McCartney’s Brecon enjoyed a bumper pre-Christmas trade at its Tuesday sale on December 23, with a strong entry of 993 finished lambs forward alongside 150 cull ewes and rams.

Demand was evident from the outset, with buyers competing keenly for all classes of lamb, resulting in a solid SQQ of 341.8ppk and an overall average of 337.5ppk.

Finished lambs met what auctioneers described as an exceptional trade, with numbers well short of buyer appetite. In fact, it was suggested that more than 2,000 lambs could easily have been sold on the day. Top price per kilo was 360p for a pen of 46.5kg lambs from A O and J E M Williams, while plenty of other consignments sold comfortably around the 340p mark.

A standout run of 120 lambs from D T Evans averaged a strong 351ppk, underlining the strength of the market. Light lambs were also keenly bid for, topping at 358ppk from E G and G M Jones & Son. Hill-bred lambs generally sold between 320ppk and 335ppk.

The cull sheep trade was steadier, with a smaller and plainer show reflected in the prices achieved. The leading price was £178 for a pen of Suffolk cross ewes from R H Williams. Leaner hill ewes typically made between £80 and £120, with the better types reaching into the £130s. Auctioneers again highlighted a regular shortage of cull ewes, noting that more are needed each week to satisfy demand from six active buyers.

McCartney’s thanked vendors for their continued support on Tuesdays and took the opportunity to wish all clients a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, reminding producers that strong buyer interest is expected to continue into the New Year across all sections.

For up-to-date information or to make entries, speak to one of the auctioneers.