Irish Texel Year Book 2015

Irish Texel Sheep Society Yearbook 2015

Looking to the future...

Sales Dates 2014

STAP Eligible Rams available at all Ram Sales Society Sales Blessington Premier Show & Sale Tullamore (Multibreed) 2nd Main Sale - Tullamore Blessington (Multibreed) Donegal Raphoe Raphoe Raphoe Raphoe In Lamb Ewe Sale West Region Roscommon Delvin Ballinasloe Athenry Tuam Maam Cross Roscommon 2nd Sale Athenry Mountbellew Ballinasloe In Lamb Ewe Sale North Connacht Ballinrobe Texel X & Club sale Ballinrobe

Ballina

North East Cootehill Carnaross Cootehill South East Tullow New Ross Enniscorthy Carnew South West Milltown Roscrea

Fri & Sat Sat Fri Sat

14th & 15th August 22nd August 11th September 26th September

Fri Fri Fri Fri

28th August 18th September 9th October 20th November

Sat 22nd August Thurs 3rd September Sat 5th September Mon 7thSeptember Tues 8th September TBC Sat 19th September Mon 28th September Sat 3rd October Sat 22nd November Sat Fri Tues

22nd August 11th September 22nd September

Sat Tues Wed

12th September (2pm) 22nd September (7pm) 7th October (6pm)

Tues Mon Wed Thurs

25th August 7th September 9th September 8th October

Thurs Wed

3rd Sept (evening) 16th September

Hiltex Ewe Sale – Sat 22 Aug 2015 Ballinrobe Mart, for details 086 8422386

More sales dates will be confirmed for regions post publication of this notice.

Please check www.irishtexel.com or facebook Irish Texel Sheep & forthcoming sales to obtain the most current sales dates list.

Contents Upcoming Events 3 List of Approved Judges 6 Society Contact Information 7 Recipe: Harissa Flavoured Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki 8 Texel is King for Louth farmer 9 Review and Outlook of Irish Sheep Sector 12 Greenes take the Reds at Texel Growvite All Ireland Championships 16 From One Champion to Another – Premier Sale 2014 28 The Sheep Ireland €uroStars 35 Donegal Texel Club Report Growvite All Ireland Return to Donegal 40 Recipe: Everyday Barbecued Lamb 49 Top Dog in Co. Sligo 50 North Connacht Report 55 North Connacht Events 60 Hiltex The Mother of all Crosses 64 North East Texel Club Report 68 Oberstown Flock Report 75 South West Texel Report 80 South West Field Evening 81 Midland Report 85 Tullamore Show 2014 87 National Flock Competition 2014 90 Winning Ways 91 West Region Report 95 Global Opportunities for Irish Sheepmeat 102 South East Regional Report 2014 105 Co. Wexford Sheepbreeders 111 Lameness on Irish Sheep Farms 116 A powerful new genetic tool Genomic selection 123 The Irish Texel Young Breeders Club 127 Condition Scoring of Ewes 129 Texel Shop 134 Membership Information & Fees 135 Irish Texel Membership 2015 139 Advertisers’ index 147

3

4

Upcoming Events Sheep Shearing Championships Burt Co. Donegal 29th May – 31st May An Grianán Estate in Donegal will host the 2015 sheep shearing championships on the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May 2015. The event is centered around a highly competitive and entertaining sheep shearing competition. There will be a Texel competition organised by the Donegal Texel Breeders Club on Sunday 31st. Other attractions include The National Sheepdog trials,arts and crafts, trade stands and cooking demonstrations.

Young Breeders – 5 Nations Challenge This is the first year we have hosted this event and what an action packed weekend is lined up by our Young Breeders Club! The action and fun will stretch between Louth, Meath and Wexford from June 12th-14th and will culminate at the Growvite All Ireland Championships in Dundalk on Sunday 14th of June where the winners will be announced. This is an over 18’s event only and teams of 4 are invited to compete. Further details from 087 7422416 Growvite All – Ireland Championships This year our Championships are being held on Sunday 14th of June.

This is the biggest Pedigree Texel Interflock Competition that is held annually and is judged across ten classes with the eventual Supreme Texel Champion 2015 being selected. This is truly an exciting day out for those exhibiting their pedigree stock, or for those who enjoy the breed.

Judging will commence at 11am.

Sheep 2015 -Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry 20th June 2015 This is a National Sheep event catering for a wide range of interests.

The West Club Championships will be held at this event. Sheep 2015 focuses on bringing you all the advice you need to make your enterprise more efficient and profitable. Highlights include Educational & Practical Workshops, Demonstrations. A wide range of Commercial Exhibits.

5

Premier Sale This year our first sale of the season will be held on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th of August, at Blessington Livestock Mart, Co. Wicklow. The judging will commence at 3pm on Friday 14th, which will culminate in the awarding of the Premier Sale 2015 Male & Female Champions. The sale will commence at 11am on Saturday 15th. Females will be sold first followed immediately by the ram sale.

On the day there will be approximately 250 rams and 100 females offered for sale. A catalogue with full details will be available from the Society Secretary prior to sale.

Regional Sales A display of both Pedigree and Cross bred Texels will be held at regional shows throughout the country. These sheep will be shown by local breeders and judged in the show competition held on the day. Please check your local publiations for class details if you wish to exhibit your sheep at these shows or you simply would like to view the competition on the day. The Irish Texel Sheep Society actively encourages all its members to participate and support their local shows.

National Livestock Show Tullamore Show is scheduled to take place on Sunday 09th August 2015 at the Butterfield Estate, Tullamore Co. Offaly. This is the biggest Livestock Show in the country. Texels have always had strong presence at this event, and the Irish Texel Sheep Society are proud to be sponsoring the majority of the