Suffolk Genetics to the fore and in demand at Exeter!
The Annual Exeter market Great July Breeding sheep sale took place at Exeter market on Tuesday 9th July 2024 under Kivells auctioneers. The Suffolk breed is always well represented at the sale and this year was no exception.
A packed sale ring at this popular event stood testament to the fact that Suffolk genetics are very much in favour as sheep farmers look to invest in the best! The light seems to be switching on as people realize that the points contained in “The Suffolk Advantage” are real and can bring untold success to commercial breeding flocks.
First Prize winners sponsored by the Suffolk Sheep Society & Farmers Guardian
Milbourne Wick Farms, Manor Farm, Sherborne sold to £300
Third Prize winners in the ring A & L Gillard & Sons sold to £250
A highlight of the older ewe section was the flock dispersal of nearly 350 head from George and David Heywood, Bideford, whose full-mouth Suffolk cross Mules sold in large pens at £250 with the six-tooths at £250, and four-tooths reaching £242. They also sold pens of flock aged Suffolk purebred ewes to £250.
There was flying trade for the 2,800 Suffolk cross shearlings with more pens selling over £250 than under £200. The overall average was £226.02, up over £27 on last year and £51 better than 2022 for a much larger entry.
The largest consignor, Roger Rottenbury, Crediton, sold 483 Suffolk cross shearlings peaking at £252 three times.
The largest catalogued entry of rams seen at Exeter, saw the West Country Suffolk Sheep Association kick things off peaking at 1,200gns for the champion from Henry Derryman and family, Yarcombe.
Suffolk ram lambs peaked at 500gns for Brandon Roth, Redruth, and Phillip Brooks, Yeovil.
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