mule news 2017 - north of england mule sheep...

Edition 29

Mule News 2017

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Mule News 2017 l Edition 29 1

President ..................................... Mr Randal Raine .............. 01768 898291

Retiring Chairman .................... Mr Martyn Archer ............. 01434 230210

Chairman ..................................... Mr James S. Raine ........... 07871 149560

Vice Chairman ........................... Mr Kevin Wilson ................ 01943 880268

Secretary ...................................... Mrs Marion Hope .............. 013873 71777

Hawes ........................................... Mr Will Sedgley .............. 07920 484339

Kendal .......................................... Mr Rod Dixon ...................... 015398 23272

Kirkby Stephen ......................... Mr Colin Dent ..................... 01768 371339

Lazonby ........................................ Mr Philip Dawson ............. 07710 428531

Northumberland ....................... Kevin Ridley ........................ 07747 147013

Skipton ........................................ Mr Neil Heseltine ............... 07703 210218

Teesdale ..................................... Mr Malcolm Dent .............. 07975943480

Weardale ...................................... Mr Robbie Collingwood .. 07810 883107

West Cumbria ............................ Mr John Ritson .................. 07530 747478

2017 Officers of the Association

Branch Chairmen

Front Cover Picture by Linda Allen @ Bonnysheep

Mule News 2017 l Edition 292

from the Lakeland Hills, Yorkshire Dales & The Trough of Bowland

A sold between

J36 Rural Auction Centre & Lancaster Auction Mart including Lambs from

NEMSA Members

Friday 8th September - J36 Show & Sale of 4,000 Mule, Masham,

Rough Fell Mule & Continental Gimmer Lambs & Store Lambs followed by evening Judging of NEMSA Lambs &

‘Stars in their Eyes’ Show & Sale of Individual Mule Gimmer Lambs

2016 ‘Stars in their Eyes’ Champion from JA & CA Gibson achieving £255

Saturday 9th September - J36 Sale of 8,000 North of England Mule Gimmer Lambs on behalf

of the Kendal Branch of NEMSA

Wednesday 13th September - Lancaster Show & Sale of 3,000 Mule, Masham & Continental Gimmer Lambs

including Lambs from NEMSA Members

For this year’s sale dates please visit our website or contact the offices Full Fixtures List are available by request


Chairman's Report

With my first year as Chairman completed, may I firstly thank our secretary Marion for her unbridled enthusiasm for our association. She doesn’t miss a trick and we are very lucky to have her as our secretary.

I would also like to thank our main sponsors ‘Animax Limited’ and Shearwell Data’ for their continued support.

I would also like to recognise the support given to NEMSA from Geoff Burrows, our Treasurer, and also our President Randal Raine, who has joined me attending events and sales around the country promoting the breed, and to those members who go that extra mile for the association – it is very much appreciated.

Our partnership working with the auction markets to collectively market our stock as opposed to working as individual branches strikes a chord with our buyers and should be encouraged, so thanks to the auctions and to you our members for that.

In 2016, I think it’s fair to say a larger crop of lambs, albeit after a shaky start, met a healthy gimmer lamb trade in the autumn sales.

This matched with a strong store trade largely brought about by confidence at that time in the fat trade all boded well for our sector.

Going to the shows and events around the country has been a real pleasure. The quality of sheep exhibited by our members is of a high standard and creates a real spectacle drawing big crowds, so thank you for your continued efforts.

Individually however, the challenges ahead are great. Brexit poses a big threat to the sheep industry as a whole, and whilst that may be out of our control, we most focus on those things that we can control. We have great sheep, but our individual responsibility to the finer points of breeding going forward must be maintained, bearing in mind she is a commercial sheep.

This, coupled with the threat of disease which could also be outside our control, must to some extent be acknowledged so for those current buyers, and prospective buyers, we will continue to be first choice.

Wishing you all a successful year ahead.

James S Raine


Secretary's Report

www.nemsa.co.uk@mulesheep

North of England Mule Sheep Association

Hello and welcome to Mule News 2017.

Many of you will be lambing now, and working towards this years crop of lambs. We all work on improving our flock each year, just as your NEMSA committee work on improving our promotion and advertising. This year we have seen a massive leap in our Social Media followers, this will no doubt be ‘foreign language’ to some of you, however we do accommodate all our members. Following us on ‘twitter’ we have 1093 followers and on our facebook page we have 5346 followers. Working underneath all these sites are analytics that help us target the right audiences along with the right age groups, we are able to see statistics that show us how our posts were viewed (mobile or laptop), how many people ‘liked’ our posts, the total reach of our audience and how many people engaged with the post. As an example our recent AGM post on Facebook reached a total audience of 5069. To put it into reality, I had a call from a farmer last autumn who was sitting on his combine looking at our sales advert that we had posted on Facebook on his mobile phone. He was intending travelling up to a late sale as had struggled with the weather to get his grain gathered in.

We are looking forward this year to participating in the following events :-

NSA North Sheep 7th June at Tow Law, Branches hosting are Northumberland, Teesdale and Weardale

Royal Cornwall Show 8th – 10th June hosting are Kirkby Stephen and Lazonby

NSA SouthWest Sheep 20th June, Westleigh, Tiverton, Devon hosting are Kendal

Great Yorkshire Show 11th – 13th July, Harrogate hosting are Skipton (in conjunction with BFL)

Thame 3rd and 4th August hosting are West Cumbria

Oakhampton 10th August hosting are Kendal .

I look forward to seeing you at some of the events, our greatest promotional asset at these shows is of course the stock that is supplied by many of you, for which we are grateful.

Marion


Who’s the Daddy?

The Blue’s the Daddy

www.blueleicester.co.uk www.ukmules.co.uk

Contact Secretary: Helen Carr, Riverside View, Warwick Road, Carslisle CA1 2BS Tel: 01228 598 022 •Email: [email protected]

THE BLUEFACED LEICESTER SHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION

BFL_90x125mm WhosDaddy Ad_125x90 20/10/2009 12:45 Page 1

Annual Sale of 6000 Mule Ewe LambsWednesday 13th September 2017

Contacts: Head Office 016973 42202 David Porter 07704 282373 David Bowman 07721 616786

Hopes Auction Co Ltd,

Syke Road, Wigton,

Cumbria CA7 9NS

www.hopesauction.co.uk


The first event that Northumberland branch attended was Scot Sheep at Blythbank Farm, West Linton on the 1st of June. Ourselves and Weardale branch provided an excellent display of sheep of which Northumberland exhibited a cracking Mule Hogg with a Suffolk lamb, kindly loaned by Joe Vickers, Rennington South.

Hexham 1st Sale An outstanding show of lambs were presented before judge Andrew Warnock, Dreva. The lambs are shown in pens of 25 and the results were as follows:Champion Pen - J Hunter & Sons, Steel2nd – W & PF Walton, Penpugh3rd – J Herdman, Edlingham Newtown

As a Family we were delighted to present the ‘Stuart Ridley Memorial Trophy’ for the second time which was awarded for the best run of 100 lambs to Martyn Archer, Carry House. #staystrongstu The trade was below expectations on the day with most vendors down on the year. Top end lambs were harder to sell with smaller lambs making good money in comparison.

