UK sells extra rams to avoid bluetongue restrictions

The National Sheep Association (NSA) in the UK has announced that it will organise additional early sales of rams this summer in response to blue tongue disease regulations that have restricted the movement of livestock since the beginning of July.

The British press notes that two early sales, one in Wales and one in England, are planned for early August to satisfy buyers and sellers on both sides of the border.

The NSA says this initiative is aimed at saving sheep farmers time and costs, given the current restrictions imposed by the Welsh Government. The first sale will take place on 4 August at Brecon Livestock Market and the second on 5 August at Hereford Livestock Market.

It is estimated that the cost of testing livestock transported from England to Wales prior to movement is between £60 and £70 per animal.

NSA spokeswoman Ms Smith added: "The closing date for applications for both sales has been extended to 18 July. We have already received applications from English sellers for the Brecon sale, but these sellers will be offered the opportunity to switch to the Hereford sale."

The sale of rams is particularly important for early lambing herds and traditionally marks the start of the stallion selling season. Last year's first sale at Brecon, which was moved from Builth Wells, saw strong demand, with individual consignor averages rising by almost £200 (around €236).

The ram sale achieved an 83% sell-through rate, the highest ever recorded, with two rams selling for a top price of 2,000 guineas each (around €2,478).