Breeding sheep sales get off to a flying start

摘要

North-country auctioneers have spent all summer trying to temper the price hype of this autumn's North of England Mule gimmer lamb sales. Demand at one major sale was described as "astonishing" as the average price for North of England Mule gimmer lambs hit an all-time record of E120 a head. Hill farmers who still have lambs to sell are hoping such unprecedented price levels won't deter buyers in the coming weeks. The North of England Mule Sheep Association's sale at Kirkby Stephen had 10,000 lambs on offer last Friday. Most buyers from the Midlands and South seemed well prepared to invest in strong gimmer lambs that could quickly recoup a major slice of their cost if they produce a fat lamb next year to match the current market value.