Texel Sheep Society Autumn Bulletin 2024

50TH

ANNIVERSARY BOOK

Order your copy today by scanning here

180 pages detailing the first 50 years of the Texel Sheep Society’s history, outlining key events in both the Society’s development and the breed’s rise to dominance in the UK.

Breeders’ Bulletin

Texel Bulletin is published by the Texel Sheep Society Ltd twice a year in spring and autumn.

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in this publication, no responsibility can be accepted by the Society for any errors or any reliance on the use of information by readers.

Membership Subscriptions are available online at texel.uk/join-us

Advertising office@texel.co.uk

Registrations, sales cataloguing and texelplus registrations@texel.co.uk cataloguing@texel.co.uk

Accounts accounts@texel.co.uk

Society Governance

Chief Executive - John Yates

Chairman - Jeff Aiken Coniston flock

Vice Chairman and Treasurer - Peter Mitchell Avon Vale flock

Contributors

Jonathan Long, Lynsey Clark and Society staff

Photography

Country Girl Media, Isla Campbell, MacGregor Photography, Alfie Shaw

Design Ghost Design

Registered office – The Mechanics Workshop, New Lanark, Lanark, ML11 9DB

Auditors – Dafferns LLP, One Eastwood, Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2UB

Solicitors – Lodders Solicitors, 10 Elm Court, Arden Street, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6PA

Bankers – The Royal Bank of Scotland, 65 Stephenson Way, Wavertree, Liverpool, L13 1HE

British Texel Sheep Society Ltd (Texel Sheep Society) is a Scottish Charity, SC007271, regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

British Texel Sheep Society, Unit 74 - 4th Street, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG

Tel: 024 7669 6629

Email: office@texel.co.uk

Website: texel.uk

In touch with Texel

@BritishTexel #addtexeladdvalue

Celebrating 50 years of success A

s this year edges towards a close it has been enjoyable to see so many members at events across the UK this year as the Society has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Whether it be at shows, sales or the highly successful Club Champions day and evening reception which followed it, there has been a hugely positive atmosphere among Texel breeders as the breed has once again capitalised on its broad commercial appeal.

That the breed has commanded premium prices at major commercial sales, regional Club sales and a host of other sales across the country should be no surprise to anyone, when one sees the standard of animals being put forward by breeders.

The Society’s national sales, open to all members, grossed more than £1.49m, making them the highest performing national sales of any sheep breed, with a new record ram lamb average of £1509 set at the Northern Irish National and a new record gimmer average of £1530 at the same sale. All national sales saw strong clearance rates, with most above 85% in all sections.

Thanks to the dedication of breeders, the breed continues to set standards no others can match, delivering time and again the type of animals demanded by commercial sheep producers the length and breadth of the UK.

It is awe inspiring to consider all that the breed and the Society has achieved in such a relatively short time, and it is all thanks to the collective desire of just a handful of foresighted men who sought to change the appeal of their product in a fast-changing market.

Those initial pioneers of the breed were a special group of people who I’m quite sure never could have imagined the legacy they would leave.

What has been achieved since is quite remarkable and the challenge for everyone connected to the breed now is to continue to build on the success and ensure the breed continues to perform and prosper as the industry faces fresh challenges.

There remain a great many within the Society with the foresight to see where the breed needs to head in the coming years to keep pace with these fresh challenges, be that from high level issues, such as Government net zero ambitions or simply the shifting wants of commercial ram buyers.

As a Society, recent and ongoing investments in the iTexel database, texelplus genetic improvement services, genomic evaluations, research and development and communications and promotions, and the constant drive for improvement across all services have meant these challenges are easier to face than for any other sheep breeding organisation.

So, as we look back on 50 years of success that have seen the breed become the UK’s number one terminal sire breed and the second most popular maternal breed too, it is also important to keep pushing forward to the next 50 years and beyond!

John Yates Chief Executive #addtexeladdvalue

Contents | Autumn 2024

SALES

LIFESTYLE

SOCIETY MATTERS SHOWS

10 BRITISH TEXEL’S OVERSEAS REACH

68 HEXEL HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRIFIES LANARK

16 MEMBERS ENJOY CLUB CHAMPIONS EVENT

38 AMPHLETTS LEAD AT ROYAL THREE COUNTIES

106 SPOTLIGHT WINNER EWAN MACTAGGART IN FOCUS

Society sends a commercial message at NSA events

The Society attended a brace of NSA technical events in 2024, kicking off the season at NSA ScotSheep in early June and following on to the NSA Sheep Event, Malvern in late July.

Both events were well supported with bumper crowds and the Society stand was kept busy at both events.

Central to the Society stand at ScotSheep were a pen of commercial Texel cross ewes with Texel sired lambs at foot from the Anderson family, Headshaw Farm, the stand also hosted a guess the weight competition, featuring the lambs, with the correct answer being 104kg. Winning Society merchandise was 13-year-old James Patrick Goldie of Lauder, Scottish Borders.

The Society’s Youth Development Programme also supported the event’s NSA Next Generation Shepherd’s competition with this won by Ian Armstrong. Joint second spot went to Tyler McKinlay, who was also the highest placed under 21 competitor, and Harry Gemmill.

Adding to the breed’s success the Allanfauld flock of Archie and John MacGregor took top price in the event’s sale of ewe hoggs with their pair, sired by Mullan Firefly and out a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba.

Later in the season, the Society’s stand at the NSA Sheep Event showcased 50 years of progressive breeding, with sheep from three flocks, Paul Phillips’ Kimbolton flock, Russell and Gill Watkins’ Millend flock and Nicky and Jim Hartwright’s Whitehart flock, with these picking up the second prize card for the sheep on a trade stand.

The sheep on the stand were complemented by a display of lamb supplied by Ben Greenfield of Greenfields Farmers and Butchers, showcasing the ability of Texel sired lambs to deliver what retailers and consumers require.

Society chief executive John Yates said both events had, once again, been successful showcases for the breed, with visitors keen to understand how the breed could help add value to their sheep enterprises.

“The Society’s introduction of genomic evaluations this year was a key talking point for many visitors as they sought to learn how to make best use of texelplus indexes to improve their flock’s performance.”

Genetic improvement in the Texel breed is predicted to be worth £334 million to UK industry over next 20 years, implementing new economic indexes increases this by £16.9m, to more than £350m.

Added to the Society’s presence at the NSA Sheep Event, it continued its support of the NSA Next Generation Shepherd Competition with this competition won by 22-year-old Tom Garlick from Herefordshire. Close behind on the scoresheet was 24-year-old Michael Hogg from Tyne and Wear in second place and 25-year-old James White from Derbyshire in third place. Taking the prize for the highest placed under 21 competitor was 20-year-old Ben Edwards from Herefordshire.

The breed’s versatility was showcased by a lamb display from Ben Greenfield (r) of Greenfield Farmers and Butchers.

Stock from Paul Philips, Kimbolton, Nicky and Jim Hartwright, Whitehart and Russell and Gill Watkins, Millend, picked up second prize for sheep on a trade stand.

Society fees held at below inflation levels

Despite rampant inflation which has seen prices rise by 52% over the last 10 years, thanks to its investment in modern technologies and its industry leading iTexel database which have helped deliver greater efficiencies, the Society has, in the main part, been able to maintain fees at lower than inflation levels.

At the same time, sales values for pedigree Texels at both the Society’s National Sales and major commercial sales at Kelso Ram Sale and the Main NSA Ram Sale have climbed well above levels seen in 2014.

On the sales front, the average ram lamb price achieved at the Scottish National Sale, Lanark, was 154% higher in 2024 than in 2014, while at the English National Sale, the average shearling ram price was 273% higher in 2024 than in 2014.

Commercial sales have seen equally strong price rises, with shearling prices at Kelso Ram Sale and the Main NSA Ram Sale rising by 217% and 184%, respectively.

Meanwhile, a standard birth notification in 2024 was 38p lower than if fees had tracked inflation over the same period. Likewise, a late birth notification fee is £3.07 lower than it would have been if adjusted for inflation.

Annual membership, joining and transfer fees have all also remained well below inflationary levels, as have male registration fees and early female registration fees, with more than 60% of Society fees seeing below inflation increases over the 2014-2024 time period.

Allied to these below inflation rises in most basic Society fees, the Society has in recent years slashed the cost of its genetic improvement service, texelplus, with the basic cost of this service now being £21.50, a saving of more than £180/year for an average 40-ewe flock.

The striking rises in sales averages for pedigree Texels over the last decade was further supported by the premiums earned by pedigree Texels compared to their non-pedigree counterparts at both Kelso Ram Sale and the Main NSA Sale.

At Kelso for example, in 2024 the average price for pedigree shearling rams was 76% higher than that of non-pedigrees, while at the Main NSA Sale it was a similar story, with registered shearlings averaging 56% more than non-registered shearlings.

These statistics send a clear message that pedigree performance pays and Texel pedigree registration adds value.

The Society will continue to resist inflationary fees increases and invest in services required to benefit the membership.

In remembrance

The Society was saddened to be informed of the passing of the following members.

Richard Gwilliam, McCartneys, July 2024

Robert Calvin, Ballyhivistock, August 2024

Texel attended events calendar 2025

Dates for the diary 14th – 17th May.

Balmoral Show, Lisburn. 21st May.

NSA Welsh Sheep, Hay on Wye. 4th June.

NSA North Sheep, Penrith. 11th June

NSA Highland Sheep, Ardgay 13th – 15th June.

Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern.

19th – 22nd June.

Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh. 25th June.

NSA South West Sheep, South Molton 1st July.

NSA Northern Ireland Sheep, County Londonderry 8th – 11th July.

Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate. 21st – 25th July.

Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells. 4th August.

Early NSA Ram Sale, Brecon. 20th – 21st August.

Scottish National Sale, Lanark. 25th – 26th August.

English National Sale, Worcester. 27th August.

Welsh National Sale, Welshpool. 30th August.

Northern Ireland National Sale, Ballymena.

22nd September.

Main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells.

Joint winners for Sire of The Year Award

This year’s First Season Sire of The Year Award has resulted in a tie for first place, with the top spot shared by Strathbogie Gladiator and Scholars Governor, with both rams recording an average price of 27,500gns for their top three selling sons from different dams at Society National Sales.

Strathbogie Gladiator’s top three sellers were the Lanark topper Hexel High Voltage at 70,000gns, the 6500gns Haymount Humdinger and the 6000gns Haymount Heart Throb, all sold at the Scottish National Sale, Lanark. Gladiator, bred by Jim Innes, was purchased privately by Donald and Sarah MacPherson, Hexel and Jack Arnott, Haymount, last summer.

Meanwhile, the 16,000gns Scholars Governor was bred by Wrekin Shell Mouldings and his top three lambs were Auldhouseburn Hercules UK at 60,000gns, Auldhouseburn Hanky Panky at 20,000gns and Orchilmore Hulk at 2500gns, with all three of his top sellers also being sold at Lanark.

Then in third spot was Hexel Geronimo II bred by Donald and Sarah MacPherson. Helping him to an average of 16,870gns were the Lanark champion Saltcotes He’s A Belter at 45,000gns, Duncryne High Five at 2000gns and Saltcotes Heltah Skelta at 1200gns.

Taking fourth place this year was last year’s Lanark topper, the 170,000gns Knap Grumpy. His first was the 20,000gns Mellor Vale Hercules, with Mellor Vale Huntsman at 17,000gns and Mellor Vale Hamlet at 1600gns making up the trio. These three levelled at 13,510gns.

And in fifth was another from Jim Innes, Strathbogie Gypsy King the Lanark 2023 champion. In a remarkable show of consistency all three of his top selling sons made 10,000gns. These were Forkins Hawkeye, Drumcon Hall Of Fame and Drumcon History Maker.

High Voltage MZH2100763

Scholars Governor Wrekin Shell Mouldings

Hexel Geronimo II D and S MacPherson

Knap Grumpy

Strathbogie Gypsy King

Innes and Sons

Auldhouseburn Hanky Panky LKV2108075

Orchilmore Hulk MZU2106046

Saltcotes He’s A Belter

Duncryne High Five JRV2004559

Saltcotes Heltah Skeltah

Mellor Vale Huntsman

Mellor Vale Hamlet

Hawkeye

Hall Of Fame

Joint winner of the First Season Sire of The Year Award for 2024 was Strathbogie Gladiator bred by Jim Innes.

Sharing the spoils was Scholars Governor, bred by Wrekin Shell Mouldings.

Sire

Breeder

Ram Lamb Dam Sold for Gns Average Gns

Strathbogie Gladiator James Innes and Sons Hexel

You are invited join the Texel Sheep Society in celebrating its 50th Anniversary in style!

A jam-packed weekend has been organised for members, friends and family.

The celebrations will culminate with the Black-Tie Celebration Ball on Saturday Night. This includes the presentation of competition results and an awards ceremony.

A live band and dancing into the small hours are a recipe for a fantastic night.

Reservations for accommodation bookings have now closed, BOOGIE – Ball Only tickets still available until Friday 1st November.

HERE

SCAN

British Texel genetics set Paraguayan records

British Texel genetics have set new records in Paraguay, with a third share in a ewe lamb sired by Garngour Dunga selling for 31,200,000 Paraguayan Guarani, or £3414. This marks a new all breeds female record for sheep in Paraguay.

That gives the ewe lamb a full value of 98,280,000 (£10,242), explained her breeder Ignacio Cazillo of Cabana La Sonada, who sold the share at the third Texel Fusion event.

The third share in the ewe lamb, Sonadora Margrit 123, was bought by Jasyrenda flock, with the other two thirds retained by the joint owners Igancia Cazillo and the Na Vicenta flock of Juan Pablo Romero.

Dunga’s breeder Alan Clark said it was great to see the success British genetics continued to have overseas and in particular in South America. “The value British genetics continue to add to flocks in South America and elsewhere is great to see. I wish the owners every success with this ewe lamb.”

Meanwhile, Society chief executive John Yates said it was important to recognise the hard work done by all those

involved in ensuring these export deals can be achieved.

“There is an awful lot of work that goes on behind the scenes in getting these export deals done and it is great to see this work coming to fruition in such a successful way.”

Brazilian Texel judge and inspector visits Society

Brazilian Texel judge and inspector for ARCO (Brazil’s national sheep registration organisation) Roberto Azambuja visited the Society office in late May to learn more about the breed’s development since its arrival in the UK.

Roberto said the visit had been hugely beneficial, helping to understand how the breed had adapted and evolved over its 50-year history in the country.

However, he noted the difference in pedigree registration systems between the UK and Brazil. “ARCO in Brazil is the entity responsible for controlling and issuing registration of all sheep breeds bred in the country, not just the Texel breed.

“It has a team of technical inspectors, which carries out reviews and controls on properties, of which I am part.

“In Brazil, animals need two inspections to receive registration. The first review when it is suckling its mother where the lamb is identified and the second after eight months where the animal receives a zootechnical evaluation, to see if it is within the breed standard and if it is free of any defect that

would disqualify it. After this second review an animal receives the definitive certificate,” he explains.

A Garngour Dunga daughter set a new record in Paraguay when a third share sold for 31,200,000 Paraguayan Guarani.

International breeders reflect on trip to the Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations

Texel breeders from Uruguay, Chile and The Netherlands who took part in the Society’s International Visitors Workshop during the summer have praised both the Society and breeders for the standard of sheep they saw and the hospitality they received.

The delegates enjoyed a packed week of shows, farm visits and technical workshops, kicking off with the Society’s 50th anniversary Textravaganza National Show and concluding with the Texel judging and members reception at the Great Yorkshire Show.

In between these events the group were hosted at SRUC, gaining an insight about how CT scanning plays a key part in the Society’s texelplus genetic improvement programme and previous, current and future research and development.

As part of the visit, they viewed portable accumulation chambers (PACs) and feed intake units, learning how these are being used to identify the most sustainable sheep that produce high-quality carcasses to form the next generation of breeding stock

Delegates also visited AB Europe’s Edinburgh AI centre to understand more about the work done in selecting and preparing animals for semen and embryo collection for export.

Added to this was a visit to Neil Harvey’s Blackadder Texel flock, Duns, with many of the breeders also making private trips to other flocks before and after the formal tour.

SRUC’s Nicola Lambe said the group had been interested to learn more about the research work being done into environmental issues. This was pertinent for the Uruguayan contingent as they have supported INIA Uruguay, a similar research organisation to SRUC, just as the Texel Sheep Society has collaborated with SRUC, to jointly contribute to the Grass2Gas project and the new SUSTAIN Sheep project. These important projects have helped standardise phenotype measurements of methane production in sheep internationally.

“It was great to be able to showcase some of the work we’re doing at SRUC and the collaboration we have with the Texel Society developing new research to help

genetic improvement and progress in the UK sheep industry,” she said.

Uruguayan breeder Lucas La Cava said: “We had five extremely valuable days for the delegation of Uruguayan breeders. We were able to see in detail all the work being done in the UK, selection, genetic improvement, breeding, and shows.

“We have returned to Uruguay with many ideas, but above all, with the joy of friendship with our British counterparts. Overall, we must thank the Texel Sheep Society for the opportunity to take part in this workshop and the opportunities it has given us.”

Chilean delegate Guillermo Rodríguez, a vet, added that the workshop was very interesting, being able to visit several prominent breeders had been a highlight of the trip. “They took the time to explain their breeding, selection and production methods.