Hexham 2nd Sale The second sale saw another great run of lambs forward for show with 11 pens of 10 presented for judge, Richard Williams. Prizes were awarded as follows:Champion Pen – A Murray, Stell Green2nd – A Carruthers & Sons, Peela Hill3rd – RD Archer & Son, Carry House

Also this day the trophy for the best run of 60 lambs was presented to R English & Son, Brownsleazes.Trade at the second sale was up on the year with most vendors leaving happy with their days trading.I would like to wish everyone all the best for 2017.

Kevin Ridley

Northumberland Branch Report

Hunter The Steel 2016

Murray Stell Green


SWALEDALE SHEEPBREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION

For further information please contact: John Stephenson (secretary)01833 650 516 / 07751 439 363

[email protected] www.swaledale-sheep.com

‘For All Things Mule’ Buy or Sell at Bentham Auction

Mule Shearl ings Blue Faced Leicesters The best selection of top pen Mule

Gimmer Shearlings available anywhere along with a great selection of

commercial sheep. 2016 Top Price £255

The popular Bentham Leicester Sale providing a superb selection of crossing Rams for buyers from all parts of the

UK. 2016 Top Price £5,500

Mule Gimmer Lambs Swaledales A Sale with a growing reputation for

quality Lambs to satisfy both buyer and seller.

2016 Top Price £360

Excellent stocks of Swaledale Draft Ewes, Shearlings & Gimmer Lambs

available in large numbers. 2016 Top Price £250

Prime & Store Mule Lambs Every Wednesday – Prime Lambs Fortnightly Tuesday – Store Lambs

Contact: Stephen Dennis 07713 075 661 Main Street, Bentham, Lancaster, LA2 7HF Tel:- 015242 61444

www.benthamauction.co.uk


Weardale Branch Report

The Weardale Branch made the trip north to Scotch Sheep. A special thanks to Philip Elliot for the loan of the mule hoggs and to Kevin Ridley for the transportation of them to and from the event. With the back end sales looming, lambs were in full bloom from to the good weather we had experienced. On Thursday the 22nd September at Hexham Mart (originally the Tow Law sale) there were 14 outstanding pens of ten lambs on show. These were expertly judged by Robert Carter who awarded the following prizes:- 1st – T. A. Collingwood of Ambling Gate, 2nd – R&MJ Lee of Harwood Sheild, 3rd – W Reed & Sons of Lands Farm 4th – I Potts of Red Burn.

The prizes for the best run of 100 hundred lambs were as follows :-1st –T A Collingwood of Ambling Gate, 2nd – R&MJ Lee of Harwood Sheild 3rd – W Reed & Sons of West Biggens. The mart average was up by £4.20 on last years high.

On Friday the 23rd September at St. Johns Chapel there was once again 12 outstanding pens of 10 lambs for Philip Elliot and Duncan Burton to judge. With much deliberation they awarded the prizes as follows :- 1st WM Reed & Sons of Lands Farm, 2nd M&B Coulthard of Bridge End, 3rd K&HA Ridley of AllenSheild and 4th was Messrs Pattinson of Pinfold.

The Lee Jameson Memorial Trophy for the best run of 50 or more lambs was judged by Rundal Weldhen and Jo Brunswick. They awarded 1st prize to M&B Coulthard of Bridge End, 2nd to J Robinson of Rigg Farm and 3rd to DA& FM Dalton of Burtree Ford. The mart average was up by 87p from 2015.

Our thanks goes to all those involved in sponsoring, breeding and purchasing the mule lambs from the Weardale Branch and also to the auctioneers and the marts. We would like to wish Beth Collingwood our branch secretary a speedy recovery after her recent horse riding accident

Robbie Collingwood

Winning lambs at Tow Law sale - T Collingwood, Ambling Gate


Sheep were fit going into last winter and scanned well. There were a few nasty days during lambing but most ended up with a good lamb crop. Like last year grass growth was slow through May and June but lambs caught up by sale time.

In June, along with members from Kirkby Stephen we made our annual trip to the Royal Cornwall Show. Our stand attracted many familiar faces as well as new ones. Despite much uncertainty we got the feeling demand for breeding sheep would be good in the autumn. Once again, we must thank Bill and Clair Pedlar for providing excellent sheep for the three day event. I’d also like to thank local farmer, Andrew Hawkey, who at short notice provided us with excellent accommodation at Olde House, Chapel Amble.

The Royal Highland Show and Scottish Winter Fair were well supported by the Lazonby Branch.

The autumn sales soon came around and mule stores were good to sell and the shearling trade was up. Gimmer lamb sales set off strong at most centres.

Penrith District Farmers Mart LLP - 20 September 2016 Penrith Mart had 9000 lambs at their sale. Averages were up £4.00 @ £96. Judging was carried out by Mr R. Sizmur, Okehampton and Mr A. Mitchell, Skelton with Mr J. Winter, Appleby acting as referee.Results:1st & winning the Eden Hall Farm Supplies Trophy and NEMSA rosette – Messrs Lord, West Dowgill.2nd Messrs RW and JH Emmott, Wythop Hall.3rd Messrs WM Hutchinson and Son, Redgate.4th Messrs Nattrass, Low Crossgill. 5th Messrs GA and DE Thompson, Howburn.

Harrison & Hetherington Ltd Lazonby Mart - 10 September 2016Raymond Marston kindly judged the lambs after fulfilling his responsibilities as shearling judge. He made the following awards:1st and The Joe Armstrong memorial Cup RJ Bell, Scarrowmanwick.2nd CJ Peacock, Infield.3rd JJ Armstrong, Croft House.4th JJ Armstrong, Croft House.Numbers were up and lambs were good to sell averaging £94.81.Kind thanks to our sponsors, New Breed UK

Lazonby Branch Report

Harrison and Hetherington Lazonby Mart Alston Moor sale J P Lee and Sons, Morley Hill - Lazonby


Harrison & Hetherington Ltd, Lazonby Mart - Alston Moor Sale 28 September 2016The sale average for 20,295 lambs was £93.37 (-£2.45 on the year) with 1600 more lambs sold. Tupping lambs were in high demand, smaller runners however proved harder to place than at previous sales. The Tuesday evening show was again a success with 19 tremendous pens put before judges, Julie Brough, Aspatria and Andrew Geary, Milton Keynes. The referee was Joanne Harrison, Gretna.

After much deliberation the following were awarded:1st and The William Armstrong Memorial Cup Messrs J Lee, Morley Hill.2nd F and M Moore and Son, Highside.3rd K and HA Ridley, Allenshields.4th WD and B Thompson, East Unthank.5th Messrs J Lee, Morley Hill.6th PM and P Smith, Parson Shields.

Kindly sponsored by The Farmers Guardian, The late Jonty Stalker Memorial Trophy for best run of 60 or more lambs was won by Messrs Carrick and Sons, High Crossgill.

The show was kindly sponsored by L A Smith Livestock Scanning, Shearwell Data, Carrs Billington, A W Jenkinson, H & H Insurance, Dodd & Co, Jim Peet Agriculture and I’Ansons.

