Bluetongue regulations have led to the introduction of an additional Early Sale, organised by NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales, scheduled for early August.

Two Early Sales will take place - one in Wales and one in England - to better accommodate buyers and vendors from both sides of the border.

This decision follows Welsh Government bluetongue regulations and aims to save flockmasters time and expense.

The first sale will be held on Monday, August 4, at Brecon Livestock Market, followed by a second sale on Tuesday, August 5, at Hereford Livestock Market. Under current rules, rams from England attending the Brecon sale must be pre-movement tested.

NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales Executive Director, Jane Smith, said: “As an organisation operating in Wales and the Borders it is imperative that we offer the best opportunities for both buyers and sellers to facilitate buying and selling rams while we have these challenges. We hope by offering the two venues we will give everyone the best chance.

“The deadline for entering sheep for sale at either venue has now been extended to July 18. We do already have sheep entered from England for the Brecon sale, but those vendors will be offered the opportunity to swap to the Hereford sale.”

The sale will be run by McCartneys and Clee Tompkinson in Brecon, and Hereford Market Auctioneers in Hereford. Pre-movement bluetongue testing for livestock moving from England into Wales costs around £60–£70 per animal.

The NSA Wales & Border Early Ram Sale is especially important for early lambing flocks and traditionally kicks off the tup selling season. Last year’s inaugural sale at Brecon saw strong demand, with average prices rising by nearly £200. Two rams reached a top price of 2,000 guineas each, and an 83 per cent clearance rate marked the highest ever recorded.