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Exeter Market in Devon. Over 2000 breeding sheep met with a buoyant trade at Exeter Market Auctioneers’ special sale last Friday (18 September), with bidders encouraged by the positive outlook for the sector. Ewe lambs were first to go under the hammer, with 1062 sold for an average ÂŁ64.68p/head. Top price paid was ÂŁ84/head for a pen of Suffolk X ewe lambs from PD Rowell & Son from Crockernwell, while the best Mules averaged ÂŁ76/head from SJ and EA Francis from South Tawton.

Just over 1000 breeding ewes, meanwhile, sold for an average ÂŁ86.76/head, with a top price of ÂŁ122/head paid for 19 “two tooth” Mules from GP Alford, Sourton. Older ewes also went well, with six Lleyn X fetching ÂŁ95/head for AJ Wrayford from Denbury. Some 79 rams achieved 75% clearance for an average ÂŁ275/head.

Exeter’s store lamb sale the same day saw another entry of over 1000 lambs, which averaged ÂŁ48.61/head.

Q For more sales coverage, see p128 and fwi.co.uk/takingstock

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