Hamp rams in demand at Ballymena Premier

There was a steady trade for rams with 90% selling to commercial fat lamb producers.

Shearling rams averaged £413 and ram lambs £313. A strong shearling ram from Peter Lawson’s Glenbrook Flock sired by Loughbrae Black Knight sold to John Mc Cauley’s Moneycarragh Flock for £420 and a smart shearling ram from Sterling and Graham Manson’s Dunraven Flock sired by Dunraven Andrew also made £420.

Females were in demand with a 100% clearance. Ewe lambs averaged £361 and shearling ewes £420.

Topping the females were two shearling ewes from the Dunraven Flock by sired Loughan Moss Jim 2 each making £420 each, with one of the lots being sold to the Rep of Ireland.

Overall there was a 63% clearance rate. Commercial and pedigree breeders purchased several lots with the new online bidding system.

The Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders Association of Ireland would like to thank Ballymena Livestock Market for all their help to allow the sale to proceed during this difficult time.

The next sale of rams will be at Armoy Livestock Market on Wednesday 16th September at 8pm and the in-lamb female sale will be held at Ballymena Livestock Market on Monday 5th October.