Some 5411 rams – 266 more than last year – will come under the hammer for the 180th Kelso Ram Sales, staged next week at Springwood Park, Kelso.
The sales, on Friday, September 8, which feature no fewer than 16 sale rings and seven different auction companies, have also attracted no fewer than 16 different different breeds and crosses.  
As in 2016, the Texel is the most numerous breed with 1928 entries, up from 1802 last year, followed by the Suffolks with 1113 entries (1093). Bluefaced Leicester entries are up with 643, as are Beltex with 265 199). 
Charollais and Lleyn numbers are nevertheless down slightly with 271 and 112 respectively, with a rise in the Crosses to 794 from 661 in 2016. 
Other entries include the Border Leicester with 81; North Country Cheviots with 56; Blue Texels with 40; Berrichon with 37; Dutch Texels with 21; Hampshire Downs with 18; Poll Dorset 11, Vendeen 10, Roussin six and Oxford Downs on five.
“Once again it will be an extremely busy day for the seven auction companies selling 478 lots in 16 different rings from the 396 consignors,” said Ron Wilson, secretary of the Border Union Agricultural Society.
“Plans are well in hand for this year’s event and there will be the usual mix of frame and tension marquees with around 170,000 sq. ft. of canvass and all sale rings covered.”   
“The ‘export service’ to Ulster is again available, although potential vendors should make sure they complete the appropriate health certification forms prior to arriving in Kelso. Potential purchasers should also apply to DARD in Belfast (Tel: 02890 524404 ) for the correct  documentation to bring with them to the sales,” added Mr Wilson.
The event, which was first staged in 1938, with only two sales cancelled – in 2001 and 2007, due to foot-and-mouth – has also attracted 35 trade stands selling a wide range of products and equipment.