SHEEP farmers from across the country will flock to Kelso next month for the annual Ram Sales at Springwood Park.

More than 5,000 rams will come under the hammer on Friday, September 9.

And around £2 million will change hands throughout the day.

The Border Union's Ram Sales have been one of the highlights of the livestock farming calendar since 1836.

And, with 16 separate rings operating this year under seven different auction companies, they continue to go from strength to strength as the biggest events of its kind in Europe.

Secretary Ron Wilson told us: "The Border Union is delighted with the entry and the enthusiasm for the oldest and biggest one day sale of rams not only in the UK but in Europe.

“Once again all the Sale Rings will be covered and there will be tiered stances at every Ring.

"These facilities will be an advantage for everyone whether the weather is good or bad.

"The Border Union continuously strives to provide the best facilities possible for both the vendors and the buyers.

"This sale is unique and each year interest grows with numerous new enquiries, including a party of five due to visit from Germany and enquiries from Holland and Eire."

The sheep trade throughout the summer has steadily improved which augurs well for the consignors on September 9.

A total of 5145 rams will come under the hammer in Kelso.

Texel is the most numerous breed this year with 1802 entries followed by the Suffolks with 1093 entries.

Bluefaced Leicesters are down slightly on last year with 635 entries as are Charollais with 402, while Beltex marginally up with 199, Lleyn are very similar with 142 entries, and there are 661 entries in the Crosses section.

Other entries are Border Leicester with 83, Berrichon with 52, Hampshire Downs with 51, North Country Cheviot with 47, Dutch Texels with 28, Blue Texels with 19, Vendeen with 10, Oxford Down with nine, and Poll Dorset and Roussin each with six.

Away from the sales rings there will be 35 trade stands catering for the crowd of around 10,000.

This year's Kelso Ram Sales, which are sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, are scheduled to begin at 10am with the last lot expected to be snapped up at around 4pm.