MORE promising signs than seen of late were in evidence at Skipton Auction Mart’s main March Craven Dairy Auction, with certain stamps of milkers making strong money.

Bishop Thornton’s Peter Paul, who runs the Ravensgate pedigree Holstein herd at Watergate Farm, bagged his second dairy title of 2015 with his sole entry, the first prize newly calven heifer, Ravensgate Jeeves Sparkle 202, the latest in a long line of prolific milkers from the Sparkle family.

The 12 days-calved victor,giving 28 litres, sold for £2,050, top price in show, to regular buyer Brian Blezard, of Ribchester,

Another pedigree man and Skipton regular, Robin Jennings, of the Stainbank Holstein Friesian herd, based at Hill House Farm, South Stainley, stepped up with the second prize newly calven heifer and reserve champion, Stainbank Cissie 33.

Seventeen days-calved and giving 30 litres, the runner-up sold for £1,780 to another regular purchaser, Mark Goodall, of Tong, Bradford.

Standing third in the heifers show class was one of four new calvers consigned by Chris Broadwith, of Thornton Watlass, knocked down for £1,400 to Wick Williams, of Nantwich.

Bell Busk’s Brian Moorhouse also sold a newly calven heifer from his Aireburn pedigree herd for £1,780, this also falling to Mr Blezard.

Bingley’s Keith Downs was again responsible for the first prize newly calven cow, sold for top price in class of £1,740 to Wick Williams again. The same vendor also headed the commercial newly calven heifer prices at £1,520, this joining John Marshall in Dacre.

The second and third prize newly calven cows were both consigned by Oakworth brother and sister Eric and Sally Wellock. The leading performer, a third calver, sold for £1,120 to show judge Frank Wrathall, of Gisburn.

With an 18-strong turnout, pedigree newly calven heifers averaged £1,795 per head and their commercial counterparts £1,412. Newly calven cows averaged £1,382.

Sponsors were ForFarmers, Shepherd Agri, NMR and VG Energy.