Texel Sheep Society Bulletin Autumn 2025

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• Free genotyping and reporting of Scrapie and Microphthalmia results for all lambs CT scanned

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• Use iTexel to analyse data and plan breeding decisions

Breeders’ Bulletin

Texel Bulletin is published by the Texel Sheep Society Ltd twice a year in spring and autumn.

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in this publication, no responsibility can be accepted by the Society for any errors or any reliance on the use of information by readers.

Membership Subscriptions are available online at texel.uk/join-us

Advertising office@texel.co.uk

Registrations, sales cataloguing and texelplus registrations@texel.co.uk cataloguing@texel.co.uk

Accounts accounts@texel.co.uk

Society Governance

Chief Executive - John Yates

Chairman - Peter Mitchell Avon Vale flock

Vice Chairman and Treasurer - Dafydd Jones Kitrob flock

Contributors

Jonathan Long, Lynsey Clark and Society staff

Photography Isla Campbell, Countrygirl Media, MacGregor Photography, Alfie Shaw, Wayne Hutchinson, Melissa Irvine

Design

Ghost Design

Registered office – The Mechanics Workshop, New Lanark, Lanark, ML11 9DB

Auditors – Dafferns LLP, One Eastwood, Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2UB

Solicitors – Lodders Solicitors, 10 Elm Court, Arden Street, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6PA

Bankers – The Royal Bank of Scotland, 65 Stephenson Way, Wavertree, Liverpool, L13 1HE

British Texel Sheep Society Ltd (Texel Sheep Society) is a Scottish Charity, SC007271, regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

British Texel Sheep Society, Unit 74 - 4th Street, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG

Tel: 024 7669 6629

Email: office@texel.co.uk

Website: texel.uk

In touch with Texel @BritishTexel #addtexeladdvalue

Texels on Top: Demand, Development and Dedication!

The Texel breed continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to the huge efforts members are putting into flock development. Confidence in the breed is clear, with strong commercial demand backing that investment. Clearance rates and averages at Society sales are rising year on year, a real success story for both members and the Society.

The Society’s investment in iTexel.uk hasn’t slowed either. It remains a key part of the Society’s offering, giving members access to the very latest information on pedigree performance and genomics, supported by texel.uk, providing all the latest news, event reports and services on offer.

Promoting the breed is always a priority, which has increased this year too. From bringing home red tickets at NSA events, to expanding advertising in commercial auction marts, a major focus has been making sure commercial producers see the value of Texels. The Primestock magazine continues to make an impact, now in its 15th year and reaching an incredible 83,000 farming businesses across the UK, more than ever before.

A big thank you goes to the Society’s sponsors for their continued support, particularly Neogen for the National Sales and to Agrii for backing the Summer Competition (don’t forget, there’s still time to enter before 31st October!).

It’s been fantastic to see so many of you getting involved in the Society’s competitions, we encourage all members to get involved, there is plenty on offer! From the YDP Spotlight award, summer shows or pre-sale shows. A variety of awards are also up for grabs; National sales Sire of the Year, best texelplus pens of shearlings at NSA Builth Main and Kelso ram sales, based on sales performance and many more! The Society now runs a plethora of competitions across the year, giving all members the opportunity to take part, enjoy the buzz, make new friends or share with old ones, and hopefully take home a rosette or trophy. Congratulations to all who entered, you can find the full list of winners from over the years on the Society website.

None of this would be possible without your enthusiasm! The commitment of members, supported by Society staff, is what makes the Society tick and it’s that passion for the breed which has delivered another hugely successful, record-breaking year for the breed and the Society.

John Yates Chief Executive

#addtexeladdvalue

Front cover shows

a shearling ram from the Clinterty flock of 2025 Spotlight Award winner Melissa Buchan.

2025

52

HIGHWAY EXPRESS DRIVES TO SUCCESS AT GREAT YORKSHIRE

70

MIDLOCK INFERNO LIGHTS UP LANARK

22 KEEPING HEALTHY

6 SOCIETY PICKS UP PRIZES AT NSA EVENTS

108

SPOTLIGHT WINNER MELISSA BUCHAN LOOKS AHEAD

Society backs NSA events across UK

The summer months saw the Society and its regional clubs once again support NSA events to showcase the breed to sheep farmers across the UK.

First up was Welsh Sheep, Hay-On-Wye, where the Society picked up a brace of trade stand awards as well as welcoming a good number of visitors to the Society’s stand.

Clinching both the Best Breed Society Trade Stand Award as well as the Wool on the Hoof Award for sheep on a trade stand, the Society’s presence was supported with sheep from the locally based Llanthomas flock of the Jones family.

The four shearling rams on the stand were by two sires, with three being by the homebred Llanthomas Cannonball and the fourth sired by Peacehay Ewe Win Again, a ram purchased from the main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells in 2022.

Away from the Society stand the Society, as part of its Youth Development Programme, once again sponsored the NSA Next Generation Young Shepherd Competition, which challenges young people in the sheep industry to undertake a range of sheep farming related tasks.

Winning the competition this year and clinching the award for the highest placed under 21 competitor was 17-year-old Newtown, Powys-based Evan Turner of the Longway Texel flock with second spot going to Mared Evans and third taken by Elin Kitty Hughes.

North Sheep

Next up came North Sheep which was another great day for the Society, with the event seeing a huge crowd, many of whom visited the Texel stand to learn the latest developments in the breed and catch up with the Society’s progress.

Drawing a throng, including a large delegation of school children, to the stand were four rams kindly loaned by Jeff and

Jennifer Aiken’s Coniston flock, with these comprising stock rams Greenall Fisticuffs and Tatham Hall Fury, alongside two shearling rams sired by Fisticuffs.

This was another busy event with plenty of visitors taking the time to visit the Society stand. The Society thanks local breeders Craig Stoddart, Giles Pyman, James Porter and Nick Woodmass for taking time to support Society staff on the stand during the day and engage with visitors.

South West Sheep

Meanwhile, South West Sheep saw the Society support the South West Texel Breeders’ Club with its trade stand which featured sheep from the Quick family’s Loosebeare flock.

The event was a busy one for the Club with more than 200 entries in its guess the weight competition with the prize being a £200 voucher to be spent at the Club’s sale at Exeter.

In the event’s Texel Sheep Society sponsored Next Generation Student Young Shepherds Competition there were 13 entrants for the open competition and two entrants within the Student section of the competition. Winning the Student section and adding to a successful day for the breed was Jack Jordan of the Moortown flock, with Oliver Slade coming second.

Northern Ireland Sheep

Meanwhile, across in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Texel Breeders Club had a stand at Northern Ireland Sheep and the Society once again sponsored the Next Generation Young Shepherds Competition.

The Society’s stand at Welsh Sheep won a brace of awards.

Coming out on top in this competition was 17-year-old Jack Maxwell from Maghera, Co Londonderry, with 20-year-old Jessica Wilson, Co Donegal, in second and third spot was taken by Liam Doyle, 21, Ballward, Co Down.

Highland Sheep

And the Society also sponsored the NSA Next Generation Young Shepherd competition at NSA Highland Sheep, Ardgay.

The NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year championship went to 18-year-old Keira Smith from Netherton, Whitehouse, Alford, who walked away with £550 of prize money and a trophy.

Kiera will now represent NSA Scotland at the UK finals to be held at NSA Sheep Event at Malvern on 28th July 2026, along with the winner of the competition at NSA Scotsheep 2026.

Second place went to Niamh Milton, Aberdeenshire, with third taken by Anna McTaggart, Sutherland.

In the sheepdog element of the competition the winner was Lynn Robinson, Invernessshire, with overall winner Keira Smith second and Anna McTaggart in third.

Elsewhere at the event, in the show of pairs of ewe hoggs, a pair of Texel crosses from Ballindalloch Home Farm, Banffshire, shown by David and Susan Johnston, took the overall championship. In the sale conducted by Dingwall & Highland Marts, they sold for £320/head to the judge, Ben Reive, Ardross, Ross-shire.

Society chief executive John Yates said the Society’s support of these events and particularly the Young Shepherds competitions supports youth, and the NSA as part of the Society’s YDP programme.

“These events provided an excellent opportunity to hear from pedigree and commercial producers about how Texels were central to shaping their sheep farming businesses.

“It was great to see the enthusiasm the young people competing in the Young Shepherds competitions have for the sheep industry and their passion and dedication shone through at every event.”

RWAS Hill Farming Event

In addition to these NSA events, the Society also attended the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Hill Farming Event at Beddgelert.

This event in North Wales showcased the best of hill farming in Wales to help businesses plan for the future and adapt their farming systems.

The Society’s stand featured Texel rams from Alwyn and Huw Phillips’ 250-ewe Penygelli flock which is a grass-based flock using rotational grazing and performance recording to breed sheep suited to delivering fast growing, well-muscled rams ideal for grass-based systems.

Alongside these rams were a pen of Welsh Mountain ewes with Texel lambs at foot from G G Williams and Sons, Bron Fedw Isa. Running a flock of 750 pure Welsh Mountain ewes, the Williams family use Texel rams on lower-performing ewes to enhance lamb carcass quality and market value.

In dismal weather conditions, the Society was delighted to collect second prize for its trade stand and thanks directors Dafydd Jones and James Draper as well as Carla Jones and Jan and Alwyn Phillips for their support throughout.

Texel attended and sponsored Events Calendar 2026

Dates for the diary

13th-16th May

Balmoral Show, Lisburn.

10th June

NSA Scotsheep, Gordon.

12th-14th June

Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern.

13th June

Northern Ireland National Show, Armagh

18th-21st June

Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh.

7th-10th July

Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate.

20th-24th July

Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells.

28th July

NSA Sheep Event, Malvern.

3rd August

Early NSA Ram Sale, Brecon.

26th-27th August

Scottish National Sale, Lanark.

31st August-1st September

English National Sale, Worcester.

2nd September

Welsh National Sale, Welshpool.

4th-5th September

Northern Ireland National Sale, Ballymena.

21st September

Main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells.

30th October

Borderway Agri-Expo, Carlisle.

21st-22nd November

English Winter Fair, Stafford

24th November

Ulster Prime Beef and Lamb Championships, Lisburn.

27th-28th November

LiveScot, Lanark.

30th November-1st December

Royal Welsh Winter Fair, Builth Wells.

The Society won a brace of awards at Welsh Sheep, including the Best Breed Society Trade Stand award.

Evan Turner of the Longway flock won the NSA Next Generation Young Shepherds’ competition at Welsh Sheep.

Texel merchandise Christmas order deadlines

Texel Shop is now operated by Showtime, giving customers even greater flexibility. The full Showtime clothing catalogue is available to order with the Texel logo embroidered, with options to choose colours, thread shades and even add your flock name for that personal touch.

Showtime has advised that Friday 5th December is the deadline for guaranteed Christmas delivery. Orders placed after this date are not guaranteed for Christmas, although Showtime will do their best to fulfil them.

Remember - as an ideal stocking filler for the avid Texel enthusiast, the Society’s 50th Anniversary Publication continues to be available via the Society website: texel.uk/shop with stocks running low, order soon to avoid disappointment.

Highland winner is 2025 People’s Champion

This year’s Texel People’s Champion is Robbie Wilson’s gimmer, LYM2405558, following a public vote. This Clanfield Golden daughter was champion at the Royal Highland Show and won the People’s Champion title with a 40% share of the 1118 votes cast.

Homebred, she is out of a dam by the 17,000gns Harestone Eldorado and is a full ET sister to the 12,000gns Milnbank Hercules.

1 – LYM2405558, Robbie Wilson, 40%

2 – MZH2401109, Gerallt Rowlands, 30%

3 – PRQ2402719, Mark Priestley, 16%

4 – Thornbury Ironside, Nick Legge, 9%

5 – Uppermill Highway Express, Boden and Davies, 5%

Okehall Hammerhead is 2025 First Season Sire of The Year

Mike Turner’s privately sold Okehall Hammerhead is the winner of the 2025 First Season Sire of The Year Award, with his top three selling sons from different dams at Society National Sales recording an average of 41,666gns.

The top three sellers were all from Alan Blackwood’s Auldhouseburn flock, with two selling at Lanark and one at Worcester. Dearest of these was Auldhouseburn Imperial King at 65,000gns, followed by Auldhouseburn Illusion at 55,000gns and Auldhouseburn Ivan Attitude at 5000gns.

Second place was taken by Claybury Hotshot, bred by Claybury Texels. His top three selling sons were the Lanark topper Midlock Inferno at 110,000gns and two from the Garngour flock, Garngour Illusion at 1800gns and Garngour Invincible at 1500gns, with both of these sold at the Scottish National sale too.

Then in third spot was Duncryne Hakuna Matata. Bred by Kerr Jarvie, his leading three sons were the 20,000gns Ettrick I Am Maximus, Knap Impact at 20,000gns and Knap Ibiza Rocks at 18,000gns. The first and third of these sold at Lanark, while the second led the trade at Worcester.

Taking fourth place this year was Robbie Wilson’s Milnbank Hunter. Helping him to fourth were Mellor Vale Impeccable at 40,000gns, Sportsmans Ice Breaker

at 13,000gns and Mellor Vale IQ which sold for 550gns. Both Impeccable and Ice Breaker sold at Lanark, while IQ was sold at Worcester.

And in fifth was last year’s Lanark topper, Hexel High Voltage bred by Donald and Sarah MacPherson. Helping him to an average of 16,000gns were Harestone Indiana Jones at 24,000gns, The Rock Icon at 22,000gns and The Rock Ignition at 2000gns.

First Season Sire of The Year for 2025 was Okehall Hammerhead bred by Mike Turner.

Society Matters

Brian Ross bids farewell

The Society was delighted to be able to recognise auctioneer Brian Ross’ service to the Texel breed at the Scottish National Sale, Lanark.

Mr Ross has been an integral part of the breed’s history over the last 40 years during his time at Lawrie and Symington. For many years one of the auctioneers for the Society’s Scottish National Sale, Brian has seen the development of the breed first hand in its original heartland around Lanarkshire and the Scottish borders.

A mark of Brian’s dedication to the Texel breed and the people involved with it is that he was the Scottish Texel Club’s first ever secretary, a position he held for more than 30 years from the Club’s formation in 1985 until he stepped down in 2017.

Society chief executive John Yates said Brian’s professionalism, energy and skill on the rostrum had been instrumental in establishing Lanark as the home of worldleading Texel sales. “Throughout his time with the breed, Brian has overseen many landmark moments, while also offering encouragement and support to breeders and buyers alike.

“More than an auctioneer, Brian has been a champion of the Texel breed. His understanding of the sheep and dedication to providing a trusted marketplace have played a vital role in building confidence in the breed and promoting Texel genetics across the UK and beyond,” he added.

Mr Ross said he had been proud to have played a part in the breed’s success and in helping develop Lanark as the home of the breed. “There have been several notable moments during the last 40 or so years that stick in my mind, including the infamous ‘lock-in’ sale of 2007 and being in the rostrum to sell the world record breaking Sportsmans Double Diamond in 2020.

Brian Ross was presented with a memento at the Scottish National Sale.

“But over and above everything else it is the people that make this breed so special and it has been a pleasure to work with so many exceptional breeders and to have been a small part in their successes. My heartfelt thanks go to every breeder that has put their trust in myself and Lawrie and Symington over the years.”

Mr Ross was recognised for his service to the breed with a special recognition award at the Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2024.

Growing the Society’s social media and digital presence

Throughout 2025 the Society has grown its social media presence, engaging with a wider audience and reaching more people than ever before.

More frequent and consistent posting on both Facebook and Instagram, supported by eye caching style and a variety of content has increased the Texel appeal, from Society news and sale reports to commercial producer features and Society updates. Instagram Stories have proven successful alongside Facebook providing live show results and keeping members and followers up to date in real time.

Increased activity has delivered real impact: the Society’s posts have

achieved almost 6.5 million views in 2025, with follower numbers increasing across both platforms and now approaching 30,000, reflecting both the strength of the Texel brand and the depth of interest in the breed across the industry.

With texel.uk supporting up-to-date communications and promotions 24/7/365, providing anyone interested in the work of the Society or the availability of Society breed sales with the very latest information.

iTexel.uk adds further member value with in-depth information on flocks and animals. With a variety of tools to aid members with flock development and decisionmaking. The wide selection of pedigree performance stock is easily filtered for commercial appeal using iTexel tools.

5th December 2025 at NEW LOCATION - Bakewell Market

• Show at 12pm, sale at 1:30pm

• Sale of aged ewes, ewe lambs and in lamb gimmers.

• Enter through iTexel

• Online bidding available

The perfect Christmas present

Board members return unopposed

This year’s Society AGM will see two board members retain their seats having re-stood unopposed.

In Area Two, West of Scotland, Robert Laird of the Cambwell flock returns to the board unopposed to start a new four-year term.

Meanwhile, in Area 10, North Wales and Borders, Dafydd Jones of the Kitrob flock, also retains his seat having faced no opposition.

For Area Six, North West and Central England and Isle of Man, current board member Jeff Aiken has served the maximum term of 12 years on the board. Kirree Kermode, Orisdale flock, Isle Of Man nominated unopposed for Area Six will begin a four-year term as director at the AGM.

And in Area Five, North East England, the regional director position remains vacant, having been so since the 2024 AGM.

Society chairman Peter Mitchell said the work undertaken by board members in support of Society objectives was appreciated and he thanked Jeff Aiken for his input over the last 12 years.

Congratulations Angharad Thomas

Huge congratulations to Angharad Thomas, Tywi Flock, on being elected Chair of Wales YFC / CFfi YFC Cymru for the year. The Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs connects more than 5000 young people aged 10–28 across 138 clubs and 12 county federations. Good luck to Angharad as she leads, inspires and helps Wales YFC make a real impact in the Welsh rural community.

Remembering Society secretary Sandy Grant

The Society was saddened to learn earlier in the year, of the passing of Sandy Grant, a founder member of the Society and the Society’s first secretary on its formation in 1974.

Sandy was working with the Scottish Agricultural College and had previously been farm manager at the University of Dublin and was the man who was asked the question at Lanark Market which kick started the original importations of the breed ‘How could Scotland produce a better quality of lamb to rival that of the Continental Market?’.

Sandy went on to make the initial approaches to the relevant authorities regarding the prospect of importing Texels

to the UK and was the Society’s secretary from 1974 to 1980.

He later penned the Society’s 21st Anniversary history book, recalling the trials and tribulations associated with the early importations and the initial success of the breed as it quickly found favour among the UK industry.

In a letter congratulating the Society on its 50th anniversary last year Sandy said the formation of the Society and the resultant success of the breed had been one of the greatest achievements of his lifetime.

Society chief executive John Yates said both the Society and the wider UK industry owed Sandy a debt of gratitude for his role in bringing Texels to the UK. “Alongside the farmers who initially imported the breed, after several false starts, Sandy was the beating heart of bringing the breed to UK shores and in ensuring the Texel name was quickly recognised among the industry.”

In remembrance

The Society was saddened to be informed of the passing of the following members.

