More than 1,500 cattle are set to go under the hammer at Dingwall Mart’s anniversary show and sale of store cattle next week.
The fixture, which takes place on Wednesday, July 19, starts with a show of cattle at 8.30am followed by the sale at 10am.
Aberdeenshire farmer Stuart Connon, of Skilmafilly Farm at Auchnagatt, has been confirmed as the judge for the event.
Dingwall Mart managing director Ian Tolmie said the sale would comprise entries of forward cattle, yearlings and weaned calves from across the Highlands and islands.
He said numbers were similar to last year, but more than expected.
“We sold some of the previous entries from last year in the spring time, but we have managed to maintain the numbers for this sale,” said Mr Tolmie.
“Some people who previously finished cattle have restructured their businesses to sell stores and keep more cattle. That’s certainly helped us with our store numbers.”
He said regular buyers were expected to attend to get their pick of cattle from the region, and in many cases they would be looking to buy from the same store producers as in previous years.
“It’s a generally well-attended sale and the entry will be a good example of the quality from the area,” added Mr Tolmie.
At last year’s sale a 21-month-old Charolais cross heifer was crowned champion by judge Noel Gall of Home Farm, Kininmonth, Mintlaw.
The home-bred heifer was put forward by Andrew Anderson, of Smallburn Farms, Plewlands, Duffus, Elgin. By the Anderson family’s 13,000gn Charolais stock bull, Chesham Fiji, she sold to the judge for £1,400.
The reserve champion title went to a home-bred nine-month-old British Blue cross bullock from Ian Grant, of Slattadale, Lochmaree. This one sold for £950 to Messrs C. and A. Cameron, Montgrew Farm, Keith.
Looking at prospects for next week’s sale, Mr Tolmie said he expected a strong trade.
He said: “Finished cattle are doing well because they are scarce. That will be giving encouragement to the finishers to keep their numbers there to hopefully see a return. Store prices are quite considerably up on last year.”