Wednesday 30th September is major date in the annual calendar for North Pennine sheep farmers and breeders as it is their main sheep sale of the year, and the North of England’s largest sheep sale.
The event is the Alston Moor sale of Mule gimmer lambs held at Harrison and Hetherington’s Lazonby Auction Mart. This year the sale has attracted 20,000 lambs from across Alston Moor, the Lakeland Fells and the surrounding area which is 10% up on last year.
Coming off mainly hill ground these Mule gimmer lambs are sought after as they do well in other areas of the country. The evening prior to the sale is the North of England Mule Sheep Association’s (NEMSA’s) show, when the highly contested trophy for the champion pen of North of England Mule Lambs will be awarded.
Speaking in advance of the sales Harrison and Hetherington auctioneer James Little said:
“Although trends have seen sales running slightly behind last year, we are anticipating that there will be keen interest at this annual sale.
“Lazonby is renowned for the North of England Mule and as such the Alston Moor Sale is a key date for Lazonby Auction Mart, Harrison and Hetherington and the surrounding areas.”
Throughout the year James spends much time and effort liaising with potential purchasers, and as a result, the sales attract between 150 and 200 buyers from the length and breadth of the UK.
Starting at 10.00am all of the lambs are sold through one ring in lots of approximately 30.
