Averages: 44 rams, £783

The annual on-farm sale of Sandyknowe Suffolk rams, has become a regular spot on the calendar, on the evening before Kelso ram sales, with this year's event again attracting old and new buyers looking for commercially raised shearling rams with Estimated Breeding Values.

“We set out to breed rams with longevity that would produce quality prime lambs and be easy to manage, as they were raised naturally and not pushed for sale.” explains Malcolm Stewart. “It has worked so well, that buyers come back, but their rams are lasting so well, that they don’t need to come back often enough!” he quips.

There was even greater interest this year, following the success of Sandyknowe Ettrick 07, which sired the top ram in the 2018 Ram Compare Scheme, coming top for muscle and second top for carcase weight. Sandyknowe Soul Trader, which sold for £1600 at the inaugural on-farm sale in 2015, also appears in the top 10 over all breeds, for carcase conformation and carcase merit.

Leading the way at this year’s event, was Sandyknowe Y13:17:14411 by Sandyknowe Yarrow 16-1 out of a Sandyknowe Yarrow 12-2 ewe. He has an index of 4.61 and an impressive set of EBVs in all sections. He sold for 4000gns to long time supporters the Mackenzies from Whitebog Farm, Fortrose, Rosshire.

Andrew Elliot, Blackhaugh Farm, Galashiels,paid the second top price of 2600gns for Sandyknow Teviot 17-1 a son of a Sandyknowe Leader 16-1. Teviot has an index of 5.84.

Long standing customer Percy Gilman, again travelled from Manor Farm, Stamford, Lincolnshire, to purchase Sandyknowe Leader 17-1, another by Yarrow 16-1. He paid 1600gns for his choice, which carried another high index of 5.18.

And, Sandyknowe Leader 17-2, another Yarrow16-1 son, made 1400gns, selling to Michael Clarke, East Tullyfergus, Alyth, Perthshire.

Auctioneer: C Lambie