“That was truly enriching for us, helping me to unify criteria to continue selecting and improving the best sheep meat breed in the world.

“We cannot thank the Texel Society and those who hosted us enough for their hospitality and the knowledge they shared,” he said.

Dutch breeder Hans Kolk said the trip had been an exciting one, seeing how British breeders had taken the Texel breed and adapted and evolved it over the last 50 years. “We now breed the British type of Texel here in the Netherlands, so it was great to visit flocks in the UK.

“At SRUC we saw the CT scanning program

and the methane research, which was interesting as we are undertaking similar research here in the Netherlands. It was also wonderful to see all the breeders with their families participating in the Textravaganza National Show and the Great Yorkshire show.”

AB Europe’s Vet Manager James Mylne added that the delegates had been keen to explore the opportunities for future exports and had an in-depth discussion on artificial reproduction and future export opportunities. “They had good knowledge of the merits of British Texel and are keen to enhance their own flocks with British Texel genetics in future.”

Board members return unopposed

This year’s Society AGM will see two board members retain their seats having re-stood unopposed.

In Area Three, South East Scotland, Neil Harvey of the Blackadder flock returns to the board unopposed to start a new four year term.

Meanwhile, in Area Seven, East of England, Steve Martin of the Broomhall flock, also retains his seat having faced no opposition.

For Area Five, North East England, current board member Sam Beachell has decided to retire from the board. However, no nominations for a replacement have yet been received and the regional director position will remain vacant after the AGM.

Society chairman Jeff Aiken said the work undertaken by board members in support of Society objectives was appreciated and he thanked Sam Beachell for his input over the last four years.

Seaforde gimmer is 2024 People’s Champion

Mark Priestley’s gimmer, PRQ2302488, the champion from the first of the Society’s feature shows, Balmoral Show in May, has been named the 2024 Texel People’s Champion recording a 38% share of the 492 votes cast.

Homebred, this gimmer is by Procters El Presidente and out of a Knock-bred dam by Knock Banker which was also dam of the 7000gns Seaforde Empire King.

1st – PRQ2302488, Mark Priestley, 38%

2nd – THE2301434, James Theyer, 31%

3rd – VBC2305204, Allan and Susan Campbell, 14%

4th – CKC2113649, Keith, Allan and Roy Campbell, 10%

5th – Topwood G Wagon, James and Ellie Amphlett, 7%

27TH - 29TH 2025 JUNE

Save the date

The YDP Five Nations Weekend will return in 2025. The event, this time organised by the Irish Texel Sheep Society, will take place in Ireland and run from Friday 27th June – Sunday 29th June. Further details will be available early next year.

YDP Committee open for nominations

Nominations for two positions on the Society’s Youth Development Programme committee will open on Monday on 21st October 2024 and will close at midnight on Sunday 3rd November

Committee member for Northern Ireland David Chestnutt is unable to stand for a further term. Nominations from eligible members in this region are sought.

Meanwhile, Southern England committee member Ben Roberts has retired from his position on the committee and nominations are sought from eligible members in this region too.

Society YDP coordinator Ailish Ross said both David and Ben had put a lot of effort into YDP activities while on the committee. “In particular the input of David over the last six years has been tremendous and he has been a huge asset to the committee.”

Member reminders

Primestock show support

Members are reminded of the support the Society offers to those competing at major primestock shows.

The Society will reimburse entry fees for members when they exhibit Texels in Texel classes at the following events; Borderway Agri-Expo, English Winter Fair, LiveScot, Royal Welsh Winter Fair, Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships.

Claims must be made before 31/03/25. Contact office@texel.co.uk for further information on how to claim.

Lambing books

Members are advised to use their lambing book (included with this issue of the Bulletin for active flocks) to record all lambing information to help ensure accurate record keeping and simplify data upload to iTexel.

Capturing accurate birth date, sire and dam information alongside birth weights and other relevant data, such as lambing ease, in the lambing book provides an easy to view resource for breeders at any point in the year and ensures information required to support the completion of birth notifications on iTexel is quickly found when required.

Shearling ewe weights

Members are now able to upload their shearling ewe weights through the dedicated screens on the Record Weights section of iTexel. Simply select ‘Shearling Ewe Weight’ from the Weigh Type dropdown and all eligible ewes in your flock will be listed. They can be weighed at any time before going to the ram. This valuable information

Additional lambing books can be requested by emailing registrations@texel.co.uk

The year letter for lambs born in 2025 is

INominate for Spotlight Award

Following two successful years showcasing the excellent talent abounding within the Society’s membership, the Texel Sheep Society Spotlight Award will be running again this year.

Calling all Club secretaries; Nominate by 1st December.

Therefore, regional Texel Clubs are invited to submit their nominations for this unique award. The award will be presented to an active young Texel breeder, who’s local Club believes they have made an outstanding contribution to the breed, club and flock within their local area or nationally.

All 19 regional Texel clubs across the country will be invited to nominate, via an online nomination form, an individual who must be under the age of 35, a full member of the Society or actively involved with a full member’s flock, that they believe goes above and beyond for the breed. Nominations must be received by 1st December.

All nominees will be interviewed by representatives of the Society board and staff during December, with the winner being announced in January 2025.

more information scan

• Maximise production returns

• Improve health, bloom and appearance

• Increase intake & Improve feed conversion

• Aid digestion & Improve gut microbiome

• Sheep farmer feedback shows powerful gains of up to 13kg in 4 weeks!

Club Champions Day celebrates Texel spirit

The Society’s 50th anniversary Club Champions Day, held on the eve of the Textravaganza National Show, was hailed a hugely successful day by all those who attended and competed.

Challenged with a range of tasks, including shearing, cookery, stock judging, a quiz and a ‘fit for farming’ task as well as a team relay, competitors fought it out for more than two hours in a bid to claim top spot.

This was then followed in the evening by a barbeque and social evening, giving everyone a chance to relax and socialise with members and friends from across the country.

Society show and sale committee chairman Alastair Gault said the day had brought Texel breeders together in a relaxed, yet competitive environment and reaffirmed the strong social element to the Society which has been ever present across its 50-year history.

“It was great to see members and friends come together in friendly rivalry and enjoy a social event away from the dayto-day work of farming,” he explained.

The Society thanks Highway shearing and Carrs Billington for their support of the shearing and fit for farming challenges, respectively, along with Society staff for their work both before and during the event, and Messrs Illingworth, MacTaggart and Priestley for supplying sheep for the shearing and stock judging.

Additionally, the Society is grateful to Jill Perrings for judging the cookery, Robert Hamilton for acting as master judge for stock judging and Audrey Aiken and John Lamb for judging the shearing competition.

CLUB CHAMPIONS DAY RESULTS

1st

North West Texel Breeders Club

2nd

Northern Ireland Texel Breeders Club

3rd

Solway and Tyne Texel Breeders Club

Katie Aiken, Peter Holden, Robert Mason, Catherine Parker and Barney Richardson.

David Chestnutt, Richard Henderson, Rian and Naomi O’Hare and Adrian Liggett.

Joe Beaty, Rory Livesey, Ewan MacTaggart, Craig Stoddart and Nick Woodmass.

Genomic evaluations

As described earlier this year, the Society’s monthly evaluation is now a singlebreed genomic evaluation. This provides benefits across the breed by using the Society’s genomic database that’s been developed over recent years. Genotyped animals now have much more accurate performance values than non-genotyped animals and these figures also influence their relatives in the database.

Another significant benefit of the genomic evaluation is the validation (and correction where necessary) of pedigree information. Where an animal has been sire- and / or dam-verified, this is automatically published on their individual animal page.

genetic improvement reports

All members can access the texelplus genetic improvement reports available through iTexel for a small fee of £22.58 per year. Performance information is updated monthly for all animals with full reports and summary information available for download. Meaning all members can access their flock’s performance information at the click of a button. In addition to individual animal data, reports are provided that summarise the influence of individual rams on a flock and your flock’s genetic trends over time. Reports are also available providing whole breed information on the top stock animals.

Male registrations

Where rams have been purchased, registration is the responsibility of the purchaser.

Only males being used for pedigree breeding need to be registered and all males need to have been genotyped before they can go on to full registration. Rams may have been genotyped pre-sale and this can be checked on iTexel by seeing whether a Scrapie and Microphthalmia result is available for the ram.

When they are, he has been genotyped already. In this situation, please email a copy of your proof of purchase (invoice or

movement licence) to registrations@texel.co.uk and the ram will be transferred and registered into your flock.

If no Scrapie / Microphthalmia information is available, the ram needs to be genotyped, please request a DNA kit for this using the DNA Kit button on iTexel and selecting ‘Ram Registration’ as the reason.

Once you receive the kit, take the sample and return it to the office. Once the results are back from the lab, the ram will be transferred and registered into your flock.

A video showing how to request a kit is available here:

The male registration fee has been reduced to take into account the costs of genotyping meaning the male registration fee before the 1st December is £11.15 – DNA kits must be received in the office before this date to qualify for this fee. Males registered after this date will incur a fee of £91.75. Genotyping is a flat rate fee of £30.00

SCAN HERE

Genotypes published

Following a review, all Scrapie and Microphthalmia information is now available through iTexel. The information can be seen by checking individual animal pages.

Members still have the option to publish Scrapie and Microphthalmia information for their animals in catalogues and on pen charts as part of their marketing. This can be done by ticking the ‘Publish’ box for an animal / genotype on a members’ Gene-tex page on iTexel.

The Society recommends all members check iTexel for the most up-to-date information on all animals.

In addition, the restrictions on the registration of males that carry the Scrapie VRQ allele or are Microphthalmia ‘carriers’ (C/G genotype) have been removed; meaning that all birth-notified males are eligible for registration. As a result, the Society’s FAQ page has been updated to reflect these changes and bye laws 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 have been updated:

the latest information

6.2.1. Scrapie

The Society advises members to check the Scrapie genotype of all sires used for pedigree breeding and ewes included in an ET programme, to manage disease progression and reduce the incidence of ‘VRQ’ carrier animals.

6.2.2. Microphthalmia

The Society advises members to check the Microphthalmia genotype of all sires used for pedigree breeding and ewes included in an ET programme, to manage disease progression and reduce the incidence of carrier animals (CG genotype).

Genotypes can be obtained through the Society genotyping service; samples submitted to this service will have Microphthalmia and Scrapie management information provided. Only genotype information obtained through the Society service can be used to support animal registrations and be included in iTexel.

The only way to confirm the Microphthalmia genotype of an animal is to genotype that animal. While knowledge of the parents’ genotypes may be useful, because parentage errors can occur, the genotype cannot be guaranteed until parentage is confirmed.

Microphthalmia status of animals genotyped since 2012

Shropshire and Borders Club supports 50th anniversary

The Shropshire and Borders Texel Club recently held a celebratory event to mark the Texel Sheep Society’s 50th anniversary, with the event kindly hosted by the Draper family of the Claybury flock.

More than 100 club members and friends were in attendance for the afternoon which featured a range of activities and competitions and a tour of the Claybury flock.

Notable competitions included a Young Handler’s class judged by Meg Watkins of the Millend flock, with Rory Dunlop, Star Ridge flock, scooping the award for best boy and Erin Pullar, Blore View flock, winning the red rosette in the girls.

In the day’s stockjudging competition under master judge Brian Joseph of the Waen flock, the winner in the men’s class was Russell Watkins, Millend, with commercial ram buyer Zoe Kirkman winning the ladies class and Eleanor Britton, another commercial customer, taking the junior honours.

Other fun activities included skittles, hook a duck, apple bobbing, chip and putt golf and egg throwing, with everyone enjoying a barbeque to round

the day.

The Club is grateful to Halls Livestock Auctions, Maelor Feeds and Farmgene for their generous sponsorship of the event.

Winning the young handlers’ classes judged by Meg Watkins were Erin Pullar, Blore View (l) and Rory Dunlop, Star Ridge (r).

Members and guests took part in stock judging as well as having the chance to view the Draper family’s Claybury flock.

off

Catch up on Society history

As many members will be aware, the Society has commissioned a series of podcasts as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

These podcasts, three of which have been released so far, have included members’ reflections on the Society and the breed over the last 50 years, picking up on significant events in both Society activity and the breed’s development.

Alongside this, Society staff have also taken time to compile a series of fact files covering significant breed milestones and events, ensuring the Society’s history is recorded in perpetuity.

Both the podcasts and the history files can be found on the Society’s website.

To listen to the podcasts

Society supports Yellow Wellies

To view the Society archive information

As reported previously, as part of the Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the Society has been raising funds for The FarmSafety Foundation, better known as Yellow Wellies.

Now in its 10th year, Yellow Wellies encourages those in the farming community to think more carefully about both physical and mental health as well as how they undertake tasks on a daily basis.

Society chairman Jeff Aiken, along with members of the Society staff have been undertaking a fundraising challenge to support Yellow Wellies, travelling 1974km either by foot or by bike.

To donate to the challenge and support Yellow Wellies

Notice of the Annual General Meeting

Notice of the Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the British Texel Sheep Society Limited will be held at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chester, CH1 2BD, on Saturday 16th November 2024 at 9.30am for the following purposes.

1. To Receive apologies for absence

2. RESOLUTION:  Approval of the minutes and Matters Arising of the AGM which took place on 23rd November 2023 at Woodland Grange, Old Milverton Lane, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 6RN

3. To receive the Chairman’s report

4. To receive the Chief Executive’s report

5. RESOLUTION:  To receive, consider and adopt the income and expenditure account for the year ended 31st March 2024 and the balance sheet as at that date and; to receive, consider and adopt the reports of the Board of Directors and the Auditors for the year ended 31st March 2024.

6. RESOLUTION:  To confirm the appointment of Dafferns LLP as the Auditors for the Society and to authorise the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration.

7. Announcement of Board of Directors election results

Area 3 South East of Scotland, Neil Harvey, Blackadder HNQ - unopposed

Area 5 North East of England, Position vacant

Area 7 East of England, Steve Martin, Broomhall BMO – unopposed

8. Any other business that has been approved by the Chairman for discussion.

By order of the board

John Yates MBA

Chief Executive & Company

Secretary 30/09/2024

The Mechanics Workshop, New Lanark, Lanark, ML11 9DB

SCAN HERE

SCAN HERE

SCAN HERE

Making the most of

There are a variety of tools available through iTexel that can make managing your flock a simple and user-friendly experience from being able to update animal details, finding out more information about your flock and planning breeding strategies, to ordering DNA kits from the Society.

Transfers

Use this page to transfer purchased registered females into your flock.

Flock Admin

This page can be used to register females and update an animal’s status. It is also possible to change the sex of animals in the database when they’ve been added incorrectly.

To change the sex of an unregistered animal on the Flock Admin screen: Find the animal you want to change the sex of.

On the left-hand side next to the gender icon is an arrow (looks like a letter ‘V’).

Click on the arrow to change the sex (choose the other icon).

Once you’ve made the change, press Save at the top of the screen.

DNA Kit

Use this page to order a DNA kit for ram registration or Scrapie / Microphthalmia testing.

Mating predictor

Use this page to get an estimate of the inbreeding value for lambs born from a particular mating. You can test all ewes in your flock against any sire in the database.

Reports

There is lots of information on your flock available here, including a full flock list, pedigree certificates, sale charts and information on your flock’s inbreeding level. texelplus members also have access to more detailed breeding value information and genetic trends for their flocks.

Gene-tex

Access and publish in catalogues if desired all single gene information for animals that have been genotyped using the Society’s genotyping service (Scrapie and / or Microphthalmia) on this page.

Record weights

All members can record a lamb’s eight-week and scan weight information here, and the weights of shearling ewes as they go to the tup.

What’s new in iTexel

The Society continues to invest in iTexel to benefit members, with developments that enhance direct support to members, the site’s stability and streamline office processes.

• All Scrapie and Microphthalmia information is now available on ind ividual animal pages on iTexel, with members able to choose whether to publish this in catalogues and sale material.

• Following the release of economic indices last year and feedback from members, the presentation of the Mature Size breeding value has been updated to align with the Adult Size sub-index.

• The Carcass Quality sub-index has also been replaced with a Muscle Weight and Fat Weight sub-index to make it easier to assess the contributions of muscle and fat traits to the overall index.

• The presentation of information in catalogues has been adjusted to reflect these changes and now includes ranking information for each sub-index, providing easy-to-understand information on animals.

• The weight screens have been improved by making the Shearling Ewe Weight screen available for all members to record the weights of shearling ewes as they go to the tup.

• These screens also allow all members to record eight-week weight and scan weight information.

• texelplus members benefit from an update to the Breeder Search function. When anyone performs a search, all texelplus flocks identified appear at the top of any breeder listing on screen. Meaning that texelplus breeder details are the first that anyone performing a search will see.

• Members will also have noticed this year that the emails requested from iTexel after adding lambs only contained information on lambs added in the current year.

In addition to the above improvements, work has been completed to make the database more stable for members to use, including its ability to dynamically increase the memory available as demand increases seasonally. These improvements also mean that the testing of any developments before release can be carried out more efficiently.

Inbreeding

Through iTexel, all members have access to a chart of their flock’s level of inbreeding and how it compares to the breed average, along with information on the numbers of lambs born each year in their flock that have an inbreed ing value above and below the recommended threshold of 7%. The breed average has remained stable in recent years; this is managed by individual breeders making responsible breeding decisions.

