Friday 5^th April saw the first ram sale of 2024 at Exeter Livestock Centre on behalf of the Centurion Group of Dorset Breeders. An entry of 43 Signet recorded sheep, which attracted buyers in person and online across the UK.

The sale was preceded by the “Centurion ram of the year event” when the best ram presented at the sale is chosen by ballot, where breeders score their favourite ram. This year it was awarded to a shearling ram from Fooks Bros, Lot 4, 359:F00070 - POORTON FORDSON. This ram has a terminal sire index in the top 5% of the breed and went on to achieve joint top price of the sale at 1400gns.

A ram from the Blackhill flock, D26:F07337 – BLACKHILL FLYER, also sold for 1400gns, this was the highest index ram of the sale with a Terminal Sire Index of 318 and sold to David Rendle, Woodburn Flock.

Second highest price of the day was 900gns for lot 15, HYDES GOLDFINCH – ZB22:G03330, out of a home bred ewe by a Downkilleybegs ram. Followed by a ram from the Huish flock at 800gns

Average ram price was 757gns for the sale.

The Hydes flock took champion female and achieved top price female with lot 42, HYDES GEORGINA- ZB22:G0331 selling for 500gns, closely followed by penmate ZB22:G03448 selling for 400gns.

The Newtoncoombe flock also sold a ewe lamb A21:G01427 for 340gns.