Ringside at Salisbury Livestock Market, Wiltshire

Lamb prices improved by 7p/kg in the week to Tuesday (30 July), with heavier and better finished sorts in greatest demand. Standard weights sold to 190.3p/kg, with medium weights up to 186.7p and heavy weights reaching 191.7p.

Averages came in at 174.5p, 179.7p and 187.2p, respectively. Ewes commanded a fast trade, with the best reaching £85 a head, and all levelling at £57.57.

In the cattle ring, barren cows averaged 110.1p/kg and sold to 156.5p/kg, with Friesians reaching 135p/kg. Over 30-month clean steers topped at 189.5p/kg and settled at 165.5p, but slack demand for finished cattle resulted in an average of 151.1p/kg, said auctioneer Iain Soutar. “However, harvest is around the corner and we may see things firm in a week or two.”

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