TRADE was much sharper at Gisburn Auction Marts' November dairy show and sale, with buyers keen to keep their milk tanks full.

Philip Critchley, of Wrea Green, Preston, took the honours in the newly calved pedigree dairy class with a Styche Sole sired heifer, out of a Shottle dam, 10 days calved and giving 30 litres. She sold for the top price of the day, £2,280, to William Oldfield of Gisburn.

James and Anne Rogerson, Poulton le Fylde, achieved £2,080 for a Cogent Twist-sired heifer, giving 37 litres. Taking her home was DJ Wallbank, Higher Walton, Preston.

The next lot through the ring from the same vendor, this time a Comestar Lavanguard-sired heifer, sold for £2020 to JJ & JD Graves, Carlisle. Heifer rearer, Alan Butler, Earby picked up the first prize rosette in the commercial newly calved class, which sold for £1700 to Frank Wrathall, Gisburn, Clitheroe.

A super group of pedigree In-calf heifers from James Kayley of Halton West attracted a number of new buyers around the ring. Mr Kayley’s heifers were TB pre-tested, despite being in a four-year TB parish, which proved very popular with buyers from Cheshire and North Wales prepared to travel to purchase these cattle with confidence.

Heifers in calf for December peaked at £1,540 and longer dated ones around £1,200. Bulling heifers sold to £820 from Richard Corlett, Ormskirk, and heifer calves made to £330.

Commenting on the sale, dairy auctioneer Fred Spurgeon said: “Today trade was strong right to the end of the sale with all heifers reaching a fair value.”

PHOTO

Philip Critchley with his prize-winning heifer which sold for £2,280 alongside Alison Metcalfe of Dugdale Nutrition, show and sale sponsors