THE big opening seasonal store lamb show and sale at Skipton Auction Mart produced an entry of 4,087 – a huge increase on last year’s 2,231 turnout.

The sale drew nationwide interest, with all eyes fixed on the opening trade, which saw lambs sell to an across-the-board average of £56.73 per head, compared to the previous year’s £68.18.

Craven Cattle Marts’ livestock sales manager Ted Ogden said: “Although there is plenty of grass about, the pressure on prime prices was always going to be the balancing effect on trade and, on reflection, an average of nearly £57 will more than likely prove a workable point for both buyers and sellers alike.”

There were 30 successful buyers, with a few leaving empty handed, clearly illustrating early season demand for store lambs.