The NSA Builth Tup Sale held on 22nd September 2025 at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells was a resounding success, setting new benchmarks for quality, prices, and attendance. With 2,411 tups sold and a 92% clearance rate, the sale generated a staggering £2.5 million in turnover, up more than £250,000 from the previous year. The event not only showcased the best of British sheep breeding but also reflected growing confidence in the sector despite wider industry challenges.
As proud sponsors of Builth Tup Sale, it was fantastic to see such a strong turnout and to catch up with so many of our clients throughout the day. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, and the quality of stock on display was second to none. It was a privilege to support an event that plays such a vital role in the agricultural calendar and to witness first-hand the strength of relationships and community within the sheep industry.
Market Trends and Average Prices
This year’s sale saw a 15% increase in the average price per tup, rising to £1,044, compared to £886 in 2024. This significant uplift highlights the willingness of buyers to invest in top genetics and the resilience of the market. NSA Chairman Geoff Probert described the sale as “probably the best standard of sheep ever seen at Builth,” a sentiment echoed by many breeders and buyers.
Breed-specific averages were equally impressive:
- Texel shearling rams averaged £1,352.11, with ram lambs at £681.61.
- Blue Faced Leicester shearling rams averaged £781.91, and lambs £699.52.
- Charollais shearlings averaged £814.45, with lambs at £555.78.
- Suffolk rams averaged £954.88, and lambs £566.48.
These figures reflect a buoyant market and a clear demand for quality breeding stock across all major breeds.
Top Prices and Standout Sales
The Texel breed stole the show, both in terms of volume and headline prices. The top price of the day was 24,000 guineas for Scolton Field Master, a Texel shearling from Andrew Reed’s Scolton flock. This standout ram, sired by Scolton Dynamo, was snapped up by Esmor Evans of Mold.
Other notable Texel sales included:
- 22,000 guineas for Caron Firefly, from first-time vendors Gwilym and Nerys Williams.
- 20,000 guineas for a champion ram lamb from the Davies family’s Teilo flock.
- 10,000 guineas for Scolton Fortress.
- 7,500 guineas for Blaencar Gladiator, a ram lamb from Geoff and Eifion Morgan.
In other breeds:
- Blue Faced Leicester ram lambs peaked at 7,000 guineas, with strong entries from the Espley and Kirkstead flocks.
- Suffolk rams reached 4,700 guineas, with G Davies & Co’s Llanfechan yearling drawing praise.
- Charollais rams topped at 4,200 guineas, with the Roblestone Flock’s champion yearling attracting attention.
- South Country Cheviots hit 3,200 guineas, and North Country Cheviots peaked at 2,200 guineas.
Popular Breeds and Buyer Sentiment
Texels were undoubtedly the most sought-after breed, dominating both the top prices and overall averages. Their reputation for terminal sire traits and consistent performance made them the go-to choice for many buyers. Blue Faced Leicesters also saw strong demand, particularly for maternal lines, while Suffolks and Charollais maintained solid trade and buyer interest.
The sale drew buyers from across the UK, many of whom were familiar faces and long-standing clients. It was a pleasure to reconnect with so many of them, hear about their breeding plans, and see their enthusiasm for investing in top-quality genetics. The sense of community and shared purpose was palpable, and it reinforced the importance of events like this in bringing the industry together.
In Summary
The 2025 NSA Builth Tup Sale was a triumph for breeders, buyers, and the wider sheep industry. With record prices, high clearance rates, and exceptional quality across all breeds, the event reaffirmed its status as the premier ram sale in the UK. As sponsors, we were proud to support such a vital occasion and delighted to see so many of our clients thriving in a strong and optimistic market.
