Rams offered for sale at the NSA Wales and Border sale, at the Royal Welsh Showground, on Monday September 20, will be inspected, following the easing of Covid regulations.

The veterinary inspection system which is unique and sets the sales apart from others, gives buyers added confidence in the huge range of tups on offer, the organisers said.

Chairman Graham Jones added: “Our policy first and foremost was to get the sale back on. We’re glad we’re allowed to achieve the usual high standards now that the regulations have been eased.”

Every precaution will be taken to safeguard against Covid. Masks will be available as well as sanitisers and biosecurity. The inspection decision does of course remain subject to covid regulations

The inspection system was devised by Montgomery vet, the late Terry Boundy, who was invited to the early planning meetings in the 1970s. He had seen ram inspections in New Zealand and suggested training and then overseeing a group of inspectors in overall ram inspection.

He recalled that he had seen so many rams with major testicular faults that could be picked out with a physical examination. Often rams that couldn’t perform had a good libido and appeared to be working.