The Mating Predictor on iTexel can help with these decisions as inbreeding cannot be assessed by eye and the values aren’t additive. It is possible that two animals with high inbreeding values could be mated and produce a lamb with a low inbreeding value. Similarly, two animals with low inbreeding values could be mated and produce a lamb with a high inbreeding value. Because of this, members are encouraged to use the Mating Predictor to manage levels of inbreeding within their flocks.

Parentage verification

The parentage of all DNA samples submitted to the Society is routinely checked as part of the genomic evaluation. This helps to protect the integrity of the flock book by ensuring accurate pedigree information is recorded and contributes to improving the accuracy of performance information.

When new genotypes are provided, they’re automatically checked against the pedigree information in iTexel and any pedigree inconsistencies identified for further action.

There is many reasons why an animal may appear to fail a parentage test; in most cases these are simply resolved following a conversation with the breeder. Several pedigrees have already been corrected this year after inconsistencies were identified as part of the evaluation process.

The Society are also able to run parentage tests on lambs as most sire genotypes are in the genomic database and the number of genotypes from registered females is increasing.

Texel sales deliver choice for all

Once again, the Society’s four National Sales provided the chance for breeders to both buy and sell and while, as always, the top sellers attracted the headlines, all four sales provided a wide range of purchasing opportunities for breeders.

Across the four National Sales

more than 46% of ram lambs sold at 950gns or less, while a further 26% sold at between 1000gns and 1950gns. At the other end of the spectrum 21% sold at prices of more than 2000gns, with just 6% selling at 5000gns or more.

Scottish National Sale

32% of ram lambs sold at 950gns or less

28% of ram lambs sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

24% of ram lambs sold at 2000gns to 4950gns

8% of ram lambs sold at 5000gns to 9500gns

8% of ram lambs sold at 10,000gns or more

Northern Irish National Sale

29% of shearling rams sold at 950gns or less

65% of shearling rams sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

6% of shearling rams sold at 2000gns or more

55% of ram lambs sold at 950gns or less

27% of ram lambs sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

16% of ram lambs sold at 2000gns to 4950gns

2% of ram lambs sold at 5000gns or more

English National Sale

21% of shearling rams sold at 950gns or less

39% of shearling rams sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

36% of shearling rams sold at 2000gns to 4950gns

4% of shearling rams sold at 5000gns or more

Welsh National Sale

addition,

50% of shearling rams sold at 950gns or less

50% of shearling rams sold at 1000gns or more

53% of ram lambs sold at 950gns or less 35% of ram lambs sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

10% of ram lambs sold at 2000gns to 4950gns

2% of ram lambs sold at 5000gns or more

Registered shearlings made 76% more at Kelso than unregistered shearlings Kelso Sale

Texels accounted for more than 40% of the gross sale takings

Texels accounted for 38% of the rams sold

76% of ram lambs sold at 950gns or less 24% of ram lambs sold at 1000gns or more

NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells

Registered shearlings made 56% more than unregistered shearlings

Texels made up 37% of the rams sold

Texels accounted for more than 39% of gross sale takings

In

Texels were once again the dominant breed at the UK’s two major commercial sales at Kelso and the Main NSA Sale, Builth Wells, accounting for more than 40% and 39% of all breeds sales value, respectively.

Society Matters

Welcome to new members

The Society is delighted to have welcomed the following new members to the Texel flock since the spring. The Society wishes them well in their Texel endeavours and is sure they will receive a warm welcome from members at Society and Regional Club events. Useful information for new members can be found on the Society website.

Society Regions

Methane emissions in sheep

The Society is supporting a global research project which aims to integrate genetic merit for environmental impact into national breeding schemes.

The project, Sustain Sheep, is a collaborative undertaking, involving Teagasc, Sheep Ireland, SRUC, AgResearch (NZ), Inrae (France) NSG (Nowegian Sheep and Goats), Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Inia (Uruguay).

Working with member flocks and the research team to carry out portable accumulation chamber (PAC) phenotyping on 500 lambs over the course of the project.

Phenotyping of Texel lambs has begun this year and will continue next year in order to collect sufficient data for the project.

The aim of the project is to help enhance efficiency in sheep farming systems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving productivity.

It is also hoped that the project will enable farmers and policymakers to compare methane emissions and implement effective breeding strategies.

In addition, the project hopes to develop support for policy measures to increase adoption of genetic improvements in the sheep industry.

Integrating genetic merit for environmental impact into national breeding schemes is the aim of the Sustain Sheep project which the Society is supporting.

UKRI AgriFood4NetZero Network+

Scoping Study award

A lack of clear guidance and support is hampering ruminant livestock farmers moves to help achieve net zero in UK agriculture.

However, a project supported by the Society is hoping to overcome these issues. The project, a collaboration with the Royal Agricultural University, Hybu Cig Cymru, Quality Meat Scotland, the AberdeenAngus Cattle Society, Mentera, Queens University Belfast, Harper Adams University, SRUC and the University of Bristol, aims to inform better breeding decisions on UK beef and sheep farms through an industry-led, participatory approach.

A systematic literature review, informed by industry, will investigate

global ruminant breeding methods related to net zero and identify existing data for enhancing breeding decisions on UK farms.

Alongside this, a cost-benefit analysis of identified methods will be conducted to support farm decision making. Farms from across the UK will participate in the study and undergo carbon auditing to enable discussion around ‘what if’ scenarios.

Through collaboration with farmers and industry partners, the project will evaluate different breeding strategies and co-develop evidencebased, practical, cost-effective pathways for achieving net zero, hence making implementation of approaches on farm more likely.

Maedi Visna disease research aims to develop genomic test

Members may well have seen information in the farming press over the summer in relation to research being undertaken around breeding for resistance to Maedi Visna.

A research project, being undertaken by the Moredun Foundation in collaboration with the University of Nottingham is seeking to develop genetic resistance to MV, potentially transforming sheep farming and enhancing animal welfare worldwide.

Extensive research in multiple sheep breeds and production systems has demonstrated that variation in a sheep gene encoding a protein called TMEM154 is strongly and reproducibly associated with genetic resistance to MV in sheep.

This opens the possibility of using genetic selection for resistant forms of the gene to help reduce the impact of MV. This research programme seeks to find a safe and effective option for reducing the impact of MV on sheep farms.

Results from the project will help inform sheep breeding programmes, and potentially allow for application of a gene test similar to that used to control Scrapie.

The Society works extensively with a variety of research organisations globally, it has been liaising with Moredun to consider how the Society can assist their study.

As the only sheep breed Society in the UK currently using across breed genomic evaluations, and as the Texel Society is already heavily invested in genetic testing, if the studies prove useful then any future test for MV susceptibility could, in all probability, easily be added to the Society’s current genomic testing regime.

However, as with all single trait, or single marker genetic selection, care must be taken not to chase certain traits or markers at the expense of wider, more commercially important traits. SAC’s current MV Accreditation Scheme and its MAFF predecessor, while not ideal, have helped protect Texel breeders for many years and it is unlikely this will be superseded any time soon.

Society research has impact

The paper published by Dr Karolina Kaseja on the use of genotypic information to enhance evaluations described in last Autumn’s Bulletin has been recognised as one of the top 10 most-cited papers published in the Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics in recent years.

The research suggested that improvement in accuracies were highest for animals that were not phenotyped (but were genotyped) and have good links to the reference population. This was particularly the case for traits of low heritability and supports the use of genotypes in breeding value estimation. This enables quicker genetic gain by producing more accurate values particularly for young, un-phenotyped and unproven animals.

SCAN HERE

DNA testing to assess Maedi Visna susceptibility may open up the possibility of using genetic selection to breed for resistance to the disease.

Top flocks go head to head for

As part of the Society’s 50th Anniversary celebrations it is once again staging a national flock competition pitting flocks representing regional Texel Clubs against each other under the judgement of Roy Campbell of the Cowal and Royel flocks.

The champion and reserve champion flocks will be announced at the 50th Anniversary AGM and Social Weekend in Chester in November.

Northern Ireland

JAMES WILKINSON BALLYGROOGAN

North of Scotland

MATTHEW SEED AUCHRY

Scottish GORDON GRAY ETTRICK

Northern Area

MARK IRELAND HEYS

Shropshire & Borders

CLAYBURY TEXELS CLAYBURY

Ruthin

GEORGE OARE

COACH HOUSE

North West Texel Breeders Club

R E J PIERCE OLDFORD

Dyfed

J E & L DAVIES TEILO

South Wales

E G MORGAN BLAENCAR

South West FRANK HENRY CHAVE & SON PEACEHAY

Derbyshire

HAYDN FLETCHER DAMDALE

Gloucester & Borders

JAMES THEYER CLANFIELD

South Eastern Texel Group

N & S PILE CLAYHILL

December Dazzlers

In-Lamb Sale of Pedigree Texel Gimmers and Empty Ewe Lambs

Sponsored By

For Farm and Farm Vehicle Insurance

Friday 6 December 2024, at 7pm

Beattie’s Pedigree Centre

109 Glenpark Road, Omagh BT79 7ST

Live bidding with Mart Eye

Top line animals within the modern Texel breed. Includes carefully selected show-winning lines from some of the best flocks in Northern Ireland

Consignors

Carmavy | Dunelm | Glenone | Lonicera | Milestonehill

Note: all lots are eligible for immediate export on the day

Seaforde gimmer leads way at Balmoral

Mark Priestley’s Seaforde flock claimed its first Balmoral championship at the first major show of the season, lifting the silverware with a gimmer, PRQ2302488.

Judge Iolo Prys Jones receives his memento from Society chairman Jeff Aiken

This Procters El Presidente daughter is out of a Knockbred dam by Knock Banker, making her a maternal sister to the 7000gns Seaforde Empire King which has bred rams to 100,000gns.

And the same breeding was in the back pedigree of the reserve female and reserve overall champion, the second prize gimmer from Sam McNeilly, XST2300981.

This one is by Auldhouseburn Fabdabidozi, himself an Empire King son, and out of a dam by Plasucha Charmer.

Mark Priestley then completed a championship double, taking the best opposite sex championship with his ram lamb Seaforde His Majesty. This Auldhouseburn Gazza son is out of a full ET sister to the champion, a Procters El Presidente daughter out of the Knock ewe.

Top spot in the day’s first class, the aged rams went to Stephen McNeilly with Auldhouseburn Fandabidozi, a Seaforde Empire King son out of a dam by the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond.

Then in the shearling rams the leaders were Martin and Cyril Millar and family with Largy Grizzly Bear. This Rhaeadr Entrepreneur son is out of a dam by Knap Abracadabra, with this one being a 4800gns purchase at the Northern Irish National Sale, Ballymena, last year.

The Millars then claimed top spot in the aged ewe class with VMG2002193. This Lauder Cobra daughter is out of a dam by Charben Yankee Boy and had been champion at Balmoral last year.

And the family kept up their winning ways when taking the top ticket in the ewe lambs too. This time is was a Largy Grizzly Bear daughter, VMG2403051. She’s out of a dam by Knockhill Electric.

CLASS RESULTS

AGED RAMS

1 2 3 4

Stephen McNeilly’s AULDHOUSEBURN FANDABIDOZI

Federnagh Pedigrees’ BLUE GATES FREEDOM

James Cleland’s LARKHILL FRANK

D & N Hamill’s CARMAVY FRANKIE DETTORI

SHEARLING RAMS

Martin & Cyril Millar’s

LARGY GRIZZLY BEAR

D & N Hamill’s

LONG MOUNTAIN GODFATHER

James Cleland’s ROSE HALL GENTLEMAN

Steven McCollam’s AULDHOUSEBURN GUCCI

D & N Hamill’s CARNEW GAFFER

RAM LAMBS

Mark Priestley’s SEAFORDE HIS MAJESTY

Stephen McNeilly’s DRUMADOWNEY HOT STUFF

Dickson & Co’s LONICERA HEAD THE BALL

Stephen McNeilly’s DRUMADOWNEY HENDRIX

AGED EWES

Kildan Texels’ KMD2400286 1 2 3 4

Martin & Cyril Millar’s VMG2002193

Federnagh Pedigrees’ FED2100615

D & N Hamill’s MUC2202057

Rebecca Burke’s DOD2200523

Martin and Cyril Millar’s Largy Grizzly Bear won the shearling rams.

Ram lamb leader and best opposite sex to the champion was Seaforde His Majesty from Mark Priestley.

Leading lady in the aged ewes was VMG2002193 from the Millars.

4 5

1 2 3 SHEARLING EWES 1 2 3 4 5

Mark Priestley’s PRQ2302488

Sam McNeilly’s XST2300981

Mark Priestley’s PRQ2302489

James Herdman’s HKP2302433

Stephen McNeilly’s SPF2300907

EWE LAMBS

Martin & Cyril Millar’s VMG2403051

Jonny Cubbitt’s CWH2401668

James Herdman’s HKP2402585

Jonny Cubbitt’s CWH2401793

Sam McNeilly’s XST2401171

OVERALL CHAMPION

Mark Priestley’s SHEARLING EWE PRQ2302488

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

Sam McNeilly’s SHEARLING EWE XST2300981

BEST OPPOSITE SEX

Mark Priestley’s RAM LAMB SEAFORDE HIS MAJESTY

Top spot in the gimmers was Mark Priestley’s Procters El Presidente daughter.

In the ewe lambs the red ticket went to the Millar family with VMG2403051.

Champion at Balmoral was Mark Priestley’s shearling ewe from the Seaforde flock.

Best opposite sex winner was Mark Priestley’s ram lamb.

Topwood G Wagon drives to the fore at Royal Three Counties

James and Ellie Amphlett repeated their Royal Three Counties success of last year, taking their second breed championship in a row at the Society’s southern feature show.

Their winner under judge Adrian Liggett of the Corbo flock, Northern Ireland, was Topwood G Wagon, a shearling ram by Knockem Fandabbydozi and out of a Teiglum bred dam by former sire of the year Knock Bantastic. This one is a full brother to lambs sold at the Main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells, last year for 2400gns and 2000gns.

Taking the reserve championship was James Theyer’s Clanfield flock with a shearling ewe, THE2301434. She’s by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a homebred dam by the 100,000gns Auldhouseburn Expression.

The reserve male champion was another from the Clanfield flock, with this being a ram lamb, Clanfield Hank. He’s another by First Choice and out of an Expression-sired dam.

Then taking the reserve female ticket was Nick Legge’s ewe lamb from the Thornbury flock, LEN2402025. This daughter of the 100,000gns Glenside Forever II is out of a Plasucha-bred dam by Sportsmans Express.

Topping the aged rams were Robert and Nesta Watkins, Corras. Their class leader was Loosebeare Fantastic, a Loosebeare Chief son out of a dam by Loosebeare Voomer.

The aged ewe class was won by James Theyer with an Ettrick-bred one-lamb ewe by New View Electrifying and out of a dam by Midcombe Brigadier.

James Theyer then kept up his winning ways, taking the red tickets in both the group of three lambs and pairs classes before Alan Powell and family, Monnow Hill, won the open group of three class.

Northern Irish breeder Adrian Liggett was the judge for this year’s Southern Feature Show.

AGED RAMS

1 2 3

Robert Watkins’ LOOSEBEARE FANTASTIC

Lisette Smith’s MILLEND FIRECRACKER

SHEARLING RAMS

Lisette Smith’s HALBEATH FREDDIE 1 2 3 4 5

James & Ellie Amphlett’s TOPWOOD G WAGON

Samuel McPherson’s SANDS GORILLA

Sam and Natalie White’s KNAP GIN AND TONIC

Fordwell Farms & I & F Andrews’ ETTRICK GOLDEN BALLS

RAM LAMBS

James Theyer’s CLANFIELD HANK

James Theyer’s CLANFIELD HERBERT

Robert Watkins’ CORRAS GANGSTER 1 2 3 4 5

Alan Powell’s MONNOW HILL HE’S THE ONE

Alan Powell’s MONNOW HILL HIT & MISS

AGED EWES

James Theyer’s GGH2214290

Sam & Natalie White’s WXO2202399

I & F Andrews’ AIC2200707

Lisette Smith’s BYK1900316

Fordwell Farm Partners’ FORDWELL HITMAN 1 2 3 4 5

Charlie Coombes’ PFD2205334

First prize aged ram was Loosebeare Fantastic from Robert and Nesta Watkins.

Topping the show for the second year in a row were James and Ellie Amphlett, this time with Topwood G Wagon.

Clanfield Hank from James Theyer was first prize ram lamb and reserve male champion.

Another red ticket to go to Clanfield came in the aged ewe class with GGH2214290.

CLASS RESULTS

James Theyer’s THE2301434

James Theyer’s THE2301454

Nick Legge’s LEN2301658

James & Ellie Amphlett’s AOS2300243

Alan Powell’s XPA2300223

EWE LAMBS

Nick Legge’s LEN2402025

James Theyer’s THE2400021

Alan Powell’s XPA2400310

Nick Legge’s LEN2402006

James Theyer’s THE2400080

Sam

Sam McPherson

Jeremy Theyer

Female championship and reserve overall championship honours fell to James Theyer’s shearling ewe THE2301434.

Nick Legge’s ewe lamb, LEN2402025, was reserve female champion.

James Theyer won the pairs class for the Clanfield flock.

