Demand for Beltex sheep on the up!

More than 200 sheep were forward at the Beltex Sheep Society annual production show and sale.

Robust trading highlighted increasing popularity for the breed, with a top price of 1500gns being made for a shearling ram from Thomas Hunter, Filey. Skelton Whin Live Wire, by Brickrow Johnny Boy, was aquired by R N Mees, Stafford.

Twin brothers Richard and David Findlay also went head to head for championship honours at the Beltex Sheep Societies eight annual production show and sale at Skipton Auction Mart.

However, it was Richard Findlay, Whitby who took both females and supreme championship with a shearling ewe, with David settling for reserve supreme honours with a shearling ram, the male champion.

The shearling ewe was daughter of the Irish import Burnside Jethro, the Findlay twins' stock tup, selling for 1250gns to I Wilson, Kendal. The reserve supreme from David Findlay sold for 800gns to local buyer Harry raw, Eastburn.

Also making good prices was Brian Breaks, Clitheroe, with his second prize gimmer shearling selling for 1100gns to J D Holden, Haslingden. Also hitting the four figures was Cecil Hutchinson second prize ram lamb selling for 1000gns to Scottish Beltex club chairman, Donald Douglass, Inverness.