Exeter event pulls big spenders

SHEEP PRODUCERS made some hefty investments in crossing rams and pushed averages to record levels at the National Sheep Association‘s sale at Exeter.

Quality was the keynote at this fixture, where the main terminal sire breeds met a flying trade.

Peter Farnsworth of auctioneer Rendells – which shared the selling with Stags and Husseys – said rams became dearer as the sale progressed.

“Prime lamb producers know that future sheep profits hinge on quality. There is no soft cushion and the only way to get good lambs is to buy good tups,” he said.

“Bidding was fierce for the best rams.”

With two new rings in action it took four hours to sell the 420 rams from 14 breeds but many buyers went home with empty trailers.

The day‘s highlights included a blistering trade for Charollais shearlings, which averaged £506 compared with £418 last year and plenty of action in the Suffolk ring, where the ram lambs averaged £431, up £96.

Texel breeders also enjoyed a lift in their average with shearlings levelling at £459, up £22 on the year.