In-lamb ewes in demand at Skipton

An entry of 359 in-lamb ewes at Skipton yesterday sold to a top price of £160/head for Texels due in March from Alan Birbeck, Kirby Stephen, which sold to L D Sutherland, East Yorkshire.

The same vendor also sold similar ewes at £158 and £155/head and Mules at £140 apiece and Swaledales at £126 each.

In-lamb Mule hoggets sold to a top of £122 for C and N Shearing, Littledale, Lancaster, which sold to C E and S J Mills, York.

While these prices look encouraging, I have to say bearing in mind the currrent cull ewe trade seen in many parts these ewes look good value, particularly if they’re carrying twins. It will be interesting to see how the couple trade develops in due course.

Averages; Texels £104, Mules £114, Swaledales £122, Mashams £113, Cheviots £130, Mule hoggets £117 (Craven Cattle Marts).