Brecon Breaks Records: Badger Face Welsh Mountain Achievements
Brecon recently made headlines in the agricultural world as the Badger Face Welsh Mountain breed achieved remarkable success at a recent sale. One of the standout moments was the setting of a new Torddu ram lamb record, with a ram lamb fetching the highest price of the day at an impressive 2,250gns. The lamb, bred by Gareth Jones of Felingwm, Carmarthen, was particularly noteworthy as it was the offspring of last year’s record holder and had also clinched a class win at this year’s prestigious Royal Welsh Show. The lucky buyer of this exceptional ram lamb was Aron Hemmings from Llanfynydd, Carmarthen.
Record-Breaking Yearling Rams and Champions
Following closely behind in terms of price was a yearling ram from Aled Groucott of Crumlin, Gwent, which sold for 2,100gns. This ram had previously earned the title of reserve champion at the Royal Three Counties Show and found a new home with Julie Tamplin of Caerphilly. Aron Hemmings, the successful buyer of the top-priced ram lamb, also made waves with the sale of the champion ram from this year’s Royal Welsh Show and the reserve champion from the pre-sale show. This yearling ram, sired by the same impressive ram as the sale topper, fetched a respectable £2,000 and was purchased by C. Roscoe of Newport.
High-Flying Torddu Ewes and Torwen Trade
The Torddu ewes also commanded top prices at the sale, with a ewe lamb fetching a new breed record of 1,000gns. Bred by Matthew and Donna Evans of Abergavenny, this ewe lamb was a half-sister to the family’s reserve breed champion at the Royal Welsh Show and caught the eye of judge Neil Dillon from Llangadog. In the Torwen category, trade reached a peak of 1,050gns twice. The first instance was for a home-bred yearling ram from Llewellyn Evans of Abergavenny, which had claimed the titles of male and reserve breed champion at the Royal Three Counties Show and second place at the Royal Welsh and Brecon Show. The ram was snapped up by Jenny Langford of Chester. The second instance of a 1,050gns sale was for the pre-sale show champion, a yearling ram from the Davies family of Llanfynydd, Carmarthenshire, which found a new home with E. Morgan of Hengoed, Mid Glamorgan.
Top Prices and Exceptional Quality
Further showcasing the high quality and demand for Badger Face Welsh Mountain sheep, a ram lamb from Eirian and Jasmine Jones of Llandeilo fetched the highest price of 920gns. This ram lamb, a winner at the Royal Welsh Show, was chosen by C. Jones of Llandeilo. Torwen females also attracted strong interest, with a yearling ewe from Messrs King and Jeffreys commanding a price of 480gns after being named a class winner in the pre-sale show. Ewe lambs were not to be outdone, with two reaching a price of 450gns each. The first was from Malcolm Evans of Llandysul and was purchased by S. Hermanis of Swansea. The second was the first-placed lamb from this year’s Royal Welsh Show and the pre-sale reserve champion from Gareth Jones, which was secured by G. Lloyd of Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.
In conclusion, the Brecon sale of Badger Face Welsh Mountain sheep was a resounding success, with record prices, champions, and exceptional quality on display. The achievements of breeders and buyers alike underscore the enduring appeal and value of this unique breed in the agricultural industry.