Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate for bluetongue (BTV). That is the message the National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales & Border Ram Sale is impressing on flockmasters ahead of its 2025 main ram sale. The deadline is imminent for those who haven’t yet vaccinated in time to enter the main sale that will be held next month at the Royal Welsh Showground on Monday 22nd September.

Timing is tight as all sheep need to have been vaccinated at least 21 days prior to the sale and with the August Bank Holiday fast approaching the time frame to enter has been shortened. So ram sale organisers are urging potential vendors not to wait for the Welsh Government to refine bluetongue regulations further as they will still need to vaccinate.

NSA Wales & Border Ram Sale Executive Director Jane Smith urges: “We are delighted with the entry numbers for Builth and consignors will be relieved that no pre-movement testing will be required from 22nd September according to Welsh Government stated intentions. We will be operating a “green market” requiring all sheep to have been BTV vaccinated.”

All vendors will shortly be sent the paperwork with instructions to facilitate easy completion required for the sale. The form needs name of vendor, what sheep are brought, what vaccine used, the date and the name and contact details of the veterinary practice.

Meanwhile preparations for the sale are well in hand with 3,000 quality tups entered. The Suffolks have for the first time in a few years, entered yearlings in the MV ring and moved up to Hall 2 adjacent to the Texels.