Melton Midlands Sheep Fair inc. the NSA Eastern Region Ram Sale

The NSA Eastern Region Ram Sale at Melton Mowbray on Friday 18th September attracted a strong entry of 282 rams, with excellent quality throughout. Thanks go to judge Mr Tom Turnham, Brackley, and congratulations to Barbara Smith and the Slapton Manor Farm team, whose Texels took the overall ram championship.

Phil Weaver’s Empire flock topped the sale, with a pen of eight averaging 1,725gns and the day’s leading price of 2,150gns. Further rams from the flock sold to 2,000gns, 1,900gns and 1,800gns. Slapton Manor Farm averaged 1,356gns for 11 Texel and Texel-cross rams, with their best also reaching 1,800gns.

Charollais were in strong demand, with George Hoggard achieving 1,200gns and RJB Tofield 1,180gns. The Timm family and George Hoggard both sold rams to 1,100gns.

Beltex highlights included 1,500gns and 1,200gns from Emily South and the Chiltern flock, while G Crabtree sold to 900gns.

David Inman led the Suffolk section at 1,050gns, with shearlings reaching 1,000gns.

Crossbreds also sold well, with Slapton Manor Farm achieving 1,550gns for a Texel x Beltex.

Thank you to everyone who supported the sale, and to Melton Mowbray Market for hosting the sale. 

Results from judging:  

Class 1. Pen of four Suffolk ram lambs - 1st D&J Inman, 2nd Hallam & Eggleston

Class 2. Pen of four Suffolk shearling rams  - 1st D&J Inman, 2nd Hallam & Eggleston 

Class 3. Pen of four Charollais ram lambs - 1st D. Whitcher, 2nd Manor House Farm

Class 4. Pen of four Charollais shearling rams - 1st D. Whitcher, 2nd C. Timm, 3rd Chiltern Livestock

Class 5. Pen of four Texel ram lambs - N/A 

Class 6. Pen of four Texel shearling rams - 1st Slapton Manor Farm, 2nd Belsize Texels, 3rd P. Weaver 

Champion Pen of four ram lambs (NSA Eastern Region Trophy) – D&J Inman

Champion Pen of four shearling rams (John Hallam Memorial Trophy) – Slapton Manor Farm 

Overall Champion pen of four (Melton Borough Trophy) – Slapton Manor Farm