Ruthin – 21st September 2024

Ruthin – Saturday 21st September 2024

Kindly Sponsored by Meirion Davies, Agricultural Merchants

The first Welsh sale of the season took place at Ruthin. On the back of the strong mule trade the previous Saturday, farmers came from across North Wales to invest in next year’s crop.

The entry was lower in number on the year, but there was no dip in quality for judge Henry Bennett, of the Springwood flock, to cast his eye over. His Champion came from the renowned Cernyw flock of Elfyn Owen and family, with the winner of the shearling ram class. Cernyw S18 is packed with home bred genetics being a son of their show ram Cernyw R1 and out of a prolific old ewe by Cernyw J2, who was a £2500 lamb up at Carlisle a few years back. The champion was rightly well sought after and was quickly bid up to 1100gns before being knocked down to WM Jones, Bryn Clochydd.

Just pipping the Champion to the top price of the day was the reserve champion and second prize shearling. Again from the same home, this was Cernyw S30, sired by Mendick R11 who stood breed champion at the Flint and Denbigh show back in August. S30 had his father’s cocky outlook and a great skin. He was taken home by GB Jones, Fron Bella, who paid 1150gns for the privilege.

Gareth Howatson, Fferm Tudno, also met a good trade for his well fleshed pen of shearlings. He topped at 850gns for a White Horse bred tup by Shrewbridge R2. He had stood third in the presale show, so the buyers continued to vindicate Henry’s expert judgment.

Elfyn’s great day continued when he topped the lamb section with Cernyw T33. His sire was a blast from the past, being the Wiserley T2 who was £2000 when he sold to Frank Johnson, Ashes, at the first Hexham sale after Foot & Mouth two decades ago. This old breeding proved popular at ringside, with the final bid securing him for 580gns for Messrs Roberts, Bryn-yr-Odyn.