Thanks to Harrison and Hetherington for providing an excellent supper.

Harrison Hetherington Ltd. Lazonby Mart - 12 October 2016

6945 lambs saw all classes very good to sell. Averages for NEMSA were £84.06 up £3.87. Non-NEMSA averages were £82.21 up £3.40. The pre-sale show was kindly sponsored by Davidson Animal Feeds, Armstrong Watson and DW Toppin Ltd. Judge Henry Johnson made the following awards:

1st and the Mounsey Kidd Memorial Trophy Kilnstown Farms Ltd.2nd RH and EM Lord, The Bog Farm.3rd GA and DE Thompson, Howburn.4th PM and P Smith, Parson Shields.

Once again, a big thank you to Harrison & Hetherington LTD, Penrith and District Farmers Mart LLP for their continuing hard work and support. As this is my final report as branch chairman, I’d like to thank all committee members for their support over the past three years and special thanks to our secretary, Kaylene Lord. I’d like to wish everyone the best during the uncertain times ahead.

Paul Staley


SKIPTON AUCTION MART NORTH YORKSHIRE

Major seasonal sales in 2016 at Skipton of:-MULE GIMMER LAMBS

5 fortnightly sales during the autumn of 5,000 to 10,000 headTuesday 6th September – 8,000 lambs all from NEMSA Members

Tuesday 20th September – 10,000 lambs all from NEMSA Members Tuesday 4th October (fortnightly thereafter) 5,000 lambs (Open Sale)

Autumn sales of Gimmer Shearlings & Ewes. Spring Sales of Hoggs with LambsRegular Autumn sales of 5,000-12,000 Store Lambs (July-February)

Fortnightly sales of 500-1,200 Young Feeding Bulls, Bullocks & Heifers

Pedigree & Commercial AuctioneersCraven Cattle Marts Ltd, Gargrave Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1UD

Telephone 01756 792375 – www.ccmauctions.comAuctioneers: Jeremy Eaton 07740 780481 Ted Ogden 07855 958211 Sam Bradley 07538 539077

MULE SHEEP SALES 2017Mule Gimmer Shearlings – Friday 1st & 22nd September.

Mule Gimmer (Ewe) Lambs - Friday 15th & 29th September.----------------------------------

Every Friday – 150 / 200 Rearing calves & stirks.Monthly Friday Dairy Sales.

Fortnightly Friday Store & Breeding Cattle. All classes of breeding sheep & store lambs.

6 Day Rule Primestock on Wednesday---------------------------

For full details of all the above contact Mart office: 01969 623167. www.leyburnauctions.com

LEYBURN LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARTRichmond Road, Leyburn, North Yorkshire. DL8 5DP


Kendal Branch ReportAfter taking over from Mr. Jonathon Hodgson this is my first report as chairman of the Kendal Branch. Many thanks to all the Kendal Branch members all auction mart staff in particular Ian Atkinson, Helen Richard. Richard Gardner .

Friday evenings pre sale show had a new venture "stars in your eyes" there was 11 individual mule glimmer lambs forward a brilliant turnout for the first year. Mr Phillip Elliott was our judge.

Many congratulations to Andrew and Christine Gibson. Longwell for the champion lamb selling for £255. Pens of 10 and 20 were judged by Mr.Richard Little and Mr.Richard Wilson

Pens of 101st. JA &CA Gibson. Longwell2nd. A & H Watson Middleton Hall3rd. Strickland Hill Farming4th. P & ME Capstick Whicham Hall5th. J.F. Cook. Moss Howe Farm6th. S. Butterfield Low Mansriggs

Pens of 201st. A & H Watson. Middleton Hall2nd. Strickland Hill Farming3rd. JA & CA Gibson. Longwell4th. J.F. Cook. Moss Howe Farm5th. P & ME Capstick. Whicham Hall6th. B & HM Wilson. Ashstead

The Saturday sale was buzzing. Congratulations to all vendors ,once again a very high standard of lambs were forward. A big thank you must go to our buyers for their continued support. The Bruce Willison Memorial Shield trophy which is presented to the best run of lambs in the market on sale day was awarded to JD & M Capstick of Fellside, Millom

At the end of my first year I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for your support it has been a challenging year.

Many thanks Rod Dixon

North West Auctions Lancaster Mule Gimmer Lamb sale Wednesday 14th September 2016

An entry of over 2000 mule gimmer lambs were forward including a large proportion of NEMSA lambs for the annual sale, selling to a market average of £93.68. A busy ring of buyers was forward supported by local buyers with lambs travelling to Oxford, Cornwall and throughout the South. AC & K Pyle of Dunkenshaw Farm, Abbeystead took the first prize pens of ten and twenty lambs.

JA & CA Gibson


Skipton Branch ReportAs a result of 2015 gimmer lamb prices being lower on the year we set ourselves the aim, as a committee at the start 2016, to try and turn that around. To that end, in conjunction with Hawes Branch and with thanks to Janet Dunning & John Wilson, Thomas Willoughby and Robin Booth for providing excellent stock, we attended the Sheep Event at Malvern, without doubt the premier event of the British sheep breeders calendar, and had a lot of positive feedback about the breed, notably how well the breed was performing for those people who had bought them in the past.

So when the sales came along, we thought we'd done our job well, prices were up by £8-10 across the board and vendors, generally, were happy. I'd like to think it was our efforts in Malvern along with the all the other branches attending various events throughout the country over the whole summer that resulted in this uplift, however if I'm being honest, I think I have to give the credit for this to the happenings of the 23rd June rather than our day in Malvern, but we'll keep trying!

Feedback on the North of England mule is always very positive wherever you travel around the country but what has become both apparent and concerning to me is the number of shepherds who are now using mule sheep to breed their own Texel cross breeding sheep. This is backed up by NSA figures which show an exponential rise in the numbers of Texel bred breeding sheep, along with Lleyns, in recent years at the expense of all mule breeds which, without exception, have decreased in number over the same period. The North of England Mule is still way out ahead of all its rivals at this moment in time but we have to be aware that other breeds are coming up on the rails trying to topple our crown. Forewarned is forearmed and we ignore the threat at our peril.

Lastly, I'd like to thank Claire and all the Skipton Branch committee for their unstinting efforts over the year, particularly to Martin Throup who retired at our AGM in December. We are indebted to Martin for his work over the last six years and we welcome Thomas Walker as his very able replacement.

Sale Results

Results 1st sale 10'sWA & A BoothJK WilsonFA Caton

20'sWA & A BoothAV CatonK & GJ Huck

1st sale, Pens of 10 - WA and A Booth


Sponsorship Cheque

2nd sale 10'sWP & B WalkerEllis BrosJC & N Throup

20'sCD & RF KitchingWP & B WalkerJK Wilson

Neil Heseltine Skipton Branch Chairman

2nd Mule Gimmer Show 20.09.16 Walker 10s group

Animax Rep, Tom Raynor presenting NEMSA Chairman,Randal Raine with a cheque for £2500.

Grateful thanks to Animax for their continued support.


