THE turnout of 2,191 prime sheep at Skipton Auction Mart’s Monday sale was much as anticipated in terms of numbers for the time of year, though the strength of the Euro at 1.42 to the £ continues to make sheep exports difficult.

It appears likely that this could be the trend for the remainder of the season, with buyers careful not to source over-fat lambs, much preferring the 39-43kg nicely fleshed sorts, rather than 44-46kg types.

In addition, there is also some uncertainty concerning sheep trade because of the potential economic repercussions should Greece come out of the Euro.

However, overall trade for the 2,015 spring lambs forward at £63.90 per head, or 155.2p/kg, was deemed a good average on the day, producing a per head high of £95 for a Texel pen from Richard and Mark Ireland, of Whalley, and a by-weight top of 209.8p/kg for a Beltex pen from MB Townley, of Claughton, Lancaster.

Cast sheep, 176 in number, were a shade stronger in price on the week, with cull ewes averaging £64.21 per head and peaking at £115.50 each for another Texel pen from the Irelands. Cast rams averaged £94.50 each, trading to £109.50 for a Beltex entry from JW Tinkler, of Nessfield, Ilkley.