THEY are the biggest one day ram sales in Europe.

The Kelso Ram Sales return to the Border Union Showground at Springwood Park on Friday, September 12.

With a healthy entry of 4964 rams, plans are well advanced for the 176th year since the first sale by auction in 1838. Like most other farming sectors the sheep industry has had an uncertain time but confidence is growing again and certainly the entry will give plenty of choice for buyers with representation from 15 Breeds plus Crosses. The numbers of the Breeds to be offered for Sale are 1680 Texel, 1192 Suffolk, 669 Bluefaced Leicester, 295 Charollais, 139 Beltex, 131 Lleyn, 89 Border Leicester, 56 North Country Cheviot and 143 pedigree sheep from the following Breeds - Berrichon, Blue Texel, Charmois, Hampshire Down, Oxford, Poll Dorset, Roussin and Vendeen. There are also 570 Crosses, the majority of which are Beltex X. All Breeds will sell in thirteen Rings simultaneously by eight Auction Companies – Border Livestock Exchange, Cumberland & Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart, Harrison & Hetherington, Hexham & Northern, Lawrie & Symington, North East Livestock Sales, John Swan Ltd and United Auctions. Once again the large double marquees will house the rams and all the Sale Rings will be under cover ready for the Secretary, Ronald Wilson, to ring the bell at precisely 10 o’clock to start the sale. Since the introduction of Tup Taxis this service has been subsidised each year by the Border Union Society with the contribution of a buyers commission subsidising the rest.

This will continue and the Society will endeavour to minimize the waiting time for Taxis by increasing the number available for those purchasers wishing to use this free service.

Last year there were 4260 rams sold for a total of £2,706,487.00 to average £635.33 with the top Shearling (Bluefaced Leicester) making £8,000.00 and top Lamb (Suffolk) making £8,000. The Society has moved a long way since the first Sales in 1838 when 120 Border Leicesters and Cheviots sold for a total of £600!

To complement the Sales there are Trade Stands including Companies promoting sheep identification, handling equipment, feedstuffs, fencing supplies, clothing and renewables and the Scottish Sheep Strategy will also be present.

The Border Union is indebted to Zoetis (formerly Pfizer VPS) who, through their Cydectin brand, are in their thirteenth year as Sponsors of the Kelso Ram Sales. They have been joined by Rumenco Ltd as co-sponsors. It is very reassuring for the Border Union and the sheep industry to have multi-national Companies being so supportive of the 176th Ram Sales.