Bluefaced Leicester hogg tops Bentham sale at £1,600

Sale day judge Richard Harker of Grayrigg, Kendal chose a Bluefaced Leicester Hogg sired by Midlock D45 from Tom Willoughby’s Penhill flock as his champion and which later topped the sale making £1,600 to join Neil Marston’s Highberries flock. The second prize hogg also from the Penhill flock made £900 to Scottish buyer James Montgomery.

There was keen demand for all the major hill breeds. John and Jean Bradley of Giggleswick topped the Dalesbreds with an in-lamb shearling selling to Richard Close of Starbotton to £700.

Jean Wilson of Dockray sold the champion Herdwick in-lamb ewe, making £550 to Frank Brennand of Chapel le Dale.

Top prices in the Swaledale section was shared between John Bland of Crowden with an in lamb ewe and Patrick Sowerby of Hawes with both a ewe and gimmer shearling, all making £550 selling to the judge George Sibson of Keswick.

(Bentham and District Farmers Auction)