Double champion tops Ballymena Export Sale at 6,500gns

Overall Champion (sold for 6,500gns) and Reserve Champion with show judge Oliver Watson and breeder Russell Millen.

All photos: Agri Images / Badger Face Texel Sheep Society

The Badger Face Texel Sheep Society’s 2025 Summer Export Show & Sale, held on Friday (July 25) at Ballymena Livestock Market, attracted firm trade and cross-border interest, with over a third of entries selling for export and a top price of 6,500gns achieved under the experienced eye of judge Oliver Watson (C-View and Irt Vale flocks).

Leading both show and sale was Lot 347, a standout ram lamb from Russell Millen (Coleraine) and Seamus Killen (Rostrevor).

The lamb not only claimed Male Champion and Overall Show Champion titles but went on to sell for a sale-topping 6,500gns, secured by a new Northern Ireland-based breeding syndicate comprising Stuart Henderson (Favour Royal, Aughnacloy), Andy & Janet Carson (Little Whisker, Strabane), and James Johnston (Broadwater, Aghalee).

A selection of Badger Face Texel forward for judging at the 2025 Ballymena Export Sale.

“I first spotted this ram as the Male Champion of the National Show in Armagh and was immediately drawn to his size, power, and exceptional head,” said Stuart Henderson.

“He has presence, lift, and the sharp markings we value. When the opportunity came at Ballymena, I spoke with Janet and James, and we quickly agreed to syndicate. We’re delighted to have secured him and look forward to seeing his influence next lambing season.”

Championship line-up.

A clean sweep for Knockmult's R Millen & S Killen

The Knockmult flock, co-owned by Millen and Killen, enjoyed further success with two leading female entries:

• Lot 312 ‘Knockmult Flash’, a shearling ewe, was awarded Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion, selling for 2,000gns to David Morrison of South Ayrshire, Scotland.

• Lot 319 ‘Knockmult Greta’, the Reserve Female Champion, also made 2,000gns, joining Caitlyn Howells’ flock in West Glamorgan, Wales.

Further notable sales included:

Clive Richardson and his 1,500gns Badger Face Texel at the 2025 Ballymena Export Sale

• Lot 357, a ram lamb from the Society’s Founder and Chairman Clive Richardson (Cleenagh flock, Enniskillen), sold for 1,500gns to Leslie Bradley (Drumard, Maghera) and Robert McLean (Fort William).

• Lot 306, a Cleenagh shearling ewe, made 1,000gns, heading to Jonathan Bugden in Hampshire, England.

• Lot 340 ‘Craigdoo Gunner’, from P&O Grant (Craigdoo Livestock, Castlewellan), drew strong interest and achieved 1,200gns, selling to a Donegal-based partnership of Sam Lucas and Rachel Gallagher — ensuring representation across all four UK and Irish export regions.

Export demand reflects growing breed popularity

A selection of Badger Face Texel ram lambs forward for judging at the 2025 Ballymena Export Sale.

With more than one-third of lots sold destined for export, including to England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, the sale clearly reflected the Badger Face Texel’s rising reputation.

Export buyers spent 56% more on average than domestic Northern Ireland bidders, a strong indicator of both pedigree potential and commercial performance.

Christine Shaw (Lisnor), who supports the Society’s corporate affairs, said:

“This sale not only delivered strong results but truly showcased the dedication and hard work of our Northern Ireland breeders. With quality stock forward and interest from across the UK and Ireland, it’s clear the Badger Face Texel is gaining ground. It’s a credit to those behind the scenes who are quietly shaping the future of the breed.”

Top prices by class

It was a long day for little Ava Shaw who enjoyed the show and sale at Little Ava Shaw at the 2025 Ballymena Export Sale.

Ram Lambs

• 6,500gns – Lot 347 from R. Millen & S. Killen to Henderson, Carson & Johnston

Shearling Ewes

• 2,000gns – Lot 312 from R. Millen & S. Killen to D. Morrison

Ewe Lambs

• 2,000gns – Lot 319 from R. Millen & S. Killen to C. Howells

Shearling Rams

• 550gns – Lot 337 from N. Flanagan (Vermont) to J. Galbraith

With its reputation for vigour, balance, style, and lambing ease, the Badger Face Texel continues to make an impression on breeders and producers across the British Isles.

The Ballymena event was more than a sale — it was a clear demonstration of the breed’s momentum, structural quality, and expanding influence.