Alan Draper, Hollyford, April 2025

John Currie, Tullagh, April 2025

John Dunlop, Eastfield, May 2025

Sandy Grant, May 2025

Annie McKerrow, Grougfoot, August 2025

Member reminders

Enter information accurately

Members are reminded of the importance of entering information accurately. Following the move to genomic evaluations, pedigree, genomic and evaluation data are stored in three linked databases (in three organisations) and all need to be updated when errors are identified. These updates take time to complete and can impact on the accuracy of information presented in catalogues and sale material when not rectified early.

Registering stock sires

Members are reminded to DNA sample, genotype and register all sires used for breeding before the fee change at the end of November to minimise costs and ensure all lambs can be added to iTexel next Spring.

All sires used to produce lambs that will be sold in-lamb must have been genotyped before they can be entered as a service sire into an in-lamb catalogue.

DNA kits should be requested through iTexel for homebred and bought-in animals unless the sire has already been genotyped; if necessary, sires will be transferred to new flocks as part of the registration process. Previously genotyped males will have Scrapie and Microphthalmia genotypes published on iTexel.

The year letter for lambs born in 2026 is

JLambing books

Members are advised to use their lambing book (included with this issue of the Bulletin to all active flocks) to record all lambing information to help ensure accurate record keeping and simplify data upload to iTexel.

Capturing accurate birth date, sire and dam information alongside birth weights and other relevant data, such as lambing ease, in the lambing book provides an easy to view resource for breeders at any point in the year and ensures information required to support the completion of birth notifications on iTexel is quickly found when required.

Primestock show support

Members are reminded of the support the Society offers to those competing at major primestock shows.

The Society will reimburse entry fees for members when they exhibit Texels in Texel classes at the following events; Borderway Agri-Expo, English Winter Fair, LiveScot, Royal Welsh Winter Fair, Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships.

Claims must be made before 31/03/26. Contact office@ texel.co.uk for further information on how to claim.

Commercial advertising – reaching members’ customers

Throughout 2025 the Society has significantly increased the level of advertising aimed at commercial producers, ensuring the Texel message is visible nationwide.

Working with IMEL, Society posters have been placed in seven major livestock markets across the country — from Ballymena to Exeter and up to Thainstone — giving year-round, high-profile exposure for the breed.

The Society Primestock magazine is sent direct to all members along with the Spring Bulletin. An additional 84,000 copies of Primestock were circulated along with a variety of national and regional media publications prior to and during the ram sale season, highlighting and celebrating the benefits that Texels bring to commercial farming businesses throughout the UK.

More than 80,000 copies of Primestock magazine have been circulated in 2025.

Further promotion through the National Sheep Association, with Texel adverts placed in its Sheep Farmer magazine and via sponsorship of its summer events has helped promote the Texel breed in depth across the country.

Adding further value and continued commitment promoting the breed to commercial customers, Texel breed enthusiasts and strengthening demand for Texels at every level of the supply chain.

Sales cataloguing service update

The Society’s Cataloguing Service has once again proven to be a well-utilised and much-valued resource during the 2025 Ram Sale season. In total, 43 catalogues were created with more than 6000 entries all inputted via iTexel.uk.

Members are reminded that:

• Service Sires – All rams used as a service sire must have a genotype published on iTexel in order to be published in in-lamb sales catalogues. The Society will no longer accept service sires that are not fully registered.

• Deadlines – Please pay close attention to cataloguing deadline dates issued by sale organisers. Late entries increase administration and create delays which impact the service received by both you and your buyers.

• Accuracy – Take care when entering notes. Ensure all details are correct and free from spelling errors to present your entries as clearly and professionally as possible.

• Laparoscopic AI of ewes

• Flushing and embryo transfer

• Embryo Flush and Freeze

• On-clinic or on-farm*

• Semen processing, freezing and storage

• Semen collection and ram fertility testing

• Ram vasectomies

• Based in Laughton, East Sussex BN8 6AJ

and

Please contact Nick Pile on 01273 473232 or email: farmenquiries@cliffevets.co.uk

Society Matters

Regional clubs hit the road

Early summer saw a number of regional Texel Clubs out and about on Club trips to see other flocks, with the Northern Area Club heading south to Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, while the Shropshire and Borders Club headed into South Wales.

For the Northern Area Club, visits included stops at Paul Phillips’ Kimbolton flock, with Club members viewing the flock as it grazed, while grass was available before the drought, and having a broad discussion on a range of sheep farming topics.

Next up was a visit to current Society chairman, Peter Mitchell and his Avon Vale flock as well as his herd of Boer goats. Once again those visiting were able to see the flock as they grazed, taking time to understand Peter’s system and later enjoy the feast he’d laid on for them.

The third visit of the trip, after a night spent in Gloucester, was to Aubrey and Sue Andrews’ Miserden flock, with members admiring the couple’s Texels, Blue Texels and Badger Face Texels with Aubrey providing valuable insight into the breeding in each flock.

And the final visit of the tour was a stop at James Theyer’s Clanfield flock, which coincided with visits by a number of other Clubs too. This provided a welcome opportunity to meet up with fellow breeders from other Clubs.

Once again a great display of sheep was put before members. Thanks to all four flocks for being so welcoming and generous in their hosting.

On its trip to south Wales, the Shropshire and Borders Club stopped off first of all at the Scolton flock of the Reed family where members saw an outstanding display of sheep which were a credit to the family.

Next stop was Euros and Myfanwy Davies and family’s Canllefaes flock at Cardigan, again another impressive, large flock on a farm with a number of different enterprises.

Last stop of the day, which was very much ‘a shearling day’ was at Broad Haven to view the Phillips family’s Broomsgrove flock.  Here several members got to view the progeny of the rams they had sold in 2024 and really appreciated the time that the family had taken sorting out the different groups of sheep to present yet another impressive flock.

After an evening meal in Haverfordwest, the group headed off on Sunday morning to view three flocks in one.

With more of a focus on ram lambs and gimmers the group enjoyed viewing the excellent Aman, Teilo and Cwmcerrig flocks. It was also a nice opportunity to meet up with the Dyfed Club and the South Wales

Regional club members visited a number of flocks while on summer tours.

Club and to take part in the stock judging competition that they had kindly organised. Neil Ellis of the Cressage and Scholars flocks was the triumphant winner, matching three rings with the master judge Dyfed Club Chairman, Keith Thomas.

As the group headed back to Shropshire, the last stop of the day, was Deri Morgan and family’s Tynewydd flock at Llangorse, Brecon. With beautiful weather and stunning views, the Tynewydd flock was just as impressive.

The Club extends its thanks to each and every flock which hosted it over the weekend and appreciates the time they took to prepare for and host the visits.

Blaencar wins All Wales Flock Competition

The Morgan family have scooped the championship in the 2025 All Wales flock competition under judge Anna Minnice-Hughes, Penparc. The Morgans, representing the South Wales Texel Sheep Breeders Association, were presented with the championship trophy at the Royal Welsh Show.

Society champion and reserve rosettes

The other regional finalists were Jamie Woosnam, Trefeg, Shropshire and Borders, Trefor Ryan-Davies, Bodnant, Ruthin and J and G Y Davies, Aman, Dyfed. For all club flock competition results

Clubs and show organisers are reminded that any event hosting Texel classes under Society auspices is eligible to request a champion and reserve champion Society rosette free of charge.

In 2025, the Society supplied rosettes to 75 agricultural shows across the UK, ensuring the breed was well represented and celebrated at shows nationwide.

Shropshire and Borders open day

Shropshire and Borders Club members enjoyed an excellent Club Open Day in early August at the home of Club chairman, Bryn Robinson and family’s Preenbank flock.

Set against the backdrop of the Shropshire Hills, Club members were able to view the family’s Texel flock, along with their Salers herd, with a few Southdowns thrown in too.

Club Champions Day stock judging winner Robyn Hardman of the Oak Farm flock was the master judge for some very competitive stock judging classes. Thank you to Robyn for treating everyone to a masterclass in reason giving. With more than 50 entries, the winners were Tom Lewis and Ella Sankey.

A raffle to win a ewe lamb, kindly donated by the Robinson family, raised £1150 for the charities Cancer Research and SANDS, thank you to everyone for their generosity.

The afternoon concluded with a hog roast, cakes provided by members and the obligatory game of egg throwing, with Will McCaffrey beating James Draper in the final throw.

The Club extends its thanks to Bryn, Fred and all the Robinson family for their wonderful hospitality and a superb afternoon enjoyed by members.

SCAN HERE

Member receptions

The Society hosted receptions continue to prove popular for members and friends alike. A series of member receptions at the UK’s leading agricultural shows, provided a valuable platform for networking, celebrating success, and enjoying great hospitality together.

Across five major events, the Society welcomed more than 500 members and guests, a fantastic turnout that highlights the enthusiasm in the Texel community.

From lamb rolls, ploughman’s buffets and pork rolls, to a glass of Pimm’s or a well-earned drink after judging, the receptions offered a chance to relax and catch up. These events continue to underline the added value of Society membership, showcasing the show exhibitors and the breed at major events, with the advantage of an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and strengthen or start new relationships.

Receptions took place at: Balmoral Show, Royal Three Counties Show, Royal Highland Show, Great Yorkshire Show and the Royal Welsh Show.

Thank you to Andrew Clark, Teiglum, James Draper, Claybury and Gill and Russell Watkins, Millend, for their support at the

Society renews partnership with SellMyLivestock

SellMyLivestock, the UK’s leading online livestock marketplace is an additional tool to help promote and sell members’ stock, providing Society members an alternative way to promote stock for sale.

The Society has secured a portal on the SML site which enables Texel breeders to showcase their livestock to a wider audience and unlock extra value-added services if they don’t already have premium SellMyLivestock membership:

• Better Visibility: Texel listings can be added to the Texel Sheep Society portal, unlocking better visibility to buyers on SellMyLivestock

• More Value: Texel breeders can run timed online auctions directly through the breed portal, seamlessly embed listings onto existing websites with SellMyLivestock’s WordPress integration and have their listings promoted across SellMyLivestock’s social channels, all of which maximises reach without effort

What does SML offer customers:

• List and sell pedigree Texels easily through the Society’s dedicated portal on SellMyLivestock

• Reach a wider audience of pedigree and commercial buyers

• Showcase your flock with better visibility online

• Simple listing tools tailored for pedigree Texel sales

• Unlock extra value with premium SellMyLivestock services

Find out more by visiting the dedicated Texel Breed Society portal at:  sellmylivestock.com/portal/texel

Bluetongue risk remains

A recent upsurge in the number of cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV) being diagnosed should serve as a warning to members to avoid becoming complacent in the face of the threat BTV poses.

Society chief executive John Yates said a spate of cases being confirmed across England and also, recently, in Wales, highlighted the risk BTV posed to the UK industry.

“BTV is a devastating disease and vets have made clear that the only way to protect flocks and herds and avoid the huge losses seen in Continental Europe is to vaccinate. It is not just the clinical cases which cause problems, with fertility significantly impacted when a flock or herd is infected, meaning the affects are felt long into the future.

“On top of the risk posed by BTV3, the strain the UK has currently licensed vaccines for, a case of BTV8 was recently found in Cornwall, further exacerbating the risks to members’ flocks ad herds.”

Mr Yates added that while temperatures were lowering, all the evidence suggested there would still be a significant risk of infection through the autumn months.

SCAN HERE

Northern Ireland exports must have XI tags

Vendors at this year’s Northern Ireland in-lamb sales are reminded of the need for sheep destined for export to the EU, including Ireland, to be tagged with tags bearing the XI prefix rather than those with the UK prefix.

UK identity tags are no longer accepted within the EU for sheep exported from Northern Ireland to the EU.

Members sending sheep to markets which include the option of export to the EU must ensure that all animals sent meet the full requirements for EU export including correct identification.

While sheep identified with UK tags applied prior to 30th June 2025 may still enter an

EU eligible sale, they will be restricted to onward moves within GB and Northern Ireland only. To be eligible for onward certification to an EU destination, including Ireland, sheep must be identified with XI tags before entering the sale.

When sheep identified with UK tags at an EU eligible sale are purchased by buyers from Ireland or other EU countries, they must return to the presenting flock, be re-identified with XI tags, and be certified directly from flock of origin after meeting any relevant residency requirements.

Where sheep with UK tags are sold to a GB buyer, they may be transported through Ireland, for example Dublin to Holyhead, without having to be re-identified.

Regional judges panel

Members can now nominate themselves or others with suitable experience to be considered for the Society’s Regional Judges Panel, nominate via the form available on the Society website.

Each club committee, will continue to provide the Society with up to 10 nominations for the panel, putting forward individuals with the knowledge and experience needed to judge the Texel breed successfully.

Notice of the Annual General Meeting

Notice of the Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the British Texel Sheep Society Limited will be held at Woodland Grange Hotel, Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RN, on Wednesday 12th November 2025 at 2.00pm for the following purposes.

1. To Receive apologies for absence

2. RESOLUTION: Approval of the minutes and Matters Arising of the AGM which took place on Saturday 16th November 2024 at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chester, CH1 2BD

3. To receive the Chairs’ report

4. To receive the Chief Executive’s report

5. RESOLUTION: To receive, consider and adopt the income and expenditure account for the year ended 31st March 2025 and the balance sheet as at that date and; to receive, consider and adopt the reports of the Board of Directors and the Auditors.

6. RESOLUTION: To confirm the appointment of Dafferns LLP as the Auditors for the Society and to authorise the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration.

7. Announcement of Board of Directors election results for:

Area 2, West of Scotland

Area 5, North East of England

Area 6, North West & Central North of England & Isle of Man

Area 10, North Wales & Borders

8. Any other business that has been approved by the Chairman for discussion.

By order of the board

John Yates MBA

Chief Executive & Company Secretary  30/09/2025

The Mechanics Workshop, New Lanark, Lanark, ML11 9DB

Welcome to new members

The Society is delighted to have welcomed the following new members to the Texel flock since the spring.

The Society wishes them well in their Texel endeavours and is sure they will receive a warm welcome from members at Society and Regional Club events.

Useful information for new members can be found on the Society website.

Society Regions

SCAN HERE

Health Matters

The Society continues to take a proactive and multi-faceted approach to supporting research into health matters affecting the breed by:

• Funding genomic and phenotypic research focused on crucial diseases including Scrapie, Microphthalmia, mastitis, footrot and internal parasites.

• Incorporating health traits into its genomic evaluation platform, using the iTexel database to empower breeders with better selection tools.

• Partnering with leading institutions (e.g. SRUC, Innovate UK, EU-funded programs) for large-scale, innovative research and development emphasising breeding for resilience and disease resistance.

• Supporting genetic improvement strategies aligned with both animal health and environmental sustainability.

• Engaging in international collaboration for measures of feed efficiency and methane emissions to identify animals with lower environmental impact and stronger overall health performance.

Here’s a roundup of the Society’s activity and recent application of tools and their impact on the breed.

Scrapie

Through careful breeding over the last two decades, Texel members have increased the genetic resistance of the breed to Scrapie. Over the last six years the proportion of Scrapie resistant genotypes in the breed has continued to grow. In 2019 less than 70% of registered males were in Group One. The equivalent figure for registered males born in 2024 is more than 80%. Of the registered males born in 2024, more than 99% are in Groups One and Two.

Proportion of registered males in different Scrapie groups

Microphthalmia

Researchers discovered that Microphthalmia in Texel sheep, a congenital disorder where lambs are born with extremely small or absent eyes and are completely blind, is caused by a missense mutation (c.338G>C, leading to R113P) in the PITX3 gene. This gene is critical for lens development and the mutation correlates perfectly with the disease phenotype.

Guidelines for Managing Carrier Animals

• While carriers (heterozygotes) are not affected, the Society recommends careful management:

• Society rules require all registered sires to be genotyped, plus all ewes born from the 1st January 2025 that are used in embryo transfer (ET) programmes.

• Genotyping is also recommended for any pedigree stock that might have wide genetic influence. Results of all genomic tests are published on iTexel.uk

• Carriers don’t need to be immediately culled; they can still be used responsibly, particularly when they have other valuable genetic traits. However, they should be phased out once practical.

Scrapie is a notifiable and fatal disease of the central nervous system in sheep (and goats), characterised by behavioural changes, tremors, loss of coordination and severe itching.

The National Scrapie Plan (NSP) aimed to reduce and, eventually, eradicate Scrapie from the national sheep flock through the selection of breeding sheep which are genetically resistant to the disease.

The scheme ran for several years, with genotyping, Ram Genotyping Schemes (RGS), and the Scrapie Monitoring Scheme (SMS) forming key elements. Funding and activity reduced in the 2010s, as classical Scrapie cases declined significantly across the UK. A small number of Texel flocks continue with SMS, to support export of semen and embryos.

The five Scrapie genotype groups, or risk categories, classify sheep based on their genetic resistance to Scrapie. Animals in Group One are the most resistant and those in Group Five are the most susceptible.

Group Genotypes Description

1 ARR/ARR Highly resistant

2 ARR/AHQ ARR/ARH ARR/ARQ Resistant Need careful selection when used for breeding

3 AHQ/AHQ AHQ/ARH AHQ/ARQ ARH/ARH ARH/ARQ ARQ/ARQ Little resistance Need careful selection when used for breeding

4 ARR/VRQ Susceptible Should not be used for breeding unless in an approved and controlled breeding programme

5 AHQ/VRQ ARH/VRQ ARQ/VRQ VRQ/VRQ

Highly susceptible Should not be used for breeding

The proportion of registered males in the breed that are carriers of the Microphthalmia gene appears to be reducing following the proactive approach by the Society to increase awareness of the condition to members and by providing individual animal information through the Society’s genotyping service. Since the launch last year, more than 6500 animals have had information provided on their Microphthalmia and Scrapie status.

Texel members have been using the insights from genotyping to inform their purchasing and breeding decisions.

The number of registered males that were Microphthalmia carriers peaked in those born 2021-2023. The 2024-born crop of sires looks like it will be the first in recent years to see a fall in the number of carrier males registered.

For more information on Microphthalmia, go to the Society’s FAQ page and click on ‘Recessive Diseases and Microphthalmia’.

SCAN HERE

Microphthalmia status and proportion of carriers in registered males born 2019-2024

Maedi Visna (MV)

A chronic, contagious viral disease of sheep caused by a lentivirus (the same virus family as HIV in humans, but species-specific, so not transmissible to people).

Two forms of disease

• Maedi means “shortness of breath” in Icelandic – it refers to the progressive pneumonia form of the disease.

• Visna means “wasting” – it refers to the neurological form, which causes weight loss, weakness and eventually paralysis.

How it spreads

• Mainly through close contact (respiratory secretions, colostrum/milk and sometimes shared needles/equipment).

• It’s slow-developing – sheep may carry and spread the virus for years before showing signs.

Impact on flocks

• Reduced fertility, milk yield, lamb growth and overall productivity.

• Once clinical signs appear, affected sheep do not recover.

• There is no vaccine or cure at present. Control

• Accreditation schemes like the PSGHS MV Scheme (testing and certifying flocks free of MV).

• Good biosecurity: only buying accredited stock, quarantining new sheep, testing regularly.

