Ludlow Market, October 16 and 19

Store cattle - 181: A large entry with some very nice cattle in it and a good firm trade considering all in all. Vendors seemed genuinely pleased with what the animals had made. A number of good strong cattle but equally well a trade which reflected a considerable interest. In fact prices would be above those report at many 'normal' sales last week. Prices were as follows:-

Charolais Steers to £1115, £1100 (x2), £1075, £1065, £1030, £1015, £1010, £980, £975, £960, £950, £940, £900, £875, £870, £620 (top 211p/kg average 196.7p/kg).

Charolais Heifers to £950, £940, £925, £915, £895, £875, £800, £775, £770 (top 190p/kg average 184.6p/kg).

Simmental Steers to £1045, £1000, £670 (top 179p/kg average 172p/kg).

Limousin Steers to £1165, £1160, £1090, £1040, £1020, £955, £920, £900, £895, £785, £780 (x2), £740, (top 221p/kg average 195p/kg).

Limousin Heifers to £920, £900, £865, £635 (top 200p/kg average 186.9p/kg).

British Blue Steers to £1130, £750 (top 190p/kg average 180p/kg).

British Blue Heifers to £920, £800, £580 (top 169p/kg average 165p/kg).

Blonde D'Aquitaine Steers to £980, £830, £735, £705, £635 (top 196p/kg average 184.8p/kg).

Blonde D'Aquitaine Heifers to £875, £850 (x2), £780, £770, £700, £680, £670, £585 (top 191p/kg average 178.2p/kg).

Aberdeen Angus Steers to £850, £695 (top 168p/kg average 165p/kg).

Aberdeen Angus Heifers to £740, £680, £445 (top 156p/kg average 152p/kg).

Hereford Steers to £950, £900, £870, £815, £670 (top 192p/kg average 184p/kg).

Hereford Heifers to £935, £805, £780, £760 (top 170p/kg average 164p/kg).

South Devon Steers to £1090 (188p/kg).

October 19

Finished cattle - 271: A more lack lustre trade but it is true that as a yard the cattle were not as good. Best shop heifers again on fire by comparison with anything else. Prices were as follows:-

Medium steers: Best quality to 234.5p average 226.5p; Standard quality to 192p average 192p; Also rans to 182.5p; Overall average 197.4p.

Heavy steers: Best quality to 224p average 207p; Standard quality to 197p average 187.7p; Also rans to 183p; Overall average 188.7p.

Medium heifers: Best quality to 227p average 221.5p; Standard quality to 186.5p average 184.5p; Also rans to 146.5p; Overall average 192p.

Heavy heifers: Best quality to 250p average 215.4p; Standard quality to 198p average 189.1p; Also rans to 179.5p; Overall average 193.3p.

Light bulls: To 164p average 160.3p.

Medium bulls: To 206p average 180.7p.

Heavy bulls: To 213p average 188.7p.

Barren cows and old bulls - 72: Another entry which was dominated by plain cows. Run after run of lean boners in the entry. Cow trade under pressure from cheap imports. Prices were as follows:-

Grade 1 Cows to 145p average 137.75p, Grade 2 Cows to 123.00p average 121.50p, Grade 3 Cows to 119.50p average 112.34p, Grade 4 Cows to 108.00p average 77.73p, Old Bulls to 109.50p average 103.60p, Overall average 93.74p

Finished sheep - A better lamb trade. Just a better feel to it. Increased buying support present. Prices were as follows:-

Light lambs to 146.5p average 146.5p, standard lambs to 170p average 142.1p, medium lambs to 170p average 148.8p, heavy lambs to 160p average 142.2p

overweight lambs to 141p average 136p.

Export quality lambs sold up to 170p per kilo and averaged 155.2p per kilo and home trade lambs sold up to 147p per kilo and averaged 142.6p per kilo.

Cull ewes: A good number of cull ewes with a keen and spirited following sold up to £101 with an overall average of £51.22. Inclusive of a large number of plain Welsh ewes. Cull rams to £89.50 average £60.13.