A record-breaking Texel ram is one thing, but farmers across the country are facing a tough time

From a glut of wool to the price of milk being rock bottom, the industry needs help with Brexit set to bite, says Janet Street-Porter

Double Diamond sold for a record £367,500 at auction (MacGregor Photography)

Double Diamond, a Texel ram, has just sold at auction in Scotland for a record-breaking £367,500. He was bought by three bidders who will no doubt use this magnificent animal to sire hundreds of offspring.

Texels are renowned for the quality of their meat, but Double Diamond will have to keep very busy to pay off the investment over the next few years. The average price paid for a lamb at auction in the UK is just £100, and sheep farmers are having a tough time currently because the price paid for British wool has plummeted to the lowest levels since 2008.

It’s mostly used for carpets and a small amount for men’s suiting and because lockdown has forced shops to close for months, demand has dropped.