Hartpury University and Hartpury College proudly hosted their first Ram Sale in partnership with Innovis Breeding at the Okle Clifford satellite farm and sheep unit, where a Primera ram topped the sale at £1,650.
Innovis, renowned for staging multiple sales throughout the season, selected Hartpury as the venue for one of its southern regional events this year. The sale attracted more than 100 attendees and featured over 100 rams, with visitors enjoying a farm walk and a viewing of Hartpury’s Highlander flock ahead of the auction.
Staff, students, and family members played a crucial role in preparing for the day—setting up facilities, moving rams, and gathering sheep for the farm walk.
Two years ago, Livestock Manager Meg Lawrence introduced a new flock of Highlander ewes to complement Hartpury’s existing Innovis rams. Since then, she has refined breeding strategies to secure high-quality female replacements and produce quick-finishing meat lambs. This year, the relationship between Hartpury and Innovis was strengthened further, with Hartpury University and Hartpury College becoming Innovis Breeding Partners and hosting the sale.
“Working with Innovis complements what we’re striving to achieve with the flock here at Hartpury—healthy, maternal, milky ewes that can rear lambs with minimal concentrate input,” said Meg Lawrence. “We focus on high health and welfare, resilience, and breeding sheep that thrive in their environment. We’re honoured to host one of Innovis’ annual sales and to become breeding partners. It’s a testament to the hard work behind our flock and the excellent facilities at Hartpury.”
Meg added: “The sale was a great success, with many rams sold—including one that will remain with our flock. I’d like to thank Innovis for their continued support and outstanding organisation, as well as the Hartpury team for ensuring the event ran smoothly.”
Dewi Jones, CEO of Innovis, said: “Innovis is delighted with the outcome of our first ram sale in partnership with Hartpury University and College. The event was a great success, with a vibrant atmosphere and excellent organisation thanks to Meg Lawrence and her team at Okle Clifford Farm. Over 100 enthusiastic farmers attended, and 75 rams were sold at an average price of £1,045. Meat rams led the sale, with a Primera ram topping the charts at £1,650 and averaging £1,160. Abermax rams reached a top price of £1,500 with an average of £1,057, while Aberblack rams peaked at £1,200 and averaged £1,013. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hartpury University and College and building on this successful event.”
Hartpury University and Hartpury College are renowned for their range of agriculture T Levels, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Teaching focuses on sustainable, profitable farming systems and is supported by strong industry partnerships—such as with Innovis Breeding—that allow students to work alongside leading breeders, farmers, and agri-business professionals. This combination of practical skills, cutting-edge research, and industry engagement prepares graduates to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. This is complemented with industry-facing facilities including a Digital Innovation Farm.
