Strong ram prices, Suffolk record
However, prices haven’t matched the record-breaking €108,000 achieved by Dan Tynan, Ardlea, Co Laois, at the recent Suffolk Sheep Society northern area branch sale in Scotland. The price broke a record which has stood since 1998. It was achieved at an auction where there was near 87% clearance, and 82 rams sold for £1,000 or better.
In an all-Irish deal, William and Stephanie Tait of Omagh, Co Tyrone, sold their top ram lamb for 7,000 guineas to Herbert Stanley of Rathdowney, Co Laois, who purchased over the telephone.
Demand from the continent has helped to boost breeding sheep sales across Ireland and Britain.
The world record price was set in Britain in 2009 when a Texel, Deveronvale Perfection, sold for £231,000.
* Teagasc advise that selling ewe lambs that will make an additional premium as breeding stock should be considered at current prices, rather than feed expensive concentrates or hold lambs that are eating into the autumn grass requirements of the breeding flock. And selling stores making over €2.40 per kg liveweight should be considered, rather than retain lambs to slaughter weight.
