Market Prices

At their weekly Prime Stock sale John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 895 lambs and 265 ewes.

In conjunction with the weekly primestock sale the annual Christmas Show took place, kindly sponsored by Messrs A. and J. Scott, Timber Merchants, Wooperton and expertly judged by Mr J.Curle, Norwood, Bowsden.

The Championship was awarded to Messrs S.H. Spours and Son, Henlaw, for a pen of Beltex.x lambs weighing 39kg and selling at £100 to the judge Mr J. Curle.

The Reserve Championship was awarded to Messrs E.J. and A.M. Fox, Ewart, for a pen of Texel.x lambs weighing 44kg and selling at £90.50 to Mr Ben Gray, Harrogate.

A kind thank you is circulated to everyone involved.

All classes of lambs dearer on the week, a lot of out of spec sheep forward, vendors receiving trade above expectations more could have been sold to advantage.

Leading prices per head:- Bel.x:- £100 Henlaw, £99, £88.50, £85 Ewart, £86.50 Henlaw, £81.50, £80.50, £80 Ladykirk. Tex.x:- £96, £95 Inland Pastures, £93 Crookham Dairy, £90.50 Ewart, £89 (2) Inland Pastures, £87.50, £86.50, £85.50 Holy Island, £84.50 Inland Pastures, £84 Crookham Dairy, Ewart and Henlaw, £83.50 Mindrum Farming Co. Suff.x:- £91 Chesterhill. Chev:- £83.50 Humbleheugh. Ven:- £80 North Lyham. Mule:- £80 Ewart.

Leading prices per kilo:- Bel:- 256.4p, 211p Henlaw, 198.8p (2) Ladykirk, 198.7p Juries House. Tex.x:- 205.7p Ewart, 205.1p Lilburn Estates, 201.3p Ladykirk, 201.2p Henlaw, 200p High Learchild and Henlaw, 198.8p Yetlington Lane, 195p Lilburn Estates and Lorbottle, 194.7p Titlington Mount. Suff.x:- £202.8p Ladykirk. Chev:- 188.8p Humbleheugh.

Ewes numbers similar with an increase in returns.

Leading prices:- Tex.x:- £93 Black Heddon, £85 Lorbottle. Suff.x:- £85 Chesterhill, £83 Holy Island, £81 (2) Holy Island (M. Patterson). HB:- £73 Marigold Farming. Chev:- £65 Ewart. Mule:- £57 Holy Island, £50 Ewart. BF:- £45, £43 (2) Ewart.

st boswells

John Swan Ltd held their second Annual ‘St Boswells Christmas Cracker’ which was sponsored again by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

A fantastic show of cattle was forward which demonstrates the high quality of livestock which is in the Borders, Lothians and Northumberland.

The judges were Mr J. Cockburn, Dalkeith, Mr J. Scott, Paisley, Mr G. Newlands, Selkirk and Mr T. Thomson, Lammerview.

Overall Champion - Lim.x Heifer from W.B Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 590kgs 4.00p (£2360.00) sold to John Anderson Butchers, North Berwick.

Reserve Champion A.A.x Heifer from Ross Farms and Co Ltd, Wester Middleton was 590kg 5.10p (£3009.00) sold to John Anderson Butchers, North Berwick

Class 1, A.A.x Bullock - 1. Falsidehill Farms, Falsidehill 550kg 2.70p J.Cockburn and Son, Dalkeith, 2. Falsidehill Farms, Falsidehill 580kgs 3.15p J.Scott Meat (Paisley), 3. S. and J. Allen, Longnewton 595kgs 2.62p M.Baird (Butchers)Ltd, Melrose.

Class 2, A.A.x Heifer - 1. Ross Farms and Co Ltd, Wester Middleton 590kgs 5.10p J.Anderson (Butchers), North Berwick, 2. M/s Gibson, Willowford 495kgs 3.00p J.Anderson (Butchers), North Berwick, 3. W.B. Prentice and Sons, Brockholes 515kgs 2.40p W.P. Tulloch, Paisley.

Class 3, Any other Native Sire, Bullock - M/s Gibson, Willowford 590kgs 2.45p John Scott Meat (Paisley), 2. M/s Gibson, Willowford 580kgs 2.60p Ramsay Family Butchers, Gullane.

Class 4, Any other Native Sire, Heifer - 1. M/s Gibson, Willowford 690kgs 2.65p M. Baird (Butchers)Ltd, Melrose, 2. M/s Gibson, Willowford 525kgs 2.40p P.R. Duff, Wishaw

Class 5, Cha.x Bullock - 1. J.G. Grieve, Lee 680kgs 2.72p Foley Bros, 2. J.S. Baird and Son, Lurdenlaw 675kgs 2.60p Foley Bros, 3. S. and G. Sutherland, New Channelkirk 575kgs 2.50p John Scott Meat (Paisley).

