Ringside at Bakewell auction mart

Bakewell auction mart, Derbyshire The September sale of breeding sheep saw almost complete clearance of 5,000 head on Monday (10 September). “Mules made up the largest contingent, with almost 2,200 on offer, selling to £172 a head, and averaging £138.45,” said auctioneer Peter Oven.

Michael Gent claimed the Ken Allen memorial trophy for the best mule shearlings, which went on to sell for £168 apiece. Texel crosses improved by £8 on the year, to average £135.97 and peak at £176 a head.

“Suffolk crosses were harder to sell, with the best at £146 and the average back at £122.75. But the surprise of the day was an unprecedented demand for Mashams, with a top call of £198 and a remarkable average of £149.54,” said Mr Oven.