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 2nd 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. Matt’s flock sold others at 900gns and 700gns.

Tapped out as champion by judge Clive Robinson, Tosside, was the 1st 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 brother and sister, William and Libby McAllister, themselves familiar faces at Skipton, and acquired as a shearling by the Whitefords when standing 7,000gns top price at the mart’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. He is also a well-known pig breeder with his Prospect House Pietrains, standing supreme champion at CCM’s annual Christmas fatstock highlight late last month. The Whitefords sold four further sheep all at 700gns.

The 3rd prize shearling ewe from Ayrshire’s Johan Cowan, Brickrow flock, Auchincruive, made 400gns bettered at 500gns by the 4th 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.