There was an air of cautious optimism at the Pig and Poultry Fair, held at the NEC Birmingham for the first time, but industry leaders warned of many challenges ahead

Chris Norton, of dairy auctioneers Norton and Brooksbank, celebrated 50 years as an auctioneer by selling at the Whitecarr sale for the Cowell family, Preston

Reserve champion leads Aberdeen-Angus trade

Reports and photos from sheep, dairy and pedigree bull sales

Thrunton herd leads Charolais trade with home-bred bull

Increased average for Dorset rams at May Fair

There was a strong demand from commercial buyers for British Blue bulls at the breed society sale at Carlisle, which topped at 25,000gns

There were strong livestock entries at one of the first major shows of the season, Nottinghamshire County Show

Reports from livestock auctions this week

The sale of 80 pedigree Limousin bulls at Carlisle topped at 38,000gns to average £8,214 with a 73 per cent clearance rate