Good prices for quality rams, a record clearance, and a smooth transition to a new venue at Brecon Auction Mart were the main headlines from a successful NSA early ram sale where trade peaked at 2000gns twice.

Averages improved by almost £200 on the year with 145 rams cashing in at £901.64 and with an 83% clearance.

Two Texels topped the sale with the first at 2000gns being one of 15 shearling rams from the Peacehay flock of Messrs Chave. It is sired by 4000gns Strathbogie Epic and sold to J and RM Lucas and Son.

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New breeder Gethin Hatcher of the Penllain flock from Gorsgoch, Ceredigion, sold the second 2000gns ram to Huw Davies of Beulah. Cross-bred rams peaked at 1650gns for a Charollais cross shearling from Adrian Davies who sold 10 similarly bred tups to average £1522.50. Beltex crosses reached 1250gns from Paul Curran, Talgarth.

All breed averages improved on the year with Texel shearling rams rising £138 to level at £849.33; Charollais levelled at £930.21, up £161.36; Beltex crosses, £974.17 (+£178.79); Texel crosses £1113.50 (+£414.77); Charollais crosses, £1128.75 (+£309.75); and non-MV Texels levelled at £857.50 (N.C.)

NSA Wales and Border Ram Sales chairman, Geoff Probert, said: “It’s worked well and has been a smooth transition to the new venue. We were a bit nervous in the run up, but the trade has been tremendous. It’s been a very good show of high standard tups and the quality was reflected in a very good trade.”

Executive director Jane Smith said: “It was the highest percentage clearance ever for the Early Sale. The entry was slightly smaller but the quality was certainly there and farmers were prepared to pay for the sheep they wanted.”

The NSA Wales and Borders Main Sale will be held at the Royal Welsh Showground on Monday, September 23.

Auctioneers: McCartneys.