Friday morning sheep sales switch at Bishop's Castle is hailed big success

Halls Auctioneers, which runs the livestock market, made the decision last July to revert to the traditional Friday morning time slot following discussions with sheep farmers and buyers.

The change has resulted in more sheep being sold to a strong trade at the market and an increased number of farmers and buyers attending. Farmers travel from across Shropshire and Mid Wales to sell their sheep.

With the prime hogget season on the horizon, Halls is expecting Bishop's Castle Auction to be particularly busy, as vendors and buyers seek to make Friday sales and purchases.

Auctioneer and Halls director James Evans leads a team comprising Tom Jarman and David Bryan-Jones at the Bishops Castle sheep sales, which begin at 9.30am and usually finish by around 11am.

“Bishop's Castle is the only livestock market in the area on a Friday which is proving very popular with farmers and buyers alike,” said Mr Evans. 

“We anticipate the market being very busy with finished hoggets in the coming weeks, especially with the sheep trade being so strong and liveweight prices leading the way.

“The auction is a good selling point for farmers at the end of the week and, with weighing at 7am and a 9.30am sale, they are usually finished by 11am and have the rest of the day to go about their business.

“I must thank farmers and buyers for supporting the change to Friday sales; they have really got behind the market. The community feel has returned to the market which has become a social hub and important meeting place where farmers can discuss farming matters.

“Farmers want to ensure that they are getting the right price for their sheep and I am delighted to say that trade has been as strong in Bishop's Castle as anywhere in the country.”

For further information about sheep sales change, contact Bishop's Castle Auction on 01588 638755.