A pleasing entry of 637 lambs forward at Whitland Mart on Tuesday, October 14, met with trade in line with the national average resulting in an overall average price per kilo of 113.47p.

The greatest demand was again for the premium type lambs, which realised the top price per kilo of 124p for 45 kilos from Miles, Gwili Vale, Pontarsais. Other vendors attracting leading bids were Messrs. Morgan, Little Treffgarne Farm, Wolfscastle; Fairclough, Frowen, Login; Jones, Arnolds Hill, Slebech; Saer, Rhosgoch, Red Roses, and Williams, Llandawke. Top price per head was £57.60 for 55 kilos from Morris and Co, Loveston Farm, Merrion, Pembroke.

Non-approved lambs sold to a top price of £40 and to an average of £30.38.

An improved entry of 386 cull ewes and rams were on offer with the greatest demand again being for the heavier type ewes which sold to an average of £36.20, while the lighter types averaged £18.79. Top price per head was £50 from Morgan, Upper Bletherston, Clarbeston Road.

A larger than usual entry of rams sold to a top price of £49 from Evans, Coedhirion, Llanddarog, with wethers peaking at £30 from Summons, Hayston Farm, Johnston.

An markedly improved entry of 33 barren cows and overage cattle on offer met an average price per kilo of 76.98p peaking at 128p for a 590 kilo Belgian Blue from Harris and Son, Ffosddu Fach, Whitland, which turned out to be the top price per head of £755. Overage steers sold to a top price of £995 for a 815 kilo Limousin from Wilson, Coldwell, Red Roses, and heading the bull trade at £645 was an 840 kilo Holstein Friesian from Morris, Bowett Farm, Hundleton.

In the fat cattle ring, a quality, if small number entry, resulted in a steady trade with heifers selling to an average of 125.35ppk, while steers sold to an average of 135.96p. Top prices per head included £1,057 for a 775 kilo Charolais steer from Lewis and Son, Ambridge, Green Plains, who also sold a 755 kilo Charolais at £1,015 and a further 745 kilo Charolais at £994. Heifers sold to a top price of £809 for a 625 kilo Limousin from Williams, Penlan, St. Dogmaels.

Bull calves sold to a top price of £170 for a Limousin bull from Reynolds, Sarland Farm, Laugharne, and heifers made up to £148 for a Simmental from Phillips, East Regwm Farm, Whitland.

Special sale

An outstanding entry of 113 cull cows and 37 fat cattle were forward at Whitland Mart on Wednesday, October 15, from livestock farmers who are currently subject to animal movement restrictions

Many producers are well pleased that there is now an outlet for cows and cattle of this nature and trade reflected these recent trends.

An excellent entry of cull cows resulted in a good trade selling to an average price per kilo of 80.00p and to a top of 122p for a 725 kilo Limousin. Top price per head included £890 for a 900 kilo Friesian with other leading prices at £885 for a 725 kilo Limousin.

Bulls sold to a top price of £770 for a 755 kilo Shorthorn and a 655 kilo Holstein Friesian made £490.

Overage heifers peaked at 130p per kilo and averaged of 101p, while steers sold to a top of 118p and levelled at 108p.

Top price per head included £815 for a 730 kilo Limousin steer and heifers made to £735 for a 635 kilo Hereford.

An excellent trade was seen in finished cattle resulting in a top price per kilo of 155.50p for a 565 kilo Limousin steer (average 139.03p) - top price per head was £996 for a 685 kilo Simmental. Heifers sold to an average of 125.76p peaking at £865 for a 595 kilo Charolais.

The next sale of this nature will be on Wednesday, November 12.