BELTEX sheep breeders have been offered a rare opportunity to get their hands on some of the finest-pedigree stock in the UK.

Stock from the Withy Trees Beltex Flock, on behalf of AJ Wood, and the Belvoir View Beltex Flock, on behalf of R&R Sharp, will go under the hammer at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Friday, July 16.

Withy Trees Beltex Flock, established in 2012 by breeder Andrew and Claire Wood, will see the entire flock go through the ring. The sale will include 35 ewes, 46 gimmers, 59 ewe lambs, 5 stock rams, 36 shearling rams and 42 lamb rams, and also recipient females, embryos and semen.

Next into the ring will be the Belvoir View flock, owned by Richard and Rachel Sharp. Since it was established in 2007, the couple have placed great emphasis on both female and male breeding lines in order to develop top-quality animals for both the show ring and breeding stock. This sale will include seven ewes, three gimmers, three ewe lambs, one stock ram, four shearling rams and nine lamb rams.

H&H auctioneer Grant Anderson said: “This is an opportunity for both pedigree and commercial breeders to purchase fantastic stock from two excellent pedigree Beltex flocks. Withy Trees flock really is top of the game and boasts some incredible breeding lines, whilst Belvoir View is a tremendous small flock with a strong following that regularly tops the sale and show rings.”

Andrew Wood, of Withy Trees, has a lifetime’s experience in the sheep industry, initially focussed on selecting only the highest-quality stock with original breeding lines including Woodies Storm, full brother to the then record priced lamb Woodies Snoop Dog, forming the basis of the current flock. He said: “The flock was established by selecting the very best of Beltex stock, which combined excellent husbandry and management, has produced animals that thrive and perform well.

“By retaining a number of our own top-quality females each year, the flock has become predominantly homebred with only a few very select ewes being bought in. In order to maintain freshness in the bloodlines, the majority of stock rams were carefully selected and purchased from top flocks. 2020 was a challenging year for everyone and, reflecting on my own work-life balance, I have decided it is an appropriate time to step back.”