Record price for Valais sheep
MULTIPLE four-figure prices were set at Sedgemoor Auction Centre last week when a quality entry of Valais Blacknose sheep went under the hammer.
Greenslade Taylor Hunt, who run the market at North Petherton in Somerset, were welcoming the UK Valais Blacknose Sheep Society for their first sale in the county on Thursday, September 5.
Attracting a huge crowd around the ring, a record sheep price of £7,350 was given for the day’s star lot, Blackertor Evita, sold by D Hodge & J Walters of the Blackertor flock, based near Okehampton.
The same vendors also sold their shearling ewe, Blackertor Elizabeth, for £5,775, ewe lamb Blackertor Fuchsia for £4,725 and ram lamb Blackertor Frisk for £3,675.
C & C Slee sold two ewe lambs, Halsbury Gertrude and Halsbury Gloria, for £5,775 and £4,725 respectively.
E Collinson sold shearling ewe, Gemstone Penny, for £4,410 and R Snouckaert sold her shearling ram for £3,360.
In total, 13 Valais Blacknose sheep were auctioned.
Originating in the Valais region of Switzerland, this distinctive dualpurpose breed is becoming very popular on British soil, particularly with smallholders because of their docile and friendly nature.