Knighton Market enjoyed an excellent turnout on Friday, August 15, with McCartneys reporting the sale of 679 store sheep and 64 store cattle.

The first sale of the season for store lambs got proceedings off to a flying start, with auctioneer Katie Davies describing the trade as “excellent throughout.” Well-grown continental lambs dominated the sale, averaging £110.70 per head overall. Top prices reached £126.50 for Beltex x mixed lambs from NC Davies, with Texel x ram lambs from D & S Jones and Davies & James selling up to £126 per head. Texel x ewe lambs from Davies & James fetched £124.50, while Texel x wether lambs from JT & AE Williams made £122 per head. Other notable sales included Texel x ram lambs from Davies & James at £121 and from Messrs Jones at £119. Longer-term hillbred lambs sold to £86 per head. In general, larger lambs sold between £118 and £126.50, medium lambs between £100 and £115, and smaller lambs ranged from £85 to £98. Buyers were keen throughout, and the trade reflected strong confidence in the quality of the lambs on offer. The next store sheep sales are scheduled for Friday, August 29 and Friday, September 5, with entries closing the Thursday before each sale at 5pm.

The sale of store cattle was equally lively, with 70 head entered, mainly feeding bulls and heifers. The trade was particularly strong for the heavier and larger cattle, reflecting the current grass situation. Feeding bulls averaged 414.32ppk and £1,928.33, with a Purebred Charolais bull from R H & S E Powell selling for £3,000. Other notable sales included a 415kg Limousin x bull at £1,990, a 370kg Limousin x at £1,800, and a 13-month-old Purebred Charolais bull at £2,350. Heifers averaged 392.68ppk and £1,657.14, with standout lots including a 490kg Limousin x from G E & M J Powell at £2,210, a 500kg Limousin x at £2,180, and 450kg Limousin x heifers fetching £1,970. Top steers included a 430kg 16-month-old at £1,500 and a 475kg 19-month-old selling for £1,560. Buyers were active and engaged throughout, ensuring that prices reflected the quality and potential of the cattle on offer.

McCartneys already report a strong entry for the next sale on Friday, September 19, with entries closing Thursday, September 11 at 5pm. Vendors are encouraged to ensure their cattle are vaccinated to allow sales to both Welsh and English buyers, helping maximise potential prices. On-farm viewing, valuation, and sorting services are available through Jenny Layton Mills or Lloyd Humphries, who are also on hand to advise on entries and market trends. Young feeding bulls and weaned calves will feature at the September sale, with classes for the best single bull, best pair, and best bunch of four or more feeding bulls, offering opportunities for both seasoned producers and new vendors to showcase stock.

For up-to-date market information outside office hours, farmers can contact Jenny Layton Mills, Katie Davies, or Lloyd Humphries.