10 September 2010 Last updated at 05:48 ET

Kelso ram sales show farming 'buoyancy'

The rural affairs secretary has said figures for the historic Kelso ram sales show farming appears to be weathering tough financial conditions.

Richard Lochhead is in the Borders for the event, which dates back to the 1830s.

More than 5,000 animals are due to go under the hammer at the sales.

Mr Lochhead said the fact that numbers were up more than 600 on the previous year was a good indication of the "buoyancy" of the sheep industry.

"Rams appear to have done well despite the severe weather we had this winter and breeders are confident that good quality sheep will sell well," he said.

"I see this as further evidence that farming appears to be weathering current financial conditions better than other sectors."