THE annual sale of Swaledale ewes and show of Bluefaced Leicester and Texel rams was held at Middleton-in-Teesdale Auction Mart.
A small but quality entry was present with 270 Swaledale ewes being present. A huge congratulation must go to the vendors who presented a fantastic show of sheep.
Topping the sale was a pen of aged ewes from Mr S Hunter, Forest-in-Teesdale, who sold his pen for £74 a head. A good show of sheep was matched with a trade comparable to most centers, with big strong ewes easy to cash with lesser ewes a bit harder.
The ram sale was topped by a Bluefaced Leicester shearling ram from Messrs Dent, Wythes Hill, Lunesdale, selling for £1,900 to Messrs Nattrass, Garrigill. The ram attracted furious bidding with the final purchaser being over the moon with their purchase.
Winning the pre-sale show, sponsored by H Pigney & Sons, Appleby, and H&H Insurance, was Messrs Metcalf, Barningham for a wonderful Bluefaced Leicester ram lamb which later sold for £750.
Results
Bluefaced Leicester lamb: 1, Messrs J&K Metcalf, Park House; 2, Messrs MW&E Dent, Wythes Hill.
Bluefaced Leicester ram – shearling and upwards: 1, Messrs MW&E Dent, Wythes Hill; 2, T Collinson, Leekworth Gardens; 3, T Collinson, Leekworth Gardens.
Texel ram: 1, Messrs JA&D Scott, Westfield Farm; 2, Messrs JA&D Scott, Westfield Farm; 3, T Collinson, Leekworth Gardens.
Champion ram: Messrs J&K Metcalf, Park House; Reserve: Messrs JA&D Scott, Westfield Farm.
