Cattle prices soar ahead of second national lockdown as Bridgnorth auctioneers report record market
A livestock market in Shropshire has this week experienced its most expensive ever trade and "desperately short" supply.
Auctioneer's at Bridgnorth Livestock Market put the skyrocketing prices down to the imminent lockdown, and retailers in the area taking up the supply of certain quality meat.
Other livestock was heavily sought after, as farmers looked to stock up before further Covid-19 restrictions are imposed.
There were just 98 prime cattle at the market on Wenlock Road on Tuesday – where other weeks have seen numbers as high as 170.
Nock Deighton auctioneer Mark Burgoyne said: "We were desperately short of numbers, with our regular buyers reporting strong retail demand.
"Consequently a roaring trade resulted on all commodities. This was the dearest cattle trade ever experienced in Bridgnorth, including Christmas auctions.
"Our recommendation is to sell now whilst the wind is blowing in the right direction."
Other livestock was sought after as butchers looked to stock up on supply before lockdown restrictions are enforced, including 1,540 lambs which were put forward.
Auctioneer Martin Clack added: "It was one of the largest entries of lambs for several weeks, despite numbers easing nationally. The best lambs were especially sought after, with butchers stocking up for the forthcoming lockdown."
