After marvelling at the rapid passing of forty years, the lads turned to the glory days of the Gore Ram Fair, when they sold Romney rams for days and days.

Jamie wondered whether the Romneys are playing a part at all in the current Gore Ram Fair.  Simon says they are - probably about 15 rams out of a total of about 90 rams all up.  Perendales are first up for sale with the rest of the breeds coming in afterwards.  Land use changes have altered the line-up of rams on offer.  While Romneys are still a strong breed, they're struggling a wee bit as times change.  Terminal rams are doing quite well at the current sales. 

Jamie asked about the meat breeds.  What's in vogue at the moment?  Simon points to Poll Dorsets, Suffolks, South Suffolks and Southdowns.  Quite a few on-farm sales happen with these rams as well.  Farmers are looking for early maturing, ready in three to four months - this seems to be the way it's going.

Simon turned to the number of enquiries they're receiving at the moment for Wiltshires.  Jamie remarked on the Wiltshire's self-shedding - no shearing needed.  But he wonders whether it's a slippery slope to go down.  The wool guys say that strong wool has to make a come-back 'cos it's a sustainable, natural product.  We just have to find more uses for it.  When you go down the Wiltshire track, it's a long time breeding it back out.  Simon agrees that strong wool is poised for a come-back in the next two three years.  But at the moment farmers are getting big bills for shearing sheep.  However, he's quick to point out that you can't blame the shearers for putting their prices up.

To finish, Jamie puts in a plug for a dispersal sale coming up in Nelson.  Simon says it's at the Brightwater sale yards on February 17th.  The sale features Suffolks, Hillside Suffolks and Romney ewes.  A lot of interest is expected in the Suffolks, with good genetics all the way through.