Swaledales sell to £40,000 at Kirkby Stephen

A flying trade was witnessed for Swaledale rams at the associations “C” district sale at Kirkby Stephen on 21 October, when trade topped £40,000.

Auctioneers Harrison and Hetherington said prices exceeded their expectations, with ram lambs averages up £337.38 at £1,928.99 for 385 and shearlings up £209.54 on the year at £1,883.58.  

See also: Shearing app will increase contractor efficiency

Sale leader was an entry from Messrs Cockbain, Rakefoot Farm, Keswick, with shearling ram Rakefoot Major Tom.

Sale leader at £40,000 was an entry from Messrs Cockbain, Rakefoot Farm © Wayne Hutchinson

This shearling was bought in a three-way split by Messrs Harker, Grayrigg Hall, Kendal, Messrs Nelson, Clapham and Messrs Ridley, Haltcliffe, Hesket New Market. 

Next in the money at £35,000 was Meadow Bank Hallam 11th from R and PE Hargreaves and Sons, Meadow Bank, selling to RW Clarkson, GJ Scarr and N Iveson and W Richardson and Son.  

At 28,000 was an entry from S and P Brogden, Helbeck, with Helbeck Flash 13th. He sold to to Messrs Cockbain and Son.

A trio of entries then made £18,000 for entries from New Hall, Summerlands Farm and Murton Hall and Summer Lodge.

Trade on the second day (Thursday 20 October) was just as strong with 16 ram selling for £10,000 or more with 42 rams making in excess of £5,000.

Selling at £35,000 was Meadow Bank Hallam 11th from R and PE Hargreaves and Sons, Meadow Bank © Wayne Hutchinson

Leading trade at £38,000 was a ram from Messrs Nelson, Clapham, which was bought by Messrs Richardson, Dufton, Appleby.

The sale saw 422 rams sold to an average of £1,842.16, which was £82.94 up on 2015 for 62 more sold.

Commenting on trade auctioneers Harrison and Hetherington said: “The better quality end of rams were in strong demand and achieved good returns, with buyers prepared to pay great premiums for these types.”