Well that’s summer officially over. The dark nights are upon us, which is proving a pain feeding up by headtorch!
This is the first winter in our new home so we’ve been busy getting the yard gated off for the bulls to get outdoor access, along with getting sheds ready for when the stock come in.
I was delighted to find out I came second in the small flock category in my local branch flock competition – it’s grand to get confirmation you are going in the right direction.
The Swale tup trade at Kirkby was strong last week, topping at £42,000 with averages well up on the year.
Sadly, the prime lamb price roller coaster continues, with little indication of any real improvement, and despite some market reports of a slightly better prime cattle trade, it remains generally under pressure with cheaper imports, and difficult exports, not helping matters.
Sadly, the prime lamb price roller coaster continues, with little indication of any real improvement, and despite some market reports of a slightly better prime cattle trade, it remains generally under pressure with cheaper imports, and difficult exports, not helping matters.
And as if things aren't bad enough, along comes another bout of bad press about meat consumption. Eat fresh from a local source and you can't go wrong I say. I won't be choosing a salad over a bacon butty or beef roll that's for sure! But where are the positive generic messages promoting meat for its positive nutritional values?
Sales to look out for this week are:
- Thursday 29, Hawes Mart's annual two-day prize show and sale of Swaledale Shearlings.
- Friday 30, great annual show and sale of North County Cheviot Rams at Dingwall Mart.
- Saturday 31, Mitchells is hosting an on-farm sale of tractors and machinery on behalf of T.Miller and Son, Oldfield Farm, CA13 0UW.
- Saturday 31, Barbers new sales fixture is a sale of working and unbroken sheepdogs and pups.
- Tuesday 3, November, annual two-day sale of 1,500 suckled calves at Cutcombemarket.
It’s Agri-Expo this Friday so I may see you there.
