Knighton Market welcomed a festive entry of 1,024 new season lambs and 412 cull sheep on Thursday, December 4, for its Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale.

The event, kindly judged by Ed Bunning (lambs) and Dan Lloyd (ewes), showcased some outstanding prize winners. JG Williams & Son took the West Brom Shield, while BW Gittins claimed the championship, with Jack Gittins named reserve champion. SA Cherry also secured a champion title.

The show and sale were generously sponsored by TH White Agriculture, D J Bright (Building Contractors) Ltd, Bob Jones & Associates Ltd, F M Caine & Sons, J A Francis & Sons, Dilwyns Solicitors, and The Horse & Jockey Inn.

New season lambs averaged 311.54ppk, with an overall average of 303.32ppk. The top price was 371.00ppk for 45.5kg Texel cross lambs, sold by BW Gittins and Jack Gittins, while the highest price per head was £154.50 for 55.5kg Texel cross lambs from RJ Lewis. Market observers noted a slightly harder trade compared to Wednesday, particularly for heavier lambs, though lambs under 44kg with good cover remained highly sought after. The overall average per head was £138.43.

The 412-strong ewe entry averaged £116.60. Top prices included £256 for Texel ewes from SA Cherry and £170 for Mule ewes from WJG Williams & Son. Hill-bred Welsh ewes reached £151 per head, while rams averaged £150.95, topping at £301 for Texel rams sold by AJ Tortoriello.

Market officials praised the strong demand across all classes, noting especially the premium prices achieved by Continental cross prize winners. Large entries of cull sheep continue to attract keen buyers each week.

Vendors are encouraged to book sheep in on Wednesdays to help inform buyers of expected numbers and ensure smooth trading.