The National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales & Border ram sale saw a Blue Faced Leicester shearling sell for a record 26,000 guineas just minutes into bidding.
The sale at the Royal Welsh Showground had been delayed by a week, but turnover reached £1,956,127.99 with 2,795 sheep sold or 885 of the number forward. The overall average was up on last year at £699.87.
Chairman of the NSA Wales and Border ram sales, Graham Jones, said he was happy that the sale was back on course.
“It’s nice to see that people coming her for years were able to turn around and buy replacements for their own flocks. That’s the kind of thing we like to see,” he said.
“I think the trade reflected the demand for heavier lamb. All in all it was an excellent day. There was a good atmosphere.”
“Everybody seemed to be on form and once it became established that there weren’t going to be many gifts about, they got on and bought,” Jones said.
The day saw the record price achieved by Vale of Glamorgan farmers, Tudor and Janet Harris, Bonvilston Flock. Their 26,000 guinea sale exceeded their own 12,000 guinea record at the same sale back in 2018.
The Harris’
Tudor and Janet Harris have eben selling at the NSA Wales & Border ram sale for over thirty years, and are renowned breeders.
The tup had taken the Breed Championship at the Royal Welsh Show, but had been pushed into second place at the pre-sale show by another Bonvilston tup.
Tudor Harris said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic, very pleased. It’s been a lot of hard work this summer, with very little grass but they’ve done well and I’m absolutely delighted.”
“He’s a yearling, out of semen my daughters bought me as a Christmas present, Graig yr Osedd from Logie Durno. We have a full brother at home, a year younger.”
