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Border Union Showground News

Dectomax Kelso Ram Sales 2004

Friday 10th September 2004

It doesn’t seem like a year since the last Dectomax Kelso Ram Sales with this year’s Sales to be held at Kelso on Friday 10th September when 6932 rams will come under the hammer. This year will be the first time that there will be more Texels than Suffolks with 2437 and 2322 entries respectively. There are 711 Bluefaced Leicesters, 411 Charollais, 229 Lleyn, 200 Beltex, 292 from ten other Pure Breeds and 314 Crosses. Once again it will be an extremely busy day for nine Auctioneering Companies selling in 18 different Rings from the four hundred and thirty seven Consignors.

This is the 161st Ram Sale since the first in 1838 when 120 Cheviot and Border Leicesters sold for between £3 a £4 each compared with last year’s record average of £492.45p for 5140 sold, a 92% clearance from the entry of 5588.

The Border Union is delighted with the entry and the enthusiasm for the oldest and biggest one day sale of rams not only in the UK but in Europe and, probably, in the world. Entries are from as far afield as Eire, Ulster, south Wales, Worcestershire, Lincolnshire, all parts of Scotland and the North of England.

" The continued confidence in the sheep industry has helped to boost the number of entries and there is no doubt that sheep are an attractive option after decoupling. Many farms with marginal cereal ground could well consider a return to breeding sheep. Once again with the highest level of stocksmanship the Dectomax Kelso Ram Sales are the ideal platform to find the correct tups to produce what the public are wanting “ said Ronald Wilson, Secretary of the Border Union Agricultural Society. He continued “ The Society is indebted to Pfizer Animal Health, through their world reknowned brand name “Dectomax”, for continuing to support the sheep industry and the Border Union as the major Sponsor of the 2004 Ram Sales ”

The “export service” to Ulster provided at the Sales is once again available. Potential vendors should make sure they complete the appropriate health certification forms prior to arriving in Kelso and potential purchasers should apply to DARD in Belfast ( Tel : 02890 524404 ) for the correct Documentation to bring with them to the Sales.

“ Value for money is the key to future success - with such a choice the 2004 Dectomax Kelso Ram Sales should meet everyone’s requirements “

* There are 437 consignors at the 2004 Dectomax Kelso Ram Sales, who have entered a total of 504 Lots and 6932 rams.

* The consignors come from all over the UK, with entries of over a hundred from south of the Border, Wales, Ulster and Eire.

* Buyers are even more widespread, including the EU.

* 16 Breeds and Crosses are on offer. Texel is the dominant breed with 2437 entries ( 35.1%) followed by Suffolk with 2322 entries ( 30.5% ) and Bluefaced Leicesters with 711 ( 10.3% ).

* Rams are housed in 6 x 80’ wide marquees ( double Rings ) and 6 traditional 40' wide marquees. In total a staggering 200,900 square feet of canvass, which is equivalent to 4.6 acres or 1.87 hectares.

* The rams will be sold in 18 Rings consecutively by 9 different auctioneering companies, the Sale beginning at precisely 10 a.m. with the last lots being sold at approximately 4 p.m.

* There are 40 Trade Stands selling a wide range of products.

* Over 3000 catalogues are sold and the estimated attendance is in the region of 8000 – 10000 people.

* Over the years Ram Sales Day has become not only a trading day with over two and a half million pounds changing hands in a single day plus the trade stand business, but also a social meeting place - usually at the end of harvest although that may not be the case with this year’s conditions.

* The new tarmaced road system in the Showground has eased movement of lorries and trailers.

* The first Ram Sales were held in 1836. 40 Leicesters and Cheviots changed hands in "barter system" arrangements before the first auction sale in 1838.

* Only once in 169 years have the Ram Sales been cancelled - 2001.

· Major Sponsor for the Ram Sales is Pfizer Animal Health, hence the title :

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Date: 23/08/2004