• Emerging genetic solutions: research into TMEM154 gene variants shows some sheep are naturally more resistant.

The Society is supporting researchers at the University of Nottingham in a three-year collaborative project with the Moredun Research Institute. This work aims to develop genetic solutions by improving understanding of the TMEM154 gene, mapping the frequency of resistant variants across UK breeds and investigating whether resistance varies with viral subtype.

Thanks to the MV Accreditation Scheme run by the Premium Sheep & Goat Health Scheme (PSGHS), pedigree flocks, including many Texel breeders, have so far seen lower levels of disease. Members are strongly encouraged to buy accredited animals, including recipient ewes when carrying out ET programmes and to apply strict quarantine and testing protocols when introducing new stock.

Building on this, the Society will adopt the latest genomic reporting tools, similar to those already in place for Scrapie and fully compliant with EU Zootechnical regulations.

At the earliest opportunity, MV genotypes for all genotyped animals will be published in the Flock Book, iTexel.uk. This will be supported by clear FAQs and guidance to help members understand the results and make informed breeding decisions aimed at increasing resistance to the disease within their flocks.

Mastitis

Mastitis can cost UK sheep farmers more than £120M annually, but small changes can make a big difference. Over the last decade the Society has invested significantly and worked with leading academics to better understand mastitis.

Like many complex diseases that are linked to tens or hundreds (or more) of genes, Society collaboration with researchers has shown that the genetic influence on susceptibility to mastitis at the breed level is below 10%, with no single or subset of genes responsible for mastitis resistance or susceptibility.

This figure considers the different environments and management systems that are used for Texel flocks across the UK. Within individual flocks, where all ewes are exposed to the same environment and management, the genetic influence can seem higher. Breeders should, therefore, make careful breeding and selection choices that account for ewe performance within their flocks.

Mastitis in ewes is commonly caused by bacteria that live on (or in) animals, so can be controlled using good hygiene and antibiotics. While some risk is unavoidable, there are practical steps every flock can take to reduce cases and limit impacts on milk yield, lamb growth, ewe longevity and ultimately profitability.

Risk factors

• One of the biggest risk factors is over-suckling due to milk production not meeting demands of lambs.

• Wet and dirty conditions at lambing are also a major risk.

• Avoid under- or over-feeding, both of which increase mastitis risk. Poor nutrition in one pregnancy has been associated with mastitis problems in subsequent years.

• Therefore, consider how any bought-in animals might have been fed before they entered your flock.

• Orf infection may also damage teats and Maedi-Visna virus causes the udder to harden predisposing to severe mastitis.

Treatment

• Don’t delay treatment. Prompt antibiotics and anti-inflammatories (as advised by your vet) can save a ewe and prevent chronic issues.

• Milk sampling. When mastitis is a recurring issue, talk to your vet about sampling to identify the bacteria involved.

Prevention

• Good nutrition and maintenance of ewe body condition score will ensure adequate milk production to prevent over-suckling.

• Prioritise hygiene by keeping lambing pens and housing well-bedded and dry.

• Check udders regularly. Feel for lumps, hardness, or uneven quarters, particularly at weaning and pre-tupping.

• Cull repeat offenders. Ewes with multiple cases are more likely to pass problems on as they can act as a source of infection for the rest of the flock.

• Control Orf and Maedi-Visna virus in your flock.

• A vaccine against the main bacterial cause of mastitis in sheep is available, talk to your vet to find out more and if it is suitable for use in your flock.

5 steps to reduce mastitis risk

Feeding Hygiene

Checking udders

Treatment

Culling

• About 70% of mastitis cases in ewes occur in the first 10 weeks of lactation.

• Cull rates due to mastitis can reach 10% in badly affected flocks.

• Udder conformation has been linked to udder health and may have heritable elements.

• Selection based on good conformation may be worthwhile as well as on performance.

Talk to your vet about mastitis control in your flock and make udder checks part of your pre-tupping routine.

Why DNA test? M

embers should genotype (DNA test) their sheep for several reasons to help improve the quality, health, and marketability of their flocks. Forward-thinking breeders are already using the insights genotyping gives them as part of their purchasing and breeding decisions, with iTexel providing the go to for the latest information on an animal’s pedigree, performance and genotype results.

Genotyping adds value to flocks through

Future proofing

Point of difference

Faster genetic improvement

Accurate pedigrees

Identification of recessives

Disease resistance

Performance figure accuracy

Parentage verification

DNA testing can confirm the parents of a lamb; registered sires have been genotyped since 2016 and dams can be confirmed when their genotype is available. This is important for pedigree accuracy, supports accurate record keeping and builds trust with buyers

Members should note that all females born from 1st January 2025 that enter an ET programme must be genotyped, enabling full parentage verification of ET progeny.

Since the Society began confirming pedigrees by genotype, almost 100 parentage errors have been detected, including cases where both parents were wrong. Some parentage errors were only discovered after an animal had been sold, which has knock-on impacts on purchasers.

More than 10 animals that had been birth notified have been removed from the database because their parentage issues could not be resolved.

Are you confident in what’s happening at mating time and inside your lambing shed? Genotyping can remove any doubt about pedigree correctness.

Recessive genes

Genotyping will identify Microphthalmia carriers, allowing breeders to make informed mating decisions and avoid passing on negative traits.

Disease resistance

Genotyping identifies how resistant or susceptible animals are to certain diseases that are influenced by a major gene, e.g. Resistance to Scrapie This allows members to breed resistant animals, protect animal health and improve farm sustainability and can open export opportunities

Genotyped sheep give buyers increased confidence and have higher accuracy of performance information.

110 TEXEL SOCIETY INSPIRATION TXL2501234(2)

Born: 24/02/2025

Scrapie genotype: ARR/ARR Microphthalmia genotype: Resistant (G/G) Inbreeding coefficient: 1.0

Parentage verificaQon: Sire DNA-verified Dam DNA-verified

Sire: TEXEL GALVANISE TXX2304321(2) by TEXEL SOCIETY FUTURE

Dam: TXL2200890(2) by TEXEL EXCITEMENT TXX2100789(E1)

Growth Muscle weight Fat weight Repro. Index Index Acc. Ranking Terminal TOP 1% TOP 5% AVG-

Time and labour savings

By including DNA information in the monthly Texel genomic evaluation, animals that have been genotyped benefit from more accurate performance figures, even if weights or measures haven’t been recorded. This means that flocks that can’t record all phenotypes can still have accurate index values.

This is underpinned by the Society-supported Texel genomic reference population. A diverse group of animals that have detailed traits recorded and are genotyped. This accurately captures the relationship between an animal’s DNA and its traits and allows for the prediction of genomic breeding values in animals that are genotyped.

The average index accuracy for animals with only pedigree information recorded is below 40%, genotyping increases this to more than 70%. Solely recording traits of importance such as growth and meat yield increases accuracy to about 70%. Coupling this with a genotype means accuracy can be increased to 80% and it rises further when animals are CT scanned. By genotyping it increases confidence in the index values and enables...

Faster genetic improvement

…more accurate performance figures which means that breeders can identify animals with the best genetic potential for growth and carcass quality (amongst other traits) from an early age.

The Society’s economic indexes allow for early selection. Based on their DNA, lambs can begin to be assessed as soon as they’re born. This means more efficient selection and culling decisions and faster progress, using Texel genomic services as a selection tool.

Texel Society gives members MORE….

Marketing advantages

Genotyped sheep with proven genetics are more attractive and offer benefits to commercial buyers and other breeders. This provides sellers with increased confidence in their flocks, improving promotions and increasing accuracy of performance information. The reassurance of confirmed parentage and knowledge of Scrapie and Microphthalmia genotypes adds further value to the flock and prospective buyers.

Futureproofing

Genotyping future proofs your flock, the DNA information is saved and can be studied in the future, allowing a rapid response to new challenges, benefiting the breed’s development.

This was the case with Microphthalmia in 2024; because the Society had a database of genotyped animals, it was straightforward to identify which were carrier animals, which were resistant and provide members with the information to support their flock breeding plans.

“Genotyping empowers Texel breeders to make faster, more informed and more profitable decisions. It is a cornerstone of genetic improvement, flock health, pedigree assurance and breed development, positioning pedigree Texel at the forefront of market competitiveness.”

Sustain sheep

Research project updates Breeding Better Beef and Sheep

The Society is supporting this three year collaborative global project which aims to integrate genetic merit for environmental impact into national breeding schemes. It aims to support enhanced efficiency in sheep farming systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve productivity.

Enabling farmers and policymakers to compare methane emissions and implement effective breeding strategies, support policy measures aimed at increasing adoption of genetic improvement tools in the sheep industry.

Involving a diverse team of researchers from Teagasc and Sheep Ireland, SRUC (Scotland), AgResearch (NZ), INRAE (France) NSG (Nowegian Sheep and Goats), Norwegian University of Life Sciences and INIA (Uruguay).

Over the last two years 500 Texel lambs have been phenotyped through SRUC’s portable accumulation chambers, collecting information on individual levels of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) produced. The data is used alongside pedigree information to determine any genetic influence.

Initial results from 2024 indicated that there was detectable variation in methane emissions between animals, though, in part because of the relatively low numbers of animals involved, sire influences were not always statistically significant.

The global approach in this research for collecting this type of data will support a fuller understanding of this trait and its potential for adoption into breeding strategies.

Clean breeding

This five year project is a major global initiative sub-titled ‘Global optimisation of breeding for reduced methane emissions in small ruminants’ and led by MLA (Meat and Livestock Australia) with partners in all major sheep-producing countries.

In the UK the work will build on the successes of the Grass2Gas and Sustain Sheep projects that the Society has been involved with. The

The Society is a partner in this project that’s led by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) that aims to identify how breeding strategies can contribute to Net Zero. A series of initial workshops were held across the UK, followed up with an online workshop this autumn to provide the results to participants and interested parties.

Society members that have participated in the data collection will receive a farm carbon footprint analysis as part of the project outcomes.

Further outcomes include a literature review to capture the current knowledge and identify any areas that require further research. Different breeding approaches will be modelled on case study farms to investigate their impact on Net Zero and how cost-effective they are.

overall aim is to develop internationally relevant evaluations for sheep that would enable the optimisation of selection for production and environmental traits.

The Society’s role supports SRUC in this project with access to pedigree animals for PAC phenotyping and genotyping along with background data.

MSc study investigates levels of Inbreeding

Texel genotype, pedigree and performance data has been analysed in a MSc student project overseen by Dr Karolina Kaseja at SRUC. The study aimed to find ‘runs of homozygosity’ (ROH) which are indications of a change in genome structure due to inbreeding.

The project also aimed to work out if there were any simple explanations for any ROH detected and if these could be associated with changes in production phenotypes.

Just over 11,000 genotypes passed the project data quality checks and the initial results indicate that there is significant variation between inbreeding levels in flocks. Some flocks have higher levels of ROH than the average and others are much lower. Further work is required to understand if management practices in individual flocks are contributing to these results.

It was also notable that increased ROH could be associated with reduced eight-week and scan weights; with an indication that this relationship was more related to recent, rather than historical, inbreeding events.

There was a correlation between pedigree measures of inbreeding (as published on iTexel for sheep in the flock book) and these genomic estimates.

The Society was pleased to support this research project and to help in the furtherance of science.

“Runs

of homozygosity” are long stretches of an animal’s DNA where the genes it inherited from its sire and dam are the same. They often happen when the parents are related, meaning the lamb has less genetic variety. The more of these runs an animal has, the higher its level of inbreeding.”

Sharing knowledge with Australian research geneticist

Australian research scientist Michael Aldridge from AGBU (Australia’s genetics institute for agriculture) visited the Society office in July as part of a wider tour of research institutions and genetic evaluation services all over the world.

Supported by the Brian Wickham Young Person Exchange Program, ICAR and AGBU, he is working on a project to better understand the global variations and challenges in measuring sustainability traits, such as methane and feed intake. The aim is to define an agreed trait recording protocol and help develop refined guidelines. This will contribute to any future combined analyses and data sharing.

Dr Aldridge met with Society chief executive John Yates and Society data and technical services manager Ed Smith and had a wide-ranging discussion that covered diverse topics including the Society’s adoption of genomic evaluations and how the benefits of genomics can be realised both immediately and in future as more knowledge is gained to support the Texel breed’s development.

Other topics included:

• Novel traits of interest

• Optimising data collection for traits of commercial interest

They also discussed how knowledge exchange and adoption of new technology is key for the breed and industry to progress.

• Collecting data on hard-to-measure traits

• Varying and diverse Society membership

Michael Aldridge (c) met with Ed Smith and John Yates at the Society office.

Young breeders flock tour

On Saturday 16th August, the Northern Ireland Texel Young Breeders held a flock tour, visiting Maineview, Lylehill and Tamnamoney. The day presented an opportunity for young Texel enthusiasts to visit different flocks, showing them a mixture of stock from ram lambs to flush ewes.

The day started at Andrew Kennedy’s Maineview flock where the club held some stock judging competitions after a flock tour. In the under 17s, Sam McNeilly took top spot, John Joe O’Hare claimed second, with Ellie Whyte gaining third place. In the senior category Ciaran McKeefry took first place, Martin Hamill second and Colla McDonnell third.

A good crowd then headed to the Lylehill flock, where Alan Glendinning showcased an array of stock.

Finally, the young breeders headed to Roger Strawbridge’s where the Tamnamoney flock was on display. David Chestnutt’s BBQ was put to good use, with Philip Whyte cooking up burgers kindly donated by

YDP

Stephen

Etherson. The night finished with some fun games.

The NI Texel Young breeders would like to thank everyone for coming and supporting their chosen charity, MacMillan, in memory of the late Robert Calvin, Ballyhivistock.

The total amount raised was £725 which wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s donations. A special mention to the committee who organised the event and Northern Ireland Club chairman Philip Whyte for his generosity in providing supplies.

Committee open for nominations

Nominations for the Area B, Northern England, position on the Society’s Youth Development Programme (YDP) Committee will open on Tuesday 7th October 2025 and close at midnight on Tuesday 21st October 2025.

The current Committee member, James Porter, Saltcotes flock, has confirmed that he will be standing for re-election.

If you are interested in putting yourself forward for this role, please visit texel.uk/ydp for further details, or contact Ailish at the Society office.

Nominate for Spotlight Award

Regional Texel Clubs are invited to submit their nominations for this unique award. The award will be presented to an active young Texel breeder, who’s local Club believes they have made an outstanding contribution to the breed, club and flock within their local area or nationally.

All 19 regional Texel clubs across the country will be invited to nominate, via an online nomination form, an individual who must be under the age of 35, a full member of the Society or actively involved with a full member’s flock, that they believe goes above and beyond for the breed. Nominations must be received by 1st December.

Nominees will be interviewed by representatives of the Society board and staff during December, with the winner being announced in January 2026.

Read about the 2025 Award winner, Melissa Buchan, on page 108.

Young handlers success

Winning the Balmoral Show junior Young Handlers class was Laura.

Robbie won the senior Young Handlers class at Balmoral.

Royal Welsh Show Young Handlers winner was John.

Scottish National Sale, YDP Ram Lamb NI National Sale, NITYBC Ram Lamb

SCAN HERE

Students benefit from Society support

Once again in 2025, the Society has shown its commitment to the future of the UK sheep industry by making Educational Awards to students attaining the highest mark on a sheep production related Honours Research Project.

The awards of £250 are offered at four Universities one in each home nation. In Northern Ireland the award is made at Greenmount, in Scotland it is made to an SRUC student, while in Wales it is awarded at Aberystwyth University and in England the award is made to a student at Harper Adams.

The Society’s chairman Peter Mitchell says the future success of the sheep industry is reliant on young people joining businesses at all levels of the industry with knowledge and enthusiasm. “The Society’s support of these awards is aimed at encouraging students with the ability and passion to drive the sheep industry forward.

“The Society’s Educational Awards are unique in the sheep sector and reward the hard work and dedication of students. They are a core part of the Society’s promotional work to engage with the next generation of sheep producers and decision makers in the sheep sector.”

The 2025 winner of the award at Aberystwyth University was Nia Fflur Williams who ran an investigative project examining ‘Wool Fibre Diameter as a Potential Indicator of Resilience in Performance Recorded Lambs’.

At SRUC the 2025 winner was Sophie Cameron whose dissertation looked at ‘The Factors Affecting Crossbred Hill Lamb Horn Phenotypes and the Resultant Relationship with Valuable Performance Traits’.

The Greenmount winner for 2025 Thomas Kerr with his investigation into ‘The Factors Affecting the Periparturient Rise of Faecal Egg Count in Ewes’.

At Harper Adams this year’s Educational Award winner was Anna Herbert, with Anna conducting a research project which looked at ‘Integrating Sustainability into Sheep Enterprises: Reducing Carbon Emissions’.

Nia Fflur Williams presented her award at Aberystwyth University

Sophie Cameron, recieved her award at SRUC’s Graduation ceremony at Glasgow University.

Winning the 2025 award at Harper Adams was Anna Herbert.

Thomas Kerr, Greenmount, presented his award by Philip Whyte, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Texel Breeders Club

Five Nations Weekend hits Donegal

While the British and Irish Lions were enjoying the thrills and spills of a tour down under, their equivalent in the farming world, 30 young Texel enthusiasts from the home nations, enjoyed a whistle stop tour of Donegal for the Five Nations Weekend.

Organised this year by the Irish Texel Sheep Society, the weekend included flock visits, social outings and a visit to the Growvite Texel All Ireland event at Finn Valley Show.

Friday 27th June, the first day of the trip, saw young breeders from across the nations gathered at the Greene family’s farm in Culdaff, Co Donegal, welcomed by an impressive display of Texel sheep.

They then went on to visit the Hillcrest flock of William and Stephen Doherty, where they took part in a number of challenges, including a guess the combined weight competition and stock judging which featured a class of six ewe lambs.

Leading the way here was the Scottish team comprising Ewan MacTaggart, Rascarrel, Kim Laird, Cambwell, Amy Laird, Cambwell, Melissa Buchan, Clinterty and Jack Austin, Woodcroft.

The evening concluded with a lively social night in Letterkenny.

Following that on the Saturday it was time for the attendees to visit the All Ireland Texel Show which saw an excellent turnout of quality Texels for all to enjoy. It was notable that genetics from across the five nations were to the fore across the day, emphasising the close ties between breeders in all home nations.

This was followed by a spirited Tug of War, where the UK team took the win. Celebrations continued with a group meal at McGeetings, Letterkenny, and the presentation of the shield to the top-performing Scottish team.

The Texel Sheep Society and all of those attending extend a heartfelt thank you to all hosts and organisers who made this memorable event possible.

Seaforde gimmer lifts Balmoral championship

Mark Priestley’s Seaforde flock backed up its Balmoral success of last year, lifting its second championship in a row, once again triumphing with a homebred gimmer.

Clinching the top ticket under judge Charlie Boden, Sportsmans and Mellor Vale, was PRQ2402719.

This daughter of the 36,000gns Auldhouseburn Gazza is out of a homebred dam which is herself a full ET sister to last year’s Balmoral champion. She’s by Procters El Presidente and goes back to a Knock ewe purchased privately.