Success rained for the Raines at the Scottish Winter Fair with Messrs R and R Raine, Fogclose taking 1st and 2nd place and Messrs Lee of Morely Hill in 3rd. A worthy day out for NEMSA wethers, could it be on your calendar this year ?

FRIDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER - Annual show & sale of 5,000 Mule gimmer shearlings &

ewes. Annual show & sale of 350 breeding rams.

THURSDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER – Show of Mule gimmer lambs at 5pm competing for the Johnny Matterson Memorial Cup.

FRIDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER - Great Annual Lakeland sale of 10,000 Mule gimmer lambs.

SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER – Annual sale of 5,000 Lakeland store lambs.

MONDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER - Annual Show & Sale of 150 Bluefaced Leicester rams & females including the Annual production sale from Neil Marston (Highberries).

For information contact 01900 822016 or Auctioneer John Wharton 07912 946549

Marketing 58,000 Mule sheep at Lazonby, Kirkby Stephen, Carlisle and Middleton in Teesdale

Pedigree & Commercial Livestock

Official Society Sales of Beef, Dairy & Sheep

Tractors, Machinery & Commercial Vehicles

Specialist Livestock Sales, Equine & Events

Professional Valuations

01228 406200 harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

Borderway, Carlisle CA1 2RS

Farmstock Auctioneers, Brokers & ValuersHARRISON & HETHERINGTON

The UK’s Leading Livestock Marketing Company


West Cumbria Branch ReportAs I write my first report, lambing time is fast approaching. I am always pleased to see the first lambs of the year, but also equally happy to reach the day that the last ewe finally lambs. I am pleased to welcome our new Branch Secretary Hannah Place. Hannah works on the family farm near Cockermouth, in her spare time she is an active member of the local Young Farmers Club and a keen horse rider.

The quality of the lambs at the Autumn sales was as good as ever. Well done to everyone for their hard work. West Cumbria Branch members sell lambs at four local auction marts, Carlisle, Cockermouth, Longtown and Wigton. Results for 2016 sales starting on Tuesday 13th September at CD Auctions, Longtown – the judge was Mr R Mackie.

Ex Swaledale Ewe; 1st & Champion – JT James, Midtodhils2nd – RI and VA Telford, High Parkfoot3rd – RI and VA Telford, High Parkfoot

Ex Northumberland Blackfaced Ewes 1st – R.W. & M. Carruthers, Hillbrae 2nd – W and A Forster, The Nook3rd – A. Carruthers and Sons, Peela Hill

Next day 14th September at Hopes Auction, Wigton, ewe lambs averaged £96.96. Judges were Mr J Fell and Mr T Foster with Mr D Shimwell as referee.1st – Messrs Ridley Woodhall2nd – J Lee and Sons Morley Hill3rd – RW and JH Emmott Wythop Hall

On Thursday 15th September at Harrison and Hetherington, Carlisle the judges were Mr C Hewitt and Mr P Fox (Mr T Foster as referee) sale average was £101.301st – JW Smith Jackson High Town2nd – W Ridley Woodhall3rd – TP Wigham Hargill House

Leading on to 16th September at Mitchells Auction Mart, Cockermouth, the judges were Mr R Fawcett, Mr N Dallas and Mr E Holliday, sale average was £90.501st – A and K Nicholson Swinside End2nd – Messrs Faulder Wescoe3rd – A and K Nicholson Swinside End

Many thanks to the judges, referees, sponsors and all our auction marts and their staff.Finally, a big thankyou to all our customers. I hope you have a good farming year and look forward to welcoming you back to West Cumbria in the Autumn.

John Ritson, Chairman West Cumbria Branch

Henry, William and Richard Ridley - winning NEMSA lambs at Wigton


Borderway Expo 2017

Congratulations to all exhibitors at the very popular 'Expo' at Harrison and Hetherington, Carlisle in October 2016. Shown are the winning lambs from John Wilson and Janet Dunning receiving the NEMSA tankard from sponsor John Barker'


LONGTOWN MART

Tuesday 29th August

Main Sale of Mule Shearlings & Ewes

Tuesday 12th September Principal Show & Sale of Mule Ewe Lambs

Second Sale of Mule Shearlings & Ewes

Tuesday 26th September Second Sale of Mule Ewe Lambs Sale of Mule Shearlings & Ewes

Longtown Mart, Townfoot, Longtown, Cumbria, CA6 5LY.

Tel (01228) 791215-791300 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

or find us on Facebook

Association Ties

Polyester ties available from the Secretary in the following

colours: Brown, Green, Maroon and Navy

£15.00 inclusive of postage and packing

Wednesday 7th June (9am –5pm) West Shields Farm, Tow Law,

COUNTY DURHAM DL13 4LN By kind permission of WH & J Smith & Sons

·Farm Tour ·Demonstra�ons

·Seminars ·Breed Socie�es

·Workshops ·Compe��ons ·Trade Stands

·A great day out!

www.northsheep.org.uk Heather Stoney-Grayshon, Event Organiser

Email: heather@na�onalsheep.org.uk Tel: 079666 99930

MAJOR SPONSORS

FREE entry for NSA Members Adults: £12, Students & under 16: FREE. FREE CARPARK & GUIDE

A Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registra�on No. 37818. Registered charity in England and Wales (249255) and in Scotland (SC042853)


Another Year on and the biggest change in the year has got to be the Brexit vote.

Whether this will be for the better in the near future “who really knows “ Let’s hope all turns out well in the years to come, not only for farming but other business’s as well.

One good thing to come out of brexit was the exchange rate pushing the pound stronger which not only has increased the payment for the basic payment scheme but also helped fat lamb trade up a good £10 on the year, which is all very welcome.

With the summer weather proving difficult yet again, silage and hay time seemed to drag on longer than it should but thank goodness for wrap and the exceptional equipment there is now a day’s Early August and another trip to Thame Shearling Sale. Shearlings looked well and a good trade followed, a sensible trade for both vendors and buyers.

Thanks to Libby Bell for chauffeuring 3 of us that day.

Well done to the Dent family at Naby for winning this year’s stick reader and thank Shearwell for the kind prize which is awarded to our branch each year.

On to our sales

Middleton in Teesdale sale was on Wednesday 14th September 2016 - 3070 Gimmer Lambs forward. Judges were David Buck & Callum Kettles and they awarded the cup and rosette to:1st J & K Metcalf Park House 2nd M W & E Dent Wythes Hill 3rd J & SE Bainbridge Dousgill 4th A & J Harrison High Beck Head 5th JC & J White Rigg Farm The average for the sale was £92.29 up £9 on the year

Barnard Castle sale was on Thursday 15th September 2016 - 3710 Gimmer Lambs Forward. Judges Alan Redpath & Edwin Holliday and they awarded the cup and rosette to:1st J & K Metcalf Park House 2nd J&SE Bainbridge Dousgill3rd MW & E Dent Wythes Hill 4th J & MJ Walton West Shotton The Average for the sale was £103.39 up £6 on the year

Well done to all vendors on a really good show of lambs again and thanks to all who purchased lambs and hope they do well. Thank you to all committee members and our secretary Rebecca Metcalf for helping me through another year.A big thank you to H & H Auctioneers & all Staff at Middleton IN Teesdale Auction Mart and also a big thank you to Libby Bell and all Staff at Barnard Castle Auction Mart it is very much appreciated. Happy New Year to all and hope the weather stays good

Malcolm Dent

Teesdale Branch Report

Middleton winning lambs J&K Metcalf


Baa-gains galore as annual charity lambs nets over £3,500 Big-hearted bidders were far from sheepish in their support for Addingham & District Sheep Breeders’ Association’s tenth annual charity lamb show and sale at Skipton Auction Mart, when a resounding £3,509, the highest in recent years, was raised for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope, Keighley. (Wed, Dec 14)

A total of 33 lambs, predominantly Mule wethers and all donated by generous farmers from across the region, were auctioned off to a full ringside of buyers and supporters, with the show champion from the Walker family, based at Brennand Farm, Dunsop Bridge, doing best of all when netting a grand total of £900.

