Whitland Mart
Seventy-one calves were forward at Whitland Mart last Tuesday and sold to a slightly more selective trade. Nevertheless there was a good trade on the best quality rearing calves, with bulls selling to a top price of £138 for a Limousin presented by Howells, Nantygof, Maenclochog, and heifers making up to £132 for a Friesian from Thomas, Gellifelen, Tavernspite. In marked contrast to the calf ring, entries were down in the sheep section, which was unfortunate because trade and demand was much improved than in recent weeks. Some 293 'approved lambs' were on offer, peaking at 127.20p/kg for 38.5 kilo lambs presented by Bryan, Colman House, Llangolman. Other leading prices were obtained by Howells, Aelybryn, Llysonnen Road; Thomas, Cresswell, Laugharne; Roberts, Highgate Cottage, Martletwy; and Bowen, Pantalar, Rosebush. The overall mart average was 116.12p/kg and the top price was £51.80 paid for 44 kilos lambs entered by Morgan, Myrtle Hill Farm, Cresselly. An entry of 294 culls again sold to a good trade, with a top price of £53 for some Suffolk ewes from Davies, Brynawelon, Meidrim, with heavy ewes averaging £44.28 and lighter types averaging £21.75. Other leading prices were obtained by Evans & Son, Penrallt, Llantood; Williams & Son, Llwynbychan, St. Clears; Freegard, Clos-Y-Wennol, Meidrim; Jones, Llwynpiod, St. Clears; and John, Shanandoah, Rosemary Lane. Auctioneers: J. J. Morris.
Haverfordwest Mart
Last Tuesday at Haverfordwest Mart, 86 store cattle sold at a steady trade levelling at £382/head. Steers averaged £376, with a top price of £560 for Friesian steers from Johns, Llanferran, St. Nicholas. Heifers picked up to average over £400 to peak at £518 for Limousin heifers from Lewis, White Lodge, Scamford Farm, Camrose. Fewer calves with a higher ratio of Friesian bulls meant a slower trade and an overall average of just £35. Top price bull was £148 for a Belgian Blue from Lewis Bros, New House, Little Newcastle, and £114 was top of the heifer calves for a Belgian Blue from Richard Hancock, Clarboro Farm, Haverfordwest. Auctioneers: Bob Jones-Prytherch & Co.