Still some big prices for pedigree rams as season draws to a close

The sun is still shining and it's such a luxury still having the stock outside. We artificially inseminated some of our Beltex and Texel ewes last week, along with fluking and copper bolused the Suffolks.

The piglets are doing really well, although they are getting more and more adventurous as each day passes. My husband isn't too impressed, however I'm convinced the exercise is good for them.

We got more tups away last week. Trade was a bit disappointing when you think how much you put into the job, there's really minimal profit. We need to have a re-think.

Trade for the British Blues last week was strong with a top call of 10,000gns. Bluefaced Leicester tup trade was serious at Hawes too, topping at 15,000gns twice and a North Country Cheviot Hill ram made the same money at Lockerbie. Rams sales are getting towards the end but the cycle moves on with the first Charollais in-lamb sales seeing a strong trade last weekend.

Sales coming up this week

Friday, October 7 – Melton Mowbray Market is running its first autumn store cattle sale.
Saturday, October 8 – Great annual show and sale of native breed cattle at Castle Douglas Mart.
Saturday, October 8 – Clitheroe Auction Mart hosts a show and sale of Derbyshire Gritstone sheep.
Sunday, October 9, and Monday, October 10 – Show and sale of Highland cattle at Oban Auctions.

The die is cast for The Mart's the Heart Awards. We received almost 9,000 votes over the past month. Look in this week's Farmers Guardian for the announcement of the winner.

Steph Ryder

Head of Commercial Sales & Development