The home-bred Mule wether, by the family’s renowned Midlock Blue Faced Leicester tup, first made £380 when knocked down to John Turner, of Draughton. He then re-offered it for sale, for show sponsor Chris Pearson, of Pearson Farm Supplies, West Marton, to snap it up for a second time at £320. He, too, handed it back to be resold, this time to Keith Coverall, who runs an agricultural clothing and footwear shop on the CCM site, who also gave it back. In fact, the champion re-sold several times, before auctioneer Sam Bradley knocked it down for a further £100 to fellow auctioneer Ted Ogden, buying on behalf of Craven Cattle Marts, which again waived their commission on the charity sale.

The victorious sheep, recipient of the Pearson Farm Supplies Shield, will be over-wintered, before returning to the Skipton sale ring next Spring, when it will again be auctioned off in aid of Manorlands, for whom the annual charity highlight has now netted over £36,000 in total, with this year’s kitty also boosted by others who had donated auction prizes. NEMSA Skipton branch chairman Neil Heseltine, of Malham, clinched the runners-up slot with a Mule wether by a home-bred ram lamb later sold as tried shearling. Standing third was Nick Houseman, of Lindley, Otley, with Ian Mellin, of Airton, fourth.

Show judges were Margaret Watkinson, of Hutton Sessay, and John Greenhalgh, of Bashall Eaves. Co-organiser Joe Throup, of Berwick Intake Farm, Chelker, said: “Once again, this was a superb result and we wholeheartedly thank all who donated lambs and other items for sale, and the many others who dug deep at the ringside for an extremely worthy local cause.”

Karen Jones, Hospice Fundraiser for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice said: "It is wonderful to receive this donation from Addingham & District Sheep Breeders Association, and we're so grateful to everyone for thinking of us once again. They all work tirelessly throughout the year and to then donate lambs for a charity auction is such a kind gesture “We are overwhelmed by the amount it raised, and this money will help us to continue providing our incredible hospice care across the local community, including Craven, for which we cannot thank the team enough." The charity fund-raiser formed part of the fortnightly sale of store lambs, the final one this year. It attracted a total entry of 1,675 head, which met with a sharp trade and sold to an overall average a couple of pence shy of £52. Stronger medium keep lambs were in good demand, while small long keep lambs normally seen at this time of the year traded generally in the late £40’s to early £50s.

Lambs or auction prizes were donated by: D&J Carlisle, KG&J Huck, J Addyman, CM Ryder, JW Hall, R Mawson, JK Wilson, N Houseman & Partners, J Sugden, N Heseltine, BW Appleton, T&J Smith, Ellis Bros, JC Walker & Son, ID Mellin, JC&N Throup, K&ML Throup, WA&A Booth, JC Berry, J&AJ Coates & Son, WP&B Walker, C Nelson & Son, S Spensley, FG Throup, JA&JC Throup, J Percival, Ashfield Farms, R Stockdale, Ms Harsley, Pearson Farm Supplies, Ken Horner, M Watkinson, RD Metcalfe, Eileen Addyman, Judith Lofthouse, Royston Baxter, A Wright & A Hall, G&MA Lawn, JR Carr, FW&JM Edington, AJ Mason & M Ryder & Son.

For further info contact Robin Moule, Moule Media, on 01756 794027.

Rob Walker is pictured with the family’s 2016 Addingham Sheepbreeders’ 2016 charity Mule wether lamb champion


BARNARD CASTLE AUCTION MARTCo.Durham, DL12 8AD.

THURSDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2017Annual Prize Show & Sale of

4500Mule Gimmer Lambs On Behalf of N.E.M.S.A

Judging 10am, Sale 11am

ST JOHNS CHAPEL AUCTION MART, WEARDALE, CO.DURHAM, DL13 1QF.

FRIDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2017Annual Prize Show & Sale of

3000Mule Gimmer Lambs

Show for N.E.M.S.A members onlySale open to non members

Judging 10.00am Sale 11am

Tel. Barnard Castle Mart Office 01833 638152 Or Libby Bell Auctioneer 07818435728

SHEARWELL PRIZE DRAW WINNERSMany thanks go to Shearwell Data for their generosity in providing

This year winners were given a £500 voucher :-

Northumberland – Adam Peart, Hareshaw, Bellingham 1928

Teesdale – Messrs Dent, Naby Farm -187

Hawes – R Fawcett, New House, Bishopdale 661

Skipton – Mr Greenwood, Newlands Farm, Jackson Lane, Low Bradley 2208

Lazonby – Messrs Raine, Fogclose, Kirkoswald 1457

Kendal – Mr R Gardner, Barrowfield Farm, Brigsteer 1293

Weardale – Mr T Golightly, Lilswood Cottage, Steel, Hexham 1922

West Cumbria – Henry Ridley, Wood Hall, Hesket New Market - 100

Kirkby Stephen – Mr E D Bousfield, Cranberry, Mallerstang - 253

Please check out their website to see what prizes are on offer www.shearwell.co.uk


Since storm Desmond, the wet weather continued throughout winter and lambing time causing the ground to become saturated. May and June were very good months and helped everything grow and thrive. The show rings were well attended as usual and the standard of sheep was very high. Congratulations to all vendors that made the effort to show their sheep this year.

Malvern

We attended Malvern NSA event in July the Hawes Branch shared the stand with Skipton, Tom Willoughby provided the Mule Gimmer lambs and Skipton provided the Mule Ewes with lambs at foot. So huge thanks goes to them. The new pens showed off the lambs tremendously well and we had a great deal of interest all day, and was well worth attending, with Nemsa lambs were in demand.

Blakesley show was given the Trophy for The Best Mule Ewe from the Hawes branch as usual.

Hawes Branch Report

Sales Report Hawes Shearlings - 16th of August1st JW Hall, Darnbrook 2nd JW Hall 3rd Thimbleby Farms Ltd, Northallerton Av £146 up £29.20 on 2015.Bentham Shearlings – 27th of August1st GE Jackson 2nd GE Jackson 3rd Fox Farms 4th Ross Sizmur 5th Ellie Jackson Average £145.00 which was up £12.00Leyburn Shearlings – 2th of September1st Raymond and Robert Johnson2nd Hannah Brown3rd Lowesby Farms, Leicestershire4th Ken and John Fawcett, MarskeAverage £138 up £6.

