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Double champion tops Ballymena export sale at 6,500gns
A ram lamb took the top price of 6,500gns at a sale in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, on Friday, July 25.
The Badger Face Texel Sheep Society's 2025 Summer Export Show and Sale, took at Ballymena Livestock Market with "strong demand from across the UK and Ireland", according to the Badger Face Texel Sheep Society.
With over a third of entries sold for export, there was a strong average price in the sale with firm bidding seeing a top price of 6,500gns secured.
Champion and top price at 6,500gns, Knockmult Got It All
The pre-sale show judge was Oliver Watson of the C-View and Irt Vale flocks in the the trade and topping both the show and sale was Lot 347, a ram lamb from Coleraine, Co. Derry man Russell Millen and Rostrevor, Co. Down's Seamus Killen, who claimed both Male Champion and Overall Show Champion before going on to sell for 6,500gns.
He was secured by a new Northern Ireland-based breeding partnership comprising:
Stuart Henderson (Favour Royal) Augnacloy, Co. Tyrone;
Andy and Janet Carson (Little Whisker) Strabane, Co. Tyrone;
James Johnston (Broadwater) Co. Antrim.
Speaking on behalf of the new 6,500gns partnership, Stuart Henderson of the Favour Royal flock said: 'I first spotted this ram as the Male Champion of the National Show in Armagh and was immediately drawn to his size, power, and exceptional head.
"He has presence, lift, and the sharp markings we value.
"When the opportunity came at Ballymena, I spoke with Janet and James, and we quickly agreed to syndicate.
"We're delighted to have secured him and look forward to seeing his influence next lambing season."
The same pen produced two further headline entries: Lot 312, a shearling ewe named Knockmult Flash, stood Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion, selling for 2,000gns to David Morrison of South Ayrshire, Scotland.
That price was matched by Lot 319, Knockmult Greta, who stood Reserve Female Champion and now joins Caitlyn Howells' flock in West Glamorgan, Wales.
Among the other top prices, Lot 357, a ram lamb from the society's founder and chairperson, Clive Richardson (Cleenagh) from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, sold for 1,500gns.
This entry was purchased by a new partnership between:
Leslie Bradley (Drumard);
Robert McLean (Fort William).
From the same flock, Lot 306, a well-grown shearling ewe, made 1,000gns, heading to Jonathan Bugden in Hampshire, England.
Meanwhile, Lot 340, Craigdoo Gunner, from P. and O. Grant's Craigdoo Livestock pen, attracted strong ringside interest and sold for 1,200gns to the partnership of Sam Lucas and Rachel Gallagher from Co. Donegal, completing representation across all four UK and Irish export regions.
In total, over a third of entries sold on the night were destined for export, with sheep travelling to England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.
Export buyers spent on average 56% more than local Northern Ireland-based purchasers, reflecting growing confidence in the breed's potential and performance, according to the society.
With demand coming from both established pedigree flocks and commercial-minded breeders, "the sale reinforced the Badger Face Texel's rising profile and expanding reach across the UK and Ireland".
Christine Shaw, who supports the society's corporate affairs, said: 'This sale not only delivered strong results but truly showcased the dedication and hard work of our Northern Ireland breeders.
"With quality stock forward and interest from across the UK and Ireland, it's clear the Badger Face Texel is gaining ground. It's a credit to those behind the scenes who are quietly shaping the future of the breed'.
