The weather continues to swing between sunshine and snow, which is a pain. On the plus side, our swallows have arrived, so surely that's a firm indication spring will start to be more consistent.

More arrivals have appeared at home over this past week in the shape of chicks, and one of our favourite Blue cows naturally calved a smart, all black bull calf. Fingers crossed he makes the grade.

I went to the Simmental sale at Carlisle last Friday, where trade was very selective to put it mildly. In the breeding cattle ring for the standard of cattle I saw, it was good, level trade. In short, if the quality was there then good money was made.

Spring lambs are back this week as is to be expected as numbers increase. As are hoggs which are getting to the tail end, although the best quality are still a decent trade. At last the prime cattle trade seems to be taking its toll on the store market with prices down on the year in many centres, although the demand is still there particularly for smart younger cattle.

Some sales coming up this week:

• Friday, April 29 - Halls Stone machinery sale, Stone, Nr Kidderminster.
• Saturday, April 30 – Voyce Pullin host an on-farm dispersal sale of classic tractors, machinery and vintage farm collectables, to be held on behalf of J.R. and J.C.M Boddy at Hayes Farm, Gloucestershire, GL4 0XD.
• Saturday, April 30 – A Mart's the Heart-supported show and sale of British Charolais cattle at Welshpool Market.
• Monday, May 2 – Stirling May bull sales hosted by United Auctions.

Steph Ryder

Head of Commercial Sales & Development