Brecon Market opened February with a lively trade, despite a shorter entry of prime hoggets.

On the February 3 market, McCartneys reported 357 through the ring, and buyers were active across all weights. Lighter hoggets reached 345p per kilo for a 32-kilo pen from W J Lewis & Son, while Cheviot hoggets sold at 340p. Export-weight hoggets fetched up to 358p, with plenty trading above 340p. Heavier hoggets were particularly strong, topping £198.32 for 67-kilo hoggets from E Williams, Neath, and traders noted more stock could have sold to advantage.

Cull ewes were also in demand, with most types £8–£15 dearer than the previous week. The best ewes sold to £218 from P G Amphlett, leaner hill types changed hands at £125–£150, and plainer ewes made £60–£110. A dispersal on behalf of Mr H Morgan, Hay on Wye, drew particular interest. 70 Texel x Beltex ewes sold well, with mature ewes topping at £310 and younger stock reaching £265, reflecting strong demand for in-lamb ewes.

Cattle trading at the end of January remained solid. Heifers sold up to 620.7p per kilo and £3,080, while steers reached £2,980. Cull cows topped £2,920, averaging 311.4p per kilo, and feeding bulls sold to £2,300. Store cattle saw steady activity, with 153 steers averaging 423.2p per kilo and 154 heifers 409.2p.

The 8th Annual Show and Sale of Show Potential Cattle will be held on February 14, and the next store cattle sale is scheduled for February 27.

For up-to-date market information or for entries please contact one of the auctioneers: Lloyd Humphreys on 07534 532468 for store cattle and cull cows, Tom Pritchard on 07903 618253 for sheep, or Jenny Layton Mills on 07867 522859 for store cattle.