Weekly Sales News – 24th August 2021


Headline this week –

Trade remains in a very good place for all categories of sheep and cattle whereas pigs are a little more difficult to sell. Please note our plans for Friday sales which have altered slightly.

Read on the all the news from Ashford Market …..

For forthcoming sales information – www.hobbsparker.co.uk/auctioneers/livestock-marketing/forthcoming-sales/

 


Finished Sheep

1,288 Sold

Auctioneer: Elwyn Davies 07710 803901

New Season Lambs – Top price per head – £143.00 – P Gorringe: Top price per kilo – 286p – C A Worley Farming Ltd

Report on trade: A superb trade for the time of year with big premiums available for the best well fleshed lambs, attracting prices in excess of 255p per kg irrespective of weight and grossing £120 plus topping at £143 for lambs from P Gorringe. The majority of meat lambs made in excess of £100 with an impressive overall average of £108 for the whole market including the lighter leaner sorts.

All meat lambs are best sold on a Tuesday while lighter leaner sorts are best sold in the Friday store sales.

Important: Please keep us informed regarding numbers for the Tuesday market so we can notify the buyers.

 

 

New Season Lambs
KgsTop PriceTop Vendorp per kg
2980.00J Shrubsall276.0
3376.00J Whitmore230.0
3484.00L F Crisford & Sons247.0
3594.50Miss J Davies270.0
3690.50L F Crisford & Sons251.0
3790.50Langdon Farms245.0
38108.50C A Worley Farming Ltd286.0
3999.00C B Hope254.0
40105.50D Wimble264.0
41113.50Mrs V McDonald277.0
42119.50Miss J Davies285.0
43122.50Mrs V Frampton285.0
44119.50Mrs V Frampton272.0
45120.00C & J Georgetti & Sons267.0
46124.50H & J Noakes271.0
47122.00W G Watkins & Son260.0
48131.00Mrs V Frampton273.0
49130.00M R Woodroofe265.0
50132.00P N & C Burden264.0
51133.50P Gorringe262.0
52132.50R G Hobbs Farms255.0
53135.00P Gorringe255.0
54127.50G Ayling236.0
58143.00P Gorringe247.0
New Season Lambs – pence per kg
 Weight RangeNumberTopBottomAverageNational
Light 25.5 to 32 kgs17276.0211.0230.3220.1
Standard 32.1 to 39 kgs294286.0212.0242.9237.8
Medium 39.1 to 45.5 kgs637285.0178.0251.9240.9
Heavy 45.6 to 52 kgs326273.0188.0256.9241.9
Over 52.1+14255.0220.0237.8238.6

 

Cull Ewes and Rams

602 Sold

Auctioneer: Auctioneer: Elwyn Davies 07710 803901 and

James Cook O’Connell

Report on trade: Trade remains the same this week in the cull ewe department with a much larger show of grazing ewes on offer. A few pens to mention were A A Palmar & Sons selling well fleshed Suffolk crosses to £110 and N A Balcomb & Son selling nice Texel ewes to £116 and Charollais to £111. We saw a big run of 253 ewes from Highclere Stud from which the majority of were bought to graze and made from £54 to £81 with their better meated ewes making £91 to £98. H F & J H Glover sold 4 rams which were all bought to stay alive – 2 Charollais cross made £135 and 2 Charollais made £160.

Top prices included Suffolk crosses to £127 from P Gorringe, continentals to £126 from Mrs V Frampton, Mules to £91 from Highclere Stud and Romneys to £102 from W Cooke & Sons.

Keep the ewes coming. Fantastic trade throughout.

Store and Breeding Sheep

41 Ewes Sold

Report on trade: Demand continues to outstrip supply and 3 pens offered made £59 to £79.50 for not the best lambs

Please remember your store lambs are best offered and sold in our Friday sales from now on. Next sale is on 10th September and then every Friday through to mid-October.

