Cheviots sell to brisk trade at Longtown market

The Principal Annual Sale of 5,350 Cheviot Mule Ewe Lambs and Gimmer Shearlings was held at Longtown yesterday.

A packed ringside of buyers from Aberdeenshire to Buckinghamshire and Devon ensured trade was buoyant again, but only for the best end of the stock, with the smaller running types harder to cash.  The sale was £8 back for ewe lambs and £10 back for shearlings on the year, in line with breeding sales so far across the area.

The increased entry of 2,646 North Country Cheviot Mule Ewe Lambs met a brisk trade for the best tupping lambs and the stronger end, with the runners harder to sell.  They sold to a top of £160 from Messrs Hedley, Swinside Townfoot (ex Overacres) to average £102.30, down £6.60 on the year but for more sold.

Leading the average trade was Messrs McQuat, Brockhouse, whi sold 40 for a top price of £144 to level at £141.

The 950 Hill Cheviot Mule Ewe Lambs were again like last year and proved very difficult to sell averaging £73.09, back £7 on the year.  They sold to a top of £110 from J. Common & Son, Crossdykes.

Meanwhile 360 Cheviot Mule cross Ewe Lambs sold to a top of £110 for Texels from Messrs Cockburn, Kingside.

The 1,409 Cheviot Mule Shearlings were a similar number on the year and sold to a top of £195 from annual consignor GB Milroy, Mains of Machermore, Newton Stewart to average £128.85, down £10 down on the year.  Quality lots were sought after with smaller leaner types steadier