Saturday 6th September - Judge: Gemma Stanford, Spruit Flock
It was a hat-trick for Tiptop breeder Ali Jackson at Melton Mowbray’s Multibreed Sale, with three of the day’s top prices going to his sheep. This sale has continued to grow in popularity year after year, and this one was no exception, attracting buyers and sellers from as far afield as the New Forest.
Judge Gemma Stanford faced a tough task in selecting her Champion of the Day, but it was a smart ewe lamb from A Jackson, that ultimately stole the show. With all the elements of a top-quality Dutch Spotted sheep, including breed type and style, she went on to take Reserve Overall Champion in the Interbreed Championship, which featured everything from Beltex to Suffolks.
A packed ringside of both new and returning breeders waited eagerly for the sale to begin, with one breeder dominating much of the ringside chatter. Rams kicked off the sale, with prices reaching 1200gns for a lamb from A Jackson, Tiptop Inkblot, who was also crowned Male Champion and sold to Dodd & Co. Next came the females, with three lots breaking the 1000gns barrier. Leading the way was the Breed Champion Ewe Lamb, Tiptop Ivory Queen, who made 1500gns and was secured by R & H Williams.
The second-highest price of 1150gns went to a smart ewe lamb bred by the judge herself, Gemma Stanford, also heading home with R & H Williams.
The third to crack four figures was a stylish shearling ewe from A Jackson, which caught the bidders' eye as she entered the ring and was again bought by R & H Williams for 1000gns.
Also catching attention was the aged ewe and Dutch Spotted Reserve Overall Champion of the Day, from S. Ghiorghita, which sold to R & H Williams for 850gns.
With a clearance rate of 87%, the sale once again proved its importance to the Midlands livestock calendar, offering a strong choice of quality sheep to a discerning crowd of buyers.
Sale Averages
Shearling Rams - 387gns
Ram Lambs - 466gns
Aged Ewes - 582gns
Shearling Ewes - 542gns
Ewe Lambs - 672gns
