A good turnout of sheep and buyers saw a strong trade for female sheep at Borderway for the Bluefaced Leicester female sale. Over two hundred sheep were entered, which drew buyers from all corners of the UK.

The pre sale show was judged by Robin Waite, making his debut as a sheep judge. He placed W Wearmouth & Sons ewe as his champion, which went on to sell for 1400gns to G P Williams, with Robin being the underbidder. He selected the daughter of the champion as his gimmer lamb winner, which must surely must be a unique double for the 104 year old Rosehill flock, who were having a major reduction sale.

Top Price from Messrs Lord, Kirkby Stephen, which sold for 1800 gns

Once again it was the Hewgill flock which grabbed the eye, and the ring filled up in anticipation of their arrival. It was a 3 shear ewe by the N34 Hewgill which was the star of the day, carrying a single to the V45 Hewgill, the same cross as many of the much sought after Hewgill tup lambs last year. Final bidder at 1800gns was Ron Wilson, Armathwaite.

Making a debut at the sale was the Kirkby Redgate flock, with two gimmer lambs. Both lambs were exactly same way bred. by the W1 Keer out of P1 Kirkby Redgate sired ewes. The first lamb for 1700gns to M/s Sutcliffe, Horton in Ribblesdale, and their second to R Wallace, Girvan for 1600gns.

M/s Wight, Midlock have a reputation for producing the goods, and this sale was no exception, as their top lot reached 1400gns, selling to I D Gregory, Slacks Dale Farm, Peak District. This strong type one tester was by the W25 Midlock “Controvesy” and in lamb to the £6000 X1 Riddings.

The reserve champion came from The Close, a local flock run by A M Little at Hethersgill, Carlisle. It was by the V1 Brieryside and in lamb to W3 Arkleby, selling for 500gns.

Averages
61 Ewes £327.57
62 Gimmers £369.87
23 Ewe Lambs £483.46