Like others, we are still in the fog of lambing. One of the old favourites, a 10-year-old Dorset we use as a recipient, who I swear is half human, has lambed a cracker of a Beltex tup. She’s a heck of a good mother and always does her lambs well.

More bad news for the dairy sector this week as Arla announces its giving 12 months’ notice to direct supply farmers. Unsurprisingly more dairy dispersals this week, but again the better quality cattle are still a decent trade.

Fairly positive trade across other sectors this week, with prime cattle maintaining recent improvement and the hogg trade particularly buoyant for all weights and breeds - let's hope it continues. On the back of this the first couples appearing in markets are selling well, especially ewes with stronger lambs ready to turn out.

As to be expected at this time of year, store cattle numbers are increasing, but demand continues to be strong. 

Some sales coming up:

• Friday, March 4 – Two-day dispersal sale of the Mellguards pedigree Holstein herd on behalf of Messrs F.M. and R.M. Fisher at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

• Saturday, March 5 – Auction of horse-drawn vehicles, machinery, equipment and bygones by Irelands, Arnold and Keys at Hillside Animal & Shire Horse Sanctuary, NR27 9QH.

• Saturday, March 5 – On-farm collective sale of tractors, machinery and livestock equipment on Iford Estate, Iford, Lewes, by South East Marts.

• Saturday, March 5 – 61st national show and sale of British Blue cattle at Chelford Market.