Sheep prices down, but still good at Lanark market

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Lanark auction market saw lower sheep numbers coming forward at Monday’s (29 June) sale, resulting in better than expected prices. Over 600 new season lambs averaged 159p/kg, 40p below their spring peak, but still 10p/kg better than last year. “Prices have come back a lot, but it happens every year,” auctioneer Brian Ross said. “I am optimistic [about prices] though, as I don’t believe the numbers of sheep are available.”

Cull ewe trade was “very good” with decent grey-faced cross-bred ewes fetching £60-75 a head and the best over £100. “Trade’s been strong all spring and hasn’t really eased,” he said.

Prices for 56 prime cattle topped 211p/kg for a British Blue bullock from G Clark & Company. Most were 180-190p/kg. In the cast cow sale, beef cows averaged 120p/kg, up to 160p/kg. Dairy cows averaged 104p/kg, up to 120p/kg.

For more UK sales coverage, see p119 and www.fwi.co.uk/takingstock