Reserve overall champion was the winner of the shearling ram class, Forkins Hitman from James Cleland, Rose Hall. Sired by Douganhill Gangster and out of a Cherryvale dam by Procters Cocktail, this one was purchased at the Northern Ireland National Sale last year in partnership with Colin Price’s Loanends flock.

He also picked up the award for the best animal of the opposite sex to the champion.

Aged ewe winner was Martin and Cyril Millar’s homebred ewe from the Millars flock, VMG2302853. This Ballygroogan First Class daughter is out of a dam by Hexel Diamond Joe.

Then in the ewe lambs the leader was Jonny Cubitt’s CWH2501959 from his Drumcon flock. She’s a daughter of the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond and is out of a dam by the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King which was herself third in the shearling ewes at Balmoral this year.

Winning the the first class of the day, the aged ram class was Troy Watson, Dallas, with Duvarren Gorse Lea, a Kilduff Farley son out of a dam by Dunelm Charisma and bred in Troy’s father, John’s, Duvarren flock.

And the top spot in the ram lambs was taken by one from Martin and Cyril Millar’s,

Balmoral judge Charlie Boden receives his judge’s memento.

Another highly successful day at Balmoral for the breed was rounded off by more than 80 Society members and friends enjoying the post-showing reception hosted by the Society.

Millars Ice Man. This one is a son of Drumcon Houdini out of a dam by Knockhill Electric.

CLASS RESULTS

AGED EWES

Martin and Cyril Millar’s VMG2303853

Robbie Linton’s HBR231944

Rebecca Burke’s HKP2302454

Troy Watson’s DUVARREN GORSE LEA

Nigel Hamill’s CARMAVY FRANKIE DETTORI

SHEARLING RAMS

James Cleland’s FORKINS HITMAN

James Cleland’s CAPECASTLE HEADER

Philip Dodds’ STRAIDARRAN HAKKA

James Cleland’s ROSE HALL HERO

James Cleland’s LARKHILL FRANK 1 2 3 4 5

James Herdman’s CAPECASTLE HARPER

Martin and Cyril Millar’s MILLARS ICE MAN

Martin and Cyril Millar’s MILLARS I GOTTA FEELING

Jonny Cubitt’s DRUMCON I SPY

Philip Dodds’ TULLYBRANNIGAN I AM THE ONE

Daniel Murray’s KILDAN ICEMAN 1 2 3 4

Nigel Hamill’s WWB2201825

Mark Priestley’s PRQ2402719

Jonny Cubitt’s CWH2401794

Jonny Cubitt’s CWH2401795

1 2 3 SHEARLING EWES 4 5

Martin McConville’s MNV2400500

Derek McDowell’s MNV2400494

Duvarren Gorse Lea won the aged rams for Tory Watson, Dallas.

James Cleland led the shearling rams with Forkins Hitman.

Millars Ice Man from Martin and Cyril Millar was the winner of the ram lamb class.

EWE LAMBS

Johnny Cubitt’s CWH2501959

Martin and Cyril Millar’s VMG2503249

Philip Dodds’ DOD2500833

Aidan Casement’s XAC2500955

James Herdman’s HKP2502804

BEST OPPOSITE SEX

James Cleland’s SHEARLING RAM FORKINS HITMAN

OVERALL CHAMPION

Mark Priestley’s SHEARLING EWE PRQ2402719

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

James Cleland’s SHEARLING RAM FORKINS HITMAN

RESULTS

Mark Priestley secured his second consecutive Balmoral championship with gimmer PRQ2402719.

Huntsman son stalks the competition at Royal Three Counties

A Mellor Vale Huntsman-sired ram lamb from Nick Legge’s Thornbury flock, Bromyard, took the championship at the Society’s Southern Feature Show, Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern.

This lamb, Thornbury Ironside, which had earlier in the day won the texelplus ram lamb class is out of a dam by Midlock Dynamo and was in the capable hands of shepherd Peter Stubbs when tapped out by judge Phil Weaver, Empire.

Taking the reserve overall championship and the female championship was the leader from the day’s gimmer class, THE2400019 from James Theyer, Clanfield. She’s by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a dam by the 100,000gns Auldhouseburn Expression.

The day’s reserve male championship fell to the winner of the aged ram class, Loosebeare Fantastic from Robert and Nesta Watkins, Corras. He’s by Loosebeare Chief and out of a dam by Loosebeare Voomer.

And the reserve female championship was also taken by the Watkins family, with their second prize gimmer, WWC2412535. This one is a daughter of Loosebeare Fantastic and out of a dam by Roxburgh Apache.

In the shearling rams the leader was Hilltop Hugo from Ian and Fiona Andrews

and Fordwell Farm Partners. This son of Auldhouseburn Gazza is out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball.

The open ram lambs were then won by Alan Powell and family with their lamb, Monnow Hill Iceman. This son of the 100,000gns Glenside Forever II is out of an Ettrick-bred dam by Douganhill Desperado.

And Alan Powell then took the honours in the aged ewes too, winning this class with a homebred one-crop ewe which is a full ET sibling to the ram lamb winner.

The winner of the ewe lambs was another from the Powell’s Monnow Hill flock in the form of XPA2500364. She’s a daughter of Allanfauld Hoffmeister and out of a dam by Cressage Enforcer.

Judge Phil Weaver said his champion was an outstanding lamb which was hard to fault. “As a shearling breeder it goes against the grain to pick a ram lamb, but he’s got a great top, a good backend and is super flashy.

“The gimmer is a great strong female and came through from a very strong class,” he added.

Phil Weaver collects his judge’s memento.

R J Watkins’

FANTASTIC

Fordwell Farm Partners and Messrs Andrews’

GOLDEN BALLS

Lisette Smith’s

FREDDIE

Jeremy Theyer’s

GAME CHANGER

Harry Ball’s

GRANVILLE

Loosebeare Fantastic led the aged rams for the Watkins family.

SHEARLING RAMS

1 2 3 4 5

Fordwell Farm Partners and Messrs Andrews’ HILLTOP HUGO

I and F Andrews’ CATTISTOCK HIGH VOLTAGE

R J Watkins’

CORRAS HURRICANE

R J Watkins’ CUPIDS HILL HOLDEN

Josh Phillips’ POSEIDON HES A STAR

OPEN RAM LAMBS

1 2 3 4 5

Alan Powell’s MONNOW HILL ICEMAN

Josh Phillips’ JPZ2500238

Alan Powell’s MONNOW HILL INSPECTOR

Nick Legge’s THORNBURY IRON MIKE

Matt Coles’ PEARTREE INSPIRATION

TEXELPLUS RAM LAMBS

1 2 3 4

Nick Legge’s THORNBURY IRONSIDE

Fordwell Farm Partners’ FORDWELL INVENTOR

Jeremy Theyer’s CHEDWORTH IM THE ONE

A and S Andrews’ AAS2504643

AGED EWES

1 2 3

Alan Powell’s XPA2300223

I and F Andrews’ MZU2313541

Lisette Smith’s VFK2101969

CLASS RESULTS

Hilltop Hugo led the shearling ram class for Fordwell Farm Partners and Ian and Fiona Andrews.

Thornbury Ironside won the texelplus ram lambs before becoming overall champion.

Open ram lamb winner was Monnow Hill Iceman from Alan Powell and family.

Top spot in the aged ewes went to Alan Powell and family, Monnow Hill, with their Glenside Forever II daughter.

CLASS RESULTS

2 3 4 5 SHEARLING EWES

James Theyer’s THE2400019

R J Watkins’ WWC2412535

S and N White’s WXO2402426

Alan Powell’s XPA2400290

Nick Legge’s LEN2402044

3 4 5 EWE LAMBS

Alan Powell’s XPA2500364

Alan Powell’s XPA2500366

Fordwell Farm Partners’ CJF2501501

James Theyer’s THE2500217

Matt Coles’ XPT2500179

GROUP OF THREE LAMBS

Fordwell Farm Partners, FORDWELL

S and N White, LIDDIMORE

Charlie Coombes, WITHAM VALE

1 2 3 PAIRS R J Watkins, CORRAS

Alan Powell, MONNOW HILL

James Theyer, CLANFIELD

Robert and Nesta Watkins, Corras, took reserve female championship honours with their second prize gimmer.

Leading the pairs were the Watkins family, Corras.

Alan Powell and family won the ewe lambs with an Allanfauld Hoffmeister daughter.

Fordwell Farm Partners topped the group of three lambs class.

GROUP OF THREE

1 2 3 4

R J Watkins, CORRAS

Alan Powell, MONNOW HILL

Lisette Smith, PRIDDY

Jeremy Theyer, CHEDWORTH

MALE CHAMPION

Nick Legge’s RAM LAMB THORNBURY IRONSIDE

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

R J Watkins’ AGED RAM LOOSEBEARE FANTASTIC

FEMALE CHAMPION

James Theyer’s SHEARLING EWE THE2400019

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

R J Watkins’ SHEARLING EWE WWC2412535

OVERALL CHAMPION

Nick Legge’s RAM LAMB THORNBURY IRONSIDE

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

James Theyer’s SHEARLING EWE THE2400019

CLASS RESULTS

Male champion was Nick Legge’s ram lamb, Thornbury Ironside.

The Corras team topped the group of three class.

James Theyer’s Clanfield gimmer, THE2400019, took the female and reserve overall championship.

Champion under Phil Weaver was Nick Legge’s ram lamb from the texelplus class, Thornbury Ironside, a Mellor Vale Huntsman son.

Clanfield Golden daughter glistens at Royal Highland

Judge David McKerrow, Uppermill, tapped out a Clanfield Golden-sired gimmer from Robbie Wilson’s Milnbank flock as his overall champion at the Royal Highland Show

This one, LYM2405558, is an ET daughter of the 30,000gns Golden, purchased at Lanark in 2023 and out of a dam by the 17,000gns Harestone Eldorado. She had earlier stood first in the gimmer class and then been female champion before taking the overall championship and has a texelplus index in the top 10% of the breed.

David McKerrow said his champion was a superb gimmer with an excellent carcass, correct throughout and the bit of sparkle he was looking for in his champion. “Throughout the classes the standard was exceptional. The top end quality was evident in the championship line up.”

Taking the reserve overall title was the male champion and winner of the shearling ram class, Garngour Highlander II from Alan Clark and family, trading as J and H Clark. Sired by Midlock Flockstar and out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba, this one was sold privately last summer to Thomas Ayrton with a quarter share retained.

Reserve female champion was the second prize gimmer from the MacGregor family, Allanfauld. This was XMM2427842, a Knap Godzilla daughter out of another dam by Chumba Wumba. She’s another with a top 10% texeplus index.

And reserve male honours fell to the aged ram leader, Douganhill Great Scot from Hannah Sloan, Topnotch. This one is by

David McKerrow had the task of placing the Royal Highland Show line-up, meaning he missed exhibiting for the first time.

Peniel First Class and out of a dam by Glenside King II.

Leading the open ram lambs was the Knox family, Haddo, with Haddo Impressive a Milnbank Hercules son out of a dam by the 65,000gns Hexel Django. With Clanfield Golden’s influence extending here as this lamb’s paternal grand sire.

Then in the texelplus ram lambs the top spot fell to Gordon Gray, Ettrick, with Ettrick Inferno. Sired by Duncryne Hakuna Matata, he’s out of a dam by Sadlerhead Fury.

Topping the aged ewe class was another from the Knox family, KWJ2002083. This four-crop ewe is by Hexel Born To Be Wild and out of a dam by the 60,000gns Clinterty Yuga Khan.

And then the final class of the day, the ewe lambs was another won by the Clark family, Garngour, with their Duncryne Houdini daughter CJN2510483. She’s out of a dam by Stainton Foundation.

Hannah Sloan’s DOUGANHILL GREAT SCOT

Ian Murray’s DUHONW FURY

W and C Ingram’s RASCARREL GALLOWAY KING

Ewan MacTaggart’s ALLANFAULD FIRECRACKER

Euan Robertson’s DRUMADOWNEY GOOSEBUMPS

SHEARLING RAMS

J and H Clark’s and Thomas Ayrton

GARNGOUR HIGHLANDER II

T, A and R Laird’s and Kenny Duthie’s

EDEN VALLEY HIT THE DIFF

T, A and R Laird’s CAMBWELL HOTSHOT

A and S Campbell’s HILLTOP HIGH FLYER

Gordon Gray’s FRENCHBROOK HOTSHOT

Leading the aged rams and taking the reserve male championship was Douganhill Great Scot from Hannah Sloan.

Male champion was Garngour Highlander II from Alan Clark and family and Thomas Ayrton.

CLASS RESULTS

OPEN RAM LAMBS

1 3 2 4 5

W J Knox’s HADDO IMPRESSIVE

J and H Clark’s GARNGOUR ISAAC

Kenny Pratt’s HILLTOP INVICTUS

Robbie Wilson’s MILNBANK IGNITOR

TEXELPLUS RAM LAMBS

Gordon Gray’s ETTRICK INFERNO

W J Knox’s HADDO INDIANA

T, A and R Laird’s CAMBWELL IVANHOE

Gordon Gray’s ETTRICK I AM MAXIMUS 1 2 3 4 5

K and A Campbell’s OVERBURNS IT’S A CERT

Gordon Gray’s ETTRICK ICE FALL

AGED EWES

1 2 3 4 5

W J Knox’s KWJ2002083

Sheena Woodrow’s XMM2121426

Gordon Gray’s GGH2214319

Gordon Gray’s GGH2315016

SHEARLING EWES

Robbie Wilson’s LYM2405558

Allanfauld Ltd’s XMM2427842

J and H Clark’s CJN2409720

J and H Clark’s CJN2409775

Ewan MacTaggart’s MTR2001335 1 2 3 4 5

Gordon Gray’s MZH2401138

Haddo Impressive from the Knox family led the open ram lamb class.

Gordon Gray’s Ettrick Inferno was first in the texelplus ram lambs.

Aged ewe leader was a Hexel Born To Be Wild daughter from the Knox family.

Robbie Wilson’s Clanfield Golden daughter topped the gimmers.

EWE LAMBS

J and H Clark’s CJN2510483

3 2 4 5

Allanfauld Ltd’s XMM2529948

Kenny Pratt’s PKH2504009

Allan Campbell’s CNK2506215

A and S Campbell’s ADC2501557

MALE CHAMPION

J and H Clark’s SHEARLING RAM GARNGOUR HIGHLANDER II

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

Hannah Sloan’s AGED RAM DOUGANHILL GREAT SCOT

FEMALE CHAMPION

Robbie Wilson’s SHEARLING EWE LYM2405558

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

Allanfauld Ltd’s  SHEARLING EWE XMM2427842

OVERALL CHAMPION

Robbie Wilson’s SHEARLING EWE LYM2405558

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

J and H Clark’s SHEARLING RAM GARNGOUR HIGHLANDER II

CLASS RESULTS

Garngour Highlander II took the male championship.

Alan Clark and family, Garngour, topped the ewe lambs with a Duncryne Houdini daughter.

Reserve female champion was a gimmer from the MacGregor family’s Allanfauld flock.

Topping the Texels at the Royal Highland was Robbie Wilson’s gimmer, LYM2405558.

Highway Express drives to success at Great Yorkshire

It was another Great Yorkshire Show championship win for the Boden family’s Sportsmans flock with their shearling ram Uppermill Highway Express claiming the title under judge Gwilym Williams, Caron.

Placing this year’s Great Yorkshire Show classes was Gwilym Williams, Caron.

Sired by the 30,000gns Clanfield Golden and out of a dam by the 26,000gns Ettrick Earthquake, this one was purchased for 10,000gns at the Solway and Tyne Club Sale, Carlisle, last autumn. He went on to take the show’s overall interbreed championship, being tapped out by Willie Ingram of the Logie Durno flock.

The reserve overall championship stayed with the males, going to Jeff and Jennifer Aiken and family’s aged ram Greenall Fisticuffs. He’s by the 15,000gns Knock Yardsman and out of a dam by Langside Stifler. Fisticuffs is jointly owned with Danny Creer, Cooilingel.

Lifting the female championship were Roy and Elizabeth Campbell with their aged ewe CKC2214734. Jointly owned with the Overburns and Drimsynie flocks, she’s by the 65,000gns Hexel Django and out of a dam by Teiglum Charmer.

And the reserve female championship went to James Porter’s ewe lamb from his Saltcotes flock, PTJ2500224. Sired by Hexel Geronimo II and out of a dam by Hexel Freaky Blinder.

In the homebred shearling rams the win went to Peter Longdin, Wellingley, with Wellingley Hooray Henry, a Teiglum Firefly son out of a dam by Knock Banker.

The open ram lambs were then won by B I and B M Mosey’s lamb from their Blackdale flock, Blackdale Indiana Jones. This Sadlerhead Fury son is out of an Ettrick dam by Hope Valley Dazzler.

And the texelplus ram lamb class was then taken by another from the same home, with this one, Blackdale Ivan Drago, being a full brother to winner of the last class.

In the gimmers the win went to the Blackdale flock again, this time with a Hexel bred gimmer by the £120,000 Strathbogie Gladiator and out of a dam by the 10,000gns Coniston Equinox.

James Porter, Saltcotes, then picked up the red tickets in both the pairs and group of three classes.

AGED RAMS

1 2 3

J and J Aiken’s

Barker’s

R P & S Whiteley’s

GREENALL FISTICUFFS

Sam

STRAWFRANK GRANDAD ROBIN

TIMA GOLDSTAR

Greenall Fisticuffs took top spot in the aged rams.

EXHIBITOR BRED SHEARLING RAMS

H M & P C Longdin’s WELLINGLEY HOORAY HENRY

Chris Riby’s STONEHILLS HUGE ASS

Peel and Johnson’s WASHBURN VALLEY HILLYBILLY ROCK

H M & P C Longdin’s WELLINGLEY HIGHWAYMAN

J and J Aiken’s AXC2400513 1 2 3 4 5

OPEN SHEARLING RAMS

Boden and Davies’ UPPERMILL HIGHWAY EXPRESS

J and J Aiken’s CONISTON HOCUS POCUS

Peel and Johnson’s ALWENT HERO

Paul and Amanda Sykes’ TILLYCAIRN HELL RAISER

H M & P C Longdin’s WELLINGLEY HECTOR

OPEN RAM LAMBS

B I and B M Mosey’s BLACKDALE INDIANA JONES

James Porter’s SALTCOTES ICE MAN

SJ & SL Beachell’s SAMSAR IRON MAN

H M & P C Longdin’s LJW2501930

H M & P C Longdin’s LJW2501912

TEXELPLUS RAM LAMBS

1 2 3 4 5

B I and B M Mosey’s BLACKDALE IVAN DRAGO

SJ & SL Beachell’s SAMSAR INCREDIBLE

R and E Campbell’s COWAL IN IT TO WIN IT

Derek Pickles’ HAMMERTON ILLY

Peel and Johnson’s WASHBURN VALLEY IRON MAN

The Mosey family’s Blackdale Indiana Jones won the open ram lamb class.

