Texel ewes hit 1380gns at Chelford

A complete clearance of Texel females at Chelford last weekend reflected the increased confidence in the sheep trade seen in recent weeks, according to auctioneer Gwyn Williams.

Topping the sale was an entry from Gordon and David Gray of Selkirk, Scotland. This one, a triplet born ewe by Glenside Lord of the Ring is out of a Knock Firefly sired ewe and was sold in-lamb to Lindstair Nic Nak. Having been placed reserve champion in the pre-sale show, she joined Aspatria, Cumbria-based breeders Messrs Wilkinson’s Arkle flock at 1380gns.

The next best call came for the champion from the show, a powerful shearling from Peter Woof of Stainton, Kendal. Glenside breeding was to the fore this time again, with the ewe by Glenside Ludo and out of a Crosscrake Galleon sired ewe. Sold in-lamb to Kinsland Ocean Wave, she made 900gns to Messrs Warren, Gomersal, Bradford.

In the money at 750gns was Anglesey-based John Llewelyn Owen when he sold the best from his entry to Simon Farmer, Hampshire. This one is by homebred sire Hen Gapel Masterpiece and is in-lamb to Clinerty Number One.

And Mr Llewelyn Owen took the next best call too, trading a Glenside Lancelot daughter at 680gns to M C Jones, Oswestry, she was again in-lamb to Clintery Number One.

Averages: 81 Texel shearlings £281.84; eight Texel ewes £253.75;