Buyers across England and Wales will have plenty of choice at the upcoming NSA Wales & Border Early Ram Sales, with catalogues now available online via Issuu and the official website.

Vendors have entered a wide range of top-quality rams for the Brecon sale on August 4 and the Hereford sale on August 5. The second sale at Hereford aims to ease the burden of bluetongue regulations for flockmasters, helping sheep farmers on both sides of the border save time and money.

The Brecon sale has attracted an impressive 190 entries, featuring 94 Charollais, 34 Texels, 28 Suffolks, and a selection of crossbreds. The sale will open at 10:30am with the Charollais Society sale.

Meanwhile, Hereford’s sale will see 64 rams entered, including Texels, Suffolks, Poll Dorsets, and crossbreds. It is scheduled to start at 1pm on August 5.

Auctioneers McCartneys and Clee Tompkinson will oversee the sale at Brecon, with Hereford Market Auctioneers conducting the sale in Hereford.

The pre-movement testing for bluetongue in livestock moving from England into Wales costs an estimated £60 to £70 per animal.

The NSA Wales & Border Early Ram Sale is particularly important for early lambing flocks and traditionally sets the tone for the tup-selling season. Last year marked the first time the sale was held in Brecon, drawing strong demand and high prices. Average prices increased by nearly £200, with two rams reaching a top price of 2,000 guineas each and an 83 per cent clearance rate - the highest ever recorded.