GROUP OF THREE

Alan

1 2 3 4

James

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION James

FEMALE CHAMPION

James

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

OVERALL CHAMPION

James

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION James

Male champion was Topwood G Wagon, with Clanfield Hank in reserve.

The Monnow Hill trio took first in the group of three class.

James Theyer’s gimmer took the female championship, with Nick Legge’s ewe lamb reserve.

Overall champion was the shearling ram leader from the Amphletts, with James Theyer’s gimmer taking reserve spot.

Cowal ewe to

Judge James Draper, Claybury, found his Royal Highland Show champion in the form of Keith, Allan and Roy Campbell’s aged ewe from their Cowal flock, CKC2113649.

Sired by Hexel Django and out of a dam by Teiglum Charmer, she had previously been breed champion at the Royal Welsh as a gimmer in 2022 and reserve champion at the Great Yorkshire in the same year.

Standing reserve to her having been tapped out as male champion was the Innes family’s ram lamb Strathbogie Hit Man. He’s by the 28,000gns Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants and out of a dam by the 38,000gns Cressage Enforcer.

ps Royal Highland

The Innes family then kept up their winning ways, taking the reserve female championship with their first prize ewe lamb, IJS2408660. Sired by the homebred Strathbogie Gladiator, himself a son of Fancy Pants, she’s also out of an Enforcersired dam.

And reserve male championship honours went to the second prize ram lamb from Sandy Hunter’s Wedderburn flock, Wedderburn Highlander. He’s a Sadlerhead Fury son out of a Teiglum-bred dam by Knock Yardsman.

Taking the red ticket in the first class of the day, the aged rams, was Society Spotlight Award winner Ewan MacTaggart with Allanfauld Firecracker. This son of Claybury Dunkirk is out of a dam by a Knock sire and has a terminal index in the top 5% of the breed.

Ewan then repeated his success, taking top spot in the shearling rams too, this time with the homebred Rascarrel Galloway King from his Rascarrel flock. He’s by Peniel First Class and out of a homebred ewe by Haymount Dallas Cowboy.

Gordon Gray’s Ettrick flock then lead the charge in the texelplus ram lambs, with the class winner here being Ettrick Huntsman. He’s by the 30,000gns Clarks Gray Goose and out of a dam by Midcombe Brigadier.

In the gimmers Kenny Pratt’s Hilltop flock swept to the fore with PKH2303501, an Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants daughter out of a dam by Castlecairn Diamond Vision.

Ewan MacTaggart’s ALLANFAULD FIRECRACKER

J and J Aiken’s GREENALL FISTICUFFS

Keith and Andrew Campbell’s HAYMOUNT FOREMOST

Ian Murray’s DUHONW FURY

Gordon Gray’s SADLERHEAD FURY

SHEARLING RAMS

Ewan MacTaggart’s RASCARREL GALLOWAY KING

Douganhill Farms’

DOUGANHILL GREAT SCOT

Allanfauld Ltd’s ALLANFAULD GAFFER

Sandy Hunter’s WEDDERBURN GUCCI

A J E Calder’s WXK2306958

First prize in the aged rams went to Allanfauld Firecracker from Ewan MacTaggart.

Ewan MacTaggart also won the shearling rams with homebred sire Rascarrel Galloway King.

CLASS RESULTS

RAM LAMBS

1 3 2 4 5

James Innes and Sons’ STRATHBOGIE HITMAN

Sandy Hunter’s WEDDERBURN HIGHLANDER

David and James McKerrow’s TILLYCAIRN HAMISH

David and James McKerrow’s TILLYCAIRN HAKKA

TEXELPLUS RAM LAMBS

Gordon Gray’s ETTRICK HUNTSMAN

D J McKerrow’s UPPERMILL HIGHWAY EXPRESS

Allan Campbell’s STRAWFRANK HIGHLAND PARK 1 2 3 4 5

Keith and Andrew Campbell’s OVERBURNS HURRICANE

Allan Campbell’s STRAWFRANK HULK W J Knox’s HADDO HERCULES

AGED EWES

1 2 3 4 5

K, A and R Campbell’s CKC2113649

J and J Aiken’s AXC2100221

J and H Clark’s TWF2101130

W J Knox’s KWJ2002083

SHEARLING EWES

Kenny Pratt’s PKH2303501

Kenny Pratt’s PKH2303482

Douganhill Farms’ GCK2317029

Douganhill Farms’ GCK2317021

James Innes and Sons’ IJS2105975 1 2 3 4 5

K, A and R Campbell’s CKC2315047

The Innes family won the male championship and reserve overall championship with their ram lamb Strathbogie Hitman.

Ettrick Huntsman from Gordon Gray won the texelplus ram lamb class.

The Campbell family took top spot in the aged ewes with CKC2113649.

Topping the gimmers was Kenny Pratt’s Hilltop flock with PKH2303501, an Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants daughter.

EWE LAMBS

James Innes and Sons’ IJS2408660

Keith and Andrew Campbell’s KOB2416809

Allanfauld Ltd’s XMM2427866

Sandy Hunter’s HEW2409758

W J Knox’s KWJ2403071

MALE CHAMPION

James Innes and Sons’ RAM LAMB STRATHBOGIE HITMAN

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

Sandy Hunter’s RAM LAMB WEDDERBURN HIGHLANDER

FEMALE CHAMPION

K, A & R Campbell’s AGED EWE CKC2113649

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

James Innes and Sons’ EWE LAMB IJS2408660

OVERALL CHAMPION

K, A & R Campbell’s AGED EWE CKC2113649

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

James Innes and Sons’ RAM LAMB STRATHBOGIE HITMAN

CLASS RESULTS

Reserve male champion was Sandy Hunter’s second prize ram lamb, Wedderburn Highlander.

First prize winner in the ewe lambs and reserve female champion was IJS2408660 from the Innes family.

Leading the females was the aged ewe winner, with the top placed ewe lamb in reserve.

The Campbell family’s aged ewe, CKC2113649, swept aside all challengers when picking up the championship at the Royal Highland.

Campbell family top Textravaganza

Keith, Allan and Roy Campbell, Lochgoilhead, Argyll, continued their winning form of this summer when their aged ewe, CKC2113649, took the championship at the Texel Sheep Society’s 50th anniversary Textravaganza National Show.

Having already claimed the Royal Highland Show championship this year, this two-crop ewe is sired by the 65,000gns Lanark purchase from 2020, Hexel Django, and out of a dam by Teiglum Charmer.

Her previous show career success includes being breed champion at the Royal Welsh as a gimmer in 2022 and reserve champion at the Great Yorkshire in the same year.

Having taken the female championship under female class judge, Robert Cockburn, Knap, this ewe was then tapped out as overall champion by both Robert and the judge from the day’s male classes, Jennifer Aiken, Coniston. Robert said the day’s champion was an outstanding example of the breed. “She’s a great working ewe, full of breed character with a great top and carcass.

“She’s superbly correct and has great balance throughout. I loved her when I judged her as a gimmer at the Royal Welsh and she’s matured into a great ewe,” he added.

Picking up the male championship and going through to be reserve overall champion was the winner of the open ram lamb class, Allanfauld Highland King, from Archie and John MacGregor and family’s Allanfauld flock.

He’s a son of the 20,000gns Sportsmans Grand Slam out of a dam by Claybury Dunkirk which had stood fifth in the day’s aged ewe class.

Jennifer Aiken said the ram lamb had a great carcass and carriage, with a superb shoulder and gigot to him. “He’s a great lamb and showed himself well in both the class and the championship.”

The MacGregors continued their winning ways when taking the reserve female championship with their first prize gimmer, XMM2325725.

She’s sired by the 22,000gns Plasucha Fireball and is out of a Sportsmans-bred dam by Garngour Craftsman purchased for 10,000gns at the Christmas Stars Sale 2021.

The reserve male championship honours then went to the winner of the YDP ram lamb class from James Porter’s Saltcotes flock, Saltcotes He’s A Belter. He’s by Hexel Geronimo II and out of a dam by Craig Douglas Dancer.

Taking the red ticket in the first class of the day, the aged rams, was Society Spotlight Award winner Ewan MacTaggart with Allanfauld Firecracker. This son of Claybury Dunkirk is out of a dam by a Knock sire and has a terminal index in the top 5% of the breed.

Robert Cockburn faced the task of sorting out the female entries..

Sandy Hunter, Wedderburn, then took top spot in the shearling rams with Wedderburn Gucci. This is a Claybury Dunkirk son out of a Westburnhouse-bred dam by Deveronvale Aftershock.

The Sportsmans flock of Messrs Boden and Davies led the way in the texelplus ram lamb class, winning here with BGS2407208. He’s a Castlecairn Doodlebug son out of a dam by Garngour Craftsman which is also dam of Sportsmans Express.

Leading the way in the second of the day’s YDP classes, the YDP shearling ewes was another from James Porter’s Saltcotes flock, PTJ2300137. She’s by Hexel Freaky Blinder and out of a dam by Hilltop Escobar.

The ewe lambs saw victory for another lamb by the 20,000gns Sportmans Grand Slam, this time from the Knox family’s Haddo flock in the form of KWJ2403071. She’s out of a dam by Feddal Road Easypeasy.

The MacGregor family then wrapped up a successful day by taking top spot in the group of three class.

And the YDP young handlers championship headed back to Aberdeenshire with Logan Knox, Haddo, while reserve went to Matthew MacGregor, Allanfauld.

FIRECRACKER

Keith and Andrew Campbell’s HAYMOUNT FOREMOST

Ewan MacTaggart continued his successful season, taking first in the aged rams with Allanfauld Firecracker.

SHEARLING RAMS

1 2 3 4 5

Sandy Hunter’s WEDDERBURN GUCCI

D G and N Williams’ CARON GLADIATOR II

Steven Renwick’s CRAIG DOUGLAS G4

Evan Turner’s PROCTERS GIN AND TONIC

OPEN RAM LAMBS

D G and N Williams’ CARON GOLD DUST 1 2 3 4 5

Allanfauld Ltd’s ALLANFAULD HIGHLAND KING

Sandy Hunter’s WEDDERBURN HUMDINGER

Boden and Davies’

SPORTSMANS HUNTERS CHOICE

David McKerrow’s TILLYCAIRN HAMISH

B, R and D Lowe’s TIKI HOOCH

TEXELPLUS RAM LAMBS

1 2 3 4 5

Boden and Davies’ SPORTSMANS HITMAN

Allanfauld Ltd’s ALLANFAULD HUGO BOSS

K and A Campbell’s OVERBURNS HECTOR

K, A and R Campbell’s COWAL HITMAN

D McKerrow’s UPPERMILL HIGHWAY EXPRESS

YDP RAM LAMBS

1 3 2 4

James Porter’s SALTCOTES HE’S A BELTER

Craig Campbell’s HIGHFIELD HAKUN MATATA

Ewan MacTaggart’s RACARREL HERCULES

Harry Grifffies’s CAIRNGRYFFE HARRY’S PRIDE

CLASS RESULTS

Wedderburn Gucci from Sandy Hunter won the day’s shearling ram class.

Leading the open ram lambs and taking the male championship was Allanfauld Highland King from the MacGregor family.

Sportsmans Hitman from Boden and Davies led the texelplus ram lambs.

Leading the way in the YDP ram lambs was another from James Porter, Saltcotes He’s A Belter, with this one taking the reserve male championship.

CLASS RESULTS

AGED EWES

1 2 3 4 5

K, A and R Campbell’s CKC2113649

Steven Renwick’s XSR2125545

Allanfauld Ltd’s XMM219383

Messrs Knox’s KWJ2002083

Allanfauld Ltd’s XMM2121433

OPEN SHEARLING EWES

1 2 3 4 5

Allanfauld Ltd’s XMM2325725

Boden and Davies’ BGS2306772

K, A and R Campbell’s CKC2315047

James Theyer’s THE2301434

YDP SHEARLING EWES

James Porter’s PTJ2300137

Boden and Davies’ BGS2306423 1 2 3 4 5

Ewan MacTaggart’s MTR2301479

Harry Griffies’ GHY2300242

James Porter’s PTJ2300147

Craig Campbell’s CZH2315172

EWE LAMBS

1 3 2 4 5

W J Knox’s KWJ2403071

Boden and Davies’ BGS2407234

Boden and Davies’ BGS2407250

Allanfauld Ltd’s XMM2427866

Andrew Clark’s CFT2401622

Topping the ewe lamb class was KWJ2403071 from the Knox family, Haddo.

Leading the aged ewes was CKC2113649 from the Campbell brothers.

The MacGregors also won the open shearling ewe class with XMM2325725.

Top spot in the YDP gimmer class went to James Porter, Saltcotes, with PJT2300137.

GROUP OF THREE

1 2 3 4 5

Allanfauld Ltd’s ALLANFAULD

Boden and Davies SPORTSMANS

K, A and R Campbell

Robert Laird CAMBWELL James Porter

MALE CHAMPION

Allanfauld Ltd’s OPEN RAM LAMB ALLANFAULD HIGHLAND KING

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

James Porter’s YDP RAM LAMB SALTCOTES HE’S A BELTER

FEMALE CHAMPION

K, A & R Campbell’s AGED EWE CKC2113649

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

Allanfauld Ltd’s SHEARLING EWE XMM2325725

OVERALL CHAMPION

K, A & R Campbell’s AGED EWE CKC2113649

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

Allanfauld Ltd’s

OPEN RAM LAMB ALLANFAULD HIGHLAND KING

Male championship honours fell to Allanfauld, with reserve to Saltcotes.

Following up her Highland success CKC2113649 took the day’s overall championship.

Overall champion was the Campbell family’s aged ewe CKC2113649, a Hexel Django daughter which had also won at the Royal Highland.

The Allanfauld flock of the MacGregor family scooped the red ticket in the group of three class.

Drimsynie flock leads at Great Yorkshire

Allan and Susan Campbell’s Drimsynie flock rose to the top at Great Yorkshire Show, taking the day’s female and overall championships with their gimmer VBC2305204.

This one, bred in Ben Vernon’s Charben flock and purchased for 3000gns at the Carlisle Crackers sale in December, is by Knap Flying Scotsman and out of a dam by Haymount Earth Wind and Fire.

Taking the male championship and the reserve overall honours was Robert and Nesta Watkins’ aged ram Loosebeare Fantastic. This son of Loosebeare Chief is out of a dam by Loosebeare Voomer and had previously been first in his class at the Society’s Southern Feature Show at Royal Three Counties earlier in the summer.

Reserve male championship honours went to the first prize winner from the texelplus ram lambs, Uppermill Hotshot from David McKerrow’s Uppermill flock. This son of the 30,000gns Lanark purchase Clanfield Golden is out of a dam by Ettrick Earthquake.

The McKerrows enjoyed further success in the show’s interbreed classes when their pair of ram lambs took the interbreed pair of ram lambs championship and the overall interbreed pair of lambs championship.

Following on in the females and taking the reserve female championship were Jeff and

Jennifer Aiken and family with their winner from the aged ewe class AXC2100222 from their Coniston flock. She’s by the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond and out of an Annan-bred dam by Procters Vagabond.

First place in the exhibitor-bred shearling rams fell to Robert and Nesta Watkins with Corras General, with this one being by Roxburgh Deadly Dave and out of a dam by Clun Captain I.

Meanwhile, the open shearling rams were won by Gordon Gray with Ettrick Gaucho, a Sadlerhead Fury son out of a dam by Claybury Dunkirk.

The open ram lambs were then won by the Riby family with Stonehills Hot Shot, a Coach House Gambler son out of a dam by Knap You’re The Man.

Topping the ewe lambs was one from Craig Douglas’ Westburnhouse flock, WEX2400102. She’s by Wedderburn Finders Keepers and out of a Sportsmansbred dam by Garngour Craftsman.

Jeff and Jennifer Aiken and family then enjoyed further success in the pairs class, taking the red ticket here too.

Stainton flockmaster

Peter Woof was the man in the middle at Great Yorkshire.

AGED RAMS

R J Watkins’ LOOSEBEARE FANTASTIC

J and J Aiken’s GREENALL FISTICUFFS

I Murray’s DUHONW FURY

K and A Campbell’s HAYMOUNT FOREMOST

J Wilkinson’s KNAP FANCY DAN

EXHIBITOR BRED SHEARLING RAMS

1 2 3 4 5

R J Watkins’ CORRAS GENERAL

R J Watkins’ CORRAS GERA

I Murray’s GLENWAY GLADIATOR

G Riby’s STONEHILLS GARNACHO

I Murray’s MFZ2303396 1 2 3 4 5

G Gray’s ETTRICK GAUCHO

CLASS RESULTS

OPEN SHEARLING RAMS

Allan and Susan Campbell’s HEXEL GAMBLER II

A J Carter’s MAINEVIEW GLADIATOR

I Murray’s GLENWAY GLENFIDDICH

R J Watkins’ CORRAS GANGSTER

OPEN RAM LAMBS

1 3 2 4 5

G Riby’s STONEHILLS HOT SHOT

Alice Harrison’s GRANGE HALL HERBIE

D McKerrow’s TILLYCAIRN HAKKA

Richard Wilson’s EDEN VALLEY H1

Gordon Gray’s ETTRICK HOCUS POCUS 1 2 3 4 5

Stonehills Hot Shot from the Riby family led the way in the open ram lamb class.

Loosebeare Fantastic from Robert and Nesta Watkins topped the aged rams.

