Middleton In Teasdale Sale of Uncrossed Swaledale Ewes and Shearlings

On Monday 29^th September, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd held the highly coveted sale of uncrossed Swaledale Ewes & Shearlings within Middleton in Teesdale Market.

A smaller entry of 2415 were forward which included 190 shearlings fell under the hammer to average a record price of £181.94 +£42. With the reduction in hill sheep in the area and dry summer as what we’ve witnessed those who attended with sheep were treated to a trade unseen in this market. A big thank you goes to all vendors & purchasers for your continued support here in Middleton market.

Before the sale the pre show took place with 7 pens out to judge. This years expert was Mr Nigel Mitchinson who awarded the The Stephenson family trophy for the best pen of Swaledale sheep to JE&AJ, Mitchell, Parrickhouse House which later sold to £280. The second price pen from JW&HM, Graham, Hunt house sold for £240. However, it was the pen from AT&A, Bainbridge, Ash dub which sold for £520 taking the top price of the day selling to Messrs Walker, Skipton. Second highest price went to F&MP, Allinson, West Briscoe whose 3rd price pen went on to make £480 selling to C Dent, Naby View.

Shearlings saw the biggest rise of the year with a section average of £219.60 with top price going to REG, Peirson, Friar House selling for £260. The first price pen from Martin Wilson, Arngill house sold to £250 selling to the judge.

Pen after pen of sheep went under the hammer to a trade that had to be seen to be believed. Stronger end of ewes broke to £200 barrier on numerous occasions with middle run ewes being from £150/180. Smaller end of ewes didn’t see any hurt with the dry summer they’ve had often selling to £130/50. With some customers being 60/70 pound up for the same sheep last year! Many more could have been sold to vendors advantage.

Prize List:
Ewes
1^st           JE & AJ Mitchell, Parrick House
2^nd          JW & HM Graham Ltd, Hunt House
3^rd           Messrs Allinson, West Briscoe
4^th           JD Bentley & Son, Lanehead Farm

Shearling Gimmers
1^st           M & EM Wilson, Arngill House
2^nd          REG Peirson, Friar House Farm
3^rd            OM Wearmouth, Mossville
4^th           SC Wilkinson, Shield Hurst

Champion – JE & AJ Mitchell, Parrick House
Reserve Champion - JW & HM Graham Ltd, Hunt House

A great day was had with trade being desirable from the start to the finish, quality sheep were well sought after with Middleton the leading area for Swaledale Sheep in the UK.

Leading consignment averages:
Bainbridge, Ash Dub 10 av £520.00
Alinson, West Brisco 65 av £265.85
Peirson, Friar House 20 av £245.00
Thompson, High Com Park 19 av £236.58
Wilson, Amgill House 22 av £233.64
Graham, Hunt House 51 av £228.24
Addison, West Stoney Keld 110 av £207.73
Stobart, Grains O Beck 100 av £205.60

Leading Prices:  

Ewes:  £520,Ash Dub,  £480, £320, £235, £200,(x2) , West Briscoe,  £280,Parrick House Farm,  £270, £210,(x2) ,  £200,Rigg Farm,  £250,High Corn Park,  £240,(x2) ,  £210,Hunt House,  £230,Stoney Hill,  £225, £220, £205,West Stoney Keld,  £220, £210,High Birk Hatt,  £220,Lanehead Farm,  £210, £200,Grains O Beck,  £210,Swarthymere,  £205, £200,(x2) , Toft House,  £200,Ashgill Farm.

Gimmers:  £260, £230,T/A H Peirson And Son,  £250, £230,Grains O Beck,  £250, £220,Arngill House,  £235,High Corn Park,  £225,West Stoney Keld,  £205,Mossville,  £200,Poppin Cottage,  £200,Gaylesfield Farm,  £200 Shield Hurst,  £195,Lanehead Farm.

Champion Pen - L/R Natalie Bellas (agrisource machinery) Nigel Mitchinson (Judge), Sam Mitchell (Vendor) & Laura Robinson (Eden Farm Supplies)