Around the markets
The Luing Cattle Society staged its 55th Annual Premier Sale at Wallets Mart, Castle Douglas on Friday February 7.
At the pre-sale show, judged by Alan Cowens, Philiphaugh, Selkirk, selected the champion pair of in calf heifers from Robert McNee Ltd, Benhar selling to SK and S Brown, Woodmarsh, North Bradley for 2,500gns.
Reserve champion in calf heifers went to S Murray, Rockcliffe. Top price for in calf heifers was 2,600gns from Robert McNee Ltd being purchased by SK and S Brown. Overall average for 31 in calf heifers forward and sold was 1,619gns (£1,700).
The champion pair of bulling heifers was awarded to D and A Barr, Milkieston which went on to sell for 2,400gns to P Simmers, Backmuir. Reserve champion pair of bulling heifers went to Messrs W Graham, Craigdarroch selling to 2,600gns to M Halligan and Burke, Stewartson, Eddleston. Top price for the bulling heifers was 2,600gns (Craigdarroch) with the overall average for 85 bulling heifers forward and sold being 1,610gns (£1,691).
The breed witnessed a new record of 25,000gns for Nunnerie Xenon from CC MacArthur and Co, Nunnerie, being purchased by Mr T Renwick and Sons, Blackhouse. Of the 33 bulls forward for sale, 31 found new homes giving a clearance rate of just over 94% and three bulls being purchased 10,000gns and over.
Other prices 14,000gns was a Benhar Xerox from Robert McNee Ltd, Benhar, purchased by P Simmers, Backmuir. R and H McNee, Finlarg went on to sell Finlarg Xplosion to Kedzlie Farms, Galashiels for 10,000gns. Overall average for bulls was 5,865gns (£6,158).
Fort William – Dingwall and Highland Marts on February 6 sold 589 sheep of all classes. Lambs (260) sold to £95 gross for a pen of Blackface from Glendoe Estates, Fort Augustus.
Ewes and feeding sheep (179) sold to £90 gross for a Cheviot ewe from Ben Alder Estate, Dalwhinne.
Rams (150) sold to £79 gross for a Cross from Meall Mo Chridhe, Kilchoan. Leading prices per head Lambs: BF – Torr-Na-Faire, Lochaline, £87, 9 Clachan, Staffin, £68, 19 Blarmafoldach, Fort William, £64.50; Cross – 6 Stronaba, Spean Bridge, £80, Ardochy, Whitebridge, £67; Chev – South Laggan, Spean Bridge, £75, 6 Stronaba, £70; Mule – Coille Beag, Whitebridge, £73, Glendoe Estates, £70; CharX – Burnbank, Ardgour, £70. Ewes and feeding sheep: Chev ewe – South Laggan, £69; Chev wdr – 6 Stronaba, £66; BF ewe – Insh Farm, Spean Bridge, £64; Mule ewe – Glenmanechrie, Oban, £58.
Rams: Tex – Balmaglaster, Spean Bridge, £78; ZwbX – 4 Glebehill, Kilchoan, £73; Suff – Tigh Seonaid, Onich, £70; BF – Keppoch Farms, Roy Bridge, £68; Chev – Kilmalieu, Ardgour, £68; SuffX – Lagnaha, Torlundy, £60; BFL – Glendoe Estates, £60.