AS though it were a messenger of spring, the sun shone and the stock came and Malton market was back in business again.

With a little luck and a lot of careful planning, I believe we may have just about got it right to start selling in the old town and Philip Place's comment about summed it up: "Just brilliant."

Before I go any further on with the report, a big thank you to all those farmers who brought their stock in on Tuesday, risking a little but gaining an awful lot for the agricultural community.

Now for the facts of the day which were that 1,148 sheep turned up of which some 61 were spring lambs, 815 hoggs and 272 ewes. In addition, there were 30 clean cattle plus 30 OTMS cows in the other shed.

Spring lambs were a fiery trade, mostly making around 170p/kilo up to a top of 190p achieved by Stuart Craven. Preference was for the heavier spring lamb with R A & B Robinson making £75.50/head.

Hoggs were a good straight price, averaging 98p/kilo but running up to 109p for the best from Martin Medd.

Cull ewes were much in demand, with trade flying up to £78/head for the best big Suffolks from Jim Tennant.

There were general undertones within the market that the hogg trade could lift again in the near future and we are now taking entries for next Tuesday after the bank holiday.

There will be increased capacity in that we have got permission to overflow into the pig market but we still need to have everyone entering their sheep before they come please

The collection centre for the cattle worked well and our old buyers (meant in a kindly way!) want to return to the auction ring, so, with that and the time of year in mind we are looking towards opening the cattle rostrum on Tuesday, April 9 provided there are no hiccups.

We shall then move the OTMS collection to a Wednesday and, in both cases, we do need pre-entered stock. If you have any questions or enquiries please ring the helplines.

Last Friday, DEFRA published its official submission to the "Lessons Learned" Inquiry being conducted by Professor Anderson into the FMD outbreak. As you will all know, the infamous four inquiries are not to be remotely public but will consist of a series of private hearings and written submissions.

This latest one, the Gospel according to Lord Whitty, is a total whitewash and mostly hogwash as well! It exonerates DEFRA and the Government from any blame and argues strongly that they reacted at all times in a proper and competent manner.

For example, here are a few of their responses to questions:

Q The Government was too slow to respond?

A The initial response was rapid and went beyond that which many people felt reasonable at the time.

Q Was Government under prepared?

A Comprehensive contingency plans were in place and had recently been updated.

Q There was no leadership/the organisation was confused?

A There was clear leadership, initially from MAFF and then from an early stage directly from the Prime Minister.

Q Why did we use pyres?

A On-farm fires have always been an accepted disposal method.

I wonder if the breeder of pedigree cows in Cumbria would agree whose herd was taken out in the contiguous cull and burnt in front of his kitchen window.

The only hint of remorse comes in a paragraph in Lord Whitty's opening remarks where he says: "Undoubtedly there are some things that with hindsight we would do differently or better".

I did see in the post the other day a notice from the inquiry team to say that there is going to be a meeting at the Wesley Methodist Chapel, Oxford Street, Harrogate on Thursday April 4 at 7 p.m.

A subtle change to the regulations will make quite a difference to the market operation and this relates to multiple drop-offs and pick-ups.

Following veterinary advice, markets can act as pick-up points provided the animals are all going to one abattoir.

Multiple drop-offs of cattle moving from a market to farms will also be allowed for the first time and this will be a great boost to professional hauliers. Permission will be subject to a limit of five drops per trip and for further details you either need to give us a ring or DEFRA.

For weeks now, I have been crusading to get this anomaly addressed by DEFRA and at last we might be making some progress.

When you actually get through to a real person at the Page Street headquarters, they are usually extremely reasonable and helpful. Our latest contact has indicated that he can see nothing wrong in holding a fatstock auction on the same day and in the same premises as a collection centre/OTMS; provided that it is clear all the stock must go to slaughter and cannot return home.

At Malton we broke new ground by having an auction of sheep on the same day and at the same market although admittedly the sheep shed and the cattle are separated physically. This has given us the lever to try and bring a bit of sense into the arrangements which will affect not only Malton but York as well.

Next week's arrangements are that both York and Malton will operate on Tuesday and that the multi pick-ups will allow buyers to get together sensible loads from both markets.

We are still in business to sell your stock, whichever the preferred route, and trade is pretty good for all species.

Spring lambs are wanted and are making around 330-350p/kilo on the hook but watch the deductions.

Hoggs are getting scarcer and we feel could lift in the next week or so. Currently prices are hovering from 215-235p/kilo, again dependant on the weight limit.

Fat ewes can be moved easily and at good prices but if you only have the odd one or two then perhaps you can bring them into the market on Tuesday.

On the cattle front trade, has held at around 170-172p on the 'R' grade with better premiums for lighter quality retail cattle. I made over 190p of the best this week.

The lower end of breaking-up cattle is hovering around 140-155p/kilo dependent upon fleshing and conformation.

Pigs are on the move again and they are mostly making from 100-105p/kilo.

Anyone wanting further information please contact the helplines at Malton on (01653) 697820/692151 and York on (01904) 489731

Updated: 12:16 Thursday, March 28, 2002