The Beltex Sheep Society’s12th annual winter sale of 23 pedigree in-lamb females at CCM Skipton Auction Mart saw prices peak at 1,200gns for the 2^nd prize shearling ewe and reserve champion from North Ireland’s  Matthew Burleigh, again crossing the Irish Sea from Shanra, Enniskillen.

His Matt’s flock has often headed the breed prices at Skipton and he again took top billing with Matt’s Hendrick, by the 14,000gns Murrays Expert, also responsible for a 4,000gns ram lamb sale at Skipton two years ago. In-lamb to a Welsh tup loaned to Mr Burleigh, the top price performer joined Henry Bailey, who farms in Long Lee, above Keighley. Matt’s flock sold others at 900gns and 700gns.

Tapped out as champion by judge Clive Robinson, Tosside, was the 1^st prize shearling ewe from the Whiteford family – James and Gillian, and son Jack – travelling south from Brampton in Cumbria with entries from their Tercrosset flock.

The title winner, Tercrosset Hannah, is a March, 2022, daughter of Artnagullion Feux, bred in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, by William and Libby McAllister and acquired as a shearling by the Whitefords when standing 7,000gns top price at Skipton’s September, 2021, Beltex highlight.

Out of a home-bred dam by Woodies Bobbydazzler, she sold carrying twins to Lurg Hangman, an 8,200gns purchase earlier this summer, making second top 1,000gns and joining Daniel Thackray, Fewston, who also bought last year’s winter champion .The Whitefords sold four further sheep all at 700gns.

The 3^rd prize shearling ewe from Ayrshire’s Johan Cowan, Brickrow flock, Auchincruive, made 400gns bettered at 500gns by the 4^th prize winner from Neil and Jane Noble, Hillview flock, Skelton-in-Cleveland, falling to Andy Wood, Bacup. A complete clearance of Beltex saw an average of £645 for shearling ewes.

Thanks to Moule Media for report