GIMMER LAMBS Bentham lambs - 10th September 1st KA Brown and Sons2nd WA and A Booth3rd J Garth & Son4th AC and K Pye 5th J&AI WhitakerNemsa Average £94.00 which was up £2, with 11044 lambs brought forward.Hawes lambs Monday – 12th of September 1st WA and A Booth2nd R and PE Hargreaves 3rd WA and A Booth4th E Fairburn and Sons 5th J and K Metcalfe and SonAverage £100 up £9 with 13,078 brought forward

Hawes lambs Tuesday - 13th of September1st Messers Lord 2nd G and HR Sheilds 3rd W & D Lawson4th Breck House Enterprise5th S & T FawcettAverage £98.26 up £4 with 11,332 brought forwardWith the overall average £99.22 up £6.13. 24,410.Leyburn Lambs - 18th of September 1st J and K Metcalfe and Son2nd D and T Brown 3rd K Hird and Sons 4th Messers Allison Sealhouses

NORTH OF ENGLAND MULE SHEEP ASSOCIATION

HAWES BRANCH

OPEN DAYSunday, 20 August 2017, 2 – 4pm

Riddings Farm, Reeth, Richmond, DG11 6URCourtesy of The Porter Family

STOCK JUDGING with Prize Money

RAFFLE proceeds going to Charity

AUCTION MART STANDSTRADE STANDS

REFRESHMENTSFor more information please contact:

Geoffrey Porter - 01748 88478 or 07812 709968Will Sedgley - 07924 84339

Tom Willoughby - 07792 905175FREE ENTRY


The Hawes Branch of NEMSA Best Run of Lambs trophy was awarded to David and Tim Brown Agglethorpe, so congratulations to the Brown family on their achievement. Average £95.30 up £6.10 2,745 brought forward.

Due to the pound being weaker improved prices for all sectors of lambs and breeding sheep. There was a great buzz around all the sale rings this year with Nemsa lambs in demand. As a branch we would like to thank the auction marts for collecting the levy and for their expertise on marketing The Mule Sheep so well.

Well done to all Hawes Branch NEMSA members for presenting top quality shearlings and lambs once again. I would also like to thank all the committee members for their support and Carol our secretary for doing an excellent job.

I would like to thank Ryan Whyte from Carrs Billington for sponsoring our committee meetings this year. I would like to thank Tom Rayner from Animax for their sponsorship to the main branch.

This is my last meeting as Hawes Branch chairman, and I would like to thank the committee for all their support over the last 3 years, it has been a great privilege Thank you, and I would like to wish Will all

the best in his chairmanship. Thanks to Ken Hird and Granville Fairburn for all their hard work on the committee over the many years they have stood, they have gone around many shows and sales representing Hawes Branch and have been a credit to us. And due to other commitments Mark Burton has decided not to stand on the committee, so thank you Mark.

And finally Shearwell for all their sponsorship.

The £500 prize draw donated by Shearwell was won by Brian Fawcett congratulations.

Brian Horner - Hawes Branch Chairman

Andrew Brown, Asby Hall winning lambs - Bentham sale

HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE DL8 3NPTel: 01969 667207

THE LEADING CENTRE FORNORTH OF ENGLAND MULE GIMMER LAMBS

WEEKLY SALES EVERY TUESDAY (6 DAY RULE)

PRIME LAMBS/HOGGETTS 10amSTORE LAMBS/EWES

REARING CALVES 10.30amSPECIAL SALES OF STORE CATTLE & BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

SPECIAL AUTUMN SALES OF BREEDING EWES & RAMSCHARTERED SURVEYORS & VALUERS

FARM & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES UNDERTAKEN

For further information contact AuctioneersRaymond Lund 015396 20895 or 07974 126397 Maurice Scott 01833 622240

www.hawesmart.co.uk • e-mail: [email protected]


Our first journey south for Kirkby Stephen branch was on Tuesday 7th June when Peter Pratt & Geoff Taylor kindly offered to support Kendal branch and attend the N.S.A. South East, held this year at Tisbury, near Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Two days later Kirkby Stephen branch members in conjunction with fellow members from Lazonby branch went on their annual trip to the Royal Cornwall Show (9th-11th June). For some time beforehand both Paul Staley and I did feel as if the entire trip was jinxed, we had serious accommodation issues, “but that's another story”.

Once again we need to thank Bill and Clare Pedlar for providing excellent sheep for the three day event.

The show is a tremendous agricultural event with lots of sheep breeders attending. We meet many old friends and acquaintances and come away hoping to have secured new buyers to travel north to the autumn sales.

Kirkby Stephen Branch Report

KA Brown & Sons, Asby Hall


Members please note that ONLY Mule Gimmer Lambs must be tagged with NEMSA Logo tags

Results of the 2016 Show & Sale (8th/9thSeptember)

The pre-sale Show on Thursday night saw a wonderful turnout of 14 pens of lambs.

The results with thanks to the expertise of our judges Mr. Peter Fox, Mr. David Grant and referee judge Mr. James Ogden were as follows:-Class 1 – 10 Lambs confined to vendors of 200 or less and members of Kirkby Stephen NEMSABranch.1st and winning the William Dent Perpetual Trophy - Messrs I & P Brown, Oak House.2nd - D. Alderson, East Lowfield.3rd - M. Curr, Bowderdale.4th - G.R. Birkbeck, Castle Hill.5th - I.R. Cousin, Gillcumber Edge.

Class 2 – 10 Lambs Open to all Vendors.1st and Overall Champion pen, winning the PF & K Perpetual Trophy and the late C. Jackson Trophy - K.A. Brown & Sons, Asby Hall.2nd and Reserve Champion pen winning the H&H Perpetual Trophy - H.R. Hayton & Son, Asby Grange.3rd - W.M. Hutchinson & Sons, Redgate.4th - W. & C.W. Dent, Greenriggs.5th - D. & C.E. Marston, Easegill Head.

On sale day there was an entry of 11,015 lambs, averaging £101.84 which was up £8.02 on the year.

Credit must go to ALL the vendors who show great pride in presenting their lambs to such a high standard. The enthusiasm for the breed never seems to wane, the North of England Mule still holds its place as the no.1 prime lamb producer in the U.K.

Special thanks must always go to the ringside of buyers (with attendance being from many parts of the country) for their continued support at Kirkby Stephen.

A thank you to Mark and James for selling them & to all H&H staff & I must not forget the sponsors.

A big thank you as ever must go to our Secretary Christine for her continuous hard work.

Finally thank you to Shearwell for organising the Prize Draw and donating the exceptional prize of a £500 voucher. Congratulations to Edwin Bousfield, Cranberry on being the winner.

Happy lambing – and I hope that new tup lives up to expectations! :)

Branch Chairman Colin Dent


I met up with Richard Price in a board room in the estate office at Lowther and sat at one end of a very long table. The location set the stance of the interview. Yes we were here to talk about Richard and the Mule Ewe but more importantly we were there to discuss the North of England mule’s role within business. Richard felt it was important to point out from the offset that Lowther Park Farms LTD is a self financing and rent paying business “we have the same feed prices - everything is accountable down to the last rubber ring.”

