New record set for Swaledale pen at Hawes

Ewes sold to £1,000 a head at Hawes’ annual show and sale of Swaledale sheep.

Chairman Andrew Pratt described trade as buoyant, with ewes averaging £167.72, up £43.61 on the year, and shearlings averaging £152.11, up almost £28 compared to 2013.

Mr Pratt said the higher price was a reflection of the short supply of Swaledale ewes.

He added: “Swaledale ewes are a scarce commodity and they were keenly sought after.”

Leading trade and making a record price for the breed for a pen of 10 was R Marwood and Son, Long Green, Barningham, Co Durham. Buyer was John Tully, Eggleston, Barnard Castle, Co Durham.

Next best at £460 a head was a pen of second prize ewes from BR Lawson and Son, Whashton, Richmond, North Yorkshire. Purchaser was GD and JP Nelson, Garrigill, near Alston, Cumbria.

Third best bid of £401 apiece was for a pen of 10 from J Nelson and Son, Clapham, near Ingleton, North Yorkshire. Buyer was EW and JR Parkinson, Dunsop Bridge, Lancashire.

An entry of 200 shearlings topped at £240 for the first prize pen from Nick Croft, Masham, North Yorkshire. Buyer was James Barker, Carnforth, Lancashire.

Second best at £200 apiece was a pen from WN Avison and Son, Coverdale, North Yorkshire. The successful bidder was R Wood and Son, Aysgarth. Wensleydale.

Averages: 1,116 ewes, £167.72; 200 shearlings, £152.11.

(Hawes Farmers Auction Mart)