Weekly Sales News – 25th February 2020


The trade for store cattle and all categories of sheep offered this week brought smiles to producers faces. Read on for this weeks reports….

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

 


Finished Sheep

1,996 Sold

Top price per kilo – 270p – Fincham Farms; Top price per head – £119 – R F & E A Simmons

Report on trade: Another entry of finished hoggets of about 2,000 in total and again a super trade from start to finish. Numbers are still short across the country which we have been saying for some time now and maybe this will be the case for the rest of the season? Strong prices is usually a good way to draw numbers out but this doesn’t seem to be happening this season. Maybe they are not there?

All hoggets on offer returned an average just under £100 which was a shade under last week but the price per kilo was a little up, really suggesting that the overall entry was just lighter than last week but a shade dearer. Top price per kilo was a mighty 270p for some light weight meated sorts from Fincham Farms with many of these types selling in excess of 250p. Heavier offerings all sold over £100 to a top price of £119 from R F & E A Simmons, closely followed by M R Woodroofe at £116.50 and S T Phillips at £116.

Please Note – The sale of finished sheep will now commence at 09.30am. The sale will be followed by Store Sheep, cull ewes and breeding sheep in that order.

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.

                                                     Hoggets
KgsTop PriceAve PriceTop Vendorp per kg
3586.0085.24T Thacker-Tahir246.0
3688.0086.40P R & H R Vellacott / S B & A E Martin244.0
3791.0089.03S B & A E Martin246.0
3896.0092.56J Matthews253.0
3998.5094.61S B & A E Martin253.0
40100.0095.28Dan Mackelden Ltd250.0
 4199.5097.12M L Wilson & Son Ltd243.0
42108.0098.51H Rivers257.0
43108.00103.00H Rivers251.0
44110.00104.39H Rivers250.0
45112.00106.64H Rivers249.0
46113.00109.76M R Woodroofe246.0
47114.00107.47P W & P Sim243.0
48116.00108.19S T Phillips242.0
49116.50114.96M R Woodroofe238.0
Hoggets – pence per kg
Weight RangeNumberTopBottomAverageNational Av
Light 25.5 to 32 kgs57270.0219.0269.1219.2
Standard 32.1 to 39 kgs544262.0227.0242.4234.8
Medium 39.1 to 45.5 kgs1,044257.0200.0237.4237.4
Heavy 45.6 to 52 kgs337246.0117.0231.5228.8
Other over 52 kgs12204.0193.0200.3212.9

 

Cull Ewes and Rams

642 sold

Report on trade: What a trade. Fantastic from start to finish. Numbers are short and demand is high. Genuine culls to £150 from J Warnock & Son and cull rams to £145 from D Howard Farms. Nothing more to say.

Top prices included Texel ewes to £150 from J Warnock & Son and £139 from G H Dean & Co, rams to £145 from D Howard Farms, Suffolk crosses to £122 from N C & C G Hedges, Mules to £109 from C Ely, Romneys to £103 from D G Long, Zwartbles (Zara) to £120 from Miss A Hedges

Store and Breeding Sheep

477 Sold

Report on trade: Despite a shortage of quality runs of store tegs and a big percentage of tail enders trade was brisk throughout with an overall average of £76.70 and best stores £85 plus and up to £98 for Down crosses from A S Neaves & Son.

Texel cross in lamb ewes made to £114 and Suffolk x Mules £100 from L Smith.

If you have stores to sell you would be well advised to take advantage of these strong prices.

Principal prices included:               
Down cross£98.00A S Neaves
Texel cross£92.50J & A Lawrence
Texel cross£89.00J Matthews
Texel cross£87.00T Archer
Texel cross£86.50A Skudder
Texel cross£85.50M & D Prebble
Texel cross£83.00P Tassell
Romney wether£86.50A R Dunlop

 

Sock Lambs

3 Sold

Auctioneer: Mark Cleverdon 07741 845230

Report on trade: Demand is out there for lambs. We only had stronger models this week which sold well to a top price of £20 and average £16.

