A record-breaking and vibrant sale was enjoyed at the NSA Wales & Border Main Sale at Llanelwedd recently.
The sale took place at a bustling Royal Welsh Showground on Monday, September 23.
Speaking ahead of the sale, Chairman Geoff Probert said: “Everyone is now looking forward to the main sale at Builth. Fat lamb prices are firm and cull ewe prices are trade buoyant. The sheep trade is really good at the moment, so we’re looking forward to a great sale and wide choice of quality sheep.”
Everyone was indeed right to look forward to the main sale, which on the day saw a more than 10 per cent increased turnover at £2,251,540 with a 92 per cent clearance - some five per cent up on last year.
The top price of 30,000 guineas for a Texel shearling was an all-time record for the sale.
A range of five-figure headline prices and increased averages across the board reflected the strength of the trade on show. The sale was distinguished by a busy and purposeful atmosphere as a range of buyers flocked into the Royal Welsh Showground from early in the morning, attracted by the promise of quality and choice.
This and the positive vibe around the rings made it a day to remember with pride for organisers, buyers and vendors. More than 3,000 rams from across the UK were inspected before entering the sale ring, with all inspectors fully briefed about Blue Tongue.
Mr Probert was delighted with the overall sale results. He was equally delighted by the averages achieved for his pens of pedigree Mortimer Charollais and Texels. He had the Champion Charollais and a 98 per cent clearance to average just over 1000 guineas.
“The standard of sheep forward was a credit to all vendors,” he said.
“The bar just gets higher each year.
“The buyers that come to Builth are prepared to pay for quality and this was reflected in the record average price and clearance rate. We’re grateful for the loyalty of all the supporters.”
The record-breaking Texel shearling was sold for 30,000 guineas by Phil Weaver of Little Manor Farm, Caunton, Notts, to W&C Ingram, Logie Durno Farm, Pitcaple. Phil Weaver also judged the Hexham ring, where Gary and Meinir Howells sold the highest priced shearling for 6,200 gns. It went to G W Jones, Wales. Phil Weaver sold two more shearlings for 9,000 guineas and 8,000 guineas.
A shearling Texel ram from C E Pryce, Yr Helyg, Llanfair Caereinion, sold for 24,000 gns to W O J Reed & Company, Upper Scolton, Spittal. The Blue Faced Leicester champion, a ram lamb, sold for 20,000 guineas, from McClymont & Son, Kirkstead, went to David Jones, the Ddole, Llanbadarn Fynydd.
The top price Suffolk, a yearling from J&M Hartwright, sold for 4,200 guineas. It went to Mark of LE Lloyd & Sons, Sarnsfield, Herefordshire. Nicki Hartwright was thrilled to have achieved what is thought to have been the highest breed price ever achieved at the NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales.
She said he was a special ram that doesn’t come along very often - a very modern, smart tup with the style to match. The second highest price Suffolk, for a ram lamb, sold for 1900 guineas by GlynLewis, Pontardawe.
The Charollais highest price went to the reserve champion,Gareth Jones of RG & RA Jones & Sons, Robleston Hall, Camrose. It sold for 3,500 gns to John Owens, Woodhouse
The highest price North Country Cheviot from H Cockburn, Kingside, was sold for 2,000 guineas to A Jones, Llangollen.