There was a buoyant McCartneys trade at Knighton Market on Friday, April 4, with auctioneer Katie Davies reporting an excellent sale of 152 store sheep.

Despite a relatively small entry, prices were strong across the board, with hoggets averaging £113.89 per head and reaching a top price of £149.50. There was firm demand for all sizes and breeds.

Continental cross hoggets averaged £116.22 per head. The top price of £149.50 was achieved for Texel cross mixed hoggets from A Thomas, who also sold another pen to £140. JT Williams & Son saw their Texel crosses reach £141, while JP Breeze & Son sold to £139, and J & R Watkins achieved £129.50.

Hillbred and Mule hoggets also sold well, averaging £109.29 per head. Kerry Hill ram hoggets from KME Sayles topped this section at £132, followed by Exlana ewe hoggets from AL & RL Lewis & Son at £125, and Welsh ram hoggets from J & R Watkins at £119.

Trade for larger Continental cross hoggets generally ranged from £130 to £149.50, with medium types making £110 to £125, and smaller sorts selling between £95 and £105. Large hillbred hoggets were selling from £115 to £132, with smaller hillbred types between £95 and £100.

The next sale of store sheep at Knighton takes place on Friday, April 18, alongside the Special Spring Sale of Weanlings and Young Store Cattle, and the Spring Prize Sale of Store Cattle. Entries close on Thursday, April 10 at 5pm.

For more information, contact Katie Davies on 07817 474241, Jenny Layton Mills on 07867 522859, or the Knighton Office on 01547 528621.