Local Farmers Celebrate High Cattle Prices at Shrewsbury Auction

Farmers from Whitchurch and Wem were among those who benefited from strong demand at the Shrewsbury Auction Centre, leading to significant sales. A standout event included the sale of a pedigree Holstein in-calf heifer from P.B. Sutton and Partners, Whitchurch, which peaked at £2,880. The consignment averaged £2,562 per heifer.

The auction also featured the dispersal of a dairy herd from J.J.B. Powell & Son, Bridge Farm, Steel Heath, Whitchurch. Here, prices reached up to £2,650 for a Brown Swiss-cross heifer producing 27kg of milk daily after calving in June. Another heifer calved in June was sold for £2,400, whereas a February-calved heifer, already back in calf, fetched £2,220. Fresh cows from this dispersal achieved up to £2,500, while Jersey groups attracted competitive bidding, selling for up to £1,500.

B. & L. Whitfield, from Wem, also experienced success with their heifer, Alderbarrow Harmony Caramel, which sold for £3,600, marking it as one of the highest-priced animals of the auction.

Overall, 109 cattle were auctioned, with fresh heifers averaging £3,032 and fresh cows averaging £2,655. Jonny Dymond, auctioneer and manager of the Shrewsbury Auction Centre, praised the quality of the stock and the robustness of buyer demand, stating that the lineup was exceptional. He noted that 35 fresh cows and heifers sold for £3,000 or more, indicating strong confidence in the dairy sector.

Buyers came from across the region, underlining the ongoing demand for quality cattle. The event showcased both the quality of local livestock and the strong market conditions benefiting farmers in the area.