Strong trade at Skipton Swaledale ram showcase

As ever at Skipton, big, strong rams found a ready market, with seven selling at four-figure prices and the sale-leading call of 1,500gns falling to the show champion, a shearling from father and son, John and Neil Cowperthwaite of Howith Farm, Eldroth, confirming the choice of local show judge Rob Tennant, of Conistone-with-Kilnsey.

The title winner was purchased by Scottish breeder F Macaskill, of Killin, on the shores of Loch Tay in Perthshire.

Kevin Huck, of Knowle Bank Farm, Bordley, top price achiever at the 2014 sale, was again to the fore with three prices over 1,000gns. Leading his pen at 1,400gns was his third prize shearling ram, also chosen as the ram with the best conformation.

The three-shear fell to Craven Cattle Marts’ chairman Anthony Hewetson, of Bank Newton, for his new holding in Giggleswick.

Mr Huck also sold another shearling for 1,200gns to Andrew Rigby, of Slaidburn, while his six-shear tup sold for 1,300gns to Andrew Ivinson, of Ousby, Penrith.

Roy Nelson, also of Bordley, the 2014 Skipton Swaledale ram champion who farms at Lainger House, was again prominent at the breed highlight. His pen-leading price of 1,200gns was for a shearling, which was purchased by Peter Metcalfe, of Langbar.

Also selling well at 1,200gns was the second prize aged ram consigned by Wilf Buckle, of Bleathgill, Kirkby Stephen, which became a further Anthony Hewetson acquisition.

The final four-figure price of 1,000gns was paid for the first prize aged ram and reserve champion from Alan and Ruth Birbeck, of Pennine View, Nateby, Kirkby Stephen. The three-shear found a new home in North Craven with Jeff Pickles, of Ribblehead.

The same buyer also paid 500gns for the third prize aged ram from Douggie Barningham, of Arkengarthdale.

Three trophies were up for grabs – the M and J Spensley Trophy, presented by Michael Spensley, the Robert Young Perpetual Challenge Trophy and the Stephen HK Butcher Trophy.