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This spring Lazonby branch returned to Wadebridge after a years absence for the Royal Cornwall Show. A couple of tremendous outfits in show condition were supplied by Ron Wilson, Armathwaite so many thanks to him for his continued support. Getting the right stock for these events is becoming increasingly difficult, but absolutely essential. Thanks also to branch members who attended (all at their own expense), JT for transporting the sheep and our trip sponsors Jim Peet Agriculture for the donation of feed. The show this time was best described as quiet, at least in the cattle and sheep sections and the atmosphere generally subdued. However we did get some interest and I spoke to several people who were going to return for Mules, having tried the Texel cross out of the Mule. They liked the first cross with its improved confirmation, but the second cross was losing too much of the Mules attributes of producing good lambs easily and at low cost. As breeders we have to take this on board and breed both for conformation and easy care, but it’s always going to be a difficult balancing act. This years autumn sales were difficult for us all, to say the least! Movement restrictions and a general lack of confidence in the sheep industry led to a greatly reduced average at all the sales, but all the lambs did find homes so buyers are still there. Mules are still wanted by sheep farmers, but does this government want farmers? Penrith and District Farmers eventually started the ball rolling with a sale of 10,000 lambs on the 9th October. First prize and the NEMSA rosette was awarded to Richard Hutchinson, Redgate. The Alston Moor Sale At Lazonby was held on October 10th with a reduced entry of 12,500, and a disappointing average of £39. Despite all the setbacks there was a great show of lambs, judged by George and Ian Sowerby from Ormside. The eventual winners were:-
The Mounsey Kidd Cup was awarded at the sale on October 17th, judged by David Metcalfe from Darlington as below:-
Trade improved slightly at this sale, but the average was still only £39 for the 8,000 lambs offered. This autumn was probably one we would all like to forget, but most of the problems were inflicted on the livestock industry through no fault of our own.We have to hope for a return to normality and better prices over the coming year, but for many of us who rely solely on the autumn sales, the damage has been done. All we can do is continue to breed better Mules, improve our marketing of them and wait for next year. JOHN RAINE |