Peter Longdin’s Wellingley Hooray Henry topped the exhibitor-bred shearlings.

Uppermill Highway Express topped the shearling rams.

Blackdale Ivan Drago from the Mosey family took the red ticket in the texelplus ram lambs.

CLASS RESULTS

Leading

R and E Campbell’s CKC2214734

Mark Collins’ IJS2307773

H M & P C Longdin’s LJW2301718

Harry Askwith’s MZH2300992

SHEARLING EWES

B I and B M Mosey’s MZH2401191

Anthony Carter’s THE2400070

James Porter’s PTJ2400183

Ruby Wright’s RBY2401893

Paul and Amanda Sykes’ CKP2307408 1 2 3 4 5

Boden and Davies’ BGS2407340

EWE LAMBS

James Porter’s PTJ2500224

James Porter’s PTJ2500270

Chris Riby’s RKS2502480

R and E Campbell’s CKC2500021

Mark Collins’ CLV2500357 1 2 3 PAIRS

James Porter SALTCOTES A J Carter MILLCROFT

Peel and Johnson WASHBURN VALLEY

James Porter, Saltcotes, took first in the ewe lambs and the reserve female championship with his Hexel Geronimo II daughter.

Porter, Saltcotes.

Topping the aged ewes and winning the female championship was CKC2214734 from Roy and Elizabeth Campbell, owned in partnership with the Overburns and Drimsynie flocks.

Taking top place in the gimmers was this Strathbogie Gladiator daughter from the Mosey family.

GROUP OF THREE

1 2 3

James Porter SALTCOTES

Peel and Johnson WASHBURN VALLEY

Paul and Amanda Sykes QUARRYSIDE

MALE CHAMPION

Boden and Davies’ SHEARLING RAM UPPERMILL HIGHWAY EXPRESS

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

J and J Aiken’s AGED RAM GREENALL FISTICUFFS

FEMALE CHAMPION

R and E Campbell’s AGED EWE CKC2214734

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

James Porter’s EWE LAMB PTJ2500224

OVERALL CHAMPION

Boden and Davies’ SHEARLING RAM UPPERMILL HIGHWAY EXPRESS

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

J and J Aiken’s AGED RAM GREENALL FISTICUFFS

Male championship went to Mesrs Boden and Davies, with reserve to the Aiken family.

The Campbells topped the female classes, with James Porter in reserve.

Taking the breed and interbreed championship at Great Yorkshire was shearling ram Uppermill Highway Express from Messrs Boden and Davies.

James Porter secured the red ticket in the group of three class for his Saltcotes flock.

Gladiator daughter shows no mercy at Royal Welsh

Gerallt Rowlands’ Strathbogie Gladiator-sired gimmer from his Traws flock saw off all-comers to claim the championship among a Welsh only entry at the Royal Welsh Show.

This Hexel-bred gimmer, MZH2401109, is out of a Procters Chumba Wumba daughter which is a full ET sister to the 60,000gns Hexel Django.

Purchased at Lanark in January for just 500gns, this one had been at 10 shows prior to this outing and the Royal Welsh top ticket was her ninth championship.

Judge David Chestnutt, Clougher and Bushmills, said she was an excellent example of the breed, full of flesh throughout, great on her legs and with super breed character and spark.

Standing in reserve was the day’s reserve female champion, a ewe lamb from Geoff Morgan and family, Blaencar. This one, YME2513064, is by the homebred Blaencar Gladiator and out of a dam by Knock Yardsman.

David Chestnutt said she’d been a very close reserve and was sure to make a great gimmer and breeding ewe in future years.

Taking the male championship were Gwilym and Nerris Williams and family, Caron, with their shearling ram, Caron High Flyer. He is sired by Milnbank Gambler and out of a Peniel-bred dam by Rhaeadr Explorer.

Reserve male honours went to Carwyn Lewis, Hathren, with a ram lamb, Hathren Impression. This one is by Knap GateCrasher and out of a dam by Clanfield Foremost.

Top spot in the day’s first class, the aged rams, went to Michael James, Duhonw, with Ettrick Gaucho. He’s by Sadlerhead Fury and out of a dam by Claybury Dunkirk.

Then in the aged ewes the leader was Morgan Jenkins, Swn Y Mor, with LWE2300540. This Rue Wood-bred ewe is by Teiglum Firestarter and out of a dam by Anglezarke Uno.

The group of three class was then won by Geraint Williams and family, Dragon.

Judge David Chestnutt receives his judge’s memento.

Michael

Michael James’ DUHONW FIRE CRACKER

Dafydd Evans WHITEHART FREESTYLE

D G and N Williams’ CARON

D G and N Williams’ WLT2401667

G W & K Williams’ DRAGON HOT SHOT

Sioned Thomas’ BLAENCAR HIGHJACKER

T C and R L Adams’ CAMBWELL HULK

Top spot in the aged rams went to Ettrick Gaucho from Michael James, Duhonw.

Male champion and top of the shearling ram class was Caron High Flyer from Gwilym and Nerris Williams and family.

CLASS RESULTS

RAM LAMBS

1 2 3 4 5

Carwyn Lewis’ HATHREN IMPRESSION

G W & K Williams’ DRAGON IRONMAN

Shae Price’s GEREAFON IM YER MAN

E G Morgan’s BLAENCAR INFERNO

Sioned Thomas’ TAS2501272

AGED EWES

1 2 3 4 5

Morgan Jenkins’ LWE2300540

G W & K Williams’ VBC2305203

T C and R L Adams’ ATC2203961

Shae Price’s TIP2103244

SHEARLING EWES

Gerallt Rowlands’ MZH2401109

D G and N Williams’ WLT2401608

Evan Turner’s AOS2400290

Tomos Ellis’ JNB2410392

Dafydd Evans’ REW2309540 1 2 3 4 5

G W & K Williams’ MZH2401162

EWE LAMBS

1 3 2 4 5

E G Morgan’s YME2513064

Carwyn Lewis’ LCY2500517

G W & K Williams’ WYN2504608

D J J Watkins’ WJJ2502007

Robin Ellis’ ECE2511605

Leading the ewe lambs and taking the reserve female and reserve overall championships was the Morgan family’s ewe lamb from their Blaencar flock.

Reserve male champion was Carwyn Lewis’ ram lamb by Knap Gate Crasher from the Hathren flock.

Morgan Jenkins, Swn Y Mor, topped the aged ewes with a Teiglum Firestarter daughter.

Overall champion was Gerallt Rowlands’ gimmer, MZH2401109, a Strathbogie Gladiator daughter.

GROUP OF THREE

1 2

Geraint Williams DRAGON

D G and N Williams CARON

MALE CHAMPION

D G and N Williams’ SHEARLING RAM CARON HIGH FLYER

RESERVE MALE CHAMPION

Carwyn Lewis’ RAM LAMB HATHREN IMPRESSION

FEMALE CHAMPION

Gerallt Rowlands’ SHEARLING EWE MZH2401109

RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION

E G Morgan’s EWE LAMB YME2513064

OVERALL CHAMPION

Gerallt Rowlands’ SHEARLING EWE MZH2401109

RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPION

E G Morgan’s EWE LAMB YME2513064

Male champion and top of the shearling ram class was Caron High Flyer from Gwilym and Nerris Williams and family.

The Dragon flock took top spot in the group of three.

Overall champion was Gerallt Rowlands’ gimmer, MZH2401109, a Procters Chumba Wumba daughter.

The female champion and reserve went on to lift the overall championship and reserve for Gerallt Rowlands and the Morgan family.

Corbo ewe lamb tops Northern Ireland Club National Show

This year’s Northern Ireland National Show, held at Armagh Show, saw a record number of entires for Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn, to place.

Taking the day’s overall championship under Mr Blackwood was the first place February-born ewe lamb and Galloway and MacLeod female champion from Adrian Liggett’s Corbo pen. This ewe lamb, LIG2500934, is a Forkins Hawkeye daughter and out of a Hexel Fan Club dam.

Mr Blackwood took his pick from Mark Priestley’s Seaforde exhibits for his Galloway and MacLeod reserve female and reserve overall champion. She was his first choice from the March-born ewe lamb class, PRQ2503056. This one is a Drumbreddan Hard Ass daughter out of a Knap Ewe by Sportsmans Cannon Ball.

Judging took place under difficult conditions with Mr Blackwood choosing his first place aged ram from Roger Strawbridge’s Tamnamoney pen. Jointly owned, Ballynahone Foreman is a Garngour Emerald son out of a Scotsman Avicii dam.

Claiming first place in the aged ewe class and also presented the Galloway and Macleod special prize for the best aged ewe was Alastair Gault’s Forkins exhibit. This was GAF2303693 a Charben Fantastic daughter out of a Lakeview Dirty Dancer sired dam.

Taking the top spot in the gimmer lineup was Jonny Cubitt’s Drumcon entry, CWH2401794, a Strathbogie Gypsy King daughter out of an Auldhouseburn Corky dam.

Mr Blackwood continued to brave the elements, choosing his first-place shearling ram from the O’Hare family’s exhibits. Not

on his first outing, Ballykeel Holy Bejoly kept up his winning streak. He is a son of New View Electrifying and out of a Hilltop Ewe sired by Knock Crackerjack.

In the Young Breeders class it was Jack Walmsley’s turn to take the red rosette with his White Water Farm ewe lamb, WXX2500603, a Haymount Fancy That daughter out of an imported dam by Garngour Fly Half II.

Mr Blackwood chose his first place February-born ram lamb and later Galloway and MacLeod male champion from John Trimble’s Curley pen. This lamb, Curley Iron

Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn, judged this year’s Northern Ireland National Show.

Mike, is a Forkins Hawkeye son out of a New View Electrifying-sired dam.

The Galloway & MacLeod reserve male champion was also from the same class, earlier standing second place, this time from Martin McConville’s Glenhone pen. Glenhone I Am The Man is a son of the 28,000gns Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants and out of a Coniston Equinox-sired ewe.

In the March-born ram lamb class it was young breeder Martin McConville’s turn for first place with Glenhone Isaac, a Rhaeadr First Choice son out of a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur-sired ewe.

Jonny Cubitt, Drumcon, took the red ticket in the gimmers.

Top spot in the shearling rams went to Naomi O’Hare and family with Ballykeel Holy Bejoly.

Ballynahone Foreman took the aged ram honours for Roger Strawbridge and partners.

Winning the Northern Ireland Texel Young Breeders Class was Jack Walmsley with his ewe lamb.

NATIONAL SHOW RESULTS

Reserve male championship honours went to Martin McConville with his ram lamb.

Mark Priestley’s second prize ewe lamb won the reserve female and reserve overall championships.

Leading the male classes was John Trimble’s ram lamb, Curley Iron Mike.

Adrian Liggett’s ewe lamb took the day’s female and overall championships under judge Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn.

Something for everyone at Texel Sales

This year’s Society National Sales were abundant in their success, achieving new record averages and gross takings of £1,874,378, up 25% on 2024, across the four sales. As ever, the highest prices attracted the headlines, however, the strength of these sales is the depth of trading that occurs, with all four National Sales providing a wide range of purchasing opportunities.

The sales saw strong demand for both ram lambs and shearlings, with shearlings proving in demand at both the English National Sale and the Northern Ireland National Sale where clearances of 84% and 96% were achieved, respectively. Overall, across the National Sales, 53% of shearling rams sold at less than 1950gns and just 6% made more than 5000gns

Meanwhile, in the ram lambs 73% of ram lambs sold at less than 1950gns, while just 8% sold at prices of more than 5000gns.

Scottish National Sale

25% of ram lambs sold at 950gns or less

36% of ram lambs sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

23% of ram lambs sold at 2000gns to 4950gns

8% of ram lambs sold at 5000gns to 9500gns

8% of ram lambs sold at 10,000gns or more

Northern Ireland National Sale

36% of ram lambs sold at 950gns or less

40% of ram lambs sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

18% of ram lambs sold at 2000gns to 4950gns

4% of ram lambs sold at 5000gns to 9500gns

2% of ram lambs sold at 10,000gns or more

3% of shearling rams sold at 950gns or less

60% of shearling rams sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

29% of shearling rams sold at 2000gns to 2950gns

8% of shearling rams sold at 3000gns or more

English National Sale

56% of ram lambs sold at 950gns or less

22% of ram lambs sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

19% of ram lambs sold at 2000gns to 4950gns

2% of ram lambs sold at 5000gns to 9500gns

1% of ram lambs sold at 10,000gns or more

13% of shearling rams sold at 950gns or less

30% of shearling rams sold at 1000gns to 1950gns

30% of shearling rams sold at 2000gns to 2950gns

15% of shearling rams sold at 3000gns to 4950gns

12% of shearling rams sold at 5000gns or more

Welsh National Sale

74% of rams lambs sold at 950gns or less 21% of ram lambs sold at 1000gns to 1950gns 5% of ram lambs sold at 2000gns or more

Texels accounted for more than 40% of the gross sale takings

Texels were 35% of all rams sold at Kelso

Registered shearlings made 23% more than unregistered shearlings

Texels accounted for more than 38% of the total sale value

Texels accounted for 35% of all rams sold

Midlock Inferno sets trade alight at Lanark

A robust demand for the best of the ram lambs on offer saw the opening National Sale, the Scottish National Sale, Lanark, peak at 110,000gns, average £4798.84 and record a clearance of 82%.

Leading the trade was a much talked about lamb, Midlock

from the

Top flock averages

Prefix Number Sold Average

Midlock Two £64,050

Auldhouseburn Five £35,763

Mellor Vale Four £11,917

Harestone Three £11,760

Sportsmans Two £8295

Knap Five £7245

Ettrick Seven £4920

Teiglum Three £4024

Allanfauld Four £3858

Hexel Six £3797

Inferno

Wight family, Alan, Karen, Ben, Kate and Andrew of Biggar. Notching the family’s second six figure Texel sale.

Sired by Claybury Hotshot and out of a dam by the noted Sportsmans Cannon Ball, this one was quickly off the mark and chased hard all the way to the sale topping price, eventually falling in a two-way split to Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn, Ayrshire and Charlie Boden and family, Sportsmans and Mellor Vale, Cheshire.

Alan Blackwood was then on the other end of the equation when taking a 65,000gns call for Auldhouseburn Imperial King. This son of Okehall Hammerhead, the champion junior stock ram in last year’s National Flock Competition, is ET bred out of a ewe lamb by the 90,000gns Hilltop Goliath. Buying this one were the McKerrow family, Uppermill and Tillycairn, Robbie Wilson, Milnbank and the Knox family, Haddo.

Another of the Auldhouseburn pen, Auldhouseburn Illusion, then took the next best bid of 55,000gns, with this one again by Okehall Hammerhead and out of a dam by the 130,000gns Haymount Fan Dabi Dozi. He was shared in a six-way split, with two sixths taken by Stuart Barclay, Harestone and equal shares bought by Sandy Hunter, Wedderburn, Robert Cockburn, Knap, Messrs Arnott, Haymount and Allan Campbell, Strawfrank.

Close behind that and helping the Bodens recoup some of their outlay came a 40,000gns sale for Mellor Vale Impeccable. This son of the 30,000gns Milnbank Hunter is out of a dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug and sold with a top 5% texelplus index when bought by Gordon and David Gray, Ettrick and Tima, Selkirk.

Next in line at 42,000gns was yet another from Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn Impression. He’s a full ET brother to the 55,000gns Illusion and helped the Auldhouseburn pen to an average of £35,763 for five sold. This one found a new home with John Forsyth for the Glenside flock, Maybole, with Alan Blackwood retaining a half share.

Next in line at 24,000gns was the best from Stuart Barclay, Harestone, in the form of Harestone Indiana Jones. He’s by the 70,000gns Hexel High Voltage and out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba. Buying him in a three-way split were the MacGregor family, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, Messrs Wight, Midlock and Andrew Clark, Teiglum, both Lanarkshire.

Just shy of that when making 19,000gns early in the day was a flock best for Nick Legge, Thornbury, when his lamb, Thornbury Ironside, the champion from Royal Three Counties Show, earlier in the summer, sold to Allan and Susan Campbell, Drimsynie, Keith and Andrew Campbell, Overburns and Roy and Elizabeth Campbell, Cowal, with Nick Legge retaining an equal share. He’s by the 17,000gns Mellor Vale Huntsman and out of a dam by Midlock Dynamo.

Next up was Robert Cockburn’s pre-sale show champion, Knap Ibiza Rocks which sold for 18,000gns. This Duncryne Hakuna Matata son is out of a New View Electrifying-sired dam and was knocked down to W Graham and Son for their Craigdarroch flock with a half share taken by Ian and Patsy Hunter’s Dalchirla flock.

After that Charlie Boden and family sold Sportsmans Ice Breaker at 13,000gns. He’s by Milnbank Hunter and out of a dam by the homebred Sportsmans Express. Selling with a top 5% texelplus index, he went home with Rob Evans for the Hope Valley flock, with a share taken by James Theyer, Clanfield.

Then came an 11,000gns bid for Allanfauld Instructor from the MacGregor family, with this being by the privately purchased Duncryne Houdini and out of a dam by Claybury Dunkirk. Selling with a top 25% texelplus index he was another picked out by William Dunlop, Elmscleugh.

Coming in at 20,000gns was Ettrick I Am Maximus from Gordon and David Gray, with this Duncryne Hakuna Matata son being out of a dam by Sadlerhead Fury and selling with a top 5% texelplus index. He found a new home with William Dunlop, Elmscleugh.

The Wight family then sold their other entry, Midlock Invictus at 12,000gns, with this one being a Teiglum High Flyer son out of a dam by Claybury Dunkirk and being bought by Eamonn Vaughan, Partridge Nest.

Stuart Barclay then took an 8000gns call for Harestone Inchmurrin when he sold to Douganhill Farms. This one is by the 70,000gns Hexel High Voltage and is a full ET brother to the 24,000gns Harestone Indiana Jones.

And making 7500gns was the best of the day from the MacPherson family, Hexel I’m The Boss. Sired by the homebred Hexel Hidden Asset, he is out of a Proctersbred dam by the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond and sold to Allan and Susan Campbell, Drimsynie.

Record breaking 20,000gns gimmer tops Lanark

A new sale female record of 20,000gns was the highlight of a select entry of gimmers at the Scottish National Sale, Lanark.

Third in line was a 1600gns bid for a Cowal-bred gimmer from Allan and Susan Campbell, Drimsynie, CKC2415718. This Cowal Galatico daughter is out of a dam by Sportsmans Express and sold to Angus MacLean.

Average; seven gimmers £4425.

Sale topper was XMM2427843 from the MacGregor family, Allanfauld. This Knap Godzilla daughter is out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba and is full sister to a 10,000gns gimmer sold recently for charity. She was bought in a two-way split by Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn and Messrs Boden and Davies, Sportsmans, having been female champion in the pre-sale show.

Second best here at 5000gns was the reserve female champion from James Porter, Saltcotes, PTJ2400183. She’s by Hexel Geronimo II and out of a dam by Hexel Freaky Blinder. A third prize winner from the Great Yorkshire, she found a new home with Charlier Fielder for his Test Valley flock.

