Store lambs continued to command a strong trade at St Johns Chapel Auction Mart, where 1,920 store lambs and feeding ewes were presented at the fortnightly sale on Saturday 19 September 2026.
The sale report, published by Hexham and Northern Marts Livestock Sales Reports, said the market was again demonstrating its strength as a place to sell store lambs in County Durham. The top price of the day was £149, paid for 11 Suffolk-cross lambs from Mr I Collinson of Billing Shield.
The same home also sold pairs at £144 and £141, along with groups of 18 at £140 and a further 18 at £136. Suffolk-cross lambs also reached £145 from Fairhills, while other leading prices included £133 from New Park House, £131 from Longdale Grove and Fairhills, and £130 from High Wiserley.
Strong demand across several breeds
Texel-cross lambs reached £146 for D Scott of Longdale Grove, followed by £145 from R G Stobbs of High Wiserley. Other Texel-cross prices included £139 from Warden Hill, £138 from New Meadows and East Friar, and £136 from Warden Hill.
Beltex-cross lambs sold to £143 from C Everitt of Jolly Body. The same vendor also recorded prices of £136, £134, £133, £127, £126, £123 and £120.
Mule lambs were described as continuing to sell well at St Johns. The top price of £125 was achieved by first-time vendor N & A Bainbridge of Laneside for 50 strong lambs. W Morley & Son of Warden Hill sold 13 at the same price, while 24 from D Fletcher and D Coates of Short Thorns made £124.
In total, 504 Mule lambs averaged £115.84. North of England Mules reached £125 from Laneside and Warden Hill, with Shortthorns recording £124 and Dale House £123.
Swaledale lambs and forthcoming sales
The report said Swaledale lambs were now appearing in greater numbers, with 322 averaging £70.20. Weardale Estates topped that section at £100, while a further 84 from J R D and J A Short of Ouston made £85.
Other reported prices included £129 for Dutch Spotted Sheep from Bowes Close, £121 for Dutch Spotted Cross from Honey Farm, £115 for Cheviot Cross from Blackcleugh and £79 for Herdwick Cross from Hudgill Rigg.
Buyers were told that more Swaledale lambs, as well as all classes of store lambs, were wanted for the next sale on Saturday 3 October.
Before then, St Johns Chapel Mart is due to hold a show and sale of Mule Gimmer lambs on Friday 25 September, starting at 10.30am. A show and sale of Swaledale ewes is scheduled for Saturday 26 September, also at 10.30am.
Enquiries can be made through Harrison Collingwood on 07895 761102 or the Hexham office on 01434 605444.