Stags report the annual show and sale of Scotch Blackface rams at Tavistock Livestock Centre saw an excellent entry of 138 rams which met a near 100 per cent clearance, reflecting a strong trade throughout.

It was the 93rd annual sale and the day's judge was Mr James Medland, who awarded the championship to a shearling from Messrs WJ & DM Jordan of Gidleigh, which later went on to make 520gns.

Reserve champion was awarded to another shearling ram but this time from Messrs IG Mortimore & Son of Chagford, which later went on to make 380gns.

Yet again this year the record for top price was broken with a ram consigned by Mr BWJ Lavis of Bridestowe which made 900gns; surpassing last year’s record met by the Abel family at 880gns. Next best in prices was 820gns for a shearling from Messrs DH & C Legassick of Sheepstor, who also had another at 600gns.

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Other notable shearling prices were 780gns from Messrs RA & CM Wonnacott of Chagford; 780gns and 650gns for Messrs J Savery & Son of Totnes; 650gns for Messrs JH & JA Vanstone of Meavy; 580gns for Messrs C Caunter & Son of Ipplepen; 550gns for Messrs G Abel & Son of Peter Tavy; and 540gns for Mr A W Francis of Okehampton.

The older rams saw the 1st prize given to Mr A Mortimore of Chagford. Prices for the older rams topped at 220gns. Ram lambs saw 1st prize awarded to Mr KJ Watson of Postbridge; with prices topping at 160gns for Messrs SW & T Cornelius of Davidstowe.

In the other classes 1st prizes were awarded to Abel Bros of Peter Tavy with the pairs and group of three; with the best wooled ram going to the reserve champion, consigned by Messrs IG Mortimore & Son of Chagford.