Included in the Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart prime sale last week, was the annual show and sale of Blackface prime hoggs, sponsored by Frank Johnston Tractors, Carlisle.

The championship was awarded to JP Fisher, Smalmstown, Longtown, for a pen of 20 weighing 48kg, which sold at £90 to the judge Paul Barker, Woodhead Bros, Colne.

Outwith the BF show, the 2417 prime hoggs were well short of buyers requirements and met a strong trade, selling regularly at 210p-220p even though the Easter weekend loomed. The sale average for hoggets up to 45kg was 205.4p, and with the heavy hoggets it made the overall avergage 197.1p.

Leading awards:

20 hoggs (36kg and under) – 1, W Tod, Glenshanna.

20 hoggs (37-42kg) – 1, Messrs Ramsay, Milnmark; 2, J Jardine, The Yett.

20 hoggs (over 43kg) – 1, JP Fisher, Smalmstown; 2, J Jardine, The Yett.