For Friday store and breeding sheep sale report click link below

Sheep Sales at Ashford Market – Sale Reports and Prices

Sock Lambs

0 Sold

Finished Cattle

32 Sold

Report on trade: Cattle prices are at record levels and many more could be sold at similar levels with several buyers failing to fulfil orders.

A run of superb Limousin cross heifers took the pick of the trade with the best making 250p per kg plus notably £1555 (262p), £1375 (259p) and £1513 (257p) closely followed by Limousin cross steers at £1387 (246p) and £1416 (237p) from W Alexander (Shoreham). Other top prices included a Blonde cross steer at £1227 (230p) from G L Boulden & Sons and well fleshed continental x Friesians selling readily 225p to 230p from A J Down with a Limousin x Friesian steer topping at £1419 (237p) and heifers around 225p and up to £1336 (227p).

A few native bred cattle were on offer with an Aberdeen Angus cross steer topping at £1415 (215p) from D J Miles and a run of Sussex steers looking well sold around 220p and up to £1225 (225p) from J Hooker & Son.

More cattle wanted to satisfy strong demand.

 

Leading steer prices

ProducerWeightAge and breedP per kgGross £
W Alexander (Shoreham)56518 mths Limousin246.01387
A J Down59518 mths Limousin239.01419
W Alexander (Shoreham)59917 mths Limousin237.01416
A J Down56021 mths Limousin230.01285
A J Down57018 British Blue229.01302
Leading heifer prices
W S Furnival (Brookland) Ltd59517 mths Limousin262.01556
W S Furnival (Brookland) Ltd53217 mths Limousin259.01375
W S Furnival (Brookland) Ltd59017 mths Limousin257.01513
W S Furnival (Brookland) Ltd58318 mths Limousin251.01460
W S Furnival (Brookland) Ltd55117 mths Limousin239.01314

 

Cull Cows and Bulls

29 Sold

Report on trade: Limited numbers continue but trade still has not stopped rising with rates as dear as ever. Take advantage of these values and cull your nonperformers.

A few more beef cows but mostly traditional Herefords which sold to a marvellous trade with many making 140p to 165p per kg. Herefords to 166p, 157p, 155p, 146p, 143p, £955, £923, £881, £844 (Non-FA) from Grace Natural Foods; Sussex cross 147p, £1018 (Non-FA) A B Jones & Ptnrs and Aberdeen Angus cross 140p, £990 (Non-FA) A B Jones & Ptnrs.

Fleshed cows from the dairy industry were even dearer with the quality handy weights from Appleton (Ledger) Farms to 154p, £1429. Even the plainer cows saw little under 110p. Holstein Friesian to 154p, 149p, 142p, £1429, £1250, £1146, £1033; 145p, £1110 Goddard & Son and 139p, £964 J W Boyd & Sons.

Interest in the stock bulls saw a few older bulls now coming away from their cows. Blonde to 118p, £1110; Aberdeen Angus to 111p, £1033 and a Charolais to 102p, £1030.

ClassificationNoTopBottomAverage
Beef cows13165.5104.5136.1
Dairy cows13153.5113.5130.7

 

Store Cattle

5 Sold

Report on trade: Just a handful forward and what a trade! Red Poll cross steers 24 mths £820 and a Red Poll steer 10 mths £440.

Trade is strong with plenty of keen customers at ringside. Please contact us if you have store cattle to sell.

Breeding Cattle

0 Sold

Calves

0 Sold

Store and Finished Pigs

67 Sold

Report on trade: In complete contrast to the demand for sheep and cattle the story for the current pig and pork is gloomy wherever you look. National commentators talk about Brexit, Covid, African Swine Fever, imports, high feed costs and low prices on the European continent all the contributing to the gloom. Supply of pigs to kill in well above demand here at home presently.

In the finished pig pens native breeds came to the fore with the Canterbury Oast Trust selling Gloucester cross gilts at 88p per kg grossing £118.80 and Ms M Godden Oxford, Sandy and Blacks at 118p and £84.96. Brooker & Son sold a white gilt at 120p (£88.80).

No cull pigs were penned.

