STORE Cattle 447: An excellent entry for the spring show and sale of Hereford cross stores which incorporated a very good selection of continental crosses. Top head price of £1125 for a 590kg Limousin cross steer which reflected the easing in the beef trade. Other older steers from £950 to £1095 on two occasions. Quality younger cattle continue in keenest demand with a 9 month Limousin of show potential selling to £1070 and others from the same consignment being 220p-264p/kg, and selling from £870 to £1045.

Similarly heifers of best conformation from 210p-234p/kg. Stronger sorts from £850 to £1065. Best demand for grazing heifers with coat and growth potential always to most

interest. The Hereford cross heifers sold to £980 for 2 pedigree bulling heifers, others with papers from £600 to £890 on three occasions. Hereford cross steers sold to £1065 with others regularly from £650 to £995. Several strong Angus cross steers from £870 to £1060 with named sires. Heifers from £625, buyers in attendance for all sorts and a total clearance effected.

Bulls - 15: Just 15 feeding bulls which sold to £900 for a strong young Limousin at 6 months and for a 21 month Charolais cross highlighting the need to sell from 6/11 months for most benefit.

Cows and calves - 41: 41 beef type cows and heifers included a herd dispersal which sold to £1160 for a Limousin cross cow with her steer calf with other stronger outfits from £900 to £1140. The in-calvers from the same farm ranged from £690 to £1060. Top price in the section was £1520 for a Blue cross heifer with her Angus cross heifer calf, with another at £1280. 7 Hereford cows with their calves sold from £940 to £1180. The 5 year old Hereford stock bull sold at £1000.

Barren cows - 9: 9 barren and grazing cows sold to £985 for a well-fleshed 750kg Limousin, other well meated from £735 to £975 being 110p-135p/kg. Younger grazing cows to £840 being 154p/kg, plainer sorts from £485 to £665.

Show of Hereford Cross Cattle

Prizewinners in the show were:

Best pair or more of Hereford cross steers sired by a registered bull

1) P C and P F Rudge, Sellack £890 2) Lower Turnant Farm Partnership £750.

Best pair of more of Hereford cross heifers sired by a registered bull

1) Mrs C Long, Grosmont £860 2) N and J Denniston, Eardiston £830 3) E J Langford and Son, Wellington £790.