Richard was fast to dispel the image of estate farming that it is not ‘real farming money’. Lowther Estate has 70,000 acres of land with 60+ tenants on farms ranging from 160 to 1500 acres. This broad spectrum sees most tenants on successional tenancy, the majority being Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies (AHAs) - “We find as landlords - many people ask if it is Lowther’s policy to take back the farms in hand? This is not always the case. We want to see our farms farmed well and for the long term, we want the farm to be lived in …we find it has got to be minimum of 15 years for the farm to go forward and for that strong element of good will and security to act between the landlord and tenant - At the moment Lowther is always working round 2020 where they take into consideration the dead line for the cap reform and then we will see how things are looking.

Richard started working for Lowther nine years ago - he originated from Shropshire and lived in Warwickshire but growing up he often made the annual pilgrimage up to the Mule Gimmer Lamb Sales.

Lowther Estates


The draw of the North of England never left him and realised fruition when he came to be interviewed for the Farm Manager’s job at Lowther nine years ago. He recalled that Jim Lowther was fast to point out his expectations of the farming enterprise namely: Smart; Ethical; and Profitable. And in response to this very clear strap line amongst other things Richard converted the flock to North of England Mule ewes. But why?

“Its about depreciation, longevity and mothering ability - The ewe has to look after you - you don’t look after the ewe. The North of England Mule saves money on costs , yes she can eat more , yes she will have more lambs , but we tend to find we can run more mules per stock person than any other breed. At the moment we have 3 full time shepherds on 5,000 mule ewes and previously we had 5 full time shepherds on 3,000.

On leaving school at sixteen Richard did a two year apprenticeship in farming and then followed on with a sandwich course. Richard talked very highly of the farm where he worked during this period and spoke fondly of the Farm Manager, Mr Yarrow - “He was a tough guy to work for who expected high standards and was meticulous for detail.” After three or four years Richard felt brave enough to say to his boss:

“Why Mr Yarrow I think you have softened a little bit?” to which the reply was “No Boy you have just started to listen”. Richard was hasten to add that they have remained good friends and his mentorship stood him in good stead for his future career.

Richard also recollected in his training as 12 months working on a Combine Crew in America travelling from Texas up to Canada. He reminisced that this had been a great experience but summarised the experience “ It was like been in the army …but in the army you get leave!” In 2001 Richard went to Warwickshire College as Farm manager and reverted the Lleyn cross sheep to the Mule to which the North of England Mule still plays an integral part in the Warwickshire college’s flock along side the texel cross ewe.

Lambing time at Lowther sounds like a military procedure. The 2016 lambing time saw 700 sheep lamb in 48 hours around the 12th April and with all lambing taking place indoors the logistics become mind boggling. John Harrison, Head Shepherd, is in charge of the inside lambing and the 500 individual self watering pens along with the temporary staff who do the never ending task of wet mothering on. The lambs are tailed, scratched and numbered on the way out of the building. The other two full time shepherds take care of the sheep outside. It is at this juncture that Richard says the Mule comes into her own - with time in a individual pen been limited to approx five hours it means that the Mule Ewe has to be able to take care of her family unit. Lowther has established that the optimum date for lambing the mule is to lamb between the 16th - 20th March but points out that any April lambing seems to work as the generally the grass starts to come. They are able to fall back on grain sheds and other buildings if the weather becomes extreme.

With business and profitability means there is no escaping numbers. Lowther scan their ewes at the beginning of February and then the majority of lambs are sold before October. The national average for losses from scanning to sale is 7-8% - Lowther boasts losses of 3.5-4%.


The farm hasn't used a Heptavac injection for 4 years now but have invested in the abortion vaccine and foot vac. As general farm policy Lowther does a series of soil tests which amongst other things has highlighted a deficiency in Selenium. This is counteracted by Eden Farm supplies being commissioned to develop a vitamin drench which they feel now is crucial and with price tag of 13-14p per dose this had proved an effective supplement.

“We think the mule is undoubtedly the best sheep for this kind of system - because of all her mothering traits, her ability to produce a long stretchy good confirmation lamb fit for the market , what the market wants…there is no such thing as an easy care sheep…all livestock needs managing…the North of England Mule ewe is about as easy care as you can get with the key to management being preventative rather than constantly reacting to the problem.” Key to profitability at Lowther is “good management of the bottom third of the flock to insure they don't drop and try to keep depreciation to a minimum we go to 4 1/2 crops and keep depreciation to a low. When buying we go off previous history and buy from proven customers.” Richard was fast to remind me that they are strong supporters of the live auctions and where they do focus some of their sales via direct marketing this is done via Cockermouth, Kirkby Stephen and Bentham auction mart.

Unlike the traditional family farm every hour that is worked is accounted for - so looking at the farming business as a whole it was revealed that there were drastic inefficiencies in both the beef and the sheep industries. “ We felt we had to be in charge of our own destinies” so after getting rid of the beef breeding cattle it became more important from the sheep side of things to know what you are selling and who you are selling to - hitting those right weight and classifications has become a critical part of the business. I enquired why the Lowther policy has been in recent years to buy Shearlings in comparison to Ewe lambs and unsurprisingly the answer was down to efficiency. “There is a quicker return with Shearlings and we would need another member of staff if we added ewe lambs into the equation.”

Major Seasonal Sale of

MULE GIMMER LAMBS

Tuesday 19th September 10,000

Mule Gimmer lambs off noted flocks from Alston Moor, The North Pennines and the Lakeland Fells.

Penrith & District Farmers Mart

01768 864700www.penrithauction.com

Richard converted the flock to North of England mule ewes.

. . . but why?


Lowther Shepherds – Antony Price (no relation) Tom Ollerenshaw, John Harrison, Richard Price

Richard was fast to praise his Staff and classes them as his biggest asset. Richard arrived nine years ago as farm manager but three years ago his new title ‘director of the estate ‘ has inevitably meant than less time is spent on the farm and more onus has been put on Head Shepherd, John Harrison. “ The new post has opened more doors and let me do other things which include safeguarding the estate during such events as Kendal Calling, Lowther Show in August, the 10k Rotary Club Road Race….” the list of diversification goes on but Richard admits “ My heart is with the farm, I love going to the sheep sales” and just as Jim Lowther had employed a strap line during his interview process Richard was keen to share his “Profit, Passion, Planet and People. Passion is key - you have to want to do it.”

And looking forward , what next? “ We must always be looking forward, pushing forward to improve. The North of England Mule must maintain her hardiness and longevity without compromising on skin, length and confirmation. We are not interested in paying £30 premium on a black and white head when the sheep will ultimately drop two white headed lambs. And what are any improvements that the breeder can look to confront? “Mouths are crucial for longevity and perhaps this needs to be addressed now…..the future of the North of England Mule is the commercial man.”

written by Linda Allen @Bonnysheep


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Animax_NEMSA advert_v2_3-2-17

03 February 2017 17:01:39


Royal Highland ShowCongratulations and many thanks to all that exhibited at the Royal Highland, our 'Scottish Showcase,' we experienced the largest and strongest classes so far, results were :-

Mule Ewe Lamb

1st Neil Marston, Millstone Moor2nd Neil Marston, Millstone Moor3rd Martyn Archer, Carry House

Geld Mule Hogg.

