SKIPTON Auction Mart conducted its second fortnightly Wednesday sheep sale of the year, which attracted a much larger catalogue of 1,701 head. The figure was more than double the 2021 opener, and another good trade, with the 1,585 store lambs and feeding ewes selling to an overall average of £83.53 per head. There were 116 in-lamb ewes which averaged £137.21. (Jan 27) The Beltex lamb trade was a flyer for all sizes and showing great demand. Prices ranged from £108 to £126 joint top for the best. These were for two pens from Martin and Val Brown, of Leyburn, and Draughton’s John and Judy Garnett. Some smaller goods were able to command £100-£110, producing an overall section average of £104.64.