G’Day to the UK Jack Harper’s July Blog

Well once again another month has been and gone quicker than seems reasonable. The days are
becoming ever so slightly shorter as each week rolls into the next. The “back end” is here,
signalling the beginning of a busy period. Ram sales are commencing, the first of the store lambs
have been shifted and the rings will very soon be filled with breeding sheep to suit one and all.
The show season has continued to stay vibrant and the weather relatively kind.
July began slightly later for me than for most, with the first week still spent working on that tan
from June. Upon return though, it was good to be back in the sale yards; sorting lambs, penning
cattle and catching up with everybody after a trip away.
Prime lamb yarding numbers have stayed stable, with no big influx as yet. This has kept the
market similar as well. No huge price jumps but no huge prices falls. Prime cattle numbers are in
the same boat. There is a sense of stability and predictability within the market place of late and
positivity from vendors. New season lamb vendors are reporting good increases on the year
which is always good feedback to hear.
With the blessing of good sunny weather at the end of each week, I have taken the opportunity to
spend some time on the road meeting more local farmers. I for one, do not overly enjoy spending
too long in the office regardless of what weather we are presented outdoors, so for me, having the
opportunity to meet and greet has been one of my more enjoyable jobs. It indeed is a pleasurable
job, particularly at the moment, as spirits have been high regarding weather and markets. I have
encountered most famers have been spending countless hours making hay while the sunshines.
All of the local producers have been very much accommodating when the new kid on the block
arrives at their property and asks to have a look around and get to know their operations. I would
say this is indeed one of things I most enjoy - building relationships with farmers and getting to
observe and learn about different methods of farming then I would see at home.
As July progressed, there was a few additional sales added to the catalogue. The first store lambs
at both Carlisle and Lazonby, the Jalex ewe sale and the first of the pedigree sheep sales all
called July home. The 21st and the 24th saw the opening sale of store lambs at Carlise and
Lazonby respectively for the year. Both of which saw price increases on the year. Lazonby will
continue to have fortnightly store lambs sale for the foreseeable future.
The end of the month brought with it a few exciting days. Once again the H&H team boarded the
30 minute flight from Glasgow —> Belfast for another evening sale at Jalex. On offer this time
approximately 950 joinable ewes which sold to a full buying contingency and complimented by
marteye (the UK AuctionsPlus equivalent). The sale was strong, averaging £295 across the
offering. I was graced with the very important job of controlling the online bidding. Safe to say I
was fairly glad when the sale was over and I could breathe a sigh of relief. Regardless, a good
experience and an exciting way to be fully immersed in the progression of the sale. A few teething
issues from my side of things but given the pace of the sale, my crinkles had no option but to be
ironed out fairly fast.
Following a successful jaunt to Ireland for Jalex, attention was quickly turned to pedigree sheep
sales. On our return, we stepped straight into Zwartbles, Dutch Spotted and Jacob sheep. Due to
the current Bluetongue Virus restrictions, these sales have been split between two of our markets.
Lockerbie has been designated for the sale of Scottish, Welsh and Irish sheep and Carlisle from
all 4 nations but with some extra hoops to jump through for movement out of England. It has been
extremely advantageous having Lockerbie so close to the Borderway Mart and has provided a
sale option for our vendors located all throughout the United Kingdom. The next of our pedigree
days is the beltex sales happening on the 14th and 15th of August 
Throughout July, I was once again given the opportunity to take the rostrum for a few sales. The
auction room and small tool sales have given me a good chance to keep the auctioneering brain
intact but have indeed given me itchy feet to get back selling some livestock. All reports have
been positive from vendors, buyers and colleagues alike regarding my selling style.
As August progresses, I look forward to the weeks becoming busier and more stock coming into
the marketplace. Much like this time of year back home, there is plenty of anticipation and
excitement around market prices, the saleyards and of course pedigree sales. The market once
again is about to come alive. It is at these times where the industry has a true buzz about It and
acts as a reminder as to why it is that we all really do enjoy the crazy world that is agriculture.
For everybody’s sanity, particularly mine, may we see some more sunny and warm days as we
head into the last few weeks of the British summer. To my dear friends back home, hang in there,
spring will be on our doorstep in a matter of weeks. May the markets stay buoyant in both
hemispheres and the livestock thrive.
Enjoy your August - Unbelievable to think that next month will mark 6 months of this endeavour!