Reduced forage supplies impacted trade at the Skipton dairy show and sale on Monday, where averages for newly calved heifers slipped to £1416.

“Clearly, the issue of winter feed is putting mounting pressure on the pockets of potential buyers," said auctioneer, Sam Bradley, who added that despite this, enough buyers were forward to make an honest trade of the milkers on offer.

It was nevertheless a good day for Robin Jennings, who scored a hat-trick winning his third championship of the year with a commercial heifer.

Mr Jennings who runs the Stainbank pedigree Holstein herd at Hull House Farm, South Stainley, Ripon, led the way with a calved heifer giving 36kg per day at two weeks calved. She sold for the top price of £1700 to show judge Mike Longster, of Fellbeck, Harrogate.

Another form the same home and a fortnight calved, realised £1550 to Jeff Liddle, of Huby who also bought the reserve champion, the second prize newly calved heifer from Peter Baul, who runs the Ravensgate pedigree Holstein herd at Watergate Farm, Bishop Thornton, at £1400.

Ravengsate Bossman Hilda 61, by Bassingthorpe Bossman, came to market 21 days calved and giving 28kg.

Matching that bid was the third prize winner from Brian Moorhouse's Aireburn herd, purchased by regular buyer, Brian Blezard, Ribchester. Aireburn Trix Kitty is by Topcroft Pesky Trix and changed hands giving 30kg.

Pic caption: Pictured with the principals at the last Craven Dairy Auction show and sale are, from left, Helen Whittaker, of regular sponsors NMR, reserve champion Peter Baul, champion Robin Jennings, joined by eight-year-old son Thomas, and judge Mike Longster, who bought his chosen champion.

If using pic, please credit Adrian Legge Photography

Further info: Robin Moule 01756 794027