Sale Dates for 2022
The Society runs one Spring sale in York plus three sales each Autumn - one in Scotland and two in England (at Melton Mowbray and York).
Entries for the sales must be made by the closing date advertised by the auctioneers hosting the sale.
All three autumn sales are preceded by show classes and the Hebridean Sheep Society usually organises a social get-together for members (details nearer the time).
The 2022 sales dates are:
York Spring Sale - 23rd April. Entries close 1st August
Lanark Show and Sale - 2nd September
Melton Mowbray Show and Sale - 9th Sept (Show) & 10th Sept (Sale)
York Auction Centre Rare Breeds Show and Sale - 1st October
Click here for reports of the 3 sales FROM 2021
Members also advertise registered stock for sale on the Sheep for Sale page of this website
There are many benefits in purchasing sheep at one of the official sales, especially for those new to the breed:
- Because sheep are auctioned, you are guaranteed to pay the fair market price.
- You can see and compare a range of sheep from many different flocks before you buy.
- Rams are assessed and all sheep are inspected for trueness to type by the Society.
- Buying a ram with little knowledge of its bloodlines and its breeder has inherent risk as he is the most important individual member of your flock because of the genetic influence he will have on all of his lambs. At one of these sales you will be able to compare rams, look at their bloodlines and have a discussion with their breeders and therefore be able to make a much more informed decision about this important purchase.
- There are many breeders present, as well as Society Trustees, who will be pleased to help you.
For first timers, a sheep auction might be a daunting prospect but there is nothing to fear. The auctioneers are aware that they have a mixed audience and don’t rush like they may at a commercial farmers’ mart. Besides, if you don’t bid you won’t unintentionally buy.
The best plan is to pick out a number of possible sheep to buy before the sale commences, decide what your maximum spend will be, and bid only for those sheep. Perhaps you will pay more than expected for one and less for another but make sure that overall you are within your budget.
One final point – at Melton Mowbray and York sheep are sold in guineas (=£1.05). Historically the 5p [shilling] was the auctioneers' commision.
However, if you prefer to purchase registered, pedigree Hebridean Sheep but not through an auction house, check out our market pages or our links to members websites. Alternatively, contact the membership secretary to find registered flocks near to you. Note: Hebridean sheep sold privately on other websites as 'pure-bred' or 'pedigree' but without the registration document and registration ear-tag are probably not registered and cannot be registered retrospectively.
We welcome the support of the Black Sheep Brewery
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