Finished Cattle

67 Sold

Report on trade: A much increased entry comprising a complete mix of breeds, age and quality were well received with a brisk trade throughout with 11 individual successful buyers ensuring competitive returns for the range of quality on offer.

The best handyweight butcher types attracted prices in excess of 200p per kg notably a Limousin cross heifer topping the market at £1277 (210p) from W Alexander (Shoreham), Limousin cross steer £1234 (206p) from D Hoare & Ptnrs and Limousin cross steer £1119 (204p) from Gillshaw Farms Ltd. Other top prices included a Limousin cross heifer £1025 (189p) from R F & E A Simmons and heavier sorts around 175p notably a Blonde cross steer £1193 (176p) from G L Boulden & Sons and native bred sorts to £1028 (191p) from R Price & Son. Dairy bred cattle made between 165p and 175p with a run from R Winstone selling relatively well with a Beef Shorthorn cross heifer £942 (179p) and a British Blue cross heifer £985 (178p).

Leaner handyweight cattle suitable for further feeding made around 190p and up to £869 (205p) from R J Husk and £1013 (194p) and £1034 (190p) for Limousin cross steers from Gillshaw Farms Ltd.

OTM’s made to £1103 (169p) and £1090 (175p) for a Limousin cross steer from Gillshaw Farms Ltd.

Finished cattle averages – pence per kg
ClassificationNoTopBottomAverage
Light bulls1167.5167.5167.5
Medium bulls (551 – 650kg)4169.5139.5149.5
Heavy bulls (over 650kg)1149.5149.5149.5
Light steers (370 – 550kg)13204.5164.5183.6
Medium steers (551 – 650kg)8205.5159.5184.4
Heavy steers (over 650kg)2180.5175.5178.0
Light heifers (330 – 500kg)9201.5149.5172.6
Medium heifers (501 – 590kg)19204.5167.5182.1
Heavy heifers (over 590kg)4209.5163.5182.5
Leading steer prices
ProducerWeightAge and breedP per kgGross £
D Hoare & Partners62523 mths Limousin206.01288
R J Husk42520 mths Limousin205.0871
Gillshaw Farms Ltd55024 mths Limousin204.01122
R J Husk45022 mths Limousin202.0909
W Alexander (Shoreham)62522 mths Limousin198.01238
Leading heifer prices
W Alexander (Shoreham)61021 mths Limousin210.01281
W Alexander (Shoreham)53022 mths Limousin205.01087
G L Boulden & Sons52023 mths Limousin203.01056
W Alexander (Shoreham)47023 mths Limousin202.0949
R J Husk51022 mths Limousin194.0989

 

Cull Cows and Bulls

43 Sold

Report on trade: Demand for cows and overage cattle continues to strengthen. Numbers are tightening nationally but another good seasonal entry found a ring full of buyers and a trade sharp from start to finish. Feeders again outstanding and overage steers and heifers (3 yrs +) stronger.

An outstanding Limousin cow from Miss H Dent, that had produced many worthy show animals over the years, went on to be the star of the day realising one of our highest cow prices ever at £1463 (157p per kg). Plenty of beef cows 120 to 135p and plenty of dairy cows 110p to 125p.

Headlines included Limousin cross 157p £1463 (Non FA) Miss H Dent; Limousin 132p £934 (Non FA) A Boyd & Co; 131p £782 (Non FA) G F Hawkins; Sussex 132p, 124p £895 (Non FA) I G Pilcher; Simmental cross 130p £965 (Non FA) G F Hawkins; Beef Shorthorn 125p £784 (Non FA) D Cornforth; Aberdeen Angus cross 120p (Non FA) A J Britton and 116p £843 R F & E A Simmons with British Blue cross 117p (Non FA) R M Vant.

IN the dairy section British Friesians 125p, 119p (2), 118p (2), 116p £864, £841, £802 from Debden Court and 119p £954 R & J Ledger; Holstein Friesian 124p (2) £1093, £1037 Ledger Farming; 120p, 114p £884 £817 Goddard & Son and 116p J W Boyd & Son.

Limousin cross steers (2016) 148p, 144p and £847, £841.

