New 11,000gns record set for Bluefaced Leicesters

Record books were rewritten at Carlisle on Monday when trade topped at 11,000gns (£11,150) for Bluefaced Leicester females, with ewes averaging £332 higher on the year.

Sale leader and overall champion went to a ewe lamb from the Kirkby Redgate flock, Rookby, Kirkby Stephen. Out of a ewe by D17 Hewgill and sired by G1 Hewgill, the record breaker was knocked down to Brood, Callow Hill, Redditch.

This added to Redgate’s autumn success when it broke the record ram price at £34,000. Breeder Richard Hutchinson told Farmers Weekly the animals, both champions on sale day, showed despite tough times for the sheep industry, farms were digging deep for good genetics.

Richard Hutchinson’s Kirkby Redgate flock has now produced the top Bluefaced Leicester ram and ewe at 34,000gns and 11,000gns

He added: “I often think when prices aren’t good everybody is looking to breed something a bit better. A challenging market makes people look to add value to their stock.

“G1 Hewgill was sire of two mule lambs that won the Border Expo last back end. I have used him extensively in artificial insemination on the crossing side this time. D17 has done really well for us.”

Next in the money at 4,200gns was another offering from Kirkby Redgate bought by R and M Archers & Son, Hexham, Northumberland. This was matched with a bid from R J Shennan, Farden Farm, Girvan, for an offering from Messrs NC Marston, Redmain, Cockermouth, Highberries flock.

Mr Marston was then back in the money at 3,200gns for a ewe which headed across the county to D and V Hill, Great Asby, Cumbria.

This was matched by consignments from Messrs Lord and the Hewgill flock, North Stainmore, Kirkby Stephen and J&S Wight, Midlock Farm, Crawford, Biggar. These received interest from Northern Ireland and were bought by L Beacom, Fivemiletown, Co Fermanagh, and D McCrystal, Drummuck, Maghera.

J and S Wight were then back in the ring selling twice to 3,000gns. These offerings went to TJ Hall and Son, Hexham, Northumberland, with the first prize shearling gimmer heading to J Thomas and Son of Tan, Llandrindod Wells, Powys.

Averages: 23 ewes, £1,219.37 (up £332.87 on the year); 85 ewe lamb, £1,060.01 (up £81.14 on the year); 80 gimmers, £971.64 (minus £221.36 on the year); overall, £1,071.05 (up £35.97 on the year) (Harrison & Hetherington)