Talgarth Market marked its 100th anniversary in extraordinary style on Friday, December 5 as this year’s Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale delivered record-breaking prices across sheep and cattle classes.

A total of 1,143 sheep, including 913 prime lambs, 230 cull ewes and nine prime cattle, passed through the rings - and auctioneers described the standard as among the finest seen anywhere in the country.

Auctioneer Matthew Nicholls, overseeing the prime lambs, said the day would “be consigned to the history books”, with an overall average of 328p/kg and an SQQ of 323p/kg. Heavy lambs were particularly sought after, with the 45–52kg section averaging an impressive 344p/kg.

Even the lighter lambs saw stronger demand than expected. Examples included 35kg lambs from J O Davies & Son of Court y Gaer at 334p/kg, 38kg hill lambs from D G M Samuel of The Glyn at 326p/kg, and 38.5kg Mules from T P & A Davies of Lletty­peod reaching 323p/kg.

But it was the show section where records tumbled. Pen after pen sold for more than £200 a head. R M & L C Eckley topped £238 for 50kg lambs at 476p/kg, but the day belonged to P J & T A Jones of Ty-Isaf, whose 48kg pen took the champion title and soared to a staggering £400 a head, or 833p/kg. Judges Tom Davies and P Price, representing Upper Court Butchery, backed their decision by purchasing the lambs themselves.

Reserve champion went to E F Gittoes & Sons, Brynddu, with a pen of 47.5kg lambs selling for £250, bought by regular supporter Pak Mecca Meats of Birmingham.

In the cattle ring, the quality was described as “incredible”. Judges Brian George of George Family Butchers, Talgarth, and Mike Rowlands of Dolwen Farm, Llanidloes, had the task of selecting winners in a show steeped in local history. Mr George’s family has supported Talgarth’s Christmas show since 1935, when his father bought the champion beast for just £30 - and it weighed 1000lbs dead.

This year’s top honour went to Harry and Rory Owen of Danybryn for a 700kg Limousin heifer that drew spirited bidding before selling to Mr George for a record-breaking £9,200. The reserve went to Phillip and Maizy Price for a black Limousin steer weighing 550kg, also purchased by Mr George, for £3,400.

Cull ewes met a strong Christmas trade, averaging £134.11, with Texels from E F Gittoes topping at £275. Four Texels from Cilgwyn Farm Ltd reached £265, while heavy Suffolks sold to £182. Welsh ewes peaked at £145, and cull tups twice made £205.50.

This year’s event was generously supported by sponsors David M Jones & Partners (Accountants), H. Vaughan Vaughan & Co (Solicitors), Hay & Brecon Farmers, and Bowketts Farm Supplies.

A spokesperson for the sale, who labelled it “a truly remarkable day” said: “Our warmest thanks goes to the vendors and judges for their incredible support, which inevitably made the day an unbelievable success.”

There was more than the usual Friday morning bustle at Talgarth Market on December 5 - and for good reason. Not only was it the traditional Christmas Show and Sale of Prime stock but Talgarth Market was also marking a big milestone birthday.

It is 100 years since Talgarth Market moved to its current site, back in 1925, as captured in the Brecon and Radnor Express of that time. As the photograph of the opening shows, the dress style has changed considerably since those times - but Talgarth remains a 'jewel in the crown' in the Black Mountains farming community - attracting the finest locally reared stock and, as Matthew Nicholls' report of the sale confirms, securing the highest prices for quality stock.

This year once again, veteran local butcher, Bryan George of WJ George Butchers bought the champion beast in a highly competitive auction, securing a record £9,200 for a 700KG Limousin heifer, reared by HD & RB Owen of Danybryn Farm, Llyswen.

Bryan was delighted to keep up the longstanding tradition, commenting: "The 100th Anniversary fatstock is a special occasion for Talgarth - and I'm glad that we were able to play our part again this year."

The whole event was captured by ITV Wales Rural Affairs correspondent Hannah Thomas, broadcast just as the farmers and members of Matthew Nicholls' Sunderlands team were gathering for their traditional Stockmen's Dinner at Gwernyfed RFC.

Current Powys County Council Chair and County Councillor for Talgarth, William Powell, said: "It is a huge achievement for Talgarth Market to reach its 100th year - and to remain in such good heart. Back then, it was also a challenging time between the wars, just ahead of the General Strike of 1926.

"We have many challenges in our own time - too many to name - but Talgarth Market represents a reassuring continuity and resilience in our rural community.

"I am so glad that Hannah Thomas was able to join us for this special occasion and to share the celebration. Big respect to Matthew Nichols and his team on this significant achievement."