Cull cattle section – pence per kg
ClassificationNoTopBottomAverage
Beef cows20156.549.5117.9
Dairy cows26163.563.5106.7
Bulls194.594.594.5

Store Cattle

196 Sold

Report on trade: Despite a relatively small entry this sale was very well attended with regular buyers from the Midlands and Eastern Counties and fresh buyers from the North competing well with the local buyers for all ages, breeds and quality on offer. Some prices were exceptional and up by a good £100 compared to pre-Christmas returns with a much more positive atmosphere at ringside.

Best continental cross yearlings made from £800 to £1000 and up to £1005 for Limousin cross heifer from Miss H Dent and older stronger stores topping at £1145 for 24 mths Aberdeen Angus cross steers from Barfrestone Court Farms Ltd.

If you have stores to sell short term you would be well advised to take advantage of these favourable prices.

Principal prices included:               
Continental cross
10 mths Charolais cross steers£700M Goodsell
11 mths Limousin cross steers£860I Machin
12 mths Limousin cross heifers£700L J Osborne & Son
20 mths Limousin x Sussex heifers£935J M Smith
20 mths Blonde cross steers£990P M Langridge
20 mths Blonde cross heifers£935P M Langridge
24 mths Simmental cross heifers£895M Palmer
24 mths British Blue cross steers£1050P R Lanham
24 mths Limousin x Friesian heifers£825Saw Lodge Farm
Native cattle
11 mths Hereford cross steers£785High Chimney Farms
16 mths Hereford x Aberdeen Angus steers£720G D K George
18 mths Aberdeen Angus cross heifers£880Barfrestone Court Farms Ltd
24 mths Aberdeen Angus cross steers£1145Barfrestone Court Farms Ltd
20 mths Sussex heifers£780Mrs S Moorhead
24 mths Aberdeen Angus x Friesian heifers£1000E & J H Maylam
24 mths Beef Shorthorn cross steers£935A L Betts Ltd
24 mths Aberdeen Angus cross steers£1035M Twinley

Breeding Cattle

2 Bulls Sold

Report on trade: A Hasemore bred pedigree Hereford bull, bn 2015 made £940.

Calves

0 Sold

Store and Finished Pigs

28 Sold

Report on trade: Just a small entry of stock for this extra sale to adjust the calendar to produce the new alternate week pigs and calf days – see the front page of the report for full details.

A short summary reads cull prices still strong but demand for younger pigs flat. Best young pigs struggled to make 80p while sows grossed to £202.

Next pig sale – Tuesday 10th March sale at 9am with stores following the finished and cull.

Pig averages
DescriptionNoTopBottomAverage
Finished good – p per kg382.082.082.0
                                 £ per head 72.4372.4372.43
Finished others – p per kg880.080.080.0
                                 £ per head 70.4059.2065.20
Sows – p per kg675.070.073.5
                                 £ per head 202.50119.00150.65
Boars – p per kg168.068.068.0
                                 £ per head 153.00153.00153.00
Small stores – £ per head103.03.03.0

 

General information

If you are affected by TB in any way you may wish to note that

Defra have relaunched the TB hub website, Visit the site at https://tbhub.co.uk/ to start exploring and hopefully understand better the efforts being made to deal with this problem.

Please remember it is essential we have an early indication from all sellers of stock numbers you wish to sell week by week – we phone and send text messages to buyers and agents every Monday evening and an accurate indication of numbers coming forward is essential with many buyers travelling substantial distances to attend.

British Wool Board announcement re Wool sheets

Tuesdays 10th, 17th and 24th March – Wool sheets will be available here in Ashford Market for farmers and smallholders to collect.

Please note if you don’t 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

Ashford Cattle Show News

Congratulations to all trophy winners who attended the presentation evening recently.

The AGM will be held on Wednesday 4th March at 6.30pm here in the Market.

George Horne, show president, was very proud to present 2 cheques on the prize-giving evening to his chosen charities being £2215 to RABI and £2060.70 for Kent M S Therapy.

Hay, Straw, Fodder and Forage Crop for sale and / wanted

For Sale – 2,000 Conventional bales of 2019 made meadow hay. Barn stored and local delivery available. East Kent Ring 07802 636427.