1st Ron and Fran Wilson, Armathwaite2nd Graham Jackson, Bentham.3rd Phillip Elliott, Penrith

Gimmer Shearling/Ewe sucking a pair of lambs

1st R and F Wilson, Armathwaite2nd Graham Jackson, Bentham.3rd Phillip Elliott, Penrith

Mule Hogg with lamb

1st Phillip Elliott, Penrith.2nd Graham Jackson, Bentham3rd Phillip Elliott, Penrith

Champion 2016 Royal Highland Show - Geld Hogg from Ron and Fran Wilson, Armathwaite


Your Wool Board Working For You

British Wool Marketing Board

You can find out more about British wool and the work of the British Wool Marketing Board at:

Web: britishwool.org.uk Telephone: 01274 688 666

Grading Auction

Haulage

Exhibitions

Regional DepotsShearing training

The British Wool Marketing Board works with over 40,000 sheepfarmers collecting, grading and selling their wool at auction.Wool made in Britain, used in thousands of products worldwide… and loved by millions.


Entering another year and with the shearing season soon upon us, the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB)

continues to be active at every stage of the wool supply chain. Remaining the only central marketing board

still in operation in the UK, it is a truly unique organisation within the agricultural sector.

The BWMB operates depots across the UK, collecting wool, grading it according to type and quality, before

selling it on producers' behalf via regular electronic auctions to wool merchants and end users across the

globe.

From shearer training right through to the Campaign for Wool, BWMB is active at every level through its work

to help improve the quality of fleeces being delivered to depots and the demand for British wool. Producers

wanting to maximise the value of their fleeces should ensure they deliver them to BWMB depots in the best

possible condition which starts with clean and efficient shearing.

One important service the Board provides to all producers is we grade your wool – in order to add value to

your product. Every fleece is individually graded as each one is unique in terms of quality and characteristics.

The wool is graded by type rather than breed with the North of England Mule wool falling into the ‘Cross’

category.

The wool produced by the North of England Mule is medium/soft to handle with an average fleece weight of

2.75 – 3.75 kgs. The staple length would be variable measuring between 10 – 20 cm and a micron range of

30 – 32.5. The micron (measuring the fineness of the fibre) is vital information for the buyers at auction when

identifying the wool they require. The main uses for this wool would be carpets.

The Campaign for Wool (CfW), is now well into its 8th year and continues to raise awareness of wool as a

versatile, quality fabric for carpet, fashion and interiors.

2016’s ‘Wool Week’ took place in early October, with a number of events taking place to continue to engage

with the consumer on the benefits of wool as well as woollen products.

In terms of social media, the BWMB continues to develop this important area and has active Twitter,

Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram accounts - regular updates and information is available through all these

accounts.

We welcome any active followers

@Britishwool facebook.com/britishwool pinterest.com/Britishwool instagram.com/Britishwool

I wish you all a successful year and to those exhibiting, we look forward to seeing many of you at the shows

and competitions during the year.

Gareth W Jones, Producer Communications Manager

British Wool Marketing Board update


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Ladies Fleece Jacket (i) Sizes available: 10 – 20

Colours available: Navy, Black, Classic Red, Royal Blue, Bottle Green and Sky Blue.

Children’s Fleece Jacket (m), Sizes available: Age 2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 32” and 34” Colours available: Navy, Black, Royal Blue, Classic Red, Bottle Green.

Unisex Plain Polo Shirt (c), Sizes available: XS to 3XL Ladies Plain Polo Shirt (d), Sizes available: 08 to 22 Colours available: Apple Green, Black, Graphite Grey, Light Blue, Lime, Magenta, Navy, Pink, Purple, Raspberry, Red, Royal, Turquoise and White. Children’s Plain Polo Shirt (k) Sizes available: Age 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 Colours available: Canary, Light Blue, Navy, Red and White.

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sa.co.uk ORDER FORM

Name:

Address: Tel:

Back Logo Details (if required): Please add £3.00 per garment for this option to the below prices.

Style: Price: Colour: Size: Quantity: Adult’s Styles

Woolly Beanie Hat (a) £5.00

Fold Over Woolly Hat (b) £5.50

Unisex Plain Polo Shirt (c) £20.00

Ladies Plain Polo Shirt (d) £20.00

Unisex Contrast Polo Shirt (e) £22.00

Ladies Contrast Polo Shirt (f) £22.00

Unisex Hoodie (g) £25.00

Unisex Fleece Jacket (h) £25.00

Ladies Fleece Jacket (i) £25.00

Unisex Dover Jacket (j) £35.00

Children’s Styles

Plain Polo Shirt (k) £10.00

Hoodie (l) £13.00

Fleece Jacket (m) £18.00

Dover Jacket (n) £28.00

*Please see page 1 for details of garments.

Left Chest Embroidery

Delivery cost per order is £3.50 and lead-time for all orders is 10 working days.


Covering all parts of The North East and the BordersSpecialists in the Sale of All Classes of Livestock

Annual Sales of over 11,000 NEMSA Mule Ewe Lambs bred from both North of England Blackface and Swaledale Ewes.

Lambs sold throughout the season at our modern Hexham Auction Mart complex on behalf of members of the Northumberland & Weardale NEMSA Branches,

including those traditionally sold at Bellingham, Hexham & Tow Law sales.

Seasonal sales of Mule Gimmer Shearlings & Weekly Sales of Mule Store Lambs.Also agents for direct farm to farm sales of all classes of breeding and store sheep.

Contact our Auctioneers to discuss your requirements. The Mart Offices, Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3SG.

Tel: 01434 605444 • Fax: 01434 604651 • Website: www.hexhammart.co.uk

Hardy & milky with great mothering ability, she can produce strong ewe lambs which can be bred from in their first year and powerful wether

lambs which weigh and kill out well.

Visit our website atwww.hexham-blackface.co.uk

Contact Rachel Halbert 07817 [email protected]

NORTH OF ENGLANDBLACKFACE SHEEP

“THE HEXHAM TYPE BLACKFACE”For Carcase, Colours and Coats

The three most important traits for the breeding of the North of England Mule.

Which makes the Blackface the UK’s most popular hill breed.


Smithfield 2016

Our Chairman James S Raine was proud to be asked to judge the first ever 'NEMSA Breeding Ewe lamb class' at Smithfield in November.

Results were

1st - Graham Jackson, Bentham, 2nd - Robert Garth, Lancaster

and 3rd - Lowesby Farms, Leicster

Official Tag Supplier to NEMSA



Special Pricesfor NEMSA Members

Call or use theforms provided

(Grey NEMSA only)

Excellent retention rates 50,000 SET Tags were applied over 3 years in a trial in Canada. The results showed a 99% retention rate for SET Tags

Largest selling Sheep Tag in the UK since 2010

Wide range of colours

Shearwell DataWorking to help the livestock farmer

mule news 2017 - north of england mule sheep...

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