Average; 155 ram lambs £4798.84.

Knap Impact leaves an impression at English National Sale

A record breaking ram lamb trade at the English National Sale saw a new best ever average set when 98 lambs levelled at £1450.82.

Helping lift the trade to these new heights was Robert Cockburn’s sale topper, Knap Impact. This son of the 22,000gns Duncryne Hakuna Matata is out of Robert’s noted ewe, CKP2004684 ‘Daisy Duke’ and had been part of the first prize group of three in the pre-sale show.

Selling in a two-way split, he was shared at 20,000gns by Peter and James Vaughan, Kingspark and Jim and Nicki Hartwright, Whitehart.

Next best in the lambs was a 5500gns sale for Auldhouseburn Istabraq from Alan Blackwood. Sired by the 12,000gns Okehall Hot Shot and out of a Sportsmans-bred dam by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice, he was taken by James Amphlett, Brecon.

Close behind at 5000gns was another from the same home, Auldhouseburn Ivan Attitude, with this one being by Okehall Hammerhead and out of a Scholars Governor-sired dam. Taking this one in equal shares were Charlie Fielder, Test Valley and Keith Darling, Kingstead.

Nick Legge’s Thornbury flock under the stewardship of shepherd Peter Stubbs continued its recent good form next, taking a 4500gns bid for Thornbury Iron Mike, a Mellor Vale Huntsman son out of a dam by Glenside Forever II. Sold with a top 5% index, he went away with A E Jones for the Ynystoddeb flock.

Then at 3800gns was the best of the day from the Wight family’s Midlock pen, Midlock Impact. Sired by Claybury Hotshot, he is a full ET brother to the family’s Lanark topping Midlock Inferno and was bought by Steve and Carolyn Williams, Wollascott.

David Gray, Tima, then followed up at 3500gns with Tima Impressario, an Overburns Hulk son out of a dam by Sportsmans Unbeatable. Selling with a top 1% index he heads south with Georgie Helyer for the Langford flock.

Top flock averages – ram lambs

Prefix Number Sold Average

Knap Three £7770

Auldhouseburn Two £5512

Tima Three £3045

Cambwell Five £2121

Haddo Two £1890

Thornbury Seven £1740

Allanfauld Two £1680

Teiglum Four £1561

Milnbank Six £1452

Ettrick Four £1338

Three then sold at 3000gns, with the first being the champion from the pre-sale show, Thornbury Italian Stallion from Nick Legge. This son of Drumcon History Maker is out of a Plasucha-bred dam by Sportsmans Express and was knocked down to the Kunica flock, Wessington.

Second at this level was Robert Laird’s Cambwell Ivan. This one is by Deveronvale Fantastic and out of a dam by Caereinion Diamond and found a new home with Brydon Johnson, Shetland, for the Vinjara flock, with a top 1% texelplus index.

The third 3000gns call came for Robbie Wilson’s leader, Milnbank Impulse. A son of the 30,000gns Clanfield Golden, he’s out of a dam by Holylee Foreman which was sold for 6000gns as a gimmer and went home with Fordwell Farm Partners, for the Fordwell flock, Oxon.

And making 2800gns was another of David Gray’s, Tima Impressive. He’s by Sadlerhead Fury and out of a dam by Clinterty Yuga Khan. Ranked in the top 25% of the breed, he is from the same family as the £11,000 Ettrick Cocky Bob and sold to Roger and Anthony Williams’ Clun flock, Craven Arms.

Loosebeare Hardcore proves rock solid at Worcester

The Quick family, Crediton, Devon, led the shearling ram trade at the English National Sale, Worcester, with a 20,000gns sale for Loosebeare Hardcore.

On a day which saw a new centre record shearling ram average set at £3068.66 for 71 sold, Hardcore proved to be the crowd favourite, with bids quickly escalating.

Sired by Brijon Deal Breaker and out of a dam by Hexel Diamond Joe, he had stood second in the pre-sale show and was bought by Matthew Seed for the Auchry flock, Turriff, with a half share retained by the vendors.

Top flock averages –shearling rams

Second best in the shearlings at 18,000gns was one from the Chave family’s Peacehay flock, Somerset. This was Peacehay High Expectations, a son of Clarks Wizard out of a dam by Peacehay Untouchable and from the same family as the 11,000gns Peacehay Greatest Showman. This one headed to North Wales with Esmor Evans for the Maerdy flock, Mold.

Following that came an 8000gns bid for Whitehart Hot To Handle from Jim and Nicki Hartwright. He’s by Castlecairn Googlebug, sire of two gimmers at 5500gns at the flock’s annual production sale earlier in the summer, and out of a dam by Brijon Deal Breaker. This one found a new home with Pilkington Farms, Hartington, Buxton.

Then came a 7500gns call for Corras

the homebred

a

from Robert

of a

Nesta

Next in line at 7000gns was Whitehart Heavy Load from the Hartwrights. This one is by the 12,500gns Loosebeare Five Star and out of a dam by Roxburgh Danny Boy and was the pick of Gareth Jones for the family’s Rowlestone flock, Pembrokeshire.

Close behind at 5000gns came another from the Watkins’ Corras pen in the form of Corras Hurricane. He’s by Loosebeare Fantastic and out of a dam by the homebred Corras Armadale and headed away with Colette Powell for the Welklas flock, Vowchurch.

Hugo

and

Watkins and family. This son of

Corras Fearsome is out

dam by Clun Captain and sold with

top 10% texelplus index. He was knocked down to Robin Creighton, Chelmsford, for his Endway flock, with the Watkins retaining an equal share.

Following him at 5200gns was the best of the day from Fred and Bryn Robinson’s Preenbank pen. Their leader was Preenbank H1, a son of Strawfrank Glenfiddich and out of a dam by Duhonw Dreamer. This one was taken by Ben Roberts, Poundapitt and Adam Mounce, Wooladon, both Devon.

The Quicks were then back in the money, taking 6000gns for Loosebeare Highness. This son of the homebred Loosebeare Foreman is out of a dam by Whitehart Class Act and was knocked down to John Owens and family, Woodhouse, Leominster.

A 6500gns call for another from the same home, Whitehart Hardcore, followed that. Sired by the homebred Whitehart Big Style and out of a Cherryvale Shergar daughter, he sold to join J and J Spillane, Fairfield, Buxton.

Selling at the same money was Preenbank Highwayman from the Robinsons, with this one being by Greenall Early Riser and out of a dam by Roxburgh Colossus. He found a new home with Angela Nairey’s Meinspride flock, Blackburn.

And making 4200gns was Phil and Helen Weaver’s Empire Hunter, a Caron Express son out of a dam by Empire Captain and bought by the Forrester family for their Doonguile flock, Market Drayton.

Allanfauld gimmer completes Grand Slam at Worcester

A strong demand for Texel females saw the breed register a second best ever centre average for gimmers when 48 sold to level at £1401.09 on an 87% clearance.

First-time vendor Jonathan Watson then took 4500gns for his pen leader, Brijon Hercules II. Sired by Loosebeare Digger, he’s out of a Midlock Youre The One daughter and had been used at home as a lamb. Buying him was Robbie Tofield for his Oakridge flock, Bucks.

Average; 71 shearling rams £3068.66 (McCartneys).

Topping the trade at 9000gns was one from the MacGregor family’s Allanfauld flock, Glasgow. This was XMM2427840, a Sportsmans Grand Slam daughter out of a Cowal-bred dam by Hexel Django. This one had been the day’s female champion in the pre-sale show and sold to Jim Innes for the Strathbogie flock, Huntly.

Also selling at 3200gns was the first of the day, WWC2412535 from Robert and Nesta Watkins’ Corras flock. The first gimmer ever sold by the family, this one is by Loosebeare Fantastic and out of a dam by Roxburgh Apache. She had been reserve female champion at Royal Three Counties Show earlier in the summer and was the pick of Llion Jones for the Pant flock, North Wales.

A pair then made 2300gns, with the first being from Messrs Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans consignment. This Rhaeadr First Choice daughter is out of a dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug and was another bought by Messrs Ryder, Seaville.

Next best at 4000gns was one from Mike Turner’s Okehall flock, Derbyshire. This was TMO2411089, a Holtridge Golden Arrow daughter out of a dam by Haymount Earth Wind and Fire and had been third in the pre-sale show. She was knocked down to Eamonn Vaughan for the Partridge Nest flock, also Derbyshire.

Then making 3200gns was another from the Allanfauld pen, XMM2427832. This full sister to the sale topper was bought by J H and J Ryder, Seaville, Cumbria.

Second at 2300gns was the reserve female champion from Gordon Gray, Ettrick. Sired by Sadlerhead Fury, GGH2416021 is out of a dam by Clinterty You Cracker and sold with a top 25% texelplus index when taken by Jan Boomars for the Vexour flock.

Following on at 2200gns was one from the Monnow Hill flock of Alan Powell and family. This was XPA2400321, a Hexel Geronimo II daughter out of a Sportsmans-bred dam by Garngour Craftsman. She found a new home with K Jones, for the Field Day flock, Shropshire.

And wrapping up the leading prices at 2000gns was another from Messrs Boden and Davies, BGS2407220. Sired by the 170,000gns Knap Grumpy, she’s out of a dam by Procters El Presidente and was knocked down to Stephen Stamp and family for the Appletree flock.

Averages; 48 gimmers £1401.09 (McCartneys).

Knap Inspector Gadget leads Welshpool trade at 2000gns

It was another sale topping day for Robert Cockburn’s Knap flock when his ram lamb, Knap Inspector Gadget, led the trade at the Welsh National Sale, Welshpool, at 2000gns.

Inspector Gadget, is sired by Duncryne Hakuna Matata and out of a dam by Haddo Falcon and was bought by D G and E M Clarke, Caersws, Newtown.

The other at this level was Knap Icon SFX. He’s by Knap Hammerhead and out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and was the pick of J Roberts and Son, Pwllheli.

Average; 20 ram lambs £803.51 (Welshpool Livestock Sales)

Next best in the males was an 1800gns call for Thornbury Ice Cube from another in form flock, Nick Legge’s Thornbury flock. This one is by Mellor Vale Huntsman and out of a Plasucha-bred dam by Sportsmans Express. He sold to Tom Evans, for the Welsh flock, Carmarthenshire.

Third best was another from the same home, Thornbury Inky, another by Mellor Vale Hunstman and out of a dam Midlock Dynamo. He found a new home with J E Isaac, Meifod for the Cynhinfa flock.

A pair from Robert Cockburn then followed at 1000gns. The first of these was Knap Icarus, another by Knap Hammerhead and this time out of a dam by Seaforde Empire King. He sold to G W Jones, Corwen.

Knap gimmer leads Welshpool females

A select entry of gimmers topped at 1900gns for a Knap gimmer from Robert Cockburn’s entry.

Sale leader was CKP2408537, a Dundas Evolution daughter out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball. Buying this one were A J I and M D James, Llanfyrnach, Pembrokeshire.

Then making 1500gns was a Sportsmans gimmer from Messrs Boden and Davies. This was BGS2407379, a Knap General Lee daughter out of a dam by Haymount Fan Dabi Dozi and bought by D G and E M Clarke, Caersws, Newtown.

Average; 16 gimmers £933.84 (Welshpool Livestock Sales).

And at 1400gns was one from the Draper family’s Claybury flock, DHL2402470. She’s by Ettrick Fu Fighter and out of a dam by the homebred Claybury Delta Force. She sold with a top 25% texelplus index and was the pick of previous buyers A J I and M D James. SCAN

Largy I Show Speed races to the top at Ballymena

A new centre record for a ram lamb, a sale record average and a 90% clearance were the standout features of the Northern Ireland National Texel Sale, which topped at 32,000gns for Eugene Branagan’s Largy I Show Speed.

The sale topper is a son of the 170,000gns Knap Grumpy and is out of a dam by 42,000gns Mullan Amigo. Subject to a fierce and rapid bidding battle, this one was knocked down to Adrian Liggett for the Corbo flock, Co Tyrone.

Second best of the 235 ram lambs sold was a 22,000gns call for another lamb heading out of the province, Cathal Harkin’s The Rock Icon. This son of the 70,000gns 2024 Lanark topper Hexel High Voltage is out of a Harestone Fast N Furious daughter and has seen sisters sell at 2800gns already this year. Buying him was Alan Blackwood for the Auldhouseburn flock, Ayrshire.

Following along at 20,000gns was the best of the day from Adrian Liggett’s Corbo flock, Corbo Ice Baby. He’s by the 10,000gns 2024 Ballymena topper, Forkins Hawkeye, and is out of a dam by Hexel Fan Club. Taking him home was Jonny Cubitt, Drumcon.

And making 10,000gns was Blackstown Incredible Hulk from Messrs Wilson and Moses. He’s sired by Forkins Hotshot and is out of a Botera Fee Fee-sired dam. Selling with a top 25% texelplus index, he found a new home with Messrs McRoberts, Eire, with a share retained.

A southern Irish buyer was in action next, paying 13,000gns for another from Cathal Harkin’s pen, the appropriately named The Rock Ireland. This is another by Hexel High Voltage and is a full ET brother to the 22,000gns Icon. He sold to John Greene, Larahirl, Co Donegal.

The Wilson and Moses partnership was back in the money next, taking 7500gns for Blackstown Iron Man. He’s by Mullan Hit The Diff and out of a dam by Knock Classic. Taking him home were Robin and Thomas Ellis for the Eglur and Kauri flocks, Wales.

Not far behind at 9000gns was another from Adrian Liggett, Corbo Irish Rover. Another by the 10,000gns Forkins Hawkeye, he’s out of a dam by Hartside All Star which is the dam of females to 13,000gns. He sold to James Wilkinson for the Ballygroogan flock.

The other to make this money was Alan Glendinning’s Lylehill In Your Dreams. This one is by Sportsmans Grand Slam and out of a dam by the 65,000gns Garngour Craftsman. He headed away with Stewart Ferris, Bellefield.

Not far behind at 6500gns was Forkins Iconic from Alastair Gault. Sired by the privately purchased Douganhill Gangster, he’s out of a Charben Fantastic daughter and sold with a top 5% index when bought by Brian Hanthorn, Mullan.

A brace then traded at 6000gns, with the first being James Wilkinson’s Ballygroogan Impeccable, a Forkins Hawkeye son out of a dam by Alderview Explosive which is a full sister to the 3600gns Ballygroogan First Class. He was knocked down to Michael Bird for the Dunlever

Co Meath.

two also

flock,

Then came a pair at 5500gms, the first of which was Maineview Instructor from Andrew Kennedy. This Oberstown Hercules son is out of a Forkins-bred dam by Mullan Extra Special. He sold in a two way split to Martin and Cyril Millar and Dennis Taylor, Millars and Ballynacannon, respectively.

Also taking a 5500gns call Andrew Follis’ Greenogue I’m Your Man, a Mellor Vale Déjà vu son out of a dam by Craighead Eyecatcher. He was shared three ways by Martin Cromie, Murray Annett and Messrs Garrivan for the Tullyear, Milestonehill and Ballydesland flocks, respectively.

And

sold for 5000gns. First to take this call was Stewart Ferris’ reserve champion from the pre-sale show, Bellefield Im The Boy, a Connemara Hilltop son out of a dam by Haddo Floyd. This one was again split, this time by Martin and Cyril Millar, Millars and Philip Dodds, Tullybrannagan.

A 4800gns sale came next for Jonny Cubitt’s Drumcon I See Stars, a son of the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond and out of a dam by the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King and sold to Sam McAuley, with a half share retained.

Duvarren Houston lifts off at Ballymena

John Waton’s Duvarren Houston saw lift off in the shearling ram trade at the Northern Ireland National Sale, Ballymena, taking the day’s top call of 4800gns on a trade which recorded a 96% clearance and an average of £1961.46 for the 72 sold.

Average; 235 ram lambs £2003.49 (J A McClelland and Son).

Second at 5000gns was Martin McConville’s champion from the pre-sale show, Glenhone Issac. He’s by Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur daughter and sold to Cahir McAuley, Larkhill.

And at 4200gns was Seaforde I Do from the recently married Mark Priestley, sired by Drumcon Head of State and out of a dam by Procters El Presidente, he headed away with Martin McConville, Glenhone.

Next in line at 4000gns was Gareth Tumelty’s best of the day, Aideshill Hedgehunter. Sired by the 23,000gns Peacehay Ya Belter, he’s out of a dam by Scrogtonhead Class Act and sold to John Watson, Duvarren, Troy Watson, Dallas and Michael Watson, Hillhead.

Sale leader, Houston, is by the homebred Duvarren Colorado and out of a dam by Duvarren Whizz-Kid. He was taken by Richard Cowan, Magheramorne, Co Antrim.

Top flock averages –shearling rams

Prefix Number Sold

Duvarren Five

Aideshill Six

Tamnamoney Three

Artnagullion Five

Ballycoose Four

Ballydesland Four

Corbally Three

Milestonehill Five

Springwell Three

Ballyrussell Four

Average

£3003

£2765

£2660

£2604

£2572

£2152

£2135

£1974

£1855

£1693

Brian and William McAllister then took 3600gns for their leader, Artnagullion Highflyer. He’s a son of Blackadder Doddie and out of a dam by Midlock Yohann and was bought by Karl O’Mullan, Dunloy, Ballymena.

Fraser and Helen Tweed then took 3000gns for their best, Ballycoose Homer. He’s by Incheoch Fibonacci and out of a dam by Fearn Dusautor. Selling with a top 5% index he was taken by Danny Creer, Cooilingel, Isle Of Man.

Gareth Tumelty then sold a pair at 2800gns, the first of which was Aideshill Hugo D, a son of Scrogtonhead Class Act and out of a dam by Aideshill Crackerjack. He headed home with W and I Hanna, Dromore, Co Down.

Meanwhile, the second of these was Aideshill Hole In One. This son of Peacehay Ya Belter is out of an Aideshill Crackerjack daughter and sold to McIlrath Farms, Kilrea.

Another 2800gns bid came for one from Brian and William McAllister, Artnagullion Honeymonster. This is by Blackadder Doddie and out of a dam by Midlock Yohann and found a new home with R J Mowbray, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone.

And the same buyer then paid 3000gns for another from the same home, Duvarren Haka. He’s by the homebred Duvarren Colorado and out of a dam by Blackstown Yule.

A final 2800gns sale was made for Philip Dodds’ best, Straidarran Hakka. He’s by Seaforde Gentleman Jack and out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball. Selling with a top 10% index he was taken by Messrs Bruce, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

Then making 3400gns was another from John Watson, Duvarren Hugh Jazz, a Mount Prospect Efrain son out of a dam by Duvarren Colorado. He was the pick of Gary Logue, Castlederg, Co Tyrone.

Average; 72 shearling rams £1961.46 (J A McClelland and Son).

Derryvore gimmer leads Ballymena at 5500gns

Owen and Liam Donohoe’s Derryvore flock took the top call of 5500gns in the gimmers at the Northern Ireland National Sale, Ballymena which saw a record average of £1503.08 for 20 sold.

