North-east Suffolk breeder Jimmy Douglas lifted the top title and price at the breed society’s national show and sale in Shrewsbury last weekend.
Mr Douglas’ sale success comes fresh off the heels of receiving one of the most prestigious awards in the livestock industry.
The veteran breeder, who hails from Woodhead of Cairness, Fraserburgh, was last week given the Sir William Young Award from the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland for outstanding contribution to livestock breeding. His Shrewsbury sale success saw him lift the overall championship title and top price of 15,000gn for a ram lamb.
This one, which is by Ballygarvanstud Flashdance and out of the top Thurston ewe by Thurston Warrior, was snapped up by Aberdeenshire breeders Gordon Troup of Shaggart, Sauchen, Inverurie, and John Gibb of Cairnton, New Pitsligo.
The next best price at the sale was 13,000gn for a ram lamb from C J Holmes at Broadway, Worcestershire.
This one, which is by Rookery Best of the Best, sold to G C Beacom, of Fivemiletown, Fermanagh.
Thereafter a ram lamb from Iain and Judith Barbour’s Solwaybank flock in Annan, Dumfries, sold for 7,500gn to Gerry Killilea from Co Galway, Ireland. This one is by Lakeview Harbinger and out of twice Highland Show champion Solwaybank Eva Jane.
Other leading prices included 4,200gn for a ram lamb from G C Beacom, selling to James Innes of Dunscroft, Huntly.
In all 214 sheep went through the ring to a clearance rate of 76% and an average price of 1,125gn.
Averages were: ram lambs 1,173gn; shearling rams 710gn; ewe lambs 609gn; shearling ewes 534gn.
The Scottish area show and sale of Suffolks takes place on Friday and Saturday at United Auctions in Stirling.