Weekly Sales News – 11th August 2020

Top price per head – £118.50 – C & J Georgetti & Sons: Top price per kilo – 259p – C A Worley Farming Ltd

Report on trade: Another great trade for the finished lambs this week, a little bit dearer than last with averages up by 3p per kg but up by 40p and almost £15 on the corresponding weeks in 2019. Long may it last but the quality of the lambs on offer is bound to fall away once the creep fed sheep dry up and we rely on grass finished lambs in the autumn, maybe even pushing prices of the best even higher? Top spots were taken by the regular faithfuls of C & J Georgetti and C A Worley Farming Ltd at 118.50 and 259p respectively. These being the top prices but many lambs selling well over £100 and over 240p.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could “help us to help you” by arriving earlier to assist with appropriate sorting and penning of sheep. Lairage facilities are available from 2 to 6pm every Monday and we can accept stock from 6am every Tuesday.

Sales here in Ashford are supported by buyers representing a large cross section of abattoirs throughout the country. Please ensure your FABBL status is up to date and if you are not FABBL assured seriously consider becoming so – certain buyers are restricted to the purchase of only farm assured stock.

Report on trade: A number of leaner ewes forward again this week but quality was a little better than last week, still little in terms of meated ewes on offer. Best meated sorts selling over £90 from R J Warnock and G H Dean & Co and grazing sorts selling from £40-£60 this week. More ewes expected to come to market in the coming weeks as the store sales and weaning commences.

Report on trade: A good trade for all on offer with a run of smart Limousin cross heifers from W S Furnival (Brookland) taking the pick of the trade in the 220-226p bracket and grossing favourably from £1180 up to £1375. Other top prices included Limousin cross steers to £1304 (227p) and those with weight £1430 (214p) and £1385 (217p) from R & J Silvester and light handy weight  Limousin cross heifer at £1024 (214p) from R F & E A Simmons.

A relatively high percentage of native breeds with a run of Sussex steers 189p to 198p and grossing up to £1232 from J Hooker while other favourable prices included Aberdeen Angus cross heifer £1050 (199p) from B G & M A Tompsett, British White cross heifer £1014 (192p) from G C Amos and Hereford x Friesian steer to £1103 (186p) from A J Down.

Report on trade: On a sweltering hot August day it was no surprise that stock numbers would be lower but those consigning were again rewarded with a red hot trade as numbers of prime and processing cattle remain in very short supply nationwide.

A dairy entry this week with just 4 lean older feeding beef cows, and flesh hard to find amongst the dairy sector as pastures in the South East approach desert conditions. Meat cows over 130p; lean steakers 100-120p; only the plainest under 100p.

Keep looking at your non producers and make that decision in beef and dairy herds before the autumn housing and scanning rush.

South Devon 122p £741 D Dark; British Blue cross 116p W Pynn.

Holstein Friesian 131p £1077 M A & F W Owen; 131p £1064 WF Farms; Guernsey 109p, 106p £699 W G & T A Manford.

Overage steers Highland cross 4-6yr 144p, 141p, 138p £890

Young British Blue cross stock bull £178p £1551.

Auctioneer: Peter Kingwill 07795 200357

Report on trade The pig trade is struggling at the moment in part due to overall production levels; a certain amount of Covid catch-up implications the world over; and not surprisingly some weather issues mid-summer.

The good pigs were generally 90-110p with nice pens, with weight, from R Brooker & Son, S Scott & Son, and R Maplesden.

A lot of the commercial pigs 80-90p with a high proportion of boars on offer. Lightweights and lean pig’s harder work

The sows were no worse with a good weighted sow 34p (220kg) and a young fleshed boar 27p £104.

Next pig sales – Tuesdays 25^th August with stores being sold immediately following the finished and cull.

Covid-19 Protocol at Ashford Market – updated July 2020

In common with the Livestock Auctioneers Association’s recommendations to its members Hobbs Parker Auctioneers ask that their customers wear a face covering whilst at market.

Social distancing, high standards of hygiene and responsible behaviour to others is also recommended.

Strict control of the numbers attending market is asked for and both buyers and sellers should not bring additional people with them to market.

We still recommend a ‘Drop and Go’ policy for vendors but if a vendor has a need to attend, they should always be on their own and respect social distancing.

Ashford Cattle Show news

It is with huge regret the committee of the show association have decided that this year’s Show (and also dinner) will not take place.

