A sheep breeder well-known in Powys has decided to sell pedigree flock as part of a dispersal sale.

Neil and Joy Vance of Upper Grimmer, Minsterley have decided to sell his flock of pure bred Texel and Charollais in-lamb ewes at a dispersal sale at Shrewsbury Livestock Centre later this month.

The family business, started by Neil’s father, John, has owned a pedigree flock for around 20 years, having previously focused on producing commercial lambs.

Last year, the family sold 50 pedigree tups for an average price of £600, with many buyers coming from across the border in Wales.

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“I sell most of the tups from home and have loyal buyers that have been coming here for years,” said Neil, whose family farms 300-acres. “I will miss them because I like sheep but I need to reduce my workload as I need two new knees.”

Ninety in-lamb ewes owned by the Vance’s will be going under the hammer on Tuesday, January 30 at 11.30am at auctioneers Halls’ weekly livestock market.

Scanned at 186% to pedigree bred tups, the ewes - 40 Texels and 50 Charollais - are due to lamb from February 27.

County Times: Texel and Charollais ewes from Neil Vance’s pure bred flock which will be sold later this month.Texel and Charollais ewes from Neil Vance’s pure bred flock which will be sold later this month. (Image: Duncan Foulkes PR)

Mr Vance said all the ewes originate from pedigree breeding and so are pure but are not registered. He has bought in quality tups from top local breeders.

The family will continue to keep 65 Limousin suckler cows, having reduced the size of the herd by selling 35 cows and calves in 2022.

Chris Potter, an auctioneer at Halls, said: “Neil is renowned in the sheep farming community for producing top quality, pure bred tups and the dispersal sale is one not to be missed.”

The Vance family is happy for any potential buyers to view the flock before the sale. Contact either Neil on Tel: 07817 307975 or Chris Potter at Halls on Tel: 01743 462620