Knighton Market saw an entry of 503 new season lambs and 309 cull sheep on Thursday, January 15, with McCartneys reporting a steady trade.

New season lambs averaged 321.77p per kilo, topping at 329p for 42kg Texel X lambs sold by J Bright & Son, which reached £138 per head. PJ Gittins sold 43kg Texel X lambs to 326p, or £140 per head, while RJ Lewis achieved the top price per head at £159.50 for 54.5kg Mule X lambs. EG Jones & Son also made £153 per head for 53kg Texel X lambs.

Trade was similar to the previous day, with the best-selling lambs weighing 38–43kg and those over 50kg also in demand. Hoggets averaged £144.65 per head, reflecting a slight slowdown due to limited export demand, but sellers noted that more stock could have been sold if numbers were higher.

The cull ewe trade remained strong, averaging £129.22. Top prices included £194 for Texel ewes from SJC Morris & Son, £169 for Mule ewes from HE & EK Williams, and hill-bred Welsh ewes to £118 from AJ Beavan & Partners. Rams averaged £143.29 per head, with a Continental X ram selling to £251 from E & W Griffiths.

McCartneys commented that demand remains excellent across all types, from meated to leaner and grazing sheep. Medium Mule ewes dominated the entry, while hill sheep on offer were generally smaller. Scanning ewes continue to attract good prices, and farmers are encouraged to book sheep in advance in order to help inform buyers of numbers.

The next store sale at Knighton Market is scheduled for Friday, January 30, with entries closing on Thursday, January 22 at 5pm.

For more information, please contact Jenny Layton Mills on 07867 522859, Katie Davies on 07817 474241, or Lloyd Humphreys on 07534 532468.