Top Index rated rams have scored for Malcolm Stewart at his annual Sandyknowe Suffolks’ on-farm sale at Brotherstone, Melrose.

Despite the need for pre-registration and tight, approved Covid-19 restrictions, buyers were prepared to travel and pay for the type of rams that Sandyknowe is renowned for. Mr Stewart is no stranger to on-farm and on-line sheep sales, with the pedigrees and up to date Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) on all of the sheep for sale available beforehand via the flock’s website.

Both returning and new purchasers for these shearling rams were interested in high breeding values, with Sandyknowe breeding coming out on top of all recorded flocks on a regular basis. Of the 40 sheep sold, all were in the top 5% of the breed for terminal sire index, ie which scored more than 248. This index is an indicator of superior breeding for specific objectives.

Choosing a breeding ram with a high 21-day weight (scan weight), produces animals with heavier carcases, at a constant fat class or leaner carcases at a constant age. High muscle depth increases the lamb’s muscularity, resulting in a higher lean meat content in the carcase.

This year’s sale leader had an unrivalled set of figures across the board. Sandyknowe Leader, a son of Sandyknowe Yarrow 18 2 and out of a ewe by Sandyknowe Yarrow 13 2, was a favourite of Malcolm’s, with an index of 407 against a breed average of 136. His 21-day scan weight was 12.01kg against a breed average of 4.47kg and a muscle depth of 2.75mm, against a breed average of 1.29mm, putting him easily in the top 1% of the breed.

Selling for 3500gns, he took a long journey home to his new flock, with James Hamilton, Hole Farm, Hadlow Down, East Sussex – for his Houndshall flock, one of 10 pedigree breeders who purchased at the sale.

Next up was another top scorer, which went to regular local buyer, Andrew Elliot, Blackhaugh, Galashiels, for 1600gns. By Sandyknowe Leader 18 1 and out of a ewe by Sandyknowe Leader 13 1, he is in the top 5% of the breed, with and index of 351.

Andrew Morton, Lochend, Denny, paid 1500gns for his choice from the well-known Ettrick line. This one, by Ettrick 18 1 and out of an Ettrick 16 1 ewe, was again in the top 5% with an index of 338.

Following him in the sale was another by Leader 18 1 and out of a ewe by Leader 13 1 with an index of 359. He too went south, this time to Kent, for John Coultrip, Wingfield, Eversham, for 1400gns.

Fellow Borders’ farmer, James Logan, Pintaton, Galashiels, known for producing excellent prime lambs, took home his choice by Yarrow 18 2 for 1300gns. This ram had a 371 index and a 21-day scan of 10.25kg.

Another four rams reached the four-figure mark, with the sale averaging out at £916 for 40 sold.