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James Morrish on trade in last quarter of 2021.

Kivells auctioneers have seen very strong numbers of stock through both Holsworthy market in North Devon and Hallworthy Stockyard in North Cornwall.

With the recent uplift in the milk price, trade in the dairy cattle section has jumped strongly over the past few weeks.

December’s top call hit 2,350 for the best of a wonderful consignment sold on behalf of D.W. and R.J. Warren, who made the 160-mile round trip to Holsworthy from their home near Penzance, Cornwall.

At the end of October, we dispersed the Hoops herd on behalf of the Ley family of Sutcombe, which topped at 3,255.

In the beef cattle rings, the suckled calf sales at Hallworthy saw a top call of 1,000 for the best of over 1,200 sold with plenty of smart young cattle coming in from the healthy farms surrounding Bodmin Moor and beyond selling between 880-970.

Older cattle continue to sell well, with last week’s top call at Holsworthy being 1,355 for a pair of 26-month-old Charolais cross Friesian steers sold by lifetime supporters of Holsworthy market, John and David Beer of Langtree, near Great Torrington.

A busy last quarter of 2021 in the sheep pens saw record numbers reported on three occasions at Hallworthy, with the best of the prime hoggs springing to 170.

The regular weekly entries of store lambs at both markets saw the lambs getting smaller and the prices getting greater.

Christmas is always a special time at the markets – and this year has been no exception.

Rosette, cups and festive cheer were in abundance at Holsworthy and Hallworthy, and several charity auctions were conducted as well.

The team at Kivells conducted five charity auctions throughout December and were pleased to help raise more than 28,500 for good causes.

The directors and staff of Kivells would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

James Morrish

James Morrish is auctioneer for Kivells at Holsworthy, Devon. Call 01409 253 275 or email [email protected]