The weather may have been variable this summer, but trade is still scorching at Frome!
Livestock farmers are being well rewarded for their efforts as trade continues to rise in all sections.
In the cattle sections, numbers have increased throughout the summer with great entries of store cattle and reared calves in July and August. Forward store cattle are regularly selling at over £1,700, with the very best nearing £1,900. Younger store cattle have also seen a rise, with plenty averaging over £1,000 and the best reaching £1,300. The reared calf section is growing stronger, particularly among dairy farmers restricted by TB, who will be reaping rewards once restrictions lift. The best reared calves are achieving nearly £700, averaging around £500. In the dairy section, Trevor Rowland has overseen some fantastic entries. In July, a consignment of 24 Holstein in-calf heifers from the Hope family in Kent met spirited bidding, with the best reaching over £1,800 and averaging an impressive £1,700 per head.
In the sheep shed, trade has remained firm throughout the summer. Fat lambs are trading at 50 pence per kilo higher than last year, approximately £25 more per lamb or a 30% increase. Store lambs have sold at record prices for the time of year, with the first seasonal sale averaging £105.50 per head and the best topping at a sensational £131.
Frome is now officially the biggest livestock market for pigs in the country, with regular entries of over 300 pigs per market. Pigs and buyers travel from all over England and Wales to attend. Best cull sows regularly reach over £300, best fat pigs over £230, and best weaners over £80.
For any information about the market, please contact Ross.whitcombe@cooperandtanner.co.uk