AN encouraging entry of cattle at Chagford Market?s first store cattle sale since re-opening met an extremely fast trade with all but a few cattle selling to advantage.

The average price for the sale on March 4, which was conducted by auctioneers Rendells, was £427.50.

Uncertainty over the future of cattle subsidies drove demand for steers ? particularly those on the blue that are claimable this year.

A Perrott?s blue carded South Devon topped the market at £575.

This was closely followed by a quality consignment of Charolais crosses on the green from P Mears, which reached £572, and Limousin crosses on blue cards from M Perryman, which sold for £570 for two 15 month old steers.

Heifers continue to attract buyers, especially for the fleshier sorts, with a quality 22-month-old Charolais cross from J Reddaway reaching £402.

A pair of similar animals from the same vendor reached £398 a-piece, and a further Charolais cross from J Cuming and Son sold for £368.