An earlier sale date to get round the export restrictions that come into place on January 1, ensured a buoyant trade for the Northern Ireland female sale of Bluefaced Leicesters at Ballymena, where prices peaked at 2500gns for a ewe from Graham and Julie Loughrey's Temain flock.

Topping the trade was a J37 Temain female that goes back to Jimmy Bell's G1 Cottage ram. The dam of the 2019 Ballymena Blue champion and two gimmers in the sale, she sold carrying twins to the L6 Firth to Adam Porter of the Braeburn flock.

The Loughreys also received 1400gns from Richard Hutchinson, who was buying back some of his own genetics to take back to Kirkby Stephen. Selling at this price was a J91 Kirby Redgate ewe which changed hands carrying twins to the same Firth ram.

Top price for William Adam's Holmview flock from Ballymena was 1850gns again paid by Adam Porter for a K44 ewe. Reserve champion at Balmoral in 2018, she is also the dam of a 2000gns lamb sold in September.

Ewe lambs from the Holmview flock realised 1750gns and 1400gns, with both purchased by Michelle Wright of the Mullaghwee flock.

Averages: Eight aged ewes, £1188.75; nine gimmers, £800.00; 35 ewe hoggs, £593.43.