AUCTIONEERS Halls reported an easing of prices influenced by the uncertain beef trade as 550 store cattle went under the hammer at the annual April prize sale at Bishop's Castle Auction on April 21.

“The best cattle still sold very well, but most vendors have a philosophical outlook on what’s happening in the industry at the moment,” said David Bryan-Jones, manager of Halls’ Bishop's Castle office.

The prize sale, sponsored by Allflex and the Farmers Guardian, was well supported by vendors. Judges were Grahame and Clive Stubbs of Enson, Stafford, who gave the champion’s award and first prize for steers to J A Wood and Sons, Kinnerton.

The other prizes went to: Steers: 2, B Williams, Hill End; 3, F T Bedell and Son, Linch House. Heifers: 1, Tom Jones and Son, Glebe Farm; 2, G Jones and Son, New House; 3, B Williams, Hill End.

Overall averages for steers were 206p per kilo and £965 with highs of £1,150 for a 585 kilo Limousin from R Llewellyn, Lynwood and 271p per kilo for a 345 kilo Limousin from B J, R M and S Austin, Middle Woodbatch. Heifers averaged 190p per kilo and £835 per head to a maximum of £1,125 and £250p per kilo for a 450 kilo Charolais from E D and H J Roberts, Pantgwyn.

Leading prices were: Steers: Blonde cross: £1,075 for A 540 kilo steer from Messrs C A and S I Blackman, Burfield Farm and 233p per kilo for two 360 kilo steers from Messrs F J Owens & Co, Llettygynfach. British Blue cross: £1,075 for a 520 kilo steer from Messrs S J C Morris & Sons, Whitcott Evan and 252p per kilo for two 385 kilo steers from Messrs I E & M Gittins, Lower Ucheldre. Hereford cross: £1,015 for a 570 kilo steer from Messrs R L Bishop & Son, Shepton Fields. Charolais cross: £1,120 for a 690 kilo steer from Messrs H Cooke, Lodge Farm and 248p per kilo for five 430 kilo steers from Messrs D A Jones & Co, Bronhaulwen. Simmental cross: £995 for two 525 kilo steers from Messrs D A Jones & Co, Bronhaulwen. Limousin cross: £1,150 for a 585 kilo steer from Messrs R W Llewellyn, Llynwood Farm and 271p per kilo for a 345 kilo steer from Messrs B J, R M & S Austin, Middle Woodbatch.

Heifers: Blonde cross: £940 for a 460 kilo heifer from Messrs C A & S I Blackman, Burfield Farm and 223p per kilo for a 390 kilo heifer from Messrs F J Owens & Co, Llettygynfach. British Blue cross: £1,005 for two 435 kilo heifers from Messrs J A Wood & Sons, Kinnerton Farm and 245p per kilo for a 400 kilo heifer from Messrs A Owen, Cwmbyr. Charolais cross: £1,125 for a 450 kilo heifer from Messrs E D & H J Roberts, Pantgwyn and 250p per kilo for a 450 kilo heifer from Messrs E D & H J Roberts, Pantgwyn. Simmental cross: £920 for a 490 kilo heifer from Messrs D A Jones & Co, Bronhaulwen. Limousin cross: £1,100 for a 540 kilo heifer from Messrs G M & A Jones, Cefn Dre and 245p per kilo for five 365 kilo heifers from Messrs J Jerman & Co, Rhiwbrongelly.

Bishop's Castle and District Quality Cattle Association’s prize sale of store cattle is being held on May 5, including a pure bred British Blue bull from Messrs A J Owen, Cwmbyr. The sale, which starts at 10.30am, is sponsored by the National Beef Association.

Halls’ next sale of store cattle at Bishop's Castle is on May 19, with entries closing on May 12 at noon. Call 01588 638639 for more information.