Records tumble at Welsh ram fixture

ONE THOUSAND extra rams were sold at the Wales and Borders National Sheep Association ram sale at Builth Wells on Mon, Sept 20.

The sales total hit £2.2m and a new record was set with a 5000gns deal for a Charollais ram lamb. The sale produced 88% clearance with 6137 rams averaging £348.

The record-breaking champion Charollais ram lamb was by Southfield Northernstar and had taken the reserve championship at the Royal Welsh Show.

Sale chairman George Hughes said: “The number of record prices paid proves sheep producers are committed to investing in quality sires.

“Scrapie genotyping was also a factor and Group One rams were earning a premium.”

Huw Francis‘ Bluefaced Leicester tup made the day‘s second highest price of 3600gns and took the breed championship title.
 
Beltex tups were in demand and it was a ram from Hay-on-Wye breeder Steve Gibbons that topped the section at 3360gns.

Texels peaked at 3000gns, Suffolks at 1000gns, Beulah Speckledface rams sold to 2050gns and two Badgerfaced ram lambs achieved a new breed record of 1150gns.