Store pigs were a again selection of young whites. D J Cole sold young pigs to £26 and a stronger pen from T Russel made £40.

Pig averages
DescriptionNoTopBottomAverage
Finished good – p per kg20120.0090.00105.60
                                 £ per head113.6876.5090.86
Finished other – p per kg1388.0052.0081.50
                                 £ per head118.8052.0084.04
Small stores – £ per head2026.0026.0026.00
Strong stores – £ per head1440.0040.0040.00

General information

The Stockpot Café at Ashford Market – fully reopened

Normal service has now resumed with the usual full range of eat in meals, snacks and drinks.

It was good to see the “Seniors” breakfast club meeting reconvened and continuing on Tuesdays!

We would respectfully ask that masks are still worn when queuing and away from a table in this area.

 

Coronavirus Policy Update

The Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) welcomes the Government announcement that Step 4 of the Covid-19 road map will proceed as planned in England on Monday 19th July. As the majority of legal restrictions end in England the Government guidance emphasises personal responsibility.

We have been extremely grateful of the support of buyers, vendors, hauliers and staff during this difficult and challenging period while restrictions have been in place over the last 15 months.

While we are delighted to welcome back farmers to the market, we encourage all our clients to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to continue to help protect public health. At Ashford Market, we will be following Government recommendations as from Monday 19th July.

In particular we ask that you:

  • Wear face masks in enclosed spaces and crowded areas including the cattle ring, sales office counter, reception and while queuing for or being served at the Stockpot counter.
  • Use of sanitising and hand washing facilities

This policy will continue to help keep everyone safe and reduces the risk of our customers and staff having to self-isolate and will help to make sure we can keep the market and Stockpot open.

Thank you for your help with this

 

Please note if you do not wash out at Ashford.

Drivers of vehicles leaving Ashford empty without cleansing and disinfecting MUST complete a declaration form obtainable from the Market Office.

You must then cleanse and disinfect as soon as possible and within 24 hours, or before using again for livestock. This is a LEGAL responsibility and are subject to checks by Local Authority Animal Health and Welfare Officers

 

South East Farmer and Farm Machinery magazines

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

In addition, our Property Consultants Outlook for Autumn 2021, is included with this month’s publication and again are available here in the market. Articles from our Property Consultants team and Planning Consultants make interesting reading for all landowners and occupiers.

 

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

For Sale – Litter of Spaniel cross Collie puppies for sale please call 07944 398818 / 01622 842105.

 

Notices – Bill Hyland, Staplecross

Family and friends have asked us to announce following the sad loss of Bill last year there will be a memorial service on September 9th at 2pm at St James Church, Ewhurst TN32 5TD. Friends are also welcome to join the family after the service at the White Dog, Ewhurst Green for “drinks on Bill”. If you plan attending RSVP to Sarah 07708 821842 / 01797 252902 or sarahjanehyland@yahoo.co.uk.

 

Romney Sheep Breeders news

The recent edition of the breeders Society newsletter, produced by breed secretary Julie Lukehurst, is available here in the market. For all society information Julie can be contacted on 07538 938425

 

Southern Shears UK

The committee and supporters of the Southern Shears UK report they held a very successful annual shearing competition on Saturday 17th July at Copford Farm, Waldron, Heathfield by kind permission of the Gingell Family. The Romney Marsh Shearing stands, after some renovation and a re-paint, appeared from hibernation where they had been for a good number of years. This was a welcome sight for the shearers, organisers and general public.

There was a tremendous amount of competitiveness and enthusiasm between all the shearers in the novice, junior, women’s, senior and open classes as well as the novice and open blades classes. The shearers came from far and wide as did the Judges.

A provisional date for next year is 16th July at the same place see you there.

