SHEEP – 543 head. Henry H Bletsoe & Son report on a slightly reduced entry this week though trade remained on a par with recent weeks’ strong returns. The generously sponsored Xmas Primestock Show & Sale here on December 7 has classes for both finished lambs and cull ewes as well those for unhaltered steers, heifers and bulls. For entry forms and further details please contact Edward Cox on 07786 842230 or Angela Russell on 07826 418325.

*New Season Lambs (357):- *SQQ* averaged 153.4p/kg liveweight. Not the quantity nor quality of last week as the drop in temperatures take effect, so no real Premium finished/conformation handy-weights (36-43kgs) forward. Best of the Prime same sold well from 154 to 162p (for S&J.Farming’s top Charollais sired lambs) whilst most of the lesser backed types traded either side of 150p. Similar remarks apply to the Middle-weights (44-47kgs) which sold to 155p with heavier sorts topping at 154p and £74.69, again for S&J. Farming. More wanted here on a weekly basis, please.

*Store Lambs (83) averaged £51.99 per head. A firm demand for those on offer, viz:- medium frame Suffolks to £57 for D. Parker, small mediums to £54.50, and smaller types to £52.80.

*Cull Ewes & Rams (103) averaged £54.01 per head. A good trade for the leaner meated ewes though more selective for the over-fats. No heavy nor medium-heavy framed/fleshed Suffolk or continental crosses penned; mediums sold to £72 (for AS. Webb’s Texels), light mediums to £65, and lighter conditioned same to £54. Medium frame, lean meated Mules to £60 though over-fats quoted not as dear. Plainer backed ewes sold generally to £45.50, and poorer sorts at rates less again.