View from the Rostrum

As we look ahead to the autumn pedigree sheep sales, there is a real sense of confidence in the market. Trade across the pedigree sector has been exceptional this year, with unprecedented demand resulting in record prices for some of the best breeding stock.

 

We have already seen Texel and Beltex rams reach £80,000 and £70,000 respectively at recent breeding sales, while a significant number of sheep have changed hands for five-figure sums this season. What is very clear is that buyers are prepared to invest in top quality breeding stock, and that confidence is carrying through into all areas of the sheep trade.

 

The strength of the commercial trade has also been evident. At our Middleton auction mart, the NEMSA Mule gimmer lambs have been highly sought after across the board and at Kirby Stephen’s NEMSA sale, 7,000 lambs went under the hammer to average around £190 per head. This represents a significant increase on the previous year.

 

For me personally, one of the highlights of the year so far has been the Suffolk trade. Suffolks are certainly booming at the moment, and we saw that reflected in our Suffolk Spectacular sales on 31 July and 1 August. We had a record entry, making it the biggest show and sale of pedigree Suffolks held in the UK this year. The top price was £11,000 for a tup lamb from Allen Shortt in Ireland, while aged rams averaged £3,150, ram lambs averaged £1,779.30(£320 up on the year), shearlings rams £1,459, gimmers £1,696 (£569.93 up on the year), and ewe lambs £1,771. All three categories were ahead of the previous year, demonstrating the depth of demand for Suffolk breeding stock.

 

This is a trend we are seeing across all pedigree breeds. The calibre of sheep being presented is impressive, and buyers are clearly prepared to compete when they see stock with the breeding, type and potential they are looking for.

 

I also believe the weather conditions in the northern areas of the country has been more favourable than many other parts of the country and this has been a positive factor for our northern breeders.

 

H&H represent most of the major breeds, and we are now looking forward to the pedigree in-lamb sales, which bring breeders and buyers together from across the length and breadth of the UK. These specialist sales get underway on 7 November with the Dutch Spotted sale and already there is a real sense of anticipation.

 

We are expecting strong entries, with producers having some outstanding stock to offer. It is always rewarding to see the calibre of sheep coming forward and as a company we are very proud to provide a platform where buyers can source some of the best genetics available.

 

It is not only the pedigree sheep trade that is performing strongly. The regular weekly calf sales I conduct are also continuing to attract excellent numbers and keen demand. We are currently selling in the region of 300 to 400 calves each week, with some exceptional prices being achieved.

 

Last week, a four-month-old British Blue heifer topped the sale at £1,900, while consignments of well-bred calves are regularly averaging around £1,000, the better milk calves from dairy herds are making between £600 and £800 per head.

 

Another area that is particularly important to me is sheepdog training and trialling, which have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Bringing the online sheepdog sales to H&H has reignited that passion, and we have now held three sales, with prices reaching as high as £19,800 – an unprecedented level for this type of sale. We are already planning more sales for 2027, with the aim of making them bigger and better.

 

Looking to next month, preparations are underway for another busy Borderway Agri Expo on 30^th October. This year we are delighted to welcome the Limousin and Charolais breeds to the line-up of calf shows, alongside the established pedigree, commercial and sheep classes.

 

I am also particularly excited to see the Young Auctioneers Competition, a new element of the event open to all budding auctioneers. It will be fantastic to see the next generation stepping into the ring and showcasing their skills.

 

The live auction continues to provide a genuine, transparent trading platform, and we look forward to welcoming breeders, farmers and buyers to Borderway for another busy autumn season. The trade we have seen throughout the year, combined with the calibre of stock being produced, gives us every reason to approach the coming months with optimism.