Top Swaledale fetches £21,000

Swaledale shearling rams reached £21,000 at the breed association’s major three-day fixture at Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

The top entry (pictured) was a modern, strong tup consigned by Robert Thornborrow, West Stonesdale, Swaledale, and bought jointly by J K and A Blades, Muker; Tom Robinson and Sons, Slaidburn, Lancs; and W Richardson and Son, Ghyll House, Kirkby Stephen.

Mossdale Estates, Hawes sold a tup at £18,000 to Matt and Craig Ridley, Hesket

Newmarket, Cumbria with a £17,000 deal struck for a tup from Colin and Anne Martin, Weardale that sold to W Richardson and Son, Ghyll House.

More Scottish bidders were in action and claimed 90 tups. Averages: 650 shearling £1214 – down £266. (Harrison and Hetherington).

For more news from the sales ring, see Stock and Sales section of Farmers Weekly, 28 October edition.