Swaledales Four-Timer at Skipton Auction Mart
07/02/08

Yorkshire Dales Swaledale sheep supremo Roy Nelson retained the title for the fourth year in succession at the 2008 annual show and sale of Swaledale prime lambs at Skipton Auction Mart (Monday, Feb 4).

Casting an eye over the winning pen of Skipton Swaledale prime hoggs are, from left, exhibitor Roy Nelson, judge James Dewhirst and sponsor Tony Dickinson.

Roy, who trades as C. Nelson & Sons at Lainger Farm, Bordley, struck yet again with a pen of ten hoggs, chosen as champions by James Dewhirst, Lothersdale, who followed up his judgement at the ringside when purchasing the 59-kilo victors for £57.80 a head on behalf of Skipton-based Stanforths Butchers.

Selling prices were notably higher than the corresponding fixture last year, with regular Skipton buyer Paul Watson, of Hellifield, snapping up all other prizewinners in both the Swaledales and other horned lambs show classes.

As in 2007, Roy Nelson also claimed the third place Swaledales rosette with a 52-kilo pen that made £50.50, with the runners-up berth occupied by fellow Dales sheep farmer Robert Crisp, of Nelson Farm, Calton, his 50-kilo charges selling for £50.20.

Dalesbreds made a clean sweep in the other horned lambs section. Stephen Marshall, of West End, headed the class with a 43-kilo pen selling at £46.80 each. Runner-up was Kevin Wilson, Blubberhouses, 36-kilo at £38.60, and third Martin Brown, Ramsgill, 46-kilo at £46.50.

The show was sponsored by Tony Dickinson, of Yorkshire Dales ATV Centre, Coniston Cold.

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