An earlier start time at the weekly mart at Whitland on Tuesdays is proving popular with both farmers and buyers alike. The 1,031 lambs on offer last week saw a trade that was slightly easier than of late with an overall average of 164.81ppk, reflective of national trends on the day. Good quality lambs were however in keen demand with a top price of 181.8ppk for 37.5 kilo lambs presented by Morgan, Myrtle Hill Farm, Cresselly, with other leading prices including 176.3p (38 kilos) from Davies, Troedrhiw Fach, Blaencelyn, 175.7p (38 kilos) from Jones, Wernbongam, Llanarthne; 174.3p (39 kilos) from Fairclough, Frowen, Login, and 173p (40 kilos) from Rees, Kiln Park Farm, Narberth. The top price per head was £77.80 for 50 kilo lambs presented by Morgan, Upper Bletherston, Clarbeston Road. Another good entry of almost 400 cull ewes sold to a fast trade throughout. Top price was £76 for ewes from Jones and Sons, Robleston Hall, Camrose, and cull rams sold to £66 from Roberts, Tregynnon Farm, Croesgoch. Light ewes averaged £27.90, with heavy ewes levelling at £52. Rams averaged £37.25. Averages in the fat cattle ring were: steers - 121.57ppk; heifers - 123.5p per kilo. An entry of 25 overage cattle saw a top price of £870 for a 755 kilo Hereford from Thomas, Dolderwydd, Whitland, and steers making a top price of £740 for a 740 kilo Limousin from Lewis, Pencoed, Llanddowror. Cull cows continue to meet a very strong demand with a top price of £930 for a 720 kilo Belgian Blue from James, Brynhill, Clynderwen. An increased entry of calves sold to a very good trade with a top price of £248 for a Simmental Bull from Llewellin, Cotland Farm, Llawhaden and heifers peaked at £135, also for a Belgian Blue, from Thomas, Little Pale, Whitland.