Strong ram prices, Suffolk record

PRICES have been strong at Irish ram sales, reflecting renewed optimism in the sheep industry.

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.