Record after near 13,500 females sold

Prices back on last year – but relief trade holds up despite uncertainty in the market for farmers across Scotland

More than 25,000 store lambs and breeding sheep passed through United Auctions sale rings at Stirling in the last few days, with a centre record set at the sale of 13,485 females.

Despite prices back on the year, auctioneer Matt Stevenson said most farmers were relieved trade held up so well at a time of such market uncertainty.

The championship at the annual show and sale of Scotch Mule and Blackface ewe lambs was awarded to Mark Smyth, Shields, and bought by judge Alan Ross, Wardhead, Strichen, for £160 per head.

The sale was topped by a pen of 25 consigned from Townfoot (Midlock) realising £168 to H Sleigh, St Johns Wells, Fyvie, and top price in the Blackfaces was £114 for a pen of 44.

In second place was David Gray, Drumnessie, £158, third was Hartside Farms £132, fourth Sam McClymont, Tinnis, £135, and fifth J and M Hamilton, Crosswoodhill, £104. The overall average for Scotch Mule ewe lambs was £86.66 (down £6.66 on the year). Blackface ewe lambs ave £69.26 (-£9.20).

Accredited Scotch Mule ewe lambs ave £86.02 (-£2.58), non-acc Scotch Mule ewe lambs ave £86.27 (-£8.62), acc Blackface ewe lambs ave £71.48 (-£10.72) and non-acc Blackface ewe lambs ave £64.78 (-£2.88).

Another 11,768 store lambs, feeding and breeding sheep were sold with Mules ave £53.35 (-£0.54 on the week). SuffX ave £59.41 (-£3.07), TexX ave £57.84 (-£1.97), BTexX £64.64 (-£1.34), Chev £44.88 (-£4.92), BF £38.54 (-£3.36).

Leading prices: Store lambs Dalfoil (Mule) £61.00; Fullerton (Mule) £60.00; Glenehervie (Mule) £59.00; Cuthbert Farms (Suf) £65.50; Drumaghinier (Suf) £63.50; Little Moss & Rossieochil (Suf) £62.50; Knowes & Scart (Tex) £70.00; Easter Greenhill & Luss Est (Tex) £68.50; Fidden (Tex) £67.00; Shenlarich (BTex) £70.00; Newbigging (BTex) £68.50; Craigdhu (BTex) £67.00; Colony (Chev) £56.50; Cosyden (Chev) £53.50 & 50.00; Shields (BF) £47.00; West Glenalmond (BF) £46.00; Fidden (BF) £46.00.

Breeding sheep (ewe lambs) – Rossieochil (Suf ) £94.00; Low Craigton (Suf) £90.00; Claylands (Suf) £80.00; Philiphaugh (Tex) £114.00; Sundhope (Tex) £108.00; Knowes (Tex) £82.00; Wester Clubowie (Chev/Mule) £98.00; Auldallan (Chev/Mule) £94.00 & 92.00. Gimmers Parbroath (Chev) £94.00 & £90.00. Ewe- Parbroath (Chev 1 Crop) £76.00 & £75.00.

Winner of the champion pen Mark Smyth, shepherd J McDougall, Alan Ross and J Connor. Behind are retiring auctioneer Matt Stevenson and United Auctions managing director George Purvis.