New deals lift lamb average

19 October 2001




New deals lift lamb average

SCOTTISH Blackface rams sold to £12,000 when 243 deals were struck at Newton Stewart last weekend, lifting the average on the year by £248 for ram lambs and £40 for shearling tups.

The Scottish Blackface Sheep Breeders Associations "on-screen" sale had an entry of 430 sheep. Trade was better than expected, with the local lifting of sheep movement restrictions for stock allowing rams to be moved from vendors farms in Dumfries and Galloway.

The top end of the sale was dominated by two well known breeders trading between themselves. The leading bid of £12,000 came for a ram lamb from Keith Brooke, Glenluce, which was bought by Graham McClymont, Newton Stewart. In turn Mr McClymont sold a shearling at £6000 to Mr Brooke.

There were 25 four-figure bids including £5200 paid jointly by Messrs Kay and J McWhirter – both from Ayrshire – to secure a shearling from Messrs Ramsays flock at Kirkcudbright.

Local flockmasters Messrs Scott gave £4800 for a shearling from K Knockeen, Girvan, Ayrshire. Averages: 184 shearlings – £518. 59 ram lambs – £920. (James Craig and Son) &#42


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