Robert and Nesta Watkins won the bred-by exhibitor shearling ram class with Corras General.

Gordon Gray won the open shearling ram class with Ettrick Gaucho.

CLASS RESULTS

TEXELPLUS RAM LAMBS

D McKerrow’s UPPERMILL HOTSHOT

Richard Wilson’s EDEN VALLEY HAIR OF THE DOG

Messrs Mosey’s BLACKDALE HENDRICKS

D Gray’s TIMA H3

G Gray’s TIMA HONKY TONK

AGED EWES

1 2 3 4 5

J and J Aiken AXC2100222

J Wilkinson’s YWJ2201147

J and H Clark’s TWF2101130

Peel and Johnson’s PFD2104486

SHEARLING EWES

Messrs Mosey’s GGH2214315 1

Allan and Susan Campbell’s VBC2305204

K and A Campbell’s KOB23015252

G Gray’s HFI2320676

J and H Clark’s CJN2308811

Allan and Susan Campbell’s UVP2300556

EWE LAMBS

1 3 2 4 5

E Davies’ DFW2400872 1 2 3 4 5

Craig Douglas’ WEX2400102

J and H Clark’s CJN2409691

Richard Wilson’s WEV2402192

Alice Harrison’s AHG2408731

First prize ewe lamb was WEX2400102 from Craig Douglas.

Uppermill Hotshot won the texelplus ram lamb class.

Top in the aged ewes was AXC2100222 from the Aikens.

Allan and Susan Campbell topped the shearling ewe class.

2 3

MALE CHAMPION

R J Watkins’ AGED RAM LOOSEBEARE FANTASTIC

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

D McKerrow’s RAM LAMB UPPERMILL HOTSHOT

FEMALE CHAMPION

Allan and Susan Campbell’s SHEARLING EWE VBC2305204

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

Messrs Aiken’s AGED EWE AXC2100222

OVERALL CHAMPION

Allan and Susan Campbell’s SHEARLING EWE VBC2305204

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

R J Watkins’ AGED RAM LOOSEBEARE FANTASTIC

Peter Woof awarded the male championship to Loosebeare Fantastic.

Female champion was the gimmer leader from the Drimsynie flock.

Allan and Susan Campbell picked up the breed championship with their gimmer VBC2305204, a Knap Flying Scotsman daughter.

The Aiken family picked up first in the pairs class.

First Choice daughter is pick of the Royal Welsh

James Theyer’s debut visit to the Royal Welsh Show proved worthwhile when he picked up the championship with his gimmer from the Clanfield flock, THE2301434, under judge Kirree Kermode, Orrisdale.

This one contains a cocktail of high-priced breeding, being sired by the 170,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a dam by the 100,000gns Auldhouseburn Expression. She had previously been female champion at the Society’s Southern Feature Show at Royal Three Counties Show.

Standing reserve overall champion was the reserve female champion and second prize winner from a strong gimmer class, VBC2305203 from Geraint Williams and family’s Dragon flock. Bred by Ben Vernon, Charben, she is by Knap Flying Scotsman and out of a dam by Garngour Alabama. She had previously been champion at Aberystwyth, Lampeter and Tavyside shows.

Taking the male championship were Jeff and Jennifer Aiken and family, Coniston, with the winner from the aged rams, Greenall Fisticuffs. Sired by Knock Yardsman and out of a dam by Langside Stiffler, this one had stood second at both the Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire.

And the reserve male championship fell to James and Ellie Amphlett’s shearling ram leader, Topwood G Wagon. He’s a son of  Knockem Fandabbydozi and out of a Teiglum bred dam by former sire of the year

Knock Bantastic. This one is a full brother to lambs sold at the Main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells last year for 2400gns and 2000gns.

Taking the red ticket in the ram lambs was Nick Legge with his lamb, Thornbury Hong Kong from the Thornbury flock. This one is by the 42,000gns Ettrick Grey Goose and out of a Plasucha-bred dam by Sportsmans Express. He went on to enjoy interbreed success, standing reserve champion in the interbreed ram lamb class.

The female classes saw James Theyer take a triple crown winning both the aged ewes and the ewe lambs to go alongside the gimmer class winner.

In the aged ewes his leader was GGH2214290, an Ettrick bred ewe by New View Electrifying out of a dam by Midcombe Brigadier. She was bought for 6000gns at the Select Seven Sale last year.

Ewe lamb topper was THE2400021, a Rhaeadr First Choice daughter out of a dam by Auldhouseburn Expression. She excelled further on the third day of the show, lifting the ewe lamb interbreed championship.

And the Aiken family found further success when they won the day’s group of three class.

Isle of Manbased Kirree Kermode judged this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

J and J Aiken’s GREENALL FISTICUFFS

R Watkins’ LOOSEBEARE FANTASTIC

Maria Foster’s KNAP FREEDOM FIGHTER

Tomos Adams’ CAEREINION FIELD MARSHALL

SHEARLING RAMS

James and Ellie Amphlett’s TOPWOOD G WAGON

D G and N Williams’ CARON GLADIATOR II

Evan Turner’s PROCTERS GIN AND TONIC

R Watkins’ CORRAS GLADIATOR

R Watkins’ CORRAS GERA

Leading the aged rams at the Royal Welsh was Greenall Fisticuffs from Jeff and Jennifer Aiken, with this one also collecting the male championship.

Topping the shearling rams and taking reserve male championship was Topwood G Wagon from James and Ellie Amphlett.

CLASS RESULTS

RAM LAMBS

1 2 3 4 5

Nick Legge’s THORNBURY HONG KONG

E G Morgan’s BLAENCAR HURRICANE

Robert Pierce’s OLDFORD HYSTERIA

E G Morgan’s BLAENCAR HERCULES

D G and N Williams’ WLT2401532

AGED EWES

1 2 3 4 5

James Theyer’s GGH2214290

Geraint Williams’ JRV2200410

J and J Aiken’s AXC2100222

E G Morgan’s YME2210209

J and J Aiken’s AXC2100228 1 2 3 4 5

SHEARLING EWES

James Theyer’s THE2301434

Geraint Williams’ VBC2305203

James Theyer’s THE2301388

James and Ellie Amphlett’s AOS2300243

Robert Pierce’s PRE2301592

EWE LAMBS

1 3 2 4 5

James Theyer’s THE2400021

Nick Legge’s LEN2402019

Nick Legge’s LEN2402025

E G Morgan’s YME2412162

James and Ellie Amphlett’s AOS2400274

Heading the ewe lamb class was THE2400021 from James Theyer, with this being a Rhaeadr First Choice daughter.

Leading the ram lambs was Nick Legge’s lamb Thornbury Hong Kong.

Top spot in the aged ewes was another from James Theyer, GGH2214290.

Champion on the day was James Theyer’s gimmer THE2301434, a Rhaeadr First Choice daughter.

1 2 GROUP OF THREE

J and J Aiken CONISTON

Jack Robb PADBURY HILL

MALE CHAMPION

J and J Aiken’s AGED RAM GREENALL FISTICUFFS

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

James and Ellie Amphlett’s SHEARLING RAM TOPWOOD G WAGON

FEMALE CHAMPION

James Theyer’s SHEARLING EWE THE2301434

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

Geraint Williams’ SHEARLING EWE VBC2305203

OVERALL CHAMPION

James Theyer’s SHEARLING EWE THE2301434

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

Geraint Williams’ SHEARLING EWE VBC2305203

CLASS RESULTS

Male champion was Greenall Fisticuffs from Jeff and Jennifer Aiken.

The Aiken family won the group of three class.

Reserve female champion and reserve overall champion was Geraint Williams’ VBC2305203.

James Theyer took championship honours with THE2301434.

Hexel High Voltage electrifies trade at Lanark

Donald and Sarah MacPherson’s ram lamb, Hexel High Voltage, was the high powered seller at the Scottish National Texel Sale, Lanark, when he was knocked down for 70,000gns.

A strong sale resulted in a 77% clearance on an average of £3841, with 14 lambs making 10,000gns or more.

Unshown in the pre-sale show due to Donald being on judging duties, Hexel High Volatage is a son of the £120,000 private purchase Strathbogie Gladiiator and is out of a homebred dam by Haymount Crackerjack and is from the same family as Hexel Born To Be Wild and Hexel Django.

Buying the sale topper were a quartet of breeders, Kenny Pratt, Hilltop, Stuart Barclay, Harestone, Jim Innes, Strathbogie, all Aberdeenshire and Messrs Harkin, Loughash, Northern Ireland.

Top flock averages

Alan Blackwood’s Auldhouseburn flock took the day’s second top call when his ram lamb, Auldhouseburn Hercules UK was knocked down at 60,000gns.

This son of the 16,000gns Scholars Governor is out of a Knap-bred dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and sold after a brief, but frenetic period of bidding, to Eamonn Vaughan, for his Partridge Nest flock, Staffordshire, with a share taken by Ben Vernon for the Charben flock, also Staffordshire.

Third best of the day at 45,000gns was the champion from the pre-sale show, young breeder James Porter’s Saltcotes He’s A Belter. This lamb, which had been reserve male champion at the Society’s 50th Anniversary Textravaganza National Show earlier in the summer, is by Hexel Geronimo II and out of a homebred dam by Craig Douglas Dancer. This one was bought by Charlie Boden and family for their Sportsmans and Mellor Vale flocks, Stockport.

Next in line after that at 35,000gns was another of the younger generation of breeders, Danny Hair, when selling Drumbreddan Hard Ass. This son of Craig Douglas Gangster is out of a Craighead-bred dam by Usk Vale Crackerjack and was knocked down to four breeders, these being Kenny Pratt, Hilltop, Jim Innes, Strathbogie, Stuart Barclay, Harestone, all Aberdeenshire and Mark Priestley, Seaforde, Northern Ireland.

Then came another 20,000gns bid, this time for Mellor Vale Hercules from

and family.

the

Alan Blackwood then took 20,000gns for his second lamb in the ring, Auldhouseburn Hanky Panky. This son of Scholars Governor is out of a Lakeviewbred dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug and was bought by another three-way consortium, Messrs Arnott, Haymount, Mike Turner, Okehall and Barney Richardson, Fernyford.

Charlie Boden

Sired by

170,000gns Knap Grumpy, he’s out of a dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug and was taken by the day’s leading earner, Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn, Ayrshire.

just a

James Theyer also paid 11,000gns

few lots earlier for Holtridge Honky Tonk from David Dunlop and family, Shropshire. He’s a son of Duncryne Geronimo out of a dam by Mullan Armani.

James Theyer then spent his earnings when buying the last of the 12,000gns lambs, Okehall Hot Shot from Mike Turner. This son of Holtridge Golden Arrow is out of a dam by Haymount Earth Wind and Fire.

The next at 12,000gns was Wedderburn Highlander from another young breeder, Sandy Hunter. This son of Sadlerhead Fury is out of a Teiglum-bred dam by Knock Yardsman and had been reserve male champion at the Royal Highland Show. He sold to James Draper for the Claybury flock and David Dunlop, Holtridge, both Shropshire.

Following at 12,000gns was Clanfield Han Solo from James Theyer, Oxfordshire. This son of the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice is out of an Auldhouseburn Expression-sired dam and sold with a top 10% texelplus index when bought by James Gibson and Co, Scrogtonhead and Ruaridh and Isla Graham, Craigdarroch.

Four then sold at 12,000gns, with the first of these being Milnbank Hercules from Robbie Wilson. Sired by the 30,000gns Clanfield Golden, he’s out of a dam by Harestone Eldorado and was bought by Keith, Allan and Roy Campbell, Cowal, Argyll and the Knox family, Haddo, Aberdeenshire.

Another from the same home, Mellor Vale Huntsman, then made 17,000gns, with this being another by Knap Grumpy and this time out of a Procters El Presidente daughter. With a top 5% texelplus index he found a new home with Robert Evans, Hope Valley, Shropshire.

Also making 11,000gns was David McKerrow’s best of the day, Uppermill Hotshot. Another by the 30,000gns Clanfield Golden, he’s out of a dam by Ettrick Earthquake and carries a top 5% texelplus index. Taking this one home was Ewan MacTaggart, Rascarrel, Dumfries and Galloway.

Making 10,000gns was one of the early lots of the day, Teiglum High Flyer from Andrew Clark. Sired by Brackenridge Fly Half and out of a dam by Teiglum Entertainer, he had been first prize lamb at Biggar Show and was bought in a three-way split by Messrs Wight, Midlock, Keith and Andrew Campbell, Overburns and Hartside Farms, Hartside.

Averages; 172 ram lambs £3841 (Lawrie and Symington).

Topwood gimmer fells the competition

A Sportsmans Dare Devil daughter from Herefordshire-based James and Ellie Amphlett led the gimmer trade at the Scottish National Sale, Lanark, when making 5000gns.

Securing the young couple’s second top priced gimmer in as many years at the venue, this one, AOS2300243, is out of a Clarks-bred dam by Procters Chumba Wumba and sold to Jed Sharp, Worcestershire.

Following her at 3600gns came the female champion from the pre-sale show from Messrs Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans flock, Stockport. This was BGS2306505, a daughter of the 170,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice out of a Procters-bred dam by Fordafourie Balvenie. She was taken by Christopher Cornthwaite for the Stumpcross flock, Clitheroe.

Next in line at 2600gns was one from Robert Cockburn’s Knap flock. This was CKP2307532, a Haddo Falcon daughter out of a dam by Knock Banker. Taking her home was Jan Boomaars for the Vexour flock, Kent.

Then at 1300gns was the best of the evening from Keith and Andrew Campbell’s Overburns flock, KOB2315282. Again by Haddo Falcon, she is out of a dam by Knap Alligator and sold with a top 25% texelplus index when also bought by Jan Boomaars.

And the same buyer then paid 1100gns for one from the Boden family’s Sportsmans flock, BGS2306635. She’s by the 170,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a dam by Garngour Craftsman.

The gimmer sale was preceeded by a charity auction of semen to raise funds for the Society’s 50th Anniversary charity, The Farm Safety Foundation better known as

Yellow Wellies. This was topped at £460/ dose for six doses of semen from Procters Chumba Wumba which was bought by Willy Davis, Usk Valley.

Averages; 19 gimmers £1146.71 (Lawrie and Symington).

Cambwell Hulk outmuscles competition at Worcester

Robert Laird’s ram lamb Cambwell Hulk overpowered the competition to claim the top price in the ram lamb sale at the Texel Sheep Society’s English National Sale, Worcester, when making 7000gns on a trade which saw an 88% clearance and a third best ever centre average.

Cambwell Hulk, a son of Deveronvale Fastrac out of a dam by Waen Déjà vu, had stood second in his class in the pre-sale show and sold with a top 1% texelplus index when bought by Tomos Adams for the Ty-Medi flock, Cowbridge.

Next best at 4500gns was another Scottish lamb, this time Midlock Hardman from the Wight family, again from Biggar. He’s by the homebred Midlock Fury and out of a dam by Hexel Django and sold to Peter and James Vaughan for the Kingspark flock, Leominster.

Top flock averages – ram

lambs

Three £1295

Second at 3000gns was James Innes’ Strathbogie Hollywood, a son of the homebred Strathbogie Gladiator out of a dam by Sportsmans Benchmark. He was knocked down to Georgie Helyer for the Langford flock, Salisbury.

Then selling for 2600gns was another of the Overburns lambs from Keith and Andrew Campbell, Overburns Hedgehunter, a Hexel Get Lucky son. He’s out of another Sportsmans Dirty Harry daughter and was taken by Ian Heard, Okehampton, for the Yelland flock, with a top 10% index.

Biggar-based Robert Laird then reinvested some of his earnings in the second best priced lamb of the day, Overburns Highland Spring from Keith and Andrew Campbell, also Biggar. This one is by the 42,000gns Ettrick Grey Goose and out of a dam by Sportsmans Dirty Harry. Sold with a top 10% texelplus index he had been first in his class and reserve overall champion in the pre-sale show.

And a duo then traded at 3000gns, the first of which was another from Nick Legge, Thornbury Hammer. This one is the same way bred as the last, being by Ettrick Grey Goose and out of a Midlock Dynamo daughter and carries a top 5% index. He was the pick of Anthony Carter, Dawlish, for the Millcroft flock.

Then making 3800gns was Bromyard-based Nick Legge’s best of the day, Thornbury Humdinger. Another by Ettrick Grey Goose, he’s out of a dam by Midlock Dynamo and carries a top 25% index. This one found a new home with John Lea, Market Drayton, for his Blore View flock.

The second to make 2200gns was another from Robert Laird, Cambwell Highlander. This son of the homebred Cambwell Godfather is out of a dam by Ettrick Yom Kippur and has a top 5% index. He was bought by Ian Campbell, Thurso.

A pair then made 2200gns, with the first being Sandy Hunter’s lamb, Wedderburn Highflyer. Another by Sadlerhead Fury, he is out of a Teiglum-bred dam by Knock Yardsman and sold to E J Gwyn, Wolvershill.

Close behind at 2100gns was the best of the sale from Andrew Clark, Teiglum. This was Teiglum Hamlet, a Mullan Governor son out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba. He found a new home with Mark Davis, Tiverton, for the Canalside flock.

Next in line at 2000gns was Cambwell Hector from Robert Laird, with this being another by Cambwell Godfather and out of a dam by Cambwell Trademark. Sold with a top 1% index he went to Peter Mitchell and family, Avon Vale.

