell Busk, achieved £2,600 for the second time in as many sales with a newly calven heifer snapped up by James Kayley, of Halton West.

With 52 head forward, pedigree newly calven heifers averaged £1,922 each, with their commercial counterparts averaging £1,650. Newly calven cows averaged £1,394 per head, in-calf cows £1,380 and in-calf heifers £1,392.

The main monthly Craven Dairy Auction is scheduled for Monday, July 28.