Class 6, Cha.x Heifer - Ross Farms and Co Ltd, Wester Middleton 585kgs 2.78p Wishaw Abattoir Ltd, 2. J.S. Baird and Son, Lurdenlaw 590kgs 2.65p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale.

Class 7, Lim.x Bullock - 1. W.B. Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 630kg 2.95p W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, Peebles, 2. W.B. Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 585kgs 3.05p W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, Peebles, 3. Firm of Saughland Farm 600kgs 2.65p Wishaw Abattoir.

Class 8, Lim.x Heifer - 1. W.B. Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 590kgs 4.00p J. Anderson (Butchers), North Berwick, 2. S. and J. Allen, Longnewton 600kgs 3.00p; W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, Peebles, 3. W.B. Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 555kgs 2.80p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale.

Class 9, Cont.x Bullock (any other sire) - 1. W. Fleming, Mosstower 505kgs 2.98p Alex Smith (Butcher) Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, 2. A.R. Bell and Son, Kirkton 635kgs 2.68p R. and G, Moor, Hawick, 3. J.M. Strother and Son, Fowberry Moor 560kgs 2.55p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale.

Class 10, Cont.x Heifer (any other sire) - 1. J.M. Strother and Son, Fowberry Moor 630kgs 2.50p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale, 2. W.A. Hall and Son, New Blainslie 445kgs 2.40p W.P, Tulloch, Paisley.

Class 11, Young Farmer Bullock - 1. W.B. Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 570kgs 2.82p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale, 2. Firm of James Tullie, Bowan Hill 580kgs 2.75p W.P. Tulloch, Paisley, 3. C.E.B. Stewart and Co, Grahamslaw 570kgs 2.60p R. and G. Moor, Hawick.

Class 12, Young Farmer Heifer - 1. Huntington Partnership 470kgs 2.50p Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd, 2. Miss Sarah Hodge, Humbie Mill 585kgs 2.68p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale, 3. J. Connell, Wantonwalls 500kgs 2.50p Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd.

Class 13, Pair Native Bred Bullocks - 1. M/s Gibson, Willowford 565kgs 2.80p M. Baird (Butchers)Ltd, Melrose, M/s Gibson, Willowford 570kgs 2.55p M.Baird (Butchers)Ltd, Melrose.

Class 14, Pair of Native Bred Heifers - 1. M/s Gibson, Willowford 520kgs 2.65p M. Baird (Butchers)Ltd, Melrose, M/s Gibson, Willowford 555kgs 2.80p M. Baird (Butchers)Ltd, Melrose, 2. M/s Gibson, Willowford 530kgs 2.75p J. Anderson (Butchers), North Berwick, M/s Gibson, Willowford 495kgs 2.70p Gosford Bothy Shop, Aberlady, 3. Ross Farms and Co Ltd, Wester Middleton 500kgs 2.50p J. Anderson (Butchers), North Berwick, Ross Farms and Co Ltd, Wester Middleton 480kgs 2.70p J.Anderson (Butchers), North Berwick.

Class 15, Best Pair Cont.x Bullocks - 1. W.B. Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 610kgs 2.68p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale, W.B. Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 610kgs 2.68p R. and G. Moor, Hawick, 2. J.S. Baird and Son, Lurdenlaw 580kgs 2.55p Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd, J.S. Baird and Son, Lurdenlaw 590kgs 2.52p P.R. Duff Ltd, Wishaw.

Class 16, Best Pair Cont.x Heifers - 1. W.B Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 605kgs 2.60p Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd, W.B. Hamilton and Son, Bee Edge 565kgs 2.90p Gosford Bothy Shop, Aberlady, 2. J.M. Strother and Son, Fowberry Moor 530kgs 2.40p Linton Butchers, East Linton, J.M. Strother and Son, Fowberry Moor 515kgs 2.55p Ross Farms and Co Ltd, Wester Middleton, 3. S. and J. Allen, Longnewton 570kgs 2.42p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale, S. and J. Allen, Longnewton 620kgs 2.70p Hugh Black and Sons, Armadale.

An exceptional Show of 172 prime lambs were a credit to local producers, fairly enhancing the reputation of Border lamb and were expertly judged by Mr Ben Gray of Harrogate.

