There was good news for the British wool industry this month with the 44th Great July Fair experiencing one of the largest sales of sheep this year.
Sales
Farmers and buyers from across England flocked to Exeter for what has now been recognised as the largest sheep sale in the South of England this year.
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The 44th Great July Fair was held at the market at Matford in Exeter in mid-July and welcomed buyers from all over the South West as well as Cheshire, Herefordshire and South Wales.
Despite the perfect farming weather being experienced at the moment, auctioneers Kivells reported fantastic sales with 8,000 sheep sold during the course of the day.
The best sold to a top price of £129, whilst more than 6,000 two tooth ewes sold to a strong trade with plenty of pens between £130 and £150.
Market confidence
Speaking to the plymouthherald.co.uk, sheep auctioneer Russell Steer said: “It was pleasing to see such a good entry of around 8,000 sheep selling to a large crowd who were ready to spend well for the right article.
“Confidence for the breeding ewes has been strengthened further by the recent lift in the prime lamb trade with the best reaching around the £100 mark at Exeter’s prime stock sale on Monday.”
Sheep 2016
The biggest event for sheep farmers of the year will also take place next week when Sheep 2016 is held at the Three Counties showground, Malvern. In attendance will be Cornish MP and Farming Minister George Eustice along with thousands of farmers.
Mr Eustice will be given an important talk on how agriculture will be supported by the government once Britain confirms its exit from the European Union.
Also discussed during the debate will be the farmer’s Basic Payment Scheme, which is currently worth an average of around £16,000 a year to farmers in the South West and is paid for as part of the UK’s relationship with the EU.
Sheep 2016 is at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on Wednesday, July 27. Details at http://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/
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