And at the same price was Strathbogie Hurricane from Jim Innes. This one is by Allanfauld Fancy Pants and out of a dam by Mullan Armani and was taken by previous buyer Ian Heard.

Average; 98 ram lambs £1315.18 (McCartneys).

And a 2400gns call then secured Gordon Gray’s best of the day, Ettrick Haggis. This first prize winner from the pre-sale show is by Sadlerhead Fury and out of a dam by Clinterty You Cracker. Selling with a top 25% index he headed away in a two-way split to Nick Gibbs, Bettonfield and Messrs Martyn, Barnage.

Caereinion Gladiator fights to the top

The much fancied shearling ram Caereinion Gladiator from Cefin Pryce and family, Welshpool, led the shearling ram and overall trade at the English National Sale, Worcester, when making 24,000gns, on a day that recorded an 89% clearance for the shearlings.

flock averages – shearling rams

Caereinion Gladiator had been much talked about before entering the ring and lived up to both his name and speculation when topping the trade. This son of the £10,000 Loosebeare Chief is out of a dam by Blaencar Bandit and sold with a top 10% index. Buying him were the Ellis family, Cressage and Scholars.

Second top at 11,000gns was Peacehay Greatest Showman from the Chave family, Somerset. Sired by Clarks Wizard and out of a dam by the homebred Peacehay Untouchable, he was knocked down to Llion Jones for the Pant flock, Tywyn.

John Elliot then took 4400gns for Mershott Geezer a Walston Clansman son out of a dam by Midlock Youre The One. He carries a top 25% texelplus index and went away with E H Hughes and Son, Abaty flock, Llandidrod Wells.

The same vendors then took 5000gns for Peacehay Gangnam Style, the champion from the pre-sale show. This one is by Usk Vale Fandabidozi and out of a Clarks Wizard daughter and headed to Aberystwyth with the Williams family for their Caron flock.

Close behind that came a 4800gns call for Greenarch Good God from Eve Hodge, Kelso. Sired by Fimber Elysium and out of a dam by Mershott Danny Boy, he carries a top 1% index and was taken by the Jones family, Pentraeth, Anglesey.

Selling for 4500gns was Duhonw Grand Slam from Michael James and family, Builth Wells. He’s by Wilodge Ex Factor and out of a dam by Garngour Awesome and found a new home with R and B James, Maesgwyn and the Reed family, Scolton, both Pembrokeshire.

Not far behind at 4200gns was Whitehart Gigantic from Nicky Hartwright, Bringsty. This Brijon Deal Breaker son is out of a dam by Empire Churchill and sold to Messrs Howells for then Montana flock, Bridgend.

The Quick family then took 4000gns for Loosebeare Great Gun. This one is by the homebred Loosebeare Chief and out of a dam by Loosebeare In Form and was bought by J Garth and Son, Clapham, Lancaster.

A 3600gns sale followed that for Corras Gera from Robert and Nesta Watkins. This son of Roxburgh Deadly Dave is out of a dam by Whitehart Automatic and has a top 1% index. He headed home with Claire Langrish for the Pickney flock, Kent.

John Elliot was then back in action, taking 3500gns for Roxburgh Guess Who, a Fimber Elysium son out of a dam by Haymount Arnott. Sold with a top 1% texelplus index he was bought by T A Jones, Carmarthen.

And two then made 3400gns, with the first being Clun Gold Star from the Williams family, Craven Arms. Sired by Rhaeadr Fundraiser, he’s out of a dam by Craig Douglas Ya Belter and went away with Messrs Davies Bros for the Trefere flock, Cardigan.

The other to make 3400gns was Roxburgh Great Scot from John Elliot. This Walston Clansman son is out of a dam by Greenarch Bodacious and was the choice of Ryan Thomas, Haverfordwest, with a top 25% index.

The second at 3200gns was Claybury Gotcha from James Draper, Shrewsbury. A son of Claybury Crusader, he’s out of a Garngour Alabama-sired dam and sold with a top 10% index when bought by M and A James for their Ripperston flock, Milford Haven.

And at 3000gns was Martin Furness’ Westgate Go Getter a Maineview Four Square son out of a dam by Whitehart Contemporary. He went to T B Dalton, Ashbourne.

Average; 81 shearling rams £2463.74 (McCartneys).

A pair then followed that at 3200gns, the first of which was Peacehay Game Changer from the Chaves. By the homebred Peacehay Belters Bruv, he’s out of a Peacehay Untouchable dam and sold to T Davies and Co, Beulah

Allanfauld gimmer focusses attention

at Worcester

A Mossknowe Focus-sired gimmer from Archie and John MacGregor’s Allanfauld flock topped the gimmer trade at the Texel Sheep Society’s English National Sale, Worcester, when making 4500gns.

Following her were a brace at 1800gns, the first of which came from the same pen as the top priced lot from the MacGregors. This was XMM2325705 another by Mossknowe Focus and this time out of a Glenside-bred dam by Fordafourie Big Ben. She has a top 25% texelplus index and headed home to Cumbria with Frazer Bell for the Greenknowe flock.

Sale topper XMM2325752 is out of a Procters Chumba Wumba-sired dam and sold with a top 25% texelplus index. She had stood fifth in the pre-sale show and was bought by Tom Ayrton for the Ayrtons flock, Lancaster.

Next best at 4200gns was the female champion from the pre-sale show, a gimmer from David Dunlop and family’s Holtridge flock. This was DJJ2300283, an Auldhouseburn Freaky Friday daughter out of a dam by Garngour Craftsman. She was knocked down to Dave and Helen Smith for the Tockington flock, Bristol.

Then making 3500gns was the reserve female champion from Gordon Gray’s Ettrick pen, GGH2315215. Another by Mossknowe Focus, she is out of a dam by Clinterty You Cracker and sold with a top 1% texelplus index. Buying this one was Jordan Green for the Drumburn flock, Aberdeenshire.

Second at this level was the second last lot of the sale, this time from Messrs Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans flock. This was BGS2306489 a Rhaeadr First Choice daughter out of a dam by Rhaeadr Best Of The Best. She sold to A and R Golledge, Madlot.

After that came a 1500gns call for Nick Legge’s Thornbury gimmer LEN2301627. Sired by Glenside Forever II and out of a Rhaeadr-bred dam by Clinterty Yuga Khan, she has a top 1% texelplus index and was taken by J Qunica, Wessington.

And selling at 1400gns was one from the Morgan family’s Blaencar flock, YME2311451. This one is by Sportsmans Dare Devil and out of a dam by Usk Vale Crackerjack and was bought by James Greaney for the Claddagh flock, Usk.

Average; 36 gimmers £1257.08 (McCartneys).

Trio of 1800gns calls lead Welshpool trade

Three animals hit the top call of 1800gns at the Welsh National Sale, Welshpool, with the first of these being a shearling ewe from Messrs Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans flock.

Second best in the gimmers was an 1100gns call for another from the same pen, BGS2306783. She’s again by Fandabidozi and this time out of a dam by Garngour

Female lader was the Haymount Fandabidozi daughter BGS2306679. She is out of an Auldhouseburn-bred dam by Sportsmans A Star and sold to William Ridge, Church Stretton.

And then at 1000gns was the first gimmer of the day from Jamie Woosnam’s Trefeg flock. This was JWJ2300738, a Duhonw Dynamo daughter out of a dam by Auldhouseburn Dash Of Class. She went home with G W Jones, Corwen.

Craftsman and was bought by J A Williams, Caersws.

Shearling Rams

The second 1800gns call came for the top priced shearling tup, Corras General from Robert and Nesta Watkins. Sired by Roxburgh Deadly Dave, he is out of a dam by Clun Captain I and had been first at the Great Yorkshire earlier in the summer. He was the pick of W Gravell, Machen.

Ram Lambs

Leading the ram lamb trade was the third and final at 1800gns, with this being Thornbury Havana from Nick Legge. He’s by the 42,000gns Ettrick Grey Goose and out of a dam by Eden Valley Wiz Kid and sold to A J I and M D Jones, Pembrokeshire.

Next in line here at 1300gns was another from the same home, Corras Galveston. This one is by the homebred Corras E Type and out of a dam by Clun Captain I. He was bought by H Digwood, Bridgnorth.

Then making 1100gns was Kimbolton Griffin from Paul Phillips. A son of the homebred Kimbolton Commander and out of a dam by Duhonw Your the One, he has a top 1% texelplus index and found a new home with M and K Brown, Berriew.

A 1600gns call for the last lot of the sale was the next best in the ram lambs, with this price paid for Mellor Vale Hamlet. Sired by Knap Grumpy and out of a dam by Garngour Craftsman he sold with a top 25% texelplus index and was taken by G E Davies and Sons, Newtown.

After that at 1500gns was Knap Head Honcho from Robert Cockburn, with this Auldhouseburn Gazza son being out of the famous Knap Daisy Duke, herself by Sportsmans Cannon Ball, and finding a new home with D Thomas, Dinas.

Also at 1500gns was Charlie Boden’s Mellor Vale Hustle, a Knap Grumpy son out of a dam by Procters El Presidente. He was knocked down to George Oare, Hollywell.

A 1200gns bid for Sportsmans Hornet from Messrs Boden and Davies followed that, with this money paid for a Knap General Lee son out of a dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug and with a top 25% texelplus index. He was also the pick of George Oare.

Close behind at 1150gns was Knap Hawaii Five-O from Robert Cockburn. He’s by Teiglum Goliath and again out of the Sportsmans Cannon Ball daughter Knap Daisy Duke and was bought by Messrs Bates, Welshpool.

And making 1000gns was Sportsmans Harrier from Messrs Boden and Davies. This son of Procters El Presidente is out of a dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug and was the choice of Towyn Developments Co, Newtown.

six shearling rams £1141, 29 ram lambs £826.60, 15 shearling ewes £754.60 (Welshpool Livestock Sales).

NORTHERN STARS

Record average for Ballymena ram lambs

A trio of 10,000gns bids helped deliver a record ram lamb average at the Northern Irish National Texel Sale, Ballymena, when 189 levelled at £1508.17.

Top flock averages – ram lambs

Flock Number sold Average

Drumcon Five

Drumderg Three

Seaforde Five

Lynbrooke Two

Forkins Seven

Glenhone Three

Mullan Eight

Firgrove Two

Tullagh Three

Ballyneal Two

£6090

£4655

£3654

£3596

£3255

£2450

£2329

£2152

£2100

£1995

First of the five figure sales came for the day’s champion from the pre-sale show, Forkins Hawkeye from Alastair Gault. This son of the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King is out of a dam by Sportsmans Dare Devil and has a texelplus index in the top 5% of the breed.

A spirited bidding battle resulted in him being knocked down in a five-way split to James Wilkinson, Ballygroogan, John Trimble, Curley, Adrian Liggett, Corbo, Philip Whyte, Innisrush and Stanley and Martin Warnock, Straidarran.

Next at 10,000gns was the first of two from Jonny Cubitt in the form of Drumcon Hall of Fame. Again by the 100,000gns Gypsy King, he’s out of a Rhaeadr-bred dam by Teiglum Younggun and is a maternal brother to the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice. He sold to Stephen Etherson, Killans, with a half share retained.

Next in line at 6000gns was the day’s reserve overall champion from young breeder Ivanna Strawbridge. This was Lynbrooke Hercules, another by Strathbogie Gypsy King and this time out of a dam by Strathbogie Dirty Dancer. He was bought by the day’s judge, John Greene, for the Larahirl flock, Co Donegal.

The other at this price was Drumcon History Maker, another by Gypsy King. This one is out of another Rhaeadrbred dam, this time by Garngour Envoy II and is again from the same family as the 160,000gns First Choice. He was bought in a two-way share by Douganhill Farms, Douganhill and Nick Legge, Thornbury.

A brace of 5500gns calls followed that, with the first being for Mark Priestley’s best of the sale from the Seaforde flock. He sold Seaforde Hezza Lord, an Auldhouseburn Gazza son out of a Knap-bred dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball to Eire-based breeder James Dunn, Belturbet, Co Cavan.

Second at this money was Drumderg Hitman from Alistair Breen. He’s by Hilltop Golden Eye and out of an Oberstown-bred dam by Rhaeadr Entrepreneur and was the pick of Frank Clewer, Bluehill.

Then close behind at 5000gns was another from Mark Priestley, Seaforde Hurricane Bay. He’s a full ET brother to the 5500gns Hezza Lord and was bought by Jacqueline Browne, Drumeagle flock, Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Two more then sold at 5000gns, with the first of these being Brian Hanthorn’s Mullan Hit The Diff. Sired by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a dam by Plasucha Folklore, he was taken home by J Wilson and J Wilson-Moses for the Blackstown flock.

A 4600gns call followed that for Seaforde Hollywood from Mark Priestley. This Auldhouseburn Gazza son is another full ET brother to the two previous Seaforde lambs and sold to Paddy Morrissey, Callan, Co Kilkenny.

Jonny Cubitt was then back in the money, taking 4000gns for Drumcon Head Of State. This full ET brother to the first of his 10,000gns lambs sold to join Mark Priestley, Seaforde and Eugene Branagan, Largy.

Another from the same home then made 3600gns, with this being Forkins Hugo Boss. This son of the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King is a full ET brother to the 10,000gns Forkins lamb and sold to Belston Ltd, Lurgan, Co Armagh.

Not far off the pace at 3500gns was Curley

Hercules from John Trimble, with this being by Auldhouseburn Fandabidozi and out of a dam by Garngour Challenger. He headed away with Beth Cousins for her Cousins flock.

The final 5000gns sale was for Drumderg Hawkeye from Alistair Breen. Another by the 30,000gns Hilltop Golden Eye, he is out of a dam by Midlock Yorkie and was bought by the Wilkinson family for their Arkle flock.

After that came a 3800gns bid for Forkins Hitman from Alastair Gault. This one is by Douganhill Gangster and out of a dam by Procters Cocktail. Sold with a top 1% texelplus index he found a new home with Colin Price, Loanends.

Close behind at 3400gns was Mullan Heavy Hitter from Brian Hanthorn. Sired by Lylehill Gunshot, he’s out of a dam by Sportsmans Batman and was knocked down to Owen and Liam Donohoe, Derryvore.

Average; 189 ram lambs £1509.17 (J A McClelland and Sons).

Ballymena shearling rams hit 4000gns

Shearling ram trade at the Northern Irish National Sale, Ballymena, peaked at 4000gns for Artnagullion Godfather from Brian and William McAllister.

Top flock averages – shearling rams

Second best at 3600gns was Henry Gamble’s first prize shearling, Springwell GI, a Ballydesland Eddie son out of a dam by Thornville Alberto, with this one bought by T Hynes, Rathfriland, Newry.

Then came three at 1900gns, the first of which was another from the Artnagullion pen, Artnagullion Goldfinger. He’s also by Blackadder Doddie and is out of a dam by Langside Bushwhacker. Buying this one were Ian and William McRoberts, Banbridge, Co Down.

Second at this price was Artnagullion Goodfellow from the McAllisters. Again by Doddie and out of a Midlock Yohann daughter he was taken by Peter McGinn, Hilltown.

And the final 1900gns call came for one from John Watson, Duvarren Guinness, a Kilduff Farley son out of a dam by Dunelm Charisma. He sold to M McGarrigle, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh.

This son of Blackadder Doddie is out of a dam by Midlock Yohann and had stood second in his class in the pre-sale judging . Buying this one was A J Robinson, Downpatrick, Co Down.

Average; 66 shearling rams £1399.20 (J A McClelland and Son).

Selling for 2300gns was Troy Watson’s best of the day, Duvarren G-Wagon. Sired by Kilduff Farley and out of a dam by Blackstown Yule, he was taken by previous buyer A J Robinson.

The McAllisters then reinvested some of their takings when paying 2200gns for Fraser and Helen Tweed’s Ballycoose Goliath. He’s by Caereinion Ace and out of a dam by Deveronvale Warrior. He sold with a top 1% texelplus index.

Female champion leads Ballymena gimmer trade

A select entry of gimmers met a solid demand, averaging more than £1500.

Next in line at 1200gns was Alastair Gault’s gimmer GAF2303633. Sired by Charben Fantastic, she’s out of a dam by Lakeview Dirty Dancer and sold to join Anthony Rowland, Crossmolina, Co Mayo.

And at 1000gns was one from Nathan Armstrong, ANY2300455. She’s by Haddo Fortune and out of a dam by Harestone Commander and was taken by M Boal, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

Making the same money was Richard Henderson’s Ballynahone gimmer, HBR2301904. This one is a daughter of Ballynahone Foreman and out of a dam by Procters Deacon Blue and headed away with Declan Byrne, Treamount.

13 gimmers £1530.58 (J A McClelland and Son).

Mark Priestleys’ female champion from the pre-sale show, PRQ2302498, a Coniston Equinox daughter out of a Knap-bred dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball, topped the female trade at the Northern Irish National Sale, Ballymena. Selling at 7500gns, this one found a new home with Alan Blackwood’s Auldhouseburn flock.

Second best at 3000gns was one from Martin McConville, Glenhone, in the shape of MNV2300459. This Sportsmans Dare Devil daughter is out of a dam by Fordafourie Amalert and was bought by W M Doherty, Glebe, Co Donegal.

