Auctioneers: CCM Auctions

Averages: Fresh heifers averaged £1520, fresh cows averaged £1,232 and in-calf heifers averaged £974. 

Andrew Jennings of Jennings Farmers, Fountains Abbey, emerged victorious at Skipton Auction Mart’s Craven Dairy Auction on Monday 26th September.

Mr Jennings’ fresh heifer topped the sale at £2,000 after being awarded the championship by judge Rob Marshall, of Dacre.

The heifer, 28 days calved, giving 33 litres, boasted a good back pedigree, being by Carrock Shockwave, and was sold to Stephen and Eddie Jeanes of Sutton-in-Craven.

Reserve champion was a sweet heifer from Peter Baul of Bishop Thornton, calved 18 days and giving 30kg, which sold for £1,580 to the Jeanes family again. Jennings Farmers had their second heifer reach the same price of £1,580 and sold to Wick Williams of Cheshire.

Mr Jennings also took third prize in the newly calven cows, with the Lawson family, of Arthington, taking first and second, along with third in the newly calven heifers section, and topping the prices for newly calven cows at £1,600. 

Brian and Susan Barningham, of I Oliver & Partners in Darley, took first, second and third place in the in-calf heifer category and sold for the top price of £1,100.

There was welcome news of the pay rise from the main processor in the area, however many feel it is not enough and it is still a concern going forward as a long and winding road continues.

The show was again sponsored by regular supporters NMR and Trouw Nutrition. The next Craven Dairy Auction is on Monday, October 10.

Black and Whites saw a better trade this week with an average of £51.59 and a top price of £180 for a pure Friesian bull calf from the Pickersgill brothers of Guiseley.