Dorset Horn and Poll Sheep: the only sheep breed that can breed all year round - ideal for contolling your lambing times.

DORSETS BRING OUT THE SUNSHINE - May Fair Sale Report

In glorious sunshine the Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association kicked off the pedigree sheep sale season with their “May Sale” in Exeter Livestock Market on Tuesday, 6th and Wednesday, 7th May. Blue tongue restrictions had already prevented a number of breeders from attending – but with no movements being possible for Irish and Welsh purchasers, many feared for the trade!

However, as the show day unfolded, the quality of the sheep was soon evident with some stylish rams and females on display. The female championship was won by Mr Jim Dufosee with his ewe lamb Blackhill Kayleigh. This lamb was sired by Blackhill Houdini, later being responsible for the winning progeny group, also from Blackhill.

The first placed shearling ewe was Charlton Jill. This Charlton H35 daughter later sold for 300 gns. Pick of the females through the sale ring was undoubtedly the strong Ballytaggart Joy. The Huish Fred daughter made the day’s top female price of 500 gns, selling to Mr A Palk for his Stantor flock in Paignton, Devon.

The Ballytaggart flock of Mr Thomas Wright was also responsible for the overall Breed Champion exhibit. The decision to travel all the way from County Antrim, Northern Ireland proved the right one when the smart pair of ram lambs, Ballytaggart King and Klass were given the event’s top prize by judge Mr Francis Fooks. Both lambs were sired by Downkillybegs Jethro. They later sold for 750 gns and 900 gns respectively. It was however Ballytaggart Krafty, selling for 1,250 gns to the Sandercock’s Trevilley flock, which topped the flocks consignment.

The day’s top price was achieved by Mr Jim Dufosee with Blackhill Kipper. This Houdini son proved to be a massive success with interest from several breeders. He was eventually secured for 2,600 gns by Mr D Rossiter, Huish, Kingsbridge, Devon.

There were several other rams breaking the 1,000 gns mark. Trevilley Knock-Out from the Sandercocks made 1,400 gns to Mr Jim Dufosee and C H Trace and son, Gortleigh, Beaworthy, Devon. This Hunter son was the highest indexed ram in the sale. Also making 1,400 gns was Charlton Jaguar from Mrs P Laws, by Cornella F32, he went to Mr E Pocock, Totley Sheffield for his Hall Lane flock. Another long distant traveller was Downkillybegs Kojak from William and Karen Carson, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This Churchview He Man son realised 1,100 gns to J B May & Son of the Newtoncoombe flock, Bodmin, Cornwall.

The Best Horn Exhibit, shown by Lamb Bros, County Armagh was Richhill Kaiser. This eyecatching Poorton Champ son was snapped up by Sam Driver for his Sandy Lane flock, Glossop, Derbyshire.

May Fair Show Results - click here