Ettrick Gruffalo scares away Kelso competition at £35,000

Texels once again proved popular at Kelso Ram Sales, achieving the top price of £35,000, the lead average and most sold across all the breeds. In all, 547 registered Texel shearlings sold to average £1844, up £191 on the year, while 39 ram lambs levelled at £915, an increase of £178 per head.

Lawrie and Symington auctioneer Brian Ross, said tups were easily sold on the day, adding: “There were plenty of commercial bidders and I’d say the sheep were a more level quality right through.”

The Ettrick pen from Gordon and David Gray got the trade going early in the day, peaking at £35,000, for Ettrick Gruffalo, a full ET brother to their 42,000gns lamb sold at Lanark last year, Ettrick Grey Goose. Making a record shearling price for the Grays, this one is sired by Sadlerhead Fury, which had been bought for 1000gns at the Scottish Club sale at Lanark, while the dam, a homebred daughter of Midcombe Brigadier, also bred the 17,000gns Ettrick Everest. Gruffalo sold to large scale commercial sheep producer Paul Slater, Macclesfield.

From the same pen, Ettrick Gaucho, another by Sadlerhead Fury, out of a Claybury Dunkirk daughter, sold at £18,000. Champion in the pre-sale texelplus show the previous evening, this one was knocked down to the James family for their Duhonw flock, Builth Wells. He had stood first at the Great Yorkshire and Lesmahagow shows.

Third top was one at £13,000 from Steven Renwick’s Craig Douglas consignment. The first shearling son to sell off the £52,000 Midlock Express, he is out of a ewe by Sportsmans Cannon Ball. A third prize winner at the Textravaganza show, he went to Ted Fox, College and Jonathan Watson, Brijon.

Two shearlings hit the £10,000 mark – the first coming from Jim Innes’ Strathbogie

and

flock. His pen star, a son of the £11,000 Ettrick Cocky Bob, out of a ewe by Broomknowes Comrade, sold to Robert Rennie, Kelso.

The other at £10,000 came from the Harehead flock, managed by Neil Anderson. Making a best ever price for the flock, this son of the £6500 Mitchellhill Dynamo, out of a homebred ewe, sold to Russell and Gill Watkins, Millend and Nicky and Jim Hartwright, Whitehart.

The Gray family, Scrogtonhead, had a successful day, selling 28 shearling rams to average £2910. Top for them was one at £9500, which sold in a three-way split to Ian Hunter, Dalchirla, Crieff, Archie and John

Leading averages

Averages; 547 shearling rams £1844, 39 ram lambs £915 (Lawrie and Symington and Hexham and Northern Marts).

Gordon

David Gray enjoyed their best ever trade at Kelso, taking £35,000 for Ettrick Gruffalo a full ET brother to the 42,000gns Ettrick Grey Goose.

MacGregor, Allanfauld, and Hugh Jackson and Son, Wolfclyde. He is sired by Midlock Flockstar, the ram sold for £22,000 at Kelso last year, which the Grays had used on loan. The dam is a homebred daughter of Knock Brutus.

The Ingrams’ Logie Durno shearlings averaged £4540 for 15 lots. Best there was a £9000 bid for one by the homebred Logie Durno Braveheart, which has previously sired sons to 32,000gns. He sold to S W Robson, Buckholm, Galashiels.

Another from Logie Durno sold at £8500, to Rodney Blackhall, Sheeoch. He’s by Douganhill Extra Special II.

Leading the Prime Star consignment, from Andrew Provan, was a shearling son of Harehead Epic, which sold at £8500 to Jonathan Wales, Thackwood. His dam is by Wester Walston Crackerjack.

Also at that price was the best from Malcolm Coubrough, Hartside. A Knock Eastwood son, out of a Teiglum-bred ewe by Knock Yardsman, he sold to three Lanarkshire flocks, Toftcombs, Wester Walston and Townhead.

Another from the Ingram family’s Logie Durno pen by Douganhill Extra Special II sold at £7500 to R and B Smith, Slapton.

Sandy Hunter continued a successful sale season with tups from his Wedderburn flock at Huntly, selling his best shearling for £7200, to Martin Furness, Westgate. A first prize winner at the Textravaganza show in July, he is sired by Claybury Dunkirk and out of a ewe by Deveronvale Aftershock.

Meanwhile, another from Ettrick, by Claybury Dunkirk, sold at £7000, to Norman Douglas, Catslackburn, Yarrow.

Two from the Logie Durno pen made £7000 apiece. One, by Logie Durno Braveheart, sold to R G and R A Jones, Robleston Hall, Pembrokeshire, while the other, by the Douganhill sire, went to Sue Cunliffe, Broughton Grange.

Then, from the Grays’ Scrogtonhead pen came a son of last year’s pen leader, the £6000 Scrogtonhead Funky G, sold at £7000 to Messrs Thornton, Cornhills, Hexham. He is out of a Clinterty Yuga Khan daughter.

Making £7000, was the pen leader from Robert Laird, Cambwell, Biggar. That was Cambwell Gus, a Deveronvale Fastrac son that had been used on the flock as a lamb, out of a Cambwell Belter daughter. Buying this one were the Timm family for the Yorkie flock.

Second best of the day at £18,000 was Ettrick Gaucho, again from Gordon and David Gray.

Steven Renwick’s

Craig Douglas G4 took the day’s third top Texel price of £13,000.

Best for Jonathan Watson’s Brijon entry, was one at £6500, by Wilodge Ex Factor, which was another to sell to Martin Furness, Westgate.

The Wight family, Midlock, sold to a top of £6200, for a son of Claybury Dunkirk, which was knocked down to Gerwyn Jones, Graig Goch.

And, not far behind, James Orr, Wester Walston, sold a son of the £20,000 Mitchellhill Diamond Star, for £6000, to the Grays’ Scrogtonhead flock.

Two more from Scrogtonhead sold at £6000 each. Both sons of Midcombe Firefly, one sold to W J and V J Case for the Nab Point flock, while the other went to E J C Dean, Kirkhouse.

Top price in the lambs was £2200 for Hexel Happy Days, a March-born son of Ballynahone Franco from Donald and Sarah MacPherson, Castlehills, BerwickUpon-Tweed. His dam, a Coniston Equinox daughter, is a full sister to the 32,000gns Hexel Fan Club. Buyer was Andrew Pinny, for the Alloaks flock, Northampton.

Jim Innes sold one from his Strathbogie pen at £10,000, with this being an Ettrick Cocky Bob son.

Also at £10,000 was this Mitchellhill Dynamo son from the Harehead flock managed by Neil Anderson.

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SCAN ME

Empire Gladiator proves invincible at Builth

It was a day to remember for Philip and Helen Weaver, Newark, when shearling rams from ther Empire flock took three of the day’s four top prices, including the leading call and new centre record price of 30,000gns.

Demand was strong throughout the day, with clearances of 98% and 96% in the Clee Tomkinson and Francis run Society sale rings and 88% in the Hexham and Northen Marts ring.

Overall, 527 registered Texel shearlings levelled the day at £1255.22, another new centre record for the breed.

Sale leader, Empire Gladiator, also the day’s top price across all breeds, had been champion in the pre-sale show and is a son of Caron Express out of a dam by Canllefaes Big Boy. After a fierce bidding battle he sold to the Ingram family, Logie Durno, with a share taken by Michael James, Duhonw.

Second best of the day was a 24,000gns bid for Caereinion Goliath from Cefin Pryce and family, Welshpool. Sired by Clun Enhancer and out of a dam by the homebred Caereinion Celtic Star, he has a top 5% texelplus index having stood second in the pre-sale show to the day’s champion. Buying this one was Andrew Reed for the family’s Scolton flock.

The Weavers then took 9000gns for Empire God Father, a Strathbogie Eagle Eye son out of a dam by Hornacott Commander. He sold in a two-way split to the Vaughan family, Kingspark and Esmor Evans, Maerdy.

Close behind at 8000gns was another from the same home, Empire Greatest Showman. This Whitehart Eye Catcher son is out of a dam by Canllefaes Big Boy and

was the pick of Christopher Cornthwaite, Stumpcross.

Then at 6200gns was the best of the day from Gary and Meinir Howells. Their pen topper was Tycam Geronimo, a Greenall Everest son out of a dam by Blaencar Bandit. This one was the pick of G W Jones, Erw.

Next in line at 4900gns was Canllefaes Gold Dust from the Davies family. This son of the homebred Canllefaes Dynamite is out of a dam by Ellen Valley Capello and was knocked down to M E Jones and Son, Beulah.

After that came a 4800gns bid for Pant Gorgeous from Llion Jones, with this one

Philip and Helen Weaver’s Empire flock enjoyed its best ever day at the NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells, including setting a new sale record with Empire Gladiator at 30,000gns.

Second best at 24,000gns was Cefin Pryce’s Caereinion Goliath.

being a Loosebeare Fab son out of a dam by the homebred Builth topper Pant Wolf. Buying this one was Tom Slater for the Colston flock.

A 4600gns sale then followed for Michael James and family’s JMU2314008. Sired by Wilodge Ex Factor, he’s out of a dam by Clinterty Yuga Khan.

Making 4500gns was Caereinion Granite from Cefin Pryce and family. Another by Clun Enhancer and a full ET brother to the 24,000gns Caereinion Goliath, he has a top 1% texelplus index and was bought by A Smith, Feddal Road.

Robert and Nesta Watkins were next in the money when selling Corras Gladiator at 4300gns. This son of Roxburgh Deadly Dave is out of a dam by Broomsgrove Bonzoleum and sold with a top 5% texelplus index when purchased by Georgie Helyer, Langford.

Michael James then sold another at 3600gns from the Duhonw flock. This was Duhonw Granite, a Wilodge Ex Factor son out of a dam by Whitehart A Lister. Buying him were Messrs Gilbert for the Aelmund flock.

Four then followed at 3200gns, the first of which was Maerdy Gee from Esmor Evans. This son of Cressage Everest is out of a dam by Auchry Boris and was the choice of Brobury Farms, Herefordshire.

Second at this price was Empire Greedy Guts from Philip and Helen Weaver. Sired by Peacehay Donkey Kong and out of a dam by Caereinion Ammunition, he found a new home with W G Davies and Son, Hirwaun, Mid Glamorgan.

Then came the best of the day from the Quick family, Loosebeare General. Also

Making 9000gns was Empire God Father, another from the Weaver family.

Leading averages

Flock Number sold Average

Caereinion 6

Empire 18

Blaencar 3

Corras 4

£6379

£4217

£2170

£1960

Duhonw 7 £1900

Llyfni 2

Caron 7

Selling for 8000gns was Empire Greatest Showman, adding to Philip and Helen Weaver’s earnings.

making 3200gns he is by the £10,000 Loosebeare Chief and out of a dam by Loosebeare Voomer. He found a new home with Elgan Davies, Llwyngan.

The Morgan family then sold Blaencar General at the same price. This one is by Haymount Filmstar and out of a dam by a Strathbogie sire. Buying this one was Neil Harvey, Blackadder.

And then at 3100gns was Clun Goliath from the Williams family, Craven Arms. Sired by Teiglum Fightstar, he’s out of a dam by Tatham Hall Ur The One and headed away with G L Watkins, Lawnt.

A pair then made 3000gns, the first of which was another from the same home, Clun Guardian. Again by Teiglum Fight Star and out of a dam by Tatham Hall Ur The One, he was bought by Malcolm Yeo, Yarnscombe, Devon.

The other at this level was another from Gary and Meinir Howells, Tycam Golden Promis. This Oak Farm Extra Special Son is out of a dam by Roxburgh Winston and was sold to A J and T Snaith, Burghhill.

Averages; 527 shearling rams £1255.22 (+224.17) (Clee Tomkinson and Francis and Hexham and Northern Marts).

£1837

£1687

Bryndu 2 £1680

Caebetran 4 £1522

Tycam 39 £1436

Clun 17 £1372

Gary and Meinir Howells took 6200gns for their best on the day, Tycam Geronimo.

The Davies family took 4900gns for Canllefaes Gold Dust.

Llion Jones sold his pen leader Pant Gorgeous at 4800gns.

Another from Cefin Pryce, Caereinion Granite sold at 4500gns.

Corras Gladiator from Robert and Nesta Watkins took a 4300gns call.

Blaencar Hercules lifts lamb trade at Builth

Geoff Morgan and family’s Blaencar Hercules was the star attraction in the ram lambs at the Main NSA Ram Sale, with this Sportsmans Einstein son selling at 4200gns. He’s out of a dam by a Strathbogie sire and sold to Shae Price, Gereafon.

Second best of the day in the lambs was a pair of 2000gns sales, the first of which was for James and Ellie Amphlett’s Topwood Hall Of Fame. Sired by Rhaeadr General, he is out of a Teiglum-bred dam by Knock Bantastic and was taken by A J and J A Powell, Knighton.

The other at this money was Carwyn Lewis’ Hathren Hedge Hunter, a Knap GateCrasher son out of a dam by Arkle Captain. He found a new home with D T and E H Jones, Celt.

Then making 1800gns was Windmill Humdinger from Ellie and Iwan PriceMorgan. He’s by Loosebeare Chief and out of a dam by Teiglum Younggun and was knocked down to T J Vaughan, Devauden.

And at 1500gns was Nicola Howie’s Cairnton Hustler. He’s by Orchilmore Goldschlager and out of a dam by Hollyford

What A Boy. Sold with a top 5% texelplus index he went away with A E Jones, Ynystoddeb.

Also making this price was another from the Morgan family, Blaencar Highjacker. Sired by Blaencar Gladiator and out of a dam by Sportsmans Einstein he sold to Sioned Thomas, Onnen.

A pair then made 1300gns, with the first of these being James Theyer’s Clanfield Hang Tough. He’s by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a dam by the 100,000gns Auldhouseburn Expression and was the pick of Messrs Harvard, Sennybridge.

Nicola Howie then sold another at this price, Cairnton Hawkeye. He’s by Orchilmore Goldschlager and out is a full ET brother to the 1500gns Hustler. Buying this one was Nick Layton, Lyonshall.

Average; 161 ram lambs £593.80 (Clee Tomkinson and Francis).

Topping the ram lambs at 4200gns was Blaencar Hercules from Geoff Morgan and family.

James and Ellie Amphlett sold their best, Topwood Hall Of Fame, for 2000gns.

Another 2000gns came for Carwyn Lewis’ Hathren Hedge Hunter.

Shearling ewe leads Builth females

A shearling ewe from Hywel Thomas and family’s Cennen flock led the female trade at the Main NSA Ram Sale, at 3100gns. Their sale topper TCA2300272 is by Knock Yardsman and out of a dam by Cennen Yellowstone. She sold to C Smale, Upcott.

Next in line at 3000gns was the female champion from the pre-sale show from Alan Powell and family’s Monnow Hill flock, XPA2300217. She’s by Glenside Forever II and out of a dam by Ettrick Dark Knight and was bought by Charlie Fielder, Test Valley.

Making 1800gns was the best of the ewe lambs from James and Ellie Amphlett’s Topwood pen, AOS2400266. She’s a Rhaeadr General daughter out of a dam by Knock Bantastic and was another taken by C Smale, Upcott.

Then at 1400gns was another of the shearling ewes, MIF2302664 from Idris Morris’ Fachell flock. She’s by Procters Envoi Allen and out of a dam by Garngour Al Pacino. She went home with G Evans, Newcastle Emlyn.

And making 1200gns was another from Cennen, TCA2300267. She’s by Teiglum Crackerjack and out of a dam by Knock Yardsman and sold to F H and M L Morgan, Pontfaen.

Averages; 48 shearling ewes £761.25, 13 ewe lambs £488.65 (Clee Tomkinson and Francis).

Topping the female trade at 3100gns was Hywel Thomas’ shearling ewe TCA2300272.

Second best at 3000gns was the female champion from the pre-sale show, XPA2300217, from Alan Powell.

Best among the ewe lambs was James and Ellie Amphlett’s Topwood entry, AOS2400266, at 1600gns.

Ellie and Iwan Pierce-Morgan took an 1800gns bid for Windmill Humdinger.

Blaencar Highjacker, another from Geoff Morgan and family, was knocked down at 1500gns.

Aberdeenshire-based Nicola Howie sold Cairnton Hustler for 1500gns.

Club sales draw strong trade

This autumn has seen highly successful regional Club sales across the UK, with high prices, excellent averages and great clearances at all sales.

Milnbank Hunter hits 30,000gns at Carlisle

Robbie Wilson’s Milnbank flock took the day’s top call at the Solway and Tyne Texel Club’s sale, Carlisle, when selling for 30,000gns.

Sired by the 30,000gns Clanfield Golden and out of a dam by Cowal Bucking Bronco, this one sold to Messrs Boden and Davies, Cheshire, for their Sportsmans and Mellor Vale flocks.

Second best at 22,000gns was Kerr Jarvie’s Duncryne Hakuna Matata. He’s a Hexel Geronimo II son out of a dam by Rhaeadr Equlizer. This one sold in a three-way split to Robert Cockburn, Knap, Gordon Gray, Ettrick and Sandy Hunter, Wedderburn.

Averages; 57 gimmers £928.42, eight ewe lambs £925.31, 146 shearling rams £1728.90, 235 ram lambs £1676.69 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Gangster powers to top at Shrewsbury

Roger and Anthony Williams’ Clun flock led the trade at the Shropshire and Borders Club’s sale at Shrewsbury when taking 2500gns for Clun Gangster.