The 150^th Ashford Cattle Show will now be held in 2021.

Important Announcement – Ram Sales 2020.

Due to the current and ongoing restrictions, imposed on livestock markets and shows throughout the country, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic please note the following amendments to our advertised ram sales.

Monday 28^th September – Sale of all breeds, with MV & Non MV facilities, to commence at 3pm.

Friday 2^nd October – Romney Day including show and sale of Romney rams.

Friday 30^th October – Sale of all breeds, Non MV only, at 11am.

A catalogue will be produced for each sale, please enter rams as soon as possible.

Please note: Rams will not be accepted for sale on any other day, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

For all queries regarding ram sales and to enter rams, please contact either Tom Hamplett (07966 104532) or Mark Cleverdon (07741 845230).

On instruction of Hendon Manor Estate, a complete herd dispersal of quality continental cross cows with February – April born calves at foot comprising

24 Simmental cross cows born 2012-2018 with Limousin cross calves

29 Limousin cross cows born 2013-2017 with Limousin and Simmental calves and 5 Simmental heifers born 2018

All have been running with Aberdeen Angus bull since calving and will be scanned before the sale on Tuesday 18^th August at 1pm

Help and support from The Farming Community Network

Farming Community Network (FCN) volunteers regularly attend local livestock markets and whilst we cannot be present at sales currently, our helpline is still open from 7am to 11pm every day, staffed by people who understand farming.

FCN is a charity and voluntary organisation that helps farmers to stay resilient. We provide practical and pastoral support to those experiencing difficulties in England and Wales.

During these challenging times we are encouraging everyone to think about their own physical and mental health and that of their families and staff.

We can help with contingency planning against the backdrop of the Corona virus outbreak and our Farm Well website (www.farmwell.org.uk) offers a wealth of free information about managing change and maintaining personal wellbeing.

The FCN helpline can be reached on 03000 111 999 or via email at help@fcn.org.uk. Confidentiality is assured.

South East Farmer and Farm Machinery magazines

The August edition of this popular regional farming magazine is now available here in the market. Hobbs Parker is a regular contributor to the editorial content.

For up to date information on all livestock sales please contact

Elwyn Davies (Cattle & sheep) 07710 803901 or 01233 861263

Peter Kingwill (Cattle & sheep) 07795 200357

Simon Husk (Cattle & sheep) 07885 968077 or 01304 842393

Mark Cleverdon (Pigs) 07741 845230

John Rossiter (Sheep, machinery plus commercial vehicles) 07557 392903

Tom Hamplett (Calves, weanlings, breeding cattle & rams) 07966 104532

Do you farm in Kent near Bethersden and Pluckley

You are invited to join the Upper Beult Farmer Cluster! This is a group of farmers who live and farm along the river Beult. The Cluster is free to join, and farmers can benefit from capital grants and money off Ferric phosphate with Southern Water sponsorship. Contact rory.harding@kentwildlife.org.uk or 07761 507242

Miscellaneous livestock and general goods and services for sale and wanted ex farm

Wanted – a secure barn / unit to store agricultural equipment, for the management of the Natural England National Nature Reserves, in Wye, Hamstreet, Ashford or surrounding areas. Contact Piers Griffin on 07881037704 or piers.griffin@naturalengland.org.uk

For Sale – 3 yr old Beef Shorthorn bull who is proven – Surrey. Ring Mark Cleverdon for details 07741 845230

Relief farm worker required – for general livestock duties including milking, feeding, calf rearing and general husbandry. Would suit a self-employed person but position is flexible located near Dartford. Please call Iain on 07738 445530 for more information.

Wanted – experienced Herdsperson for suckler herd – West Kent.  Ring Suzanne 01732 750758 or 07966399115

Covid-19 update – July 2020

To all vendors – Please take this seriously and listen to our requests. We need you to work with us to minimise number of individuals in marker in order to reduce the potential risk of the transmission of this deadly virus.

We still encourage a ‘Drop and Go’ policy.

If absolutely necessary to attend vendors must;

• Comply with social distancing measures
• Keep to alleyways not occupied by the buyers
• Keep to seated area and above around cattle ring
• Minimise time at market i.e. sale of own stock
• No social visits allowed
• Please wear a face covering on the premises

Please help us to ensure your market remains open and operational