Ringside: Steady prices at Northumberland mart

Acklington Mart, Northumberland. Greater numbers of cast cows and ewes continued to come forward at last Thursday’s sale (20 January), with prices steady on the week, said auctioneer Colin Smith.

“There were more cast cows than we’ve ever had, because people aren’t keeping and feeding them up, due to the expensive fodder.” The 65 cast cows peaked at 118.5p/kg, and averaged about 100p/kg. Fat cattle sold to 194.5p/kg and averaged 159p/kg.

In the sheep ring, 1091 cast ewes averaged £65 a head, up to £125, with fat types cheaper and lighter ewes dearer on the week.

“There are fewer fat lambs coming forward – with the bad weather the outside lambs aren’t getting fat enough yet, although there might be more in the coming weeks.”

Values weakened slightly to average 175p/kg.