Draft ewes from Ian Bond’s Glen Farm at Gatehouse of Fleet, secured the top two ewe prices at Wallets Marts’ sale of Blackface ewes and gimmers at Castle Douglas, with pens of 15 at £182 and £155 per head.
The increased entry of 4867 sheep attracted buyers from throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, with almost 1400 sheep selling across the Irish Sea. 
By the end of the day, 13 of the 15 top priced lots making £100 or more, sold to Northern Ireland buyers.
Trade however, was more selective than in previous years with premium prices paid for quality and power while smaller, hill-type sheep proved difficult to cash.
Leading the gimmer trade at £320 was a pen of three from J Mitchell and Sons, Little Larg, followed at £300 for a pen of 20 from Larg Farming Company, Knockainse.
Sale averages were well back on the year but were still ahead of 2015 values. In all, 2833 draft ewes levelled at £68.74, a drop of £14.10, on the year whilst the 2034 gimmers cashed in at £122.08, down £17.12.  

LEADING prices

Blackface – Ewes – £182, £155, £135 Glen Farm; £140, £100 Knockdon; £132 Blackcraig; £125 Larg Farming; £122 Fingland; £118 Clanary; £118 Blackloch; £110 Cuil; £102 Grimmet; £100 Wood of Dervaird; £100 Milnmark-Duchrae; £100 High Croach.  
Gimmers – £320 Little Larg; £300, £280, £185, £160 Larg Farming; £240, £205 High Croach; £220, £160 Blackloch; £205, £200,£170 (x2) Blackcraig; £195, £180, £170 Fingland; £190, £165 Garroch Cottage; £170 Gass Farm; £160 Barlaes; £160 Shawsknowe.