Overall Champion Pen (Beltex.x) £180 ex.R Rennie, Sydenham purchased by M/s J.Scott Meat (Paisley). Reserve Pen (Beltex.x) £150 ex M/s Maxwell, Faughhill purchased by M/s J.Scott Meat (Paisley).

Class 20, Suff.x - 1. J.Anderson, Headshaw £118 W.P. Tulloch, Paisley, G.Maxwell, Faughhill £96 West Scottish Lamb J.Wilkinson, Inchkeith £90.

Class 21, Texel.x - 1. A. and H.C. Smith, Crumhaughhill £140 W.P. Tulloch, Paisley, 2. J.P. Campbell and Son, Glenrath £92 W.P. Tulloch, Paisley, 3. R. and R. Dun, Gilston £84.

Class 22, Beltex.x - 1. Champion pen – R.Rennie, Sydenham £180 J.Scott Meat (Paisley), 2. Reserve champion - M/s Maxwell, Faughhill £150 J.Scott Meat (Paisley), 3. J. and G. Sinclair, Crookston £110.

Class 23, Any other Breed - 1. A. and J.C. Smith, Crumhaughhill £115 Alex Smith (Butcher) Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, 2. R.Powell, Springwood £80 West Scottish Lamb.

Class 24, North Country Cheviot - 1. R.Rennie Sydenham (Champion Upland Section) £86 West Scottish Lamb, 2. N. Sandilands, Wester Ulston £88 W.P. Tulloch, Paisley, 3. G. and F. Irving, Whitchesters £80.

Class 25, Blackface - 1. A. and P. Glennie, Threeburnford £72 West Scottish Lamb, 2. M/s Sharp, Longcroft £76 Dunbia (Wales), 3. J.G. Grieve, The Lee £78.

Class 26 - 1. Burncastle Farming Co £92 W.P. Tulloch, Paisley, 2. J. and G. Sinclair, Crookston £76 Dunbia (Wales), 3. C.B. Strang Steel, Threepwood £75.

Class 27, Cheviot Mule - 1. M. Dun, Gilston £75 West Scottish Lamb, 2. C. Lowrie, Blegbie £76 West Scottish Lamb, 3. N. Sandilands, Wester Ulston £72.

Champion Pen Young Farmers (Belt.x) J. Kay, Hartside £120 A.Grieve, Ponteland, Reserve Champion Pen (Belt.x) E. Pate, Craigsford Mains £95 J.Scott Meat (Paisley), 3. (Tex.x) M. Hall, New Blainslie £78.

Young Farmer Upland Breeds - 1. (N.C.C) J. Gilchrist, Whitchesters £79 W.P. Tulloch, Paisley, 2. (Scotch Mule) J. Kay, Hartside £78 W.P. Tulloch, Paisley, 3. (Blackface) C. Rogerson, Burncastle £64.

On Monday John Swan Ltd sold 87 clean cattle, 77 OTM cattle, 2567 new season lambs, 783 ewes and 1087 lightweight lambs.

Bullocks (33) averaged 233.9p per kg and sold to 263p (-0.3p on week), heifers (53) averaged 229.5p per kg and sold to 252p (-0.5p on the week) and seven beef type OTM cattle averaged 118.2p per kg and sold to 197p (n/c on the week).

One young bull old to 186p (n/c on the week).

New season lambs (SQQ) averaged 182.2p per kg (+0.6p on week) and sold to £104, ewes averaged £48.76 and sold to £113 for ewes, £130 for tups.

Heavy ewes £72.12, light ewes £40.41.

Principal prices per kg: Traprain 2.63 Linton Butchers, Bee Edge 2.58 M/s R and G Moor, Traprain 2.58 Colin Peat Esq, Bee Edge 2.55 M/s W.T.S Forsyth and Sons, Wester Ulston 2.52 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd, Longnewton 2.52 W Taylor (Lockerbie) Ltd, Bee Edge 2.52 Robert L Wilson Butcher Ltd, Traprain 2.51 M/s W.T.S Forsyth and Sons, Bee Edge 2.50 Robert Wilson Butcher Ltd and W Taylor (Lockerbie) Ltd, Wester Ulston 2.49 M/s W.T.S Forsyth and Sons, Upper Nisbet 2.49 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd, Greenknowe 2.48.

Principal prices per head: Bee Edge £1702.80 and £1624.40, Lurdenlaw £1576.05, Bee Edge £1568.25.

Cows per head: Smeaton Shaw £1319.90, Corsbie £1303.20, Coats £1273.30, Muircleugh £1155.55, Burnhouse Mains £1107, Marvingston £1080, Chillingham Home Farm £1062.50, Thrunton £1033.50, Chillingham Home Farm £1020.50 and £1008.70, Ramrig £1002, Deanfoot £1000.10, Brockholes £993.75, Mosstower £954.60, Ramrig £951.75, Corsbie £933.45.

