New 1350gns Oxford Down record at Worcester

new Oxford Down breed record was created at the 2021 Worcester Show & Sale when the overall and male champion at the pre-sale show, a shearling ram from Vickie Jones’ Billesdons flock from Leicestershire sold at 1350gns to Andrew Rutherford for his Langrigg flock at Guards Farm, Gretna, Dumfriesshire. The previous record of 1000gns was set at Worcester in 2009.

It was a red-letter day for the Billesdons flock which also had the female and reserve overall champion at the show, a shearling ewe which went on to make the top female price of the day at 500gns.

With an improved quality entry forward, there was strong demand for females from both new and existing breeders alike, coupled with some very strong bidding for rams.

Overall, there was an excellent trade for the breed, resulting in the most successful Oxford Down sale at Worcester for over a decade.

Full report to follow.

Averages

20 shearling ewes £276.15

4 ewe lambs £257.25

5 flock ewes £237.30

9 shearling rams £621.83

4 ram lambs £391.12

Overall 42 head sold to 1350gns and averaged £354.75.

Auctioneers: McCartneys

June news

1. All members should have received a copy of the 2021 Flockbook - brilliantly put together as usual by Alan Hambley. How fantastic to see so many new members in it. We also sent out a complimentary trailer sticker which we hope you like, and will display with pride! More can be bought for £3 each plus post and packing - please contact secretary@oxforddownsheep.org.uk

2. Great news to report regarding the dispersal of the Gorse flock - Whittington Oxford Downs have bought the flock and have posted these words on their Facebook page:

"We are very excited and honoured to have been able to purchase 26 ewes/ewe lambs and the stock ram Greenlands Roland from John Brigg's (831) Gorse Flock.

We think John's stock are fantastic and we will be keeping them registered as a separate, (to our current flock on paper) closed flock as they have been for the last 50 years (although they will have a new flock number and name in due course).

We are very excited to build on John's years of hard work and dedication. As well as striving to improve the Oxford Down as a breed, we are going to be building our direct sales of breeding stock, wool and meat products over the next few years and also do our best to promote the Oxford Down as a terminal sire, by hopefully crossing our tups with some Lleyns next year and sharing the results."

3. Martin Johnson of The Longfriday flock has reported in very pleasing results from 42 head of Spring lambs at Melton Mart. Please continue to send in any reports you have so that we can publicise the results.

Gorse Flock dispersal - UPDATED, 21st June 2021

Update: Monday 21st June 2021

Great news to report regarding the dispersal of the Gorse flock - Whittington Oxford Downs have bought the flock and have posted these words on their Facebook page:

"We are very excited and honoured to have been able to purchase 26 ewes/ewe lambs and the stock ram Greenlands Roland from John Brigg's (831) Gorse Flock.

We think John's stock are fantastic and we will be keeping them registered as a separate, (to our current flock on paper) closed flock as they have been for the last 50 years (although they will have a new flock number and name in due course).

We are very excited to build on John's years of hard work and dedication. As well as striving to improve the Oxford Down as a breed, we are going to be building our direct sales of breeding stock, wool and meat products over the next few years and also do our best to promote the Oxford Down as a terminal sire, by hopefully crossing our tups with some Lleyns next year and sharing the results."

Update : Monday, 07 June 2021

Thank you for your interest in our Oxford Down flock. We have received and accepted a good offer for the flock as a whole. All the females plus the stock ram will be going shortly to a young couple who have just started in the breed and are totally committed to Oxford Downs.

Several people expressed an interest in the rams. We now have available one shearling ram and two ram lambs, all by GREENLANDS ROLAND out of GORSE ewes. One of the lambs is a full brother to the shearling. For sale now on an ex-farm, first-come-first-served basis so, if interested, please give us a call to arrange a visit.

For those interested in buying females, we draw your attention to the forthcoming ODSBA official sales. The main sale at Worcester Market on 7th August, Melton Mowbray Market on 11th September and Carlisle Market on 18th September. Details, catalogues etc. in due course via ODSBA website www.oxforddownsheep.org.uk

With best wishes

John & Joshua

After 50 years of pedigree breeding, John Brigg has made the reluctant decision to offer his Gorse Flock No 831 for sale as a whole. This has been brought about by the Brigg family's recent sudden and tragic bereavement.

This sale affords buyers a unique opportunity to acquire one of the oldest flocks in the Oxford Down Flock Book. The Gorse flock was established in 1971 and played a key role in the breed's survival during the 1970s and subsequent revival in the 1980s.

The flock has enjoyed considerable success over the years in both show and sale ring and has been a major provider of both stock rams and foundation females to other registered flocks.

John has served the Association with distinction in various roles throughout this period, including Council member, Secretary and President. He is also a highly respected judge of Oxford Down sheep.

A total of 34 head is being offered in this complete sale of the flock, comprising:

15 flock ewes

2 shearling ewes

13 ewe lambs

1 stock ram

1 shearling ram

2 ram lambs

John has also placed a number of photos of the flock on his website at: http://www.bishopsgorse.com/Oxford-Down-Sheep

It is very much hoped that a buyer can be found who will keep the flock together and take it forward to develop the potential of the stock on offer. All enquiries about the flock should be made directly to John Brigg.

e-mail bishopsgorse@btconnect.com

Tel (01926) 651273