This shearling is by Teiglum Fieldsman and out of a dam by the homebred Clun Athlete. He sold to A Meredith, for the Hardwicke flock, Kidderminster.

Then making 1300gns was the champion from the pre-sale show, shearling ram Hollyhurst G Force from Tom Lewis. This one is by Whitehart Ever Ready and out of a Caereinion-bred dam by Langford Adder Again and sold to J F Robinson and Son for the Preenbank flock.

Averages; 159 shearling rams £877, 16 ram lambs £466, 40 gimmers £444 (Hall Auctioneers).

Sportmans gimmer leads

J36 sale at 6000gns

Agimmer from the Sportmans flock of Messrs Boden and Davies led the trade at the North West Texel Club’s sale, J36, on Sunday when selling for 6000gns.

Topping the trade was BGS2306460, a Rhaeadr First Choice daughter out of a Procters-bred dam by Sportsmans Batman. This one combined top priced breeding, with his sire having cost 160,000gns and his dam 46,000gns. She sold to Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn.

Alan Blackwood’s ram lamb Auldhouseburn Hocus Pocus took the day’s top call in the males of 4500gns.

Sired by the 16,000gns Scholars Governor and out of a dam by Seaforde Empire King, this one had been champion in the pre-sale show and was knocked down in a two-way split to David and Tom Bradley-Farmer, Meonside and Nick Woodmass, Harene.

Averages; 79 gimmers £726.01, seven ewe lambs £447, six ewes £393.75, 92 ram lambs £835.33, 27 shearling rams £812.78 (North West Auctions).

Swatragh sees 1480gns top

A1480gns bid was the top call at the Northern Ireland Club’s Swatragh sale, with this price paid for Grillagh Harry from Patrick Bradley.

He is a Rosnashane Granaghan son out of a Midlock Yorkie-sired dam purchased from Stephen Etherson’s Killans flock. He sold to Margaret Hanna.

Taking the second highest price of the evening at 1450gns was Roger Strawbridge’s Tamnamoney Hey Ho, a Strathbogie Gypsy King son out of a dam by Clarks Bolt which sold to T and E Ferguson.

Third best at 1420gns was a shearling ram from Sean McCloskey in the form of Glenroe General, a Roxburgh Dirrington son out of a dam by Brackenridge Transformer. He sold to Andrew Canning.

Average; 51 rams £764 (Swatragh Mart).

Drumderg Texels Leads Way at Enniskillen Show

& Sale of Texel Rams

Alistair Breen and family led the way at the Northern Ireland Club’s Enniskillen sale, taking 1440gns for the second place ram lamb and reserve overall champion from the pre-sale show, Drumderg Hennessy.

This son of Hilltop Golden Eye is out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball. Further lambs from the same pen then made 1180gns, 1100gns and 920gns.

Average; 25 rams £708.75 (Enniskillen Mart).

Armoy sale hits 1540gns high

Topping trade at the Northern Ireland Club’s sale at Armoy was a 1540gns call for the first prize shearling and reserve champion from the pre-sale show under judge Stephen Etherson.

This was Fairywater Galaxy from Martin McConville’s Glenhone flock, with this Craighead Eyecatcher son being out of a Midlock Black Knightsired dam. He headed home with Patrick Brown.

Second best at 1320gns was Ballyrussell Godfather from Mary Clarke. This one is by Kilduff Fiddler and sold to Adam Fleming.

Averages; 26 shearling rams £989.10, 55 ram lambs £666.75 (Armoy Mart).

Housey Gladiator tops South West Club trade

Texels led the way with the largest consignment of sheep forward at this year’s NSA Exeter sale with a top call at 2000gns for a shearling ram, Housey Gladiator from Emma and Amy Coumbe, Liskeard, Cornwall. Sired by Seaforde Essien, a Sportmans Cannon Ball son and out of a homebred dam, he headed home to Bude, Cornwall, with K and H Cobbledick.

Further shearlings followed at 1850gns for Loosebeare Got It from the Quick family, Crediton, Devon. Sired by Strawfrank Fearless and out of a homebred daughter, he caught the eye of S Winzer, Totnes, Devon.

The pre-sale Texel champion, judged under the watchful eye of judge Phil Bond of the Collatondown flock, went to the aged ram, Millhouse Flashdance from Angus Howie, Cheriton Bishop. March 2022-born, he’s by the homebred Millhouse Dandy Dancer and out of a homebred Kelso White Gold daughter he sold away east at 1800gns to N Shearman, Horsham, West Sussex.

Also hitting the 1800gns mark was another shearling from the Quick family, Loosebeare G Force. Sired by Strawfrank Fearless and out of a homebred dam he was the pick for Robert and Rebecca Jordan, Chagford, Devon.

Averages; nine shearling ewes £563.50; three ewe lambs £301.00; two aged rams £1165.50; 84 shearling rams £864.25; one ram lamb £294.00 (Kivells).

Gimmer leads Skipton at 3000gns

Asale-leading 3000gns for a shearling ewe, 2800gns tops twice for shearling rams from the same home and a 2200gns ram lamb high for the supreme champion, were among the highlights at the 43nd Northern Area Texel Sheep Breeders’ sale at Skipton.

Leading the prices was the second prize shearling ewe and reserve female champion from B I and B M Mosey’s Blackdale flock.

Their daughter of Claybury Dunkirk, bred out of a Craigdarroch Clint ewe, headed north to the Scottish Borders with Glen Wilson, Hawick.

Best of the boys at 2800gns joint top were a brace of shearling rams from Derbyshire’s Martin Furness, Westgate. Both were by the stock ram, Maineview Four Square, one joining the Priestley family, Kirkcambeck, Cumbria, the other Josh Ryder, Masongill.

Averages; shearling rams £1122, ram lambs £562, gimmers £663, ewe lambs £581 (CCM).

Hot Fuzz is box office smash at Lanark

Aram lamb from Robert Cockburn’s Knap flock led the trade at the Scottish Texel Club Sale, Lanark, when making 3200gns.

Sale topper was Knap Hot Fuzz, a Teiglum Goliath son out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball which is full ET sister to 2021 Textravaganza champion Knap Daisy Duke. He sold to the Williams family for their Clun flock, Craven Arms.

Second best were a pair at 2000gns, the first of which was Gordon Gray’s Ettrick Horizon. Sired by the 42,000gns Ettrick Grey Goose and out of a dam by New View Electrifying, he was knocked down to Jonathan and Linda Phillips for the Faerdref flock, Corwen.

The other at this price was Clarks Helter Skelter from Dye and Elizabeth Clark, with this one being by Haymount Greatest Showman and out of a dam by Procters Eye Catcher. Buying this one were T and C M Kelsall and Sons, Chipping, Lancs.

Averages; 12 shearling rams £687.75, 109 ram lambs £691.46, six gimmers £481.25, 11 Rusha gimmers £701.59, 12 Carlinside ewes £1181.25, 18 Carlinside gimmers £819.58 (Lawrie and Symington).

Clun flock sprinkles Gold Dust at Welshpool

Shearling ram Clun Gold Dust from Roger and Anthony Williams stole the limelight at the Shropshire and Borders Texel Club’s sale, Welshpool, when selling for 4500gns.

Sired by Teiglum Fieldsman, Gold Dust is out of a dam by the homebred Clun Cannon and sold in a two-way split to Brian Joseph, Waen and Cefin Pryce, Caereinion.

Next best at 3100gns was Preenbank Goldfinger from the Robinson family. This son of Roxburgh Colossus is out of a dam

Duncryne lamb leads second Solway and Tyne at

3000gns

Ram lamb Duyncryne Hawkayethenoo led the price list at the Solway and Tyne Texel Club’s second sale when making 3000gns for Kerr Jarvie.

Sired by Hexel Geronimo II and out of a dam by Milnbank Brooklyn, this one was knocked down to Messrs Thompson, Melmerby, Penrith, having stood third in the pre-sale show.

Second best at 2600gns was Kenny Pratt’s ram lamb, Hilltop Headbanger. This Auldhouseburn Gazza son is out of a dam by Sportsmans Chieftain and sold to K and S Ingram, Keith, for the Ault More flock.

by Charben Bare Back and was taken by G L Jones for the Moel Fadian flock.

Following him at 2500gns was the best of the day from the Doonguile flock of Will and Jackie Forrester, with this one being by the homebred Doonguile Dram and out of a dam by Brijon Chieftain. He went home with Messrs Evans and Price, Llanilar.

Averages; shearling rams £849.14, ram lambs £418.55 (Welshpool Livestock Sales).

Then making 2500gns was Overburns High Tide from Keith and Andrew Campbell, with this one being by the 42,000gns Ettrick Grey Goose and out of a Castlecairn-bred dam and sold with a top 10% texelplus index. He was the pick of Paul Phillips for the Kimbolton flock.

Averages; 38 gimmers £539.36, 10 shearling rams £730.08, 102 ram lambs £766.08 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Spotlight winner aims for further success

A lifetime surrounded by Texels and a family steeped in the breed have given young breeder Ewan MacTaggart of the Rascarrel flock a passion for the breed which has driven his involvement with the flock since his father, Tommy’s, untimely passing 11 years ago.

Managed on the family’s predominantly dairy farm, the 25 pedigree Texel ewes and 60 crossbred recipients run alongside 300 milking cows which are milked by a team of five robots, with most of the farm in grass aside from about 100 acres of arable crops grown for the farm’s own use.

“We’re very much a family farm, with myself and my brother Tom mainly responsible for

the livestock work, elder brother Matthew taking care of business management and Ewan’s mother, Fiona, and sister, Rebecca, looking after the diversification enterprise of nine holiday lodges which take advantage of the farm’s location on the Solway estuary,” he explains.

Winner of the 2024 Texel Spotlight award Ewan says the flock’s focus is to continually improve its females while producing rams suited to the commercial trade which is the bread and butter of the breed.

“I’m always trying to keep a balance in the flock. I’m not aiming to breed a top end ram lamb for Lanark, but if I get one or two that make the grade then that’s great. I’m really driving for strong shearlings to sell at the Solway and Tyne Club sales at Carlisle, aiming for an average of between £800 and £1200 every year,” says Ewan.

Founded in 1989 with a selection of females from the Gaitskill, Stonefieldhill, Cambwell and Pergil flocks, the current flock uses ET on about 12 ewes a year to maximise the best of the available female lines.

“I did a bit of a reset with the flock about five years ago. Not that I was unhappy with where the flock was at, but I felt it needed a sort out. I wasn’t as happy as I could have been with a few of the tups we’d used prior to that, so I took the time to sort the flock out a bit and develop it again from a strong foundation.

“With the aim being to produce shearling rams, I’m very much focussed on ensuring we have a solid female base in the flock which can be put to a selection of rams and deliver quality progeny every time.

“Numbers wise I’d like to be selling 20-30 shearling rams every year along with about 20 gimmers too, with a handful of tup lambs if we have anything good enough,” he says.

“I’m focussing on a big, stretchy, solid and correct sheep. I want a good shoulder, with a strong top and a good backend, all allied with great white hair. All in all, just a good all round Texel!

Ewan MacTaggart is focussing on maximising the breeding already in the Rascarrel flock’s strong female lines.

However, as a family the dairy herd and the holiday lodges are always the priority, with the Texels more often than not having the tag of being a bit of a hobby and something to take some enjoyment in away from the harder grind of dairy farming.

“The sheep have to fit in around everything else as it is these other elements of the

business which are the more financially important overall,” explains Ewan.

And that dedication to the business’ other elements is clearly paying dividends, with the 300-cow dairy herd currently averaging 12,500 litres on a 305-day lactation with cows grazing by day and housed at night.

“Along with the Texels the dairy herd has been through a period of rebuilding having lost a large number of cows to TB in recent years. As a result, we’ve brought in a range of genetics and we had the highest yielding crossbred cow in Scotland and Northern England last year, giving 16,500 litres in 305 days.

“I’d like to grow the herd further, but we’re limited on ground and are land-locked by other large dairy units around us and of course sea locked on one side already, so expansion won’t be easy. Growing some more arable would help with feed selfsufficiency too,” he adds.

Recent years has seen the flock invest in tups to drive the flock forward, including Douganhill Bees Knees, Castlecairn Eye Of The Tiger, Garngour Euphoria and in the last couple of years Allanfauld Firecracker and Douganhill G-Wizz, all of which Ewan says have made their mark at Rascarrel. “I also added the 11,000gns Uppermill Hotshot at Lanark this year and have great hopes for what he can do for the flock in the coming years.

“A couple of gimmers were purchased last year as well in order to broaden the female base in the flock and source new families to develop the flock further. I’m always open to buying a female if I believe it will add another facet to the flock,” he explains.

On the flip side of the coin females have been sold to a high of 3800gns at Lanark, with others sold off-farm in high four figure sales.

“Recent years have seen tups sell to £10,000 for Rascarrel Galloway King, a first prize winner as a shearling at the Royal Highland this year, and 9000gns for Rascarrel Fantastic.”

Showing forms an important part of Ewan’s down time, with the highlight being the annual trip to the Royal Highland which this year resulted in a brace of red tickets, taking first in both the aged rams and shearling rams. A first in the aged rams at Textravaganza followed along with reserve championships at both Stewartry and Dumfries this year too.

“Without a doubt the Royal Highland is the pinnacle for me. Getting in the line-up there is an achievement in itself, winning a red ticket really is a special moment and to win two this year was something extraordinary,” says Ewan.

Nominate for the 2025 Spotlight Award

All 18 Texel clubs across the country are invited annually to nominate an individual, who must be under the age of 35, full members of the Society or are actively involved with a full member, that they believe goes above and beyond for the breed for the Society’s Spotlight Award.

For more details

Away from the farm Ewan is keen on a variety of sports and fitness, using this as his release from the hectic day-to-day life of farming, something which paid dividends when Ewan won the ‘Fit for Farming’ challenge at the Club Challenge event earlier this summer. “I’m keen on range of sports and play both rugby and football which provide a great distraction from farming!

“I’ve also got an itch to show some dairy cows in future, so I’ve got plenty going on. I also like to support as many Solway and Tyne Texel Club events as I can, including both the autumn sales and the flock competition,” he adds.

Ewan is quick to pay tribute to both family members and other Texel breeders who have helped shape his knowledge and skills over the years. “Both my mother and father worked hard to put a solid foundation in the flock and I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by Texel folk my entire life and can count upon people across the UK and Ireland for advice whenever I need it.

“That’s the greatest thing about being involved with Texels, there’s a great camaraderie among the breed and you can count on breeders to help one another.”

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Youth programme supports national student awards

Each year the Society makes Educational Awards to students attaining the highest mark on a sheep production related Honours Research Project.

The awards of £250 are offered to four Universities one in each home nation.

In Northern Ireland the award is made at Greenmount, in Scotland it is made to an SRUC student, while in Wales it is awarded at Aberystwyth University and in England the award is made to a student at Harper Adams.

The Society’s chairman Jeff Aiken says the future of the sheep industry depends on knowledgeable, educated and inspired young people and the Society’s support of these awards is aimed at encouraging students with the ability and passion to drive the sheep industry forward.

“The Society’s Educational Awards are unique in the sheep sector and reward the hard work and dedication of students. They are a core part of the Society’s promotional work to engage with the next generation of sheep producers and decision makers in the sheep sector.”

The 2024 winner of the award at Aberystwyth University was Logan Williams who sought to understand the factors affecting store lamb systems with a dissertation on ‘What is the most efficient system of finishing store lambs for the food chain, by maximising performance and reducing production costs?’.

At SRUC the 2024 winner was Lyndsey Brown for her dissertation entitled ‘Is

the Scottish Government target of a 31% reduction in agriculture emissions by 2032 possible in cross-bred ewe flocks?’.

The Greenmount winner for 2024 was Beulah Nesbitt with a study which focussed on the start of life ‘Investigating factors influencing colostrum quality of lowland breeding ewes and subsequent effect on lamb mortality’ .

At Harper Adams this year’s Educational Award winner was Molly Bampton who’s dissertation also took in the subject of colostrum with the subject being ‘An evaluation of on-farm and laboratory analysis to assess colostrum quality of UK dairy ewes’.

Beulah Nesbitt with Eileen McCloskey Lyndsey Brown Molly Bampton Logan Williams received his award from Manod Williams.

Young breeders enjoy a summer of success

Young breeders have enjoyed great success over the summer months competing in YDP classes at both the Scottish and Northern Irish National Sales as well as in young handlers’ classes at a number of major shows.

Early in the season young breeders took part in a brace of young handlers’ classes at Balmoral Show. Winning the junior class here was Bella of the Millars flock, while the senior class was won by Sam of the Titanium flock.

Meanwhile, at Textravaganza the junior class was won by Matthew from the Allanfauld flock, with Logan from the Haddo flock won the senior class.

And, at the Royal Welsh William from the Tycam flock won the junior young handlers class and Lucy from the Claddagh flock

winning the senior class and the Kitrob trophy.

The YDP ram lamb class at the Scottish National Sale, Lanark, was won by James Porter with Saltcotes He’s A Belter, with this lamb going on to claim the overall championship in the pre-sale show and selling for 45,000gns.

Across at the Northern Irish National Sale, Ballymena, the YDP class was won by Ivanna Strawbridge with Lynbrooke Hercules. Again this lamb fared well in the overall championship, winning the reserve overall championship and going on to sell for 6000gns.

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