Demand for cast ewes results in £171 sale high

Cast sheep were in huge demand today at Gisburn Auction Marts with the top price of the day a £171 bid from Richard and Mark Ireland, Whalley with their Texel ewes selling for £171 and £170 a head.

Topping the cast tup trade was Alan Lodge, Malham Moor, Settle with a Texel ram at £131.

Jonathan Turner, auctioneer said “Fierce bidding for some top quality cast ewes from many different vendors resulted in £171 top price. Swale and horned ewes also received a top trade at £68 average. Hoggs are now starting to strengthen with numbers across the markets lessening. Many spec lambs averaging between 205p/kand 220p/k. Heavy lambs now seeing more interest and easier to sell. Best butchers hoggs still around the 240p/kg to 260p/kg.”

Averages: Cast Tups £108; Lowland Ewes £91; Horned Ewes £68

Auctioneers: Richard Turner & Son