STRONG demand for breeding sheep of all breeds and crosses ensured a buoyant demand at United Auctions's sale at Stirling on Monday, where averages improved in all sections.

The entry of more than 6000 head also witnessed a new centre record of £162 per head for Scotch Mule ewe hoggs when a pen of 25 from the Wights, Midlock, Crawford, sold to Jim Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries.

Top price was £1800 for two Blackface ewe hoggs from Hugh and Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn, Muirkirk, purchased by Willie Stevenson, Balrazzie, Ballantrae.

Pure Texel hoggs peaked at £500 from Hartside Farms, Lamington, purchased by Glenalmond Farms.

By the end of the day Mule ewe hoggs averaged £130.77 (+£20.16 on the year); Texel ewe hoggs, £169.66 (+£66.29); Cheviot ewe hoggs £107.91 (+£ 9.35) and Blackface ewe hoggs, £142.83 (+£13.01).

Scotch Mule hoggs with lambs cashed in at £191.71 (+£25.97); and Texel cross hoggs with lambs £202.34 (+£39.68).

FLOCKaverages

Farm No Top (£) Avg

Mule ewe hoggs

Kinaldy (61) 135 128

Dollarbank (34) 130 127

Kinneil Mill (22) 130 130

Kipperoch (30) 125 125

Newton of Crathie (66) 128 128

Mains of Burnbank (52) 148 135

Mid Wellwood (33) 124 124

Wardhead (70) 140 139

Forebank of Canterland (84) 138 138

Brisbane Glen Estate (76) 132 129

Holehouse (47) 138 133

Townfoot (Midlock) (25) 162 162

Clonrae (165) 138 134

Kingledores (40) 145 143

Dalowie (170) 128 124

Longcroft (34) 154 148

Townhead (58) 132 128

Strathtyrum and Fossoway Farms (28) 130 130

Coulshill (253) 140 131

Townhead of Arngibbon (26) 128 128

Auchenrivoch (40) 140 136

Texel X ewe hoggs

Kinaldy (47) 152 145

Craigfarg (13) 142 142

Suffolk X ewe hoggs

Kinaldy (53) 162 159

Chev/Mule ewe hoggs

High Milndovan (19) 142 142

Balnacree (6) 142 142

South Bogbain (29) 155 152

Cheviot ewe hoggs

Towiemore (328) 138 119

Kinaldy (62) 94 94

Shepherds Cottage (81) 140 97

Drumside (30) 92 92

Blackface ewe hoggs

Abercairny Ests (113) 118 105

Balrazzie (37) 96 96

Craigdarroch (25) 200 200

Brisbane Glen Estate (131) 170 140

Greenside (20) 140 140

Balgowan Croft (7) 108 108

West Tandlemuir (30) 115 111

Glendamph (28) 170 170

Kirkland Farming (21) 355 355

Newton of Auchterhouse (73) 94 94

Laigh Hatton (20) 122 122

Lorgbaw Croft (15) 108 108

The Yett (76) 160 151

Glenlora (77) 110 103

Kenknock (4) 100 100

Dalchirla Farms (90) 800 400

Bows (39) 97 97

Gass (44) 350 277

The Smiddy (19) 116 111

Tarmann (16) 190 180

Highfeild (24) 250 227

Craigend (109) 98 92

Mule ewe hoggs with lambs

Mid Auchencarroch (22) 192 185

Kinneil Mill (82) 218 179

Allanton (100) 210 184

Woodend (48) 215 203

Over Finlarg (66) 210 193

Easter Bucklyvie (122) 218 195

Gartness (68) 210 186

Hunting Faulds (29) 225 198

Townhead (22) 222 206

West Park (20) 198 193

Texel X ewe hoggs with lambs

Over Finlarg (71) 228 208

Allanton (20) 216 207

Gass (27) 212 205

Townhead (17) 232 223

Aberfield X ewe hoggs with lambs

Hackwood (Allanton) (39) 178 160