LUDLOW Livestock Market and auctioneers McCartneys hosted the 116th annual sale of the Kerry Hill Flock Book Society at Ludlow Livestock Market on Saturday, September 3.

Kerry Hill Sheep are in demand and at the recent annual sale there was once again terrific interest in this breed. On all sheep presented for sale there was an 87% clearance and averages would be well up on the previous year.

Ewes sold to a top of 1100 guineas for a yearling female which was Reserve Female Champion from the Woodhouse flock of J A D & P M Owens. She was purchased by the judge of the day Mr S A Jones of Frongoy. A second yearling ewe from Messrs Owens fetched the second highest price at 950 guineas and this was purchased by Messrs K R & M A Donald of Dalrymple, Ayrshire. Other sellers of top priced ewes were Messrs Esler & Simmonds, The Dairy House (600 guineas) and V T & S A Hamer, Trinnant (500 guineas and 400 guineas).

Ewe lambs were very keenly sought with a wonderful pen of 12 ewe lambs from Mr J Croose, Marlbrook averaging 505 guineas and selling to a top of 1550 guineas for the female and overall champion. Once again the judge backed his decision and the ewe lamb was purchased by Sion Jones, Frongoy.

Male champion was awarded to a yearling ram from G W Roberts, Pengwern Bach and this after fierce bidding was knocked down for 2200 guineas to Mr W Evans of Lowlands Farm, Tenby. Also attaining these dizzy heights were F W Jones & Sons, Plaish Park whose 3rd placed yearling ram also sold for 2200 guineas and was purchased by D Steen for the Whitcastles flock.

There was an excellent hit rate in the Ram Lamb section with a second top price for Mr J Croose of Marlbrook when selling his first prize ram lamb to S A Jones, Frongoy for 2000 guineas.

Yearling Ewes, 117 forward, 113 sold, Top £1155, Avge £231.

Ewe Lambs, 66 forward, 53 sold, Top £1628, Avge £284.

Aged Rams, 14 forward, 14 sold, Top £483, Avge £294.

Yearling Rams, 40 forward, 28 sold, Top £2310, Avge £466.

Ram Lambs, 13 forward, 9 sold, Top £2100, Avge £630.