 

Local Agricultural Show and ploughing match dates and news

Edenbridge & Oxted Show – Sunday and Monday 29th and 30th August – For further information contact the show office on 01342 832307 or visit www.edenbridge-show.co.uk

** Hobbs Parker are pleased to confirm they are sponsoring sheep classes at this event **

Moreton in Marsh Show, Gloucestershire – Saturday 4th September – For all details go to www.moretonshow.co.uk

Romney Marsh Ploughing & Dog Show – Sunday 5th September at Ham Mill Lane, Hamstreet, Romney Marsh TN26 2QW (by kind permission of Charles and Ollie Furnival). – For all details contact Diana Wimble 07821 009693, Alan Higgs 07785 783662 or  romneyploughing21@gmail.com

Swale & District Ploughing Match – Saturday 11th September at Greenway Court, Hollingbourne, Maidstone. For more information ring Chris Hildyard 01795 470556 (email chris@georgewebbfinn.com) or Andrew Mew 07759 320496

Weald of Kent Ploughing Match – Saturday 18th September at Honey Farm, Munday Bois Road, Pluckley, Ashford, TN27 0SU (by kind permission of the Gwillim family). Full details available from Secretary Liz Copping 07872 501951or on www.wkpma.co.uk

** Hobbs Parker are pleased to confirm they will be attending this event **

East Sussex Ploughing Match – Saturday 25th September at Priesthawes Farm, Nr Stone Cross, Pevensey (by kind permission of Mr Chris Wadham) – Full details available from Secretary Paul Croft 07752247469 or Croftjpcroft@aol.com

East Kent Ploughing Match – Wednesday 29th September at Upper Venson Farm, Eastry near Sandwich CT13 0JH (by kind permission of the Ledger family. Full details available from joint secretaries Sarah Ledger on 07802 974 838 or Lorna Astbury on 07538 547 010 or www.ekpma.co.uk

** Hobbs Parker are pleased to confirm they will be attending this event **

 

Auction of Boats and Marine related items

Hobbs Parkers car auctions team have arranged an online auction to be held on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th September.

Entries invited and for more information on entering your vessel, or for the Auction process please contact Hobbs Parker auctioneers or enquire at Ramsgate Harbour Office.

 

Help and support from The Farming Community Network

A recent report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that agriculture has the worst rate of fatal injuries of all the major industrial sectors.

Just three weeks after Farm Safety Week, the HSE has reported it has been notified of a further 4 fatalities on farms, including the death of a 3 year-old boy.

Usually there are simple actions workers can take to reduce risk, for instance;

  1. Making sure to switch off the power to vehicles or machinery before attempting to carry out repairs.
  2. Keeping people, especially children, away from moving vehicles.
  3. Using the right equipment for working at height.
  4. Ensuring, where possible, that cows with calves are not in fields with well used footpaths.

Risk management is a vital part of all work on farms, every job needs to be thought though and correct safety measures put in place.

Guidance about managing livestock, reducing the risks to children and the public and maintaining farm vehicles and machinery is available on the HSE website.

If you have been affected by a farm accident or are worried about farm safety in general or perhaps struggling with the pressures of a delayed harvest this year, please contact FCN via our telephone Helpline (03000 111 999) or e-Helpline (help@fcn.org.uk) or perhaps speak to one of our volunteers in the market.

 

Forthcoming store and breeding sheep sales

Friday 10th September

Store lambs and breeding sheep with a special show and sale of crossbred ewe lambs

Friday 17th September

Store lambs and breeding sheep

Monday 20th September

Catalogued ram sale and the annual show and sale of South East Texel Groups breeding females and rams at 3pm

Friday 24th September

Store lambs and breeding sheep

Friday 1st October

Romney Day sale of ewe lambs, ewe tegs and breeding ewes together with Romney Sheep Breeders Society show and sale of pedigree rams

Friday 8th October

Store lambs and breeding sheep

Friday 15th October

Store lambs and breeding sheep including catalogued ram sale

Friday 29th October

Store lambs and breeding sheep

Friday 12th November

Store lambs and breeding sheep

Friday 26th November

Store lambs and breeding sheep

Friday 10th December

Store lambs and breeding sheep

Sales generally commence at 11am unless advised otherwise