THE BORDER Union Kelso Ram Sales goes ahead on Friday (10 September) and despite the pandemic have gained over 4,200 entries.

The sale will be featuring breeds including the Whitefaced Woodlands and local North Country Cheviots, as well as the ever-popular Suffolks and Texels.

With 20 breeds and 15 rings, the event has been received with enthusiasm by consignors and buyers, old and new, and has created a strong buzz in the farming community across the United Kingdom.

This year, the sale will start at 11:00AM. Ringing the bell will be Michael Walton; a noted breeder of pedigree Suffolk sheep whose family have farmed since 1934. In previous years, Michael was an auctioneer – leading professional sheep sales such as the National Suffolk Sale and the Bluefaced Leicester Sale at Builth Wells. The Walton family have consigned sheep at Kelso since the late 1930s and will be continuing this tradition for 2021.

Thrilled to see the event back on and raring to go, Dan Withall, Executive Director of the Border Union Agricultural Society, said: “We are delighted to be presenting this sale after the challenges of the last 18 months with all the uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Kelso is the heart of the Ram Sale history and proud of the part it has played in its legacy. The sale has a significant economic impact, locally and nationally, and will provide a great boost for businesses throughout the week. It is supported by farmers, auctioneers, and those with a commercial interest in the industry.

“This year will see 4,285 Rams head through the rings, and we expect a busy and productive day. The sale, supported by Solantel, will be held in traditional style without marquee cover, so we have our fingers crossed for favourable weather.”

“Whatever the outcome, we look forward to it immensely and can certainly say that ‘the boys are back in town!”

A full ballot listing can be found at: https://borderunion.co.uk/border-union-ram-sales/.