For Sale – Top notch barn stored round and mini-hesston bales 2019 hay. Bulk whole oats in half tonne bags also available. Delivery arranged. East Sussex. 07768 771933.

For Sale – 100 2019 Haylage bales from a Kent farm. Contact 01303 893183 or 07775 794556

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

For Sale – Border Collie puppies – 4 dogs and 2 bitches – in the Ashford area. Ring Tom on 07707 879642

RABI, Young Farmers Clubs, 91 Club, Kent Herdsmans Club and FCN news

RABI

Friday 27th March – Clay Shoot, West Kent Shooting School

Thursday 23rd April – 10th Anniversary dinner to celebrate Great British Beef week (and St Georges day) in the Amos Hall, Ashford Market. Guest speaker Minette Batters, NFU president.

For further information on all RABI events in Kent ring Charles Tassell – 01622 858733, 07973 412179, email charles@tassell.co.uk or contact the regional co-ordinator Sally Field on 07799 798441 or email sally.field@rabi.org.uk

Kent Herdsmans Club.

Monday 9th March 2020 at 7.30pm. A talk by Kent Police Rural Task Force at the Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford.

For all details on Herdsman’s Club events please contact Chairman John Shrubsall, 07768325929or Jo Masters 01580 240568.

Ashford Young Farmers – For all details on Ashford Young Farmers please contact Amy Langdon at amy.langdon1234@hotmail.co.uk.

Tonbridge Young Farmers – Debbie Broad and friends in the area have reopened this club.

For all details of plans for the future please contact the Broads through Debbie’s Facebook page or email tonbridgeyfc19@gmail.com

Ringmer & District Young Farmers – Mary Masters has asked us to draw your attention to and invite you and members of your family to the Launch of a book on the History of the club from 1923 to 2007 by Ron Harrington. Friday 6th March Ringmer Village Hall, Ringmer, Lewes BN8 5QH – 6.30pm to 9.00pm. Drinks & nibbles will be available

Books can be purchased at the launch for £5.00. Should you not be able to attend the launch it can be posted – The club hope to find as many ex members as possible – please feel free to promote to any members of your family and friends that you think would be interested in attending.

Contact Catherine Tilbury – info@gtdevelopments.co.uk or Mary Masters – mary.m@btconnect.com

Local Agricultural Show and ploughing match dates and news

The Kent Ploughing Match Association are holding their ploughing championship on Saturday 14th March at 9.30 at Hollands Farm, Hawley, Dartford, DA1 1PX

Heathfield Agricultural Show is on Saturday 23rd May at the Heathfield Showground, TN21 8UE. Livestock schedules available from here in the market.

South East Point to Point Meetings (www.pointingse.com)

Sunday 1st March – Southdown & Eridge, Godstone – 1pm

Sunday 22nd March – Old Surrey, Burstow & West Kent, Penshurst – 1.30pm

Saturday 28th March – Crawley & Horsham, Parham – 1.45pm

Saturday 11th April – Ashford Valley Tickham, Charing – 2pm

Monday 13th April – Aldington Races, Aldington – 2pm

Saturday 18th April – Old Surrey, Burstow & West Kent, Penshurst – 2pm

Saturday 25th April – Chiddingfold, Leconfield  & Cowdray, Parham – 2pm

Sunday 3rd May – Mid Surrey Farmers Drag, Godstone – 1pm

Hobbs Parker and Ashford Livestock Market

We are the South East’s principle livestock market selling over 255,000 head of cattle, sheep and pigs in 2019.

Weekly sales throughout the year of all classes of stock, principally on Tuesdays, run by a fully professional team of auctioneers and support staff provide an unmatched level of service and commitment to the livestock farmer in the area. Come and see us on market day soon and bring your livestock for us to sell.

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

Martin Crowhurst (Cattle & Sheep) 07710 803903 or 01797 343936

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

Mark Cleverdon (Rams, Breeding Cattle and Pigs) 07741 845230

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

Tom Hamplett (Calves, Weanlings & Rams) 07966 104532