Middleton In Teesdale Swale Gimmer Lamb Sale

On Friday 18^th September, at Middleton In Teasdale Mart, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd held a sale ‘fit for Royalty’ as the Queens of the Hills ascended in preparation for the Annual Swaledale ewe lamb sale.

A catalogued entry of 3675 lambs went on to average a simply outstanding average of £177.31 +£71.35 on last years sale. Credit must go to all of our vendors for putting forward delightful show with a new demand seen with a huge ringside of buyers seen creating an atmosphere which had to be seen to be believed. From start to finish the trade set Middleton alight with purchasers demanding all classes met a fiery trade.

Before the sale, our show took place were 10 pens were presented to our Judges Miss Sam Mitchell & Edward Williams with Simon Bindless refereeing. After much deliberation the Champion pen was awarded to S Tully & J Thompson, Howgill which later sold to £400 to Messrs Bousfield, Kirkby Stephen. The Reserve Champion pen from F & MP Allinson, West Brisco sold to a joint top price of £450 selling to Messrs Smith, Brampton. This home sold an exquisite run of 285 to average £250.74. Burncroft Farms sold 10 to £450 with his third prize pen selling to JC & J White, Rigg Farm. The same home sold his 4^th prize pen to £380 to Mr John Nutter, Clitheroe.

A total of 144 sheep sold for £300 or more with only 179 selling on or under the £100 mark. Messrs Riane, Stanhope Gate sold 182 to average £216.59 topping at £400 & £340 & Messrs Hutchinson, Valley Farm sold 182 to average £217.12. Messrs Tully & Thompson, Howgill sold to average £248.89. John White & Family sold 31 to average £241.29 and Messrs Porter, Summer Lodge sold 30 to average £235.33.

A simply wonderful day was had, highlighting the need for Swaledale sheep in the north of England, with customers keen for all classes. Many more could have been sold with many customers leaving empty handed.

Prize List:
1^st           Messrs Tully & Thompson, Corn Close - £400
2^nd          Messrs Allinson, West Briscoe - £450
3^rd           Burncroft Farms, Burncroft - £450
4^th            Burncroft Farms, Burncroft - £380

Champion: Messrs Tully & Thompson, Corn Close
Reserve: Messrs Allinson, West Briscoe

Leading consignment averages:
£257.81                 Messrs Tully & Thompson, Howgill (32)
£250.74                 Messrs Alinson & Son, West Brisco (285)
£248.89                 Burnfoot Farm, Burnfoot (90)
£241.29                 Messrs White, Rigg Farm (31)
£235.33                 Messrs Porter & Son, Summer Lodge (30)
£217.12                 Messrs Hutchinson & Sons, Valley Farm (182)
£216.59                 Messrs Raine & Son, Stanhope Gate Farm (182)
£215.88                 Messrs Porter, Summer Lodge (17)
£210.00                 Messrs Cowperthwaite, Tennant Gill (45)
£210.00                 Messrs Wearmouth, Parkside (24)
£207.80                 Messrs Harker & Son, Punchard (41)
£206.67                 Messrs Beadle & Son, High Blackton (3)
£190.73                 Messrs Archer, White Hill Farm (62)

Leading Prices: £450, £400 (x2), £340, £330, £300, £270, £260, £250, £245, £230 West Briscoe, £450, £380, £260, £225 Burncroft Farm, £420, £400, £280 (x2) Stanhope Gate Farm, £400 Howgill, £360, £255 Summer Lodge, £310, £300, £250, £250, £230 Valley Farm, £280 High Blackton Farm, £270 Intake Farm, £260 White Hill Farm, £260, £235, £230 Rigg Farm, £255 High Birk Hatt, £250 Parkside, £250 Tennant Gill Farm, £250, £245 Punchard Farm, £245, £230 Naby View Farm, £235 High Beck Head, £230 Pallet Crag Farm, £230 Lainger House, £230 High Corn Park.