This year’s Highland Sheep event will feature a multi-breed show and sale of pairs of breeding ewe hoggs.
Organisers of the event – the Scottish branch of the National Sheep Association (NSA) – are now calling for entries of stock for the show and sale.
The event takes place at Fearn Farm, Tain, Ross-shire, on Tuesday, June 9. The farm, which is run by the Scott family, has flocks of 4,200 commercial and pedigree sheep.
The decision to hold a sale this year follows the success of similar sales at last year’s NSA Scotsheep event and the inaugural Highland Sheep event in 2013.
“The sale has been very successful over the past two years, attracting huge ringside interest, and will give buyers a rare opportunity to source high quality breeding stock of the major sheep breeds in Scotland,” said NSA Scotland chairwoman Sybil Macpherson.
“Entries for the show and sale may have to be limited and I would urge prospective exhibitors to start thinking about what they might want to enter and get their entries in early.”
Last year’s NSA Scotsheep sale achieved a 100% clearance rate with a top price of 1,800gn achieved each for a pair of Texel ewe hoggs from Turriff breeder Robbie Wilson, of North Dorlaithers. North Country Cheviot (park) sold to 1,200gn, while New Zealand Suffolks achieved 1,100gn.
The sale will be open to ewe hoggs born in 2014, with either MV or non-MV accreditation, and classes will be offered for eight breeds – Highland Mules, North Country Cheviot (Hill), North Country Cheviot (park), Scottish Blackface, Suffolk, Texel, as well as any other native breed and any other Continental breed.
All animals put forward in the show must be put up for sale, with the auction set to be conducted by Dingwall and Highland Marts.
All exhibitors must be fully paid-up members of the NSA and the entry fee is £25 per pair, plus VAT.
The prize money on offer is £50 for a first, £25 for a second and £10 for a third. The closing date for entries is Friday, May 22.
For more information contact Euan Emslie at euan@appliedremedies.co.uk or call 01430 441870.