THE annual production sale of 410 Continental breeding rams and females from the Whiteley Hey Flock takes place at North West Auctions Junction 36 at noon on Monday.

For the 13th year, auctioneer John Wharton will take to the rostrum to sell Paul Slater’s flock of top quality Continentals, which last year saw 24 rams sell for four-figure prices, one topping at 3,000 guineas.

Cheshire farmer Mr Slater, said: “This year, I’ve decided to hold it as an independent, standalone sale, so the pressure is on to make sure there’s a really good display of stock. I usually enter between 350 and 380 sheep, but this time I am offering 410.”

Past sales have seen buyers from as far north as Aberdeenshire and as far south as Somerset.

Both North West Auctions and Mitchells Auction Co Ltd are conducting the sale.

Mr Wharton, the Mitchells auctioneer, has worked with Mr Slater for more than 20 years. He said: “It’s a privilege to be associated with someone who is so passionate about his flock and who works tirelessly to maintain high-quality stock with bloodlines to please all buyers.

“This year’s sale promises to be an outstanding show of rams and females bred by Paul. People will not be disappointed.”

The selection of ewes and rams on offer will include pure Texel, Beltex cross Texel, Beltex cross Charollais and threequarter Beltex cross Texels.

Details at nwauctions.co.uk or mitchellslivestock.co.uk.