Topping the sale was XOD2401622, a Mullan Game Changer daughter out of a Garngour-bred dam by Procters Chumba Wumba. Buying this one was P Grant, Kilcoo, Do Down.

Next best at 2400gns was one from Ciaran McAuley, Capecastle, a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur daughter, UCC2400223. She’s out of a Larkhillbred dam by Mullan Captain. This one sold to C Magill, Larne, Co Antrim.

Then came one from Philip Dodds’ Tullybrannigan flock, DOD2400710. Sired by Corbo Golden Boy and out of an Auldhouseburn Eye Catcher, she sold at 2000gns with a top 10% texelplus index, she was knocked down to Darragh Niland, Craughnell, Co Galway.

One at 1800gns came next, with this being a gimmer from Charlie Fyffe’s Botera flock. This was FGY2401959, a Hexel Dallas daughter out of a dam by Craighead Eyecatcher. She found a new home with Ashley Crothers, Monkstown, Co Antrim.

And a pair then traded at 1500gns, the first of which was from Andrew Fyffe’s Fairywater flock, FAO2401935. Out of a dam by Plasucha All Star, she’s by Teiglum Godfather and was the pick of Andrew Follis, Greenogue.

The second at this level was from Alastair Gault’s Forkins pen, GAF2404049. Sired by the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King, she’s out of a dam by Sportsmans Dare Devil and was taken by Andrew & Alfie Armstrong, Tanhill flock, Dromore, Co Tyrone. Average; 20 gimmers £1503.08 (J A McClelland and Son).

Cambwell Hotshot hits the target at Kelso

Texels once again met a buoyant trade at Kelso ram sales, hitting the top price of the day, the highest average and the most sold of all breeds. In all, 593 registered shearling rams sold to average £2092, an increase of £248 per head on the year, for 46 more sold, while 58 ram lambs levelled at £1077, up by £161 on last year’s sale, for 19 more sold.

Auctioneer Brian Ross, selling at Kelso in Lawrie and Symington’s Ring Nine for what could be the final time before his retirement, said: “I’ve been selling Texels here for about 35 years and that’s as strong a trade as I’ve seen. There was so much confidence from buyers and sellers. Texel breeders have adapted to what the commercial buyers want, good tops, skins, backsides and power. That type of tup was in abundance today.”

Topping the trade, at £32,000 and one of nine Texel shearling rams to hit the five-figure mark, was Cambwell Hotshot, from Robert and Joyce Laird and daughters Amy and Kim, Cambwell, Biggar. Their 12 Cambwell shearlings, which were all naturally born, realised the top pen average of £5275.

Achieving the family’s best shearling price yet, in more than 40 years selling at Kelso, Hotshot has a top 1% texelplus index and had stood third at the Royal Highland Show in June and second at the texelplus show the evening prior to the sale.

He is a twin-born son of Deveronvale Fastrac, which had been bought jointly at Lanark for 1400gns, while the dam is by Charben Cobra. Buyer was Angela Nairey, for the family’s Meinspride flock in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Three shearlings reached £22,000, including Midlock Hurricane, the pen number one from the Wight family, Midlock, Crawford. Sired by the £9000 Campsie Fore Track and

out of a ewe by Hexel Django, he sold to Jonathan Wales, Thackwood, Carlisle.

Next to hit £22,000 was the best from Archie and John MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth. That was Allanfauld Here Goes, a Knap Godzilla son, out of a ewe by Seaforde Egyptian Warrior. Buyer was Harry Wood, Dutton, Lancashire.

Completing the trio, the other at £22,000 was Elmscleugh Hurricane, from the Dunlop family’s Dunbar-based flock. Sired by Midlock Express and out of a ewe by Plasucha Coming King, he went to Ian Hunter, Dalchirla, Crieff and Billy and Andrew Renwick, Blackhouse, Yarrow.

Cambwell

Hotshot led the Kelso trade at £32,000 for Robert Laird and family, selling with a texelplus index in the top 1% of the breed.

Leading the Campsie consignment, from Jimmy and Donald MacGregor, Dyke, Milton of Campsie, was a son of Ettrick Eastern Promise, which sold at £14,000 to the Harehead flock at Cranshaws, Duns. His dam is by the £65,000 Campsie Drambuie.

Shearlings from Matthew Seed’s Turriffbased Auchry flock sold to a top of £12,000 – the flock’s highest price to-date. Making that money was a son of the 10,000gns Loosebeare Chief, out of a ewe by Canllefaes You Are The One, which sold to the Green family, Corskie, Garmouth.

From the same pen, another by the same sire and out of a different daughter of the Canllefaes sire, made £10,000, selling to John Elliot, Roxburgh Mains, Kelso and Ken Hodge, Greenarch. That one had stood first at the texelplus show the previous evening.

Best for Gordon and David Gray’s Ettrick consignment was a £10,000 bid for top 25% texelplus index carrying Ettrick Hugo Boss, a son of Saddlerhead Fury, out of a homebred ewe that is the 26,000gns Ettrick Earthquake’s maternal sister. He sold to Steven Renwick for his Craig Douglas flock at Peebles.

The Ingram family enjoyed a strong trade for shearlings from their Logie Durno flock,

based at Inverurie. Leading the pen, at £10,000, was a son of the 22,000gns Roxburgh Dirrington, out of a ewe that has previously bred sons to £7000. He sold to the Robsons at Yatesfield, Otterburn.

Allan Campbell, Strawfrank, Carstairs, sold to a top of £9500, with that taken for a son of Overburns Gladiator, out of a ewe by Strawfrank Catalyst, selling to Ian Hunter, Dalchirla, alongside Malcolm Coubrough, Hartside, Lammington.

Next best from Logie Durno was a £9000 seller which was knocked down to John Green, Greenall, Melrose and A J E Calder, Tor, Duns. He’s sired by the homebred Logie Durno Goliath, out of a ewe by Granite Chieftain.

Nia Rainnie made a memorable debut as a consignor at Kelso, with shearlings from her Mynach flock, based at Aboyne, selling to a top of £9000. That one, sired by Granite Eddie and out of a Strathbogiebred ewe, sold to Thomas Illingworth, Glenrock, Lockerbie and Jack Austin, Woodcroft, New Abbey.

Two from Logie Durno made £8500 apiece, including the champion in the Ring five pre-sale show, sired by the 40,000gns Douganhill Extra Special. He went in a two-way split to R Halliday and J Anderson.

The other £8500 seller from Logie Durno was knocked down to Messrs Patterson, Orkney. He is by Logie Durno Goliath, a Douganhill Extra Special son that was used at home before being sold at Kelso for £7500.

Selling at £8200 was another from Matthew Seed’s Auchry pen, this time sired by the home-bred Auchry Commander, which had been sold at Kelso for £5000 and later bought back for use at home. Out of a ewe by Teiglum Bandana, he went to Messrs Boow, Corney Hall, Cumbria.

Best for Meikle Jackson, Wolfclyde, Biggar, was £8000, for a son of Teiglum Gladiator, out of a ewe by Haymount Enter the Dragon, which sold to Andrew Provan, Parkhall, Lanark.

Back in the Logie Durno consignment, another son of the Douganhill sire made £7200, selling to Messrs Jack, Woodend, Muir of Ord. He’s a full brother to the Ring five champion that made £8500.

From the Cambwell pen, the twin brother to the £32,000 seller sold at £7000, to

The Wight family continued their successful Texel sales season, taking £22,000 for Midlock Hurricane.

Topping the pen for Archie and John MacGregor, was Allanfauld Here Goes at £22,000.

A third and final £22,000 call came for Elmscleugh Hurricane from the Dunlop family.

Cobbleheugh Farms, Dinnet, while another son of Deveronvale Fastrac, out of a ewe by Grougfoot Wizard, sold at £6800 to Messrs Pedley, Kirkby Stephen.

Matching that £6800 price tag was one from the Gibbs at Toftcombs, Biggar, a son of Toftcombs Fast and Furious, which sold to the McGowans, Incheoch, Alyth.

Keith and Andrew Campbell’s Overburns consignment from Lamington, also topped at 6800gns, for a son of Haymount Foremost, which was another to head to Orkney with the Pattersons.

Best for Alex and Russell Gray’s Langside entry, from Lanark, was £6500, for a shearling by Scrogtonhead Glint, which was used on loan before being sold by the Grays at Kelso last year. That one sold to Robert Rennie, Attonburn, Yetholm.

Iain Minto, Townhead, Dolphinton, also sold to £6500, for a son of Collielaw Gilbert, bought at the Scottish Texel Club sale two years ago where he was champion. A natural twin, this one sold to Gary More, Townhead, Arnprior.

David MacTaggart’s Threave flock from Castle Douglas also produced a £6500 seller, sired by Tima Gold Digger which went to E Probert and Sons, Covehope, Leominster, for the Mortimer flock.

Topping the Texel lamb trade was one from the Knox family, Mid Haddo, Turriff, a son of Milnbank Hercules which went at £3500 to G V and J A Hardman for the Oak Farm flock, while a lamb from Robbie Wilson’s Milnbank flock at Turriff, made £2800 to Willie Baird, Floors, Eaglesham. He’s by the 30,000gns Clanfield Golden.

Leading shearling averages

Prefix Number Sold Average

Cambwell 12

Logie Durno 14

Campsie 5

£5275

£5114

£5080

Allanfauld 8 4938

Elmscleugh 8

Auchry 14

£4425

£3929

Ettrick 12 £3508

Midlock 14

£3421

Strawfrank 8 £3113

Garngour 6

£2833

Averages; 593 shearling rams £2092, 58 ram lambs £1077 (Lawrie and Symington and Hexham and Northern Marts).

Jimmy and Donald MacGregor were in the money when they took £14,000 for a son of Ettrick Eastern Promise.

Leading the day for Matthew Seed, Auchry, was a son of the £10,000 Loosebeare Chief when selling at £12,000.

Another Auchry shearling then sold at £10,000, with this one also being by Loosebeare Chief.

Gordon and David Gray sold to a high of £10,000, taking this for Ettrick Hugo Boss, a Sadlerhead Fury son with a top 25% texelplus index.

Selling for £9500 was Allan Campbell’s Strawfrank shearling by Overburns Gladiator.

December Dazzlers

109 Glenpark Road, Omagh BT79 7ST

Blaencar Hurricane blows competition away as Hendre Hitman floors the others at Builth

Two rams led the trade in the shearling rings at the Main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells, when selling at 9000gns apiece.

On a day that saw a 94% clearance in the shearlings, with 501 selling to average £1293.11, more than £35 up on the year, the first to hit 9000gns was Blaencar Hurricane from Geoff Morgan and family, Sennybridge.

This fourth prize winner from the pre-sale show is by Haymount Filmstar and out of a dam by Teiglum Crackerjack and was the pick of many sale goers. He sold early in the day and caught a fast trade before being knocked down to Jonathan Watson for the Brijon flock, with a half share taken by Ted Fox and family, College.

The second 9000gns call came late in the day for the third last shearling in Ring 12, Hendre Hitman from Ed Samuel. This one is by Brijon Flashman and out of a dam by Llangwm Escobar. He was another that caught a fierce run of bidding from a busy ringside and went on to find a new home with D Evans, Berthog Farm, Llandrindod Wells.

Russell and Gill Watkins then took 6800gns for their best, Millend Hawkeye a second prize winner from the pre-sale show. He’s by Loosebeare Elite and out of a dam by the homebred Millend Dapper. This one was taken by Matthew Ellis for the Cressage and Scholars flocks.

Then making 6000gns was Phil and Helen Weaver’s Empire Hells Bells. This son of Scolton Fielder is out of a dam by Blackadder Well Hung and sold back to his sire’s breeders, Andrew Reed and family, Scolton. Leading averagesshearling rams

A pair then traded at 5200gns, with the first of these being Owen and Rachel Watkins’ Caenantmelyn Hubba Bubba. Sired by Clun Dynamo, he’s out of a dam by Arkle Undercover and was another bought by Jonathan Watson, Brijon.

Also making this price was Andrew Reed and family’s topper from their Scolton pen, Scolton Hit Man. This one is a son of Canllefaes Big Boy and out of a dam by Wilodge Bravo and was taken by D E and G Davies and Son, Llwynpiod, Garth.

Selling at 5000gns was Corras Harvey from Robert and Nesta Watkins. Selling with a top 1% texelplus index, he’s by the

Ed Samuel’s Hendre Hitman achieved the joint best call of the day when selling at 9000gns.

homebred Corras Gera and out of a dam by Loosebeare Braveheart and sold to Simon and Sam McPherson for the Sands flock.

Next in line at 4800gns was another from Geoff Morgan and family, Blaencar High Spec. He’s by Sportsmans Einstein and out of a dam by a Strathbogie sire. Buying him was Neil Harvey for the Blackadder flock.

And following him at 4100gns was Llion Jones’ Pant Hunter. He’s by Loosebeare Fab and out of a dam by Lodge Aramis and was knocked down to T Cradock and Son, Bolton-By-Bowland.

No fewer than four then sold away at 4000gns, with the first of these being Wernfawr Highlander from Paul Curran and family. This son of Logie Durno Braveheart is out of a dam by Curley Big Mac and went home with B G Greenow and Partner for the Greenow flock, Forest Coalpit.

Second to make this money was another from Neil Harvey’s Blackadder Hi Ho Silver. He’s by Allanfauld Djokovic and out of a Walston Batman daughter. He headed away with Richard and Anna Dorrell for the Stonegrove flock.

Next in at 4000gns was Ed Samuel’s Hendre Huntsman. Again sired by Brijon Flashman and out of a Llangwm Escobarsired dam, he went to work with the Priestley family for the Brontemoor flock.

And the final 4000gns bid came for Scolton Hercules from the Reed family. By Canllefaes Big Boy and out of a dam by Wilodge Bravo, he was knocked down to M A Jones for the Church Bank flock.

A trio then followed that at 3500gns, the first of which was Cefin Pryce’s Caereinion He’s The One, a Corras Dundee son out of a dam by the homebred Caereinion Emperor. Sold with a top 5% index, he was the choice of Ian Murray, Glenway.

Second at this level was Llyfni Helgi Du the first prize tup in the texelplus class in the pre-sale show. This top 10% index tup is by Craigdarroch Flint and out of a dam by Canllefaes Bright Spark and was bought by Russell and Gill Watkins, Millend.

The final 3500gns bid was made for Loosebeare Hercules from the Quick family. He’s a son of Strathbogie Fabulous and out of a dam by Teiglum Cosmic. Buying him were Neville and Alison Bainbridge, Ingly Hill.

Average; 501 shearling rams £1293.11 (Clee Tomkinson and Francis).

Geoff Morgan and family sold their leader, Blaencar Hurricane, for the joint top call of 9000gns.

Third best of the sale at 6800gns was Millend Hawkeye for Russell and Gill Watkins.

Perennial Builth performers, the Reed family topped at 5200gns for Scolton Hit Man.

Phil Weaver took 6000gns for Empire Hells Bells, a Scolton Fielder son.

One of four at 4000gns was Wernfawr Highlander from Paul Curran and family.

The Morgans were back in the money again, taking 4800gns for Blaencar High Spec.

Owen Watkins took a 5200gns bid for his best, Caenantmelyn Hubba Bubba.

Also selling at 4000gns was Scolton Hercules from the Reed family.

Another at 4000gns was Ed Samuel’s Hendre Huntsman.

High Card son in 20,000gns deal at Builth

John Eirian and Lynwen Davies’ Teilo Iasu Mowredd, an Auldhouseburn High Card son topped the ram lambs at the Main NSA Ram Sale, Builth Wells, when selling for a joint centre all-breed ram lamb record of 20,000gns.

This lamb, which had been male and overall champion in the pre-sale show is out of a dam by Hope Valley C The Stars and has a top 10% texelplus index. He was bought by Bruce Renwick, Castlecairn.

Another from the same home, Teilo Illtyd Fynydd, then made 6200gns having been first in the texelplus class. This one, the same way bred, being by High Card and out of a Hope Valley C The Stars dam, sold with a top 25% texelplus index and was knocked down to the Draper family, Claybury.

A 5000gns call followed that for Eglur Iron Man from Robin Ellis. Sired by Blaencar Gladiator, he’s out of a Mellor Vale Dakota daughter. He headed away with Steve and Helen Smith and Anna Minnice-Hughes for the Penparc flock.

The Draper family then recouped some of their outlay when taking 4600gns for Claybury Inferno. This Wedderburn Highlander son is out of a dam by the homebred Claybury Delta Force and sold with a top 5% index and was bought by R Cruise, Colthrop.

Just behind that at 4400gns was Kingspark Imagine from Peter and James Vaughan. He’s by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and out of an Auldhouseburn-bred dam by Haymount Fan Dabi Dozi. Buying him was C Smale, for the Upcott flock.

John and Gloria Davies then took 2600gns for their best of the day, Aman Iestyn Harries. This son of Knap Gate Crasher is out of a dam by Hope Valley C The Stars and was taken by Martin Furness, Westgate.

And at 2500gns was Kingspark Illusion from the Vaughans. He’s a full brother to the 4400gns Imagine and sold to D W and A E Enticott, Ashbrittle, Wellington.

Topping the ram lambs and achieving a joint sale all breeds ram lamb record at 20,000gns was Teilo Iasu Mowredd from John Eirian and Lynwen Davies and family.

Second best in the lambs at 6200gns was another from the Davies family, Teilo Illtyd Fynydd.

Robin Ellis’ Eglur Iron Man sold at 5000gns when joining the Penparc flock.

The Draper family took 4600gns for Claybury Inferno, a Wedderburn Highlander son.

Leading averagesram lambs

Prefix Number Sold Average

7

Average; 141

Hocus Pocus daughter conjures up 2000gns top at Builth

Nicola Howie’s ewe lamb from her Cairnton flock, NHX2503039, a daughter of Auldhouseburn Hocus Pocus led the female trade at the Main NSA Ram Sale, when making 2000gns.

She’s out of an Auldhouseburn-bred dam by the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond and was sold to Paul Castle, Ulmus.

Then making 1900gns was the best seller among the gimmers, LCY2400488, from Carwyn Lewis’ Hathren pen. She’s by Knap Gate Crasher and out of a dam by Knap Angus Ogg. She found a new home with Matthew Fear, Felton.

Also making this money was one from Peter and James Vaughan, Kingspark. This was VFK2402387, an Auldhouseburn Esprit daughter out of a dam by Usk Vale Eddie. Buying this one was C Jones, Llanabadarn, Fynydd.

Hywel Thomas, Cennen, then sold his best gimmer of the day at 1600gns, with this being TCA2400299. This fourth prize winner from the pre-sale show is by Teiglum Crackerjack and out of a homebred dam by Knock Yardsman and was bought by Shae Price, Gereafon.

At the same price was one from the Teilo pen of John Eirian and Lynwen Davies, VDT2401245. She’s a Castlecairn

General daughter out of a dam by Hope Valley C The Stars and had been champion at the Dyfed Club Show earlier in the year. Buying her were John and Gloria Davies, Aman.

