Two sales, two marts, one day

LONGTOWN Auction Mart held their annual sale of 10,481 Cheviot Mule and Cheviot Mule bred offspring last Tuesday, over two venues.

It was sponsored by Tarff Agricultural Merchants.

The first sale was held at Dumfries Auction with a very buoyant trade and all averages up across the board.

Cheviot Mule gimmer shearlings were the trade of the day, being £38 up on the year. Topping the sale were regular consigners Robert and Hazel McNee who made the trip down from Dundee to grab top honours topping at an eye watering £390 for a pen of 20.

Within the gimmer section there were two outstanding gimmers put up for sale on behalf of Cancer Research. These were donated by M/s Thomson, Hownam Grange and Mr D Lynn, Northway, and the first sold for £500 to A & R. Retson, while the second sold twice; firstly for £600 by Stuart Thomson who kindly put it back up for sale, which was then bought again for £550 by A & R Retson.

A mart spokesperson said: “For all of those involved, the directors and auctioneers congratulate you on your kind generosity as just over £1750 was raised in total. Very well done.”

Cheviot Mule Ewe Lambs were next to follow and did not disappoint. All averages were up on last year’s record breaking prices.

Topping the sale was the Hedley family from Swinside, with £325 for a pen of 20.

Running lambs met some resistance for obviously the distinct lack of grass in southern counties which in turn meant they were slightly harder to place than the stronger tupping types.

After a speedy a trip down to Longtown trade held its own and there was not a lot to choose between the two centres.

The Cheviot Mule shearlings were first through the ring, topping at £320 for a pen of five consigned by noted breeders M/s Beard, Dormansteads

Another fine show of Cheviot Mule ewe lambs were on offer at Longtown and again trade stayed firm, being inline with Dumfries.

Topping this section as well was the team from Dormansteads whose lambs topped at £250 for some very powerful clean lambs.

The board of directors and auctioneers thanked thank exhibitors and purchasers and said: “We are pleased to see the Blue Tongue restrictions are being relaxed somewhat on the 21st of September and we look forward to seeing you all again for the second sale on Tuesday September 23.”