There was a solid showing at Knighton Market on Thursday, April 24, as McCartneys reported an entry of 496 hoggets and 347 cull sheep.

The sale saw strong prices across the board, with encouraging demand particularly for well-covered hoggets and meated ewes.

Hoggets averaged 315.19p per kilo on the Standard Quality Quotation (SQQ), and 297.03p per kilo overall. The trade peaked at 347p per kilo for Texel cross hoggets from GL & DJ Morgan, with a top per-head price of £157 for a 58kg Texel cross from JH Morris & Sons.

Further notable prices included £150 for a 46kg Texel cross from MO Pugh and £121.50 for 44kg Texel crosses from WGW Price & Sons. Heavier hoggets were selling well, with pens reaching between £145 and £151, and the occasional standout topping £155.

Auctioneers noted a better trade than the previous week, especially for hoggets in the 32-46kg weight range, while leaner types in the entry pulled the overall average down slightly. With the season turning, buyers are now looking ahead and calling for new season lambs.

On the cull side, ewes averaged £148.90, with a top of £239 for Texel cross ewes from A Seabury & Co. Mule ewes sold to £205 (ER Phillips & Co), and hill-bred Speckled ewes reached £164 (RS Phillips & Co). Rams peaked at £175 for a Blue Faced Leicester, again from ER Phillips & Co.

The cull trade continues to show remarkable strength, with demand for all sizes, breeds and conditions remaining high. Auctioneers said meated ewes were "very big money", while even grazing ewes were fetching excellent returns.

Vendors are reminded to book ewes in on Wednesdays to allow buyers time to prepare.

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