Cows per kg: Smeaton Shaw 1.97, Muircleugh 1.91, Corsbie 1.81, Ramrig 1.67, Thrunton 1.59, Chillingham Home Farm 1.57, Blinkbonny 1.53, 1.45, Shotton and Timpendean 1.44, Deanfoot 1.37, Ramrig 1.35, Mosstower, Marvingston and Burnhouse Mains (2) 1.35.

The 2,567 New Season Lambs (SQQ) averaged 182.2p p/k and 1,087 Lightweight Lambs averaged 170.8p p/k.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart PLC had forward 26 prime cattle, 10 young bulls, 28 over 30 month cattle, 7,030 prime lambs and 6,153 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

Prime cattle saw less numbers forward, trade in line with national trend as deadweight prices continue to drop.

Top price of 241.5p for a Limousin heifer shown by J. and N. Blaylock and Son, Hallburn.

Principal prices per kilo: Bullocks - Charolais 205.5p Sceughdyke. Heifers - Limousin 241.5p, 226.5p, 216.5p Hallburn, 216.5p, 212.5p Houghton House, 210.5p, 207.5p Hallburn.Charolais 209.5p Hallburn.

Principal prices per head: Heifers - Limousin £1,316, £1,302, £1,299, £1,236 Hallburn, £1,200 Houghton House.Charolais £1,246 Hallburn, £1,236 Sceughdyke.

Mostly dairy bred bulls on offer with trade similar, topping at 211.5p for a British Blue from J.C. and D. Nicholson and Son, The Gill.

Principal prices per kilo: British Blue 211.5p The Gill. Charolais 201.5p Whitstonehill. Simmental 187.5p Whitstonehill. Limousin 187.5p Gallowberry. Black and White 170.5p Woodslee.

Principal prices per head: British Blue £1,311 The Gill. Charolais £1,219 Whitstonehill. Simmental £1,153 Whitstonehill. Black and White £1,023, £932 Woodslee, £912 Walton Highrigg. Limousin £993 Gallowberry.

The OTM’s were a mixed show for quality topping at 134.5p for a Limousin shown by D. Millar, Eycott Farm.

Principal prices per kilo: Limousin 134.5p Eycott, 123.5p Stonehall, 113.5p Synton Park Head. Charolais 129.5p Eycott. British Blue 121.5p Stonehall, 113.5p Eycott. Angus 124.5p Synton Park Head. Shorthorn 113.5p Synton Park Head.

Principal prices per head: Shorthorn £930 Synton Park Head. Angus £821 Synton Park Head.

The 7,030 prime lambs were a tremendous show. The best quality export lambs were easily sold to extreme rates with heavy lambs being sharper and all other lambs being every bit as dear. Top was £118 for a pen of tremendous Beltex lambs from Keith Farm who also sold another pen of Beltex lambs at 311p per kilo.

The 1,082 lightweight lambs forward sold to a top of £84 for Beltex from 2 Newton Cottage. Another large show of 6,153 cast ewes and rams were forward with plain, smaller ewes being very dear in comparison to good quality ewes.

Light ewes to £65 for Cheviots from Potholm, £50 Haymont & Powisholm; Blackfaces £64 Pool Farm, £56 Middlebie, £53 Nilston Rigg; Swaledale £47 Highside, £41 Coldshield, £39 Low Leam; Herdwicks £36 Longrigg; Lleyn £55 Newry, £54 The Height.

border livestock

Last week Border Livestock Exchange sold 109 prime cattle including 42 cows, 2,019 prime lambs including 275 cull ewes, 790 store lambs and 96 store cattle.

Prime cattle were topped at 417p per kilo for a Homebred Charolais x heifer from Cliftoncote, Yetholm.

Heavy weight Charolias x steers from Easington Grange, Belford, sold to £1,763 per head. Cast cows sold to £1,193 per head from South Riccalton, Jedburgh.

Lamb trade continues to be steady with numbers sold well up on last year.

Export lambs sold to £93.50 for Texel x; Beltex to £89.20; Suffolk x to £88.95 and Romney x to £84.00 per head. Small Euro type lambs sold to £60.80 The Cotswold Farming Group.

Cull ewes were slightly dearer with Texel x ewes from Haymount, Kelso, selling to £110 per head.

Store cattle are still good to sell with Spring born Aberdeen Angus heifer calves in demand.