Cull ewes still dear in the north

The strong cull ewe trade of recent weeks and months is persisting well in northern markets with yesterday’s sale at Carlisle again recording a top price of ÂŁ100 for Bluefaced Leicesters from Bolton Park.

Suffolk sired ewes were next best, making ÂŁ99.50 for Midtown Farm and ÂŁ98.50 forr Stoneraise. Texels made up to ÂŁ94.50 for High House, with several lots topping ÂŁ90/head.

Across at St Boswells trade hit a top of ÂŁ108 for Texels from John Elliot, Roxburgh Mains, with several pens making in excess of ÂŁ100, including Suffolks from Huntigdon and more of the same breed from Roxburgh Mains.

And still the big question is whether these prices will feed back into the breeding sales or whether farmers are taking the chance to cash ewes while prices are high and reduce numbers on the back of the strong trade?

As the saying goes; answers one a postcard please, or in this case as a comment….