SPRING LAMBS

Several consignments of spring lambs were forward today, selling to a top price of £195 for a pen of Suffolk cross from WN&D Smith & Son, Cockerham. Others achieved £185 from S Wilson & Son, Scotforth who also topped todays market with a Suffolk cross lambs at 439p/kg. Other well finished in specification lambs were regularly 415p/kg upwards, with an overall SQQ market average of 415p/kg achieved.

PRIME HOGGS

The best bred and well finished prime hoggs continue to sell to a premium, with under finished and out of specification hoggs heavy discounted. The sale peaked at £228 for a Beltex cross from AG Butler, Hambleton with Texel cross to £200 from S Ayrton, Cockerham. Cheviots sold to £196 from J&H Davis, Cabus with this price also achieved for Texel cross from F&SG Sanderson, Woodplumpton and Masham from A Guy, Goosnargh. Other heavy well finished hoggs were regularly £180 to £200, with medium weights £165 to £180. The sale topped at 423p/kg for a Beltex cross with others regularly 390p/kg to 415p/kg, well finished stand weights were 360p/kg to 380p/kg, with leaner and out of specification hoggs ranging from 310p/kg to 340p/kg, depend on quality and type. An overall market average SQQ of 353p/kg was achieved.

CAST SHEEP

Another strong entry of cull ewes were forward, which sold to an average of £126. Best continental ewes were regularly breaking the £200 barrier, selling to £230 for a Charolais cross from AJ Cardwell, Pilling with Mules to £180 from S Wilson & Son, Scotforth. Other stronger first cross ewes were £150 to £170 with medium meated ewes £125 to £140. Pure hill ewes sold to £180 for Swaledales from JA Simpton, Barnacre.
Cull rams sold to £185 for Cheviots from A&J Smith, Ingleton.

SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

The annual bank holiday prize show and sale of hoggs with lambs at foot saw a quality show presented before the judge Mr Neil Sanderson, Woodplumpton, who we thank for his time and expertise. Thanks also goes to our sponsors Grace Dobson, Laurence Pierce Wool Merchants and WCF Fuels. The first prize rosette was awarded to Mr D Preston, Caton for a pen of North Country Mules with Beltex cross lambs which later sold for £270, with the second prize pen achieving £250 again from Mr D Preston. The third prize pen from Mr J Bargh, Morecambe sold at £245. An entry of Cheviot Mules with Beltex cross lambs from W Pinter, Clitheroe sold to £250 with others at £245. There was plenty of interest with buyers looking to secure additional and replacement stock.
Other breeding sheep today sold to £270 for Texel ewes with twins from A Birchall, Dolphinholme who sold singles at £215. Other Mule ewes with twin lambs sold to £215 from BR Harrison, Staveley.
Sheep and lambs will continue to be sold every Monday at 11.30am following cull sheep, please advise the office of entries.