Premium Prices Achieved at Craven Dairy Auction for High-Quality Heifers
The recent Craven Dairy Auction held at CCM Skipton featured over 25 head of cattle, with quality entries still attracting premium prices despite market hesitations due to falling milk prices and forage concerns. The highlight of the auction was the pre-sale champion, Ravensgate Believer Kirsten 19, a 30kg black heifer from Pete Baul, which sold for £2,800 to judge Shaun Sowray.
Another notable sale was a red heifer, Wiskemanor Rager Mollli Red 2, bred from five generations of VG or EX, which sold for £2,750. This heifer, giving 30kg, was acquired by regular buyer Mark Goodall.
The Ayrton family from Eastby also saw success with their 30kg heifer and reserve champion from the Hawbank herd, which fetched £2,500. Similarly, Bradford brothers Richard and David Gawthorp achieved the same price for their fresh heifers.
Stephen Riding and family from Lincolnshire sold several animals, including a fresh fourth calver for £2,400, notable for its high-fat and protein yield in previous lactations. Two fresh heifers from their consignment were sold for £2,000 each.
The auction concluded with in-calf heifers, peaking at £2,200 twice. The first was for Ridings’ Ragwhistle Dusk 702, a first-place in-calf heifer due in late November. The second was for a Stantons Adorable heifer, also nearing calving.
Average prices at the auction were recorded at £2,086 for heifers in milk, £1,875 for in-milk cows, £1,800 for cows in calf, and £1,956 for heifers in calf.
