Tuesday September 1st 2026
Kelso rams
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Europe’s biggest one-day ram sale is being staged in the Scottish Borders later this month.
The 2026 Kelso Ram Sales is taking place on Friday, September 11 at the Border Union Agricultural Society’s Showground in Kelso’s Springwood Park.
The 2026 sale offers 4,307 Rams covering 17 breeds spread across 14 covered sale rings, including 519 Bluefaced Leicesters, 1,109 Suffolks and 1,465 Texels.
This year’s entry is nine per cent up on last year’s entries.
In 2025, the top-selling price of £32,000 was achieved for a shearling Texel, sold by Messrs T A & R Laird of Cambwell.
A show spokesperson said: “We are delighted to welcome Elanco as the new principal sponsor of this year’s event.
“With more than 70 years of experience in animal health, Elanco is a global leader in innovative solutions supporting animal well-being and the farmers who care for them.
“We are extremely grateful for their generous support and pleased to have them involved in this year’s Kelso Ram Sales.
Fiona Hutchings, Technical Manager at Elanco, said: “Elanco is delighted to be sponsoring the Kelso Ram sales.
“Kelso is famous as the place to buy high-quality rams and is a showcase of Britain finest stock. Come and join us at the Elanco stand for a coffee and discuss managing parasites to make the most out of your hard work .”
The sales starts with the traditional ringing of the Kelso Ram Sales bell.
This year local farmer George Neill, of Thornington Farm, has agreed to carry out the task to signify the start of the sale at 10am.
The Border Union Agricultural Society continues to closely monitor the bluetongue situation and Scottish Government guidance regarding animal movements, including requirements affecting rams moving from restricted zones and temporary control zones.
Jac Neill, Society Secretary, said: “We are very conscious of the challenges facing sheep breeders this year, with the spread of Bluetongue into south-west Scotland and the movement restrictions that are now affecting some consignors.
“These restrictions inevitably create logistical challenges for breeders wishing to bring their rams to Kelso.”
David Neill, Chairman of the Border Union Ram Sales Committee, stated: “The livestock industry continues to face significant challenges, with bluetongue adding further uncertainty for farmers and breeders.
“Despite this, the Kelso Ram Sales remain a key fixture in the agricultural calendar, bringing together some of the UK’s leading breeders and offering an exceptional selection of stock.”
“We are encouraged by the strength of the 2026 entries and by the continued support of many of the UK’s most renowned and respected breeders.
“The Kelso Ram Sales are an important day for the livestock industry and a significant contributor to the economy of the Scottish Borders.
“We look forward to a strong and positive sale and remain confident in the quality of stock on offer.”
A full ballot listing can be found at: https://borderunion.co.uk/border-union-ram-sales/consigners/
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