SHEEP – 516 head. Henry H Bletsoe & Son report that a similar sized entry was penned this week, once again numbers being adversely affected by the harsh inclement weather which currently prevails. Demand was as fierce as ever with a full compliment of buyers competing strongly throughout, the lamb trade in particular being exceptionally fast. Great support has been received in all classes for next week’s sponsored Christmas Primestock Show & Sale along with store cattle, and likewise enquiry for the sale of turkeys, geese, cockerels, etc here on the December 21.

*New Season Lambs (363) - sold to 198p/kg, SQQ averaged 178.5p/kg. A quite extraordinary trade for a non-show day as national supplies tighten due to heavy snowfalls in many parts of the country, with returns for the SQQ equating to nearly £4/kg edcw.

The Premium finished/conformation, export type handy-weights (36-43kgs) sold in the main from 175 to 189p, peaking at 198p and £82.33 for Mrs Thomas’ top Texel sired lambs and 195p for Bruce Minett’s super Charollais. Prime same as well as most Middle-weights (44-47kgs) traded generally from 160 to 170p topping at a whopping 189p and £84.11 for AJ. Davenport’s stunning Suffolks plus 185p and £81.40 for FJ. Robbins’ Charollais. Heavier lambs sold to 158p and £84.44 for Paul Edwards’ Texels and £83.60 for Basil Ismay’s Charollais. More required in the coming weeks, please.

*Store Lambs (71) averaged £55.76 per head. Another fast trade in this aisle too - forward medium frame lambs to £62 (for Sue Rawlings) and other mediums to £57, with smaller sorts to £51.80 per head.

*Cull Ewes & Rams (82) averaged £52.76 per head. Short on entry - which was dominated by Mules – but a sharp trade all the same. No large frame, lean meated heavy Suffolk or continental crosses on offer though very over-fat same sold to £70; well fleshed mediums to £68.50, and light mediums to £61.50. Medium frame Mules sold to £60, whilst lighter conditioned ewes and plainer same traded either side of £45 dependant upon size.