Buyers were in selective mood at this week’s spring sale of females held on behalf of the Lleyn Sheep Society at Carlisle where prices reached £102 apiece for a pen of accredited ewe hoggs.

Leading breeders consigned a good quality turnout but trade was patchy with many well known flocks returning home with females that will no doubt be offered again in the autumn.

Commanding the ringside’s strongest bidding was a pen of 10 accredited ewe hoggs from established Cumbria breeder Frank Dinsdale who runs his flock at Kirkby Stephen.

Making the top call of £102 was new breeder N Fortnum from Castle Douglas who joined the society on the day after buying foundation females for a new flock. The 69 accredited hoggs in this section averaged £79.28.Late entries in the non-accredited hogg section came out on top with a bid of £61 for a pen of 10 claimed by Mr Dickinson, Carlisle. The 31 head averaged £60.25.Older ewes met a restrained demand. Those sucking a single lamb from Brian Kirkham, Midlothian realised £37 apiece taken by John Buchanan, Caithness.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington May 14th 2007

Photos supplied by www.bonnysheep.com