And a third 1600gns call came for one from Peter and James Vaughan, Kingspark. This was VFK2402389, an Auldhouseburn Esprit daughter out of a dam by Teiglum Crackerjack. She sold to Lowri Reed, Nebo.

Averages; 64 shearling ewes £737.13, 17 ewe lambs £511.41 (Clee Tomkinson and Francis).

Topping the female trade was Nicola Howie’s ewe lamb from the Cairnton flock at 2000gns.

John and Gloria Davies sold Aman Iestyn Harries at 2600gns.

Best of the day from Peter and James Vaughan at 4400gns was Kingspark Imagine.

Carwyn Lewis took 1900gns for his gimmer, a Knap Gate-Crasher daughter.

ram lambs £1045.03 (Clee Tomkinson and Francis).

Harestone Incredible Hulk outmuscles competition

The latent demand for quality Texels continued at the Solway and Tyne Texel Club’s first sale of the season, split between Carlisle and Lockerbie markets, with a top call of 80,000gns coming for ram lamb, Harestone Incredible Hulk.

Sold on the first day of the sale at Lockerbie, Incredible Hulk, bred by Stuart Barclay, Aberdeenshire, is by the 72,000gns Hexel High Voltage and is out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba. He was bought in a two-way split by Messrs Boden and Davies, Sportsmans and Robert Cockburn, Knap.

Next best at 60,000gns was Auldhouseburn In Business Now from Alan Blackwood. This son of Okehall Hammerhead is out of a Strathbogie-bred gimmer by Cressage Enforcer which was purchased for 21,000gns. He saw Stuart Barclay reinvesting some of his takings, taking a one sixth share, with other shares going to the MacGrefor family, Allanfauld, Nick Legge, Thornbury, J and L Davies, Teilo, George Oare, Coachhouse and Bruce Renwick, Castlecairn.

Then came a pair at 32,000gns, the first of which was Garngour Icarus from Alan Clark and family. Sired by Claybury Hotshot, he is out of another Procters Chumba Wumba daughter which had been breed champion at both the Royal Highland and Lesmahagow in 2022. Selling with a top 25% index, he was knocked down to Messrs Wight, Midlock.

Second at this level was Allanfauld Impeccable from the MacGregor family. He’s by Brackenridge Fly Half and out of a Brackenridge-bred dam by Allanfauld Flaming Star. He has a top 5% texelplus index and was taken by the Ingram family, Logie Durno.

After that came a 20,000gns call for Knap I Of The Tiger from Robert Cockburn. This

one is by the homebred Knap Hammerhead and is out of a Mellor Vale-bred gimmer by Seaforde Empire King which was bought for 10,000gns. Buying this one were Messrs Boden and Davies, Sportsmans.

Following that came a 15,000gns bid for the best of the day from Kenny Pratt’s Hilltop pen, Hilltop Icon. This Hexel High Voltage son is out of a dam by Cressage Enforcer and sold to Jim Innes, Strathbogie.

And making 12,000gns was the best of the ram lambs sold at Carlise, Mellor Vale I Spy from Charlie Boden. This son of the Great Yorkshire Show champion, Uppermill Highway Express, is out of a dam by Haymount Fan Dabi Dozi and was shared by Eamonn Vaughan, Partridge Nest, and Nick Legge, Thornbury.

Adam Mawson’s Midcombe flock then took 10,000gns for Midcombe Inferno, a son of the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a Knock-bred dam by Garngour Alabama. He found a new home in Somerset with Messrs Chave, Peacehay.

Shearling rams

Leading the shearling ram trade at 9000gns was Boghouse Hold My Beer from Kenny Johnstone. He’s by Deveronvale Fastrac and out of a dam by Claddagh Dynamite. Selling with a top 5% index, he was shared by Esmor Evans, Maerdy and Jeff and Jennifer Aiken, Coniston.

Females

Topping the female trade at 12,000gns was a gimmer from the MacGregor family’s Allanfauld flock. This was XMM2427779 a Sportsmans Grand Slam daughter out of a

Cowal-bred dam by Hexel Django. She is a full sister to the 9000gns gimmer which topped the English National Sale and sold to John Sherratt, Shropshire.

Averages; 37 gimmers £1346.55, three ewe lambs £595, one aged ram £1260, 122 shearling rams £1494.95, 189 ram lambs £3061.94 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Second best at 60,000gns was Auldhouseburn In Business Now.

Harestone Incredible Hulk led the Solway and Tyne trade at 80,000gns.

1200gns top at Gloucester and Borders sale

Shearling ram Barnage Harry led the trade at the Gloucester and Borders Club sale, Worcester, when he sold at 1200gns.

Sired by Cambwell Goliath and out of a dam by Ettrick Douvan, he sold with a top 1% texelplus index and was taken by N S Ponting, Faringdon.

Then at 600gns was ram lamb Fordwell Inventor from Fordwell Farm Partners, with this Ettrick Golden Balls son being out of a dam by Sportmans Express and selling to J Hughes, Burwarton.

Averages; nine shearling rams £448, two ram lambs £577.50 (McCartneys).

Haribo tempts buyers at Dutch Texel Club Sale

Bryn Llewellyn Haribo from David Hughes proved to be the star performer at the Dutch Texel Club’s sale, Ruthin, when making 1100gns,

This shearling ram, sired by Gyffin Happy Chappy and out of a dam by Brickrow Explorer sold to Mark Hambelton.

Second top call of 950gns went to Pennine Henry from the Ritter family. Sired by Ryder Fred, he is out of a dam by B.Woodies Dude and found a new home with A Hughes.

Then making the same money was Cernyw Henry from Gerwyn Davies, with this one being by Mossgiel Cracker and out of a dam by Pennine Acer. He sold to A Jones.

Averages; 32 shearling rams £636.56, one aged ram £682.50, one gimmer £420 (Ruthin Farmers Auction).

Milestonehill Texel Shearling Ram Armoy Sale Leader

Top call at the Northern Ireland Texel Club’s sale at Armoy was a 1900gns bid, with this price paid for a shearling ram from the Milestonehill flock. This was a Ballydesland Eddie son out of a dam by Craig Douglas Buster.

Second best at 1890gns was the reserve champion from the pre-sale show, Tamnamoney Harry from Roger Strawbridge. He is a Strathbogie Gypsy King son out of a Sportsmans Dare Devil daughter.

Averages; 24 shearling rams £1210, 61 ram lambs £716 (Armoy Mart).

Leading the way at the Northern Ireland Texel Club’s sale at Enniskillen was Alistair Breen’s ram lamb from the Drumderg flock. This one is by the homebred Drumderg Haribo and out of a dam by Mullan Eureka and sold at 2080gns.

Marcus Johnston’s Killarbran Istanbul, a March-born Sadlerhead Fury son out of a Sportsmans Cannon Ball dam was the next top price, selling at 1500gns.

Averages; five shearling rams £1072, 31 ram lambs £987, four shearling ewes £635 (Enniskillen Ulster Farmers Mart).

1600gns

Club Sale

Sportsmans Ivanhoe from Messrs Boden and Davies sold for the sale topping bid of 1600gns at the Derbyshire Club’s sale, with this one being by the 30,000gns Milnbank Hunter and out of a dam by Haymount Fan Dabi Dozi. He sold to Charles Asher for the McLean flock.

Following him at 1300gns was one from Charlie Boden, Mellor Vale India. This is again by Milnbank Hunter and is out of a dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug. Sold with a top 10% texelplus index, he was bought by P G Read Farming.

Double 2000gns top for Shropshire and Borders Sale

Abrace of shearling rams hit the top spot of 2000gns at the Shropshire and Borders Club sale, Shrewsbury, with a 91% clearance in the shearlings and 181 levelling at £890.

First at the top call was one from G V and J A Hardman’s Oak Farm consignment, Oak Farm Hotshot, a Haymount Forefather son out of a dam by Clun Arctic Star. He sold to J T and G M Edwards.

Carnteel shearlings lead Swatragh

Demand for Texels was evident at the Northern Ireland Club’s sale at Swatragh, with shearling trade peaking at 2050gns and ram lamb trade at 1350gns.

Leading the shearling rams was a brace from Joseph Muldoon in the shape of Carnteel Hawkeye and Carnteel Hardman. These Mellor Vale Déjà Vu sons are out of a dam sired by Kildowney Evo.

Coming in close behind was Roger Strawbridge with the reserve champion from the pre-sale show, Tamnamoney Houston. He’s a Douganhill Gangster son out of a Sportsmans Dare Devil daughter and sold for 2000gns.

Averages; 22 shearling rams £1266, 54 ram lambs £827 (Swatragh Livestock Mart).

Knap Important Boy lives up to his name at Ruthin

It was another successful trip south for Robert Cockburn when his ram lamb, Knap Important Boy topped the Ruthin Club Sale at 4000gns.

Second at 2000gns was one from Roger and Anthony Williams, Clun. This was Clun Hunter, a Teiglum Fightstar son out of a dam by Clun Body Builder, with this one bought by Messrs Hudson.

Averages; 181 shearling rams £890, 12 ram lambs £605 (Halls).

Belsize Hagrid conjurs the trade at Melton Mowbray

Shearling ram Belsize Hagrid led the Texel trade at Melton Mowbray when selling for 900gns.

This one from the Jarvis family is by Milnbank Globetrotter and out of a dam by Lincs You Star. He sold to join A R and J Collett, Banbury.

Next in line at 820gns was Abingdon Houdini, an Ulmus Emporium son from L Ruby. He’s out of a Sportsmans Eye Catcher-sired dam and found a new home with J H Grundy, Spalding.

Averages; 12 gimmers £417.38, 11 ewe lambs £378.95, 14 shearling rams £684.68, 16 ram lambs £434.44 (Melton Mowbray Market).

Peacehay Harvester reaps top call at

Exeter

TSired by Duncryne Hakuna Matata and out of the famed Knap Daisy Duke, he is a full brother to Robert’s 20,000gns English National sale topper and sold to Gerallt Rowlands, Traws.

Second best at 2400gns was another from the same home, Knap Im your Ram. Again by Hakuna Matata, he’s out of a Haddo Falcon daughter and was bought by Marlsbrough Farms.

Averages; 13 gimmers £658, 99 shearling rams £1051.59, 58 ram lambs £798.36 (Ruthin Farmers Auction).

he Chave family led the trade at the South West NSA Ram Sale, Exeter, when their shearling ram, Peacehay Harvester, made 2350gns. Sired by the homebred Peacehay Untouchable, he is out of a dam by Teiglum Tornado and sold to G D Swerling and Sons, Buckinghamshire.

Then making 2150gns was Emma and Amy Coumbe’s best of the day, Housey Heart-Breaker. This Empire Fletcher son is out of a dam by Cattlearch Drake and was knocked down to R Gregory, Truro.

Averages; 30 gimmers £704.55, four ewe lambs £454.13, 82 ram lambs £876.24 (Kivells).

Blackstown shearlings set the pace at Rathfriland

Shearling rams from the Blackstown flock of the Wilson and Moses partnership set the pace at the Northern Ireland Texel Breeders Club’s sale at Rathfriland.

Leading the day were a pair from Blackstown at 1500gns apiece. First at this money was Blackstown Hulk, a Milestonehill General Lee son out of a dam by Allanfauld Archimedes. The other at this price was Blackstown Hugo a full ET brother to Hulk.

Following them at 1400gns was Largy Harry Gato from Eugene Branagan. This Teiglum Goliath son is out of a dam by Knock Yardsman.

Averages; 20 shearling rams £1057.50, 32 ram lambs £711 (Rathfriland Mart).

Duncryne Iniesta strikes at J36

Kerr Jarvie’s ram lamb, Duncryne Iniesta, led trade at the North West Texel Breeders Club Sale, J36, when making 2800gns.

By the homebred Duncryne Houdini and out of a Scholars Dynamite daughter which also bred the 5000gns Duncryne Geronimo, he sold to Messrs Horn.

Following him at 2500gns was Thomas Ayrton’s best of the day, Ayrtons Idol. He’s by Overburns Hector and out of a Midlock-bred dam by Claybury Dunkirk. Buying this one were the Keighley family, Leithley, for the Helmark flock.

Averages; 32 shearling rams £1022.84, 51 ram lambs £840, 10 ewes £555.45, 86 gimmers £671.88, seven ewe lambs £372 (North West Auctions).

Garngour Idol praised at Lanark

Topping this year’s Scottish Texel Club sale, Lanark, was Garngour Idol at 4000gns from Messrs J and H Clark. A son of Overburns Hector and out of an Allanfauld Flaming Star daughter, he sold jointly to Messrs Duthie, Caterthun, Messrs McKerrow, Uppermill and Messrs Jarvie, Duncryne, after standing third in the open ram lamb class in the pre-sale Show.

Second top in the club sale at 2000gns, Eastfield Instigator from Messrs J and J Dunlop, Elsrickle. Winning second in the natural born ram lamb class in the pre-sale show, he’s by Duncryne Gee Whizz and out of a Cambwell Duke II daughter. He now joins the Toftcombs flock with Messrs Gibb.

Averages; 17 shearling rams £940.88, 115 ram lambs £856.59, one aged ewe £315, eight gimmers £590.63, 33 Langside gimmers £1396.17, eight Rusha gimers £1358.44 (Lawrie and Symington).

Loxley Hercules lifts Skipton trade

Asale-topping 3000gns for a shearling ram and an eye-catching 2500gns for the supreme champion ewe lamb were among the highlights at the 44th Northern Area Texel Sheep Breeders’ annual two-day show and sale of pedigree rams and females at CCM Skipton.

Top of the shop on price fell to John North’s local North Craven Loxley flock, Giggleswick, with the second prize shearling ram, Loxley Hercules. He’s by the Garngour Craftsman son, Mullan Foxtrot and out of a New View Buster-bred ewe and sold to James Simpson, Woodliffe.

What a swansong it proved to be for County Durham-based Steven Nesbitt’s Alwent flock, again exhibiting alongside joint vendor Michael Dent. The duo won the 2024 supreme championship with a ram lamb and returned to repeat the feat this year – this time with a ewe lamb.

Their female and overall supreme champion - a full sister to last year’s title winner - was a February-born lamb by Strathbogie Yes Sir, and out of a dam by Usk Vale Crackerjack. She went on to claim top price of 2500gns among the females sale when returning to Co. Durham with the Teward family’s New View flock.

Averages; shearling ewes £509, ewe lambs £589, aged rams £761, shearling rams £1146, ram lambs £613 (CCM)

Focussing on commercial relevance key for Melissa Buchan

A desire to work in the farming industry and particularly with livestock from a young age has seen Aberdeenshirebased young Texel enthusiast Melissa Buchan forge a career in the livestock marketing industry, working as a livestock canvasser for Aberdeen and Northern Marts, Thainstone.

Growing up on the family farm at Fraserburgh, home of the Clinterty flock, gave the 2025 Spotlight Award winner Melissa a passion for the breed which burns strongly to this day.

“In particular the YDP Five Nations Weekend has been a highlight of my involvement with the breed, having attended three now, in Wales, Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, being part of the Scottish team which has won the YDP shield twice in a row, in both 2023 and 2025,” she explains.

“These weekends have been great learning opportunities. Being able to see first hand how different flocks are managed for different objectives and in different parts

Being involved with Texels means you know someone wherever you are, says Melissa Buchan.

of the country has given me a broader understanding of how the breed fits into the UK sheep industry and its role in the broad range of farming systems we have across the country.

“Wherever I’ve been I’ve seen Texels thriving under so many different management systems in both pedigree and commercial flocks.

“It has been great to see and experience and I can’t rate the Five Nations Weekend highly enough for these opportunities.

“However, perhaps even more importantly it has enabled me to make new contacts and friendships within the breed that I wouldn’t have done without attending these events. I’m quite sure these are going to be lifelong friendships within the Texel community, something that I know will be of huge benefit to me,” adds Melissa.

At home the family currently run 25 pedigree Texel ewes, alongside a commercial flock of 250 ewes and a suckler herd of 125 crossbred cows, mainly Limousin crosses, with the farm managed by Melissa’s father, Brian Jnr, her mother Yvonne, with help from Melissa and her brothers Gavin and Callum, although both of them are currently working offshore in the oil industry.

“Historically, the Texel flock had been targeted at producing ram lambs for both the pedigree and commercial market. However, over the last five years we’ve switched to producing shearling rams with a focus on the commercial market.

“We’d had some great years producing ram lambs, selling to a high of 60,000gns for Clinterty Yuga Khan in 2016, with Clinterty Yogi Bear selling for 52,000gns on the same day. Most pleasing though was seeing how well these tups bred for other flocks and the influence they had on the breed,” she explains.

Underlying the shift in focus for the flock is what Melissa describes as a gentle, but unstoppable change in the ram market, both locally and further afield. “It is becoming clearer that as commercial flocks increase in size, they are less keen to buy ram lambs and want to buy shearlings, knowing they’ll be capable of serving large numbers of ewes without requiring extra care during tupping and having been reared in a way which optimises their working life.

“There’s undoubtedly a move that way locally and it seemed logical to shift our focus that way. It has enabled us to lamb later and reduce our feed inputs too. We now lamb the Texels in mid-March and have a good bit of grass to turn them out to fairly quickly. When we were lambing in February it was always a struggle to have grass for them early on.

“We’re not pushing our lambs so hard and, additionally, we’re not having to chase the latest fashionable genetics and spending huge amounts of money to do so,” she says.

“Fundamentally, we’re looking for a different type of sheep, sourcing stock rams as shearlings from sales such as Kelso. We’re after a longer, stronger type of Texel, with an emphasis on the carcass and functional traits, with a neater head.

“It’s very much about producing that more commercial type of sheep and we’ve sought out some new female families in recent years too, buying a number of in-lamb females from the Roxburgh flock production sale earlier this year and others from the Duhonw flock reduction.

“These flocks are renowned for the quality of their shearling rams and we’re hopeful these females can help us progress quickly too.”

To that end the family is likely to use embryo transfer again this year, having steered away from it in recent years.

“We stopped flushing when we switched to shearling production, but now we

have these new female lines we want to capitalise on them and expand the flock to about 50 ewes in the next few years.

“Long-term the aim is to return to serving everything naturally once we’ve got the flock size up to where we want it to be.”

Currently selling all their shearling rams through Thainstone, Melissa says the plan is to get to the stage where they can take a strong pen of 15-20 shearlings to Kelso Ram Sales each year.

“That may take us a few more years, but for this year we’ve a pen of Texel cross shearlings for Kelso, so hopefully that’ll get us a good foot in the door.”

Alongside her role at Aberdeen and Northern Marts, Melissa is also assistant secretary of the North of Scotland Texel Breeders’ Club, giving her further opportunities to connect with breeders locally.

Breeding a more commercial type of Texel is the aim for Melissa Buchan and family going forward.

“The social aspect of the breed is great and everyone is always keen to help with Club activities which always makes things more enjoyable,” she says.

“It doesn’t matter where you go in the country, if you’re involved with Texels you’re bound to know someone and that’s a great thing. The Society’s 50th anniversary weekend at Chester last autumn was a particular highlight for me and I’m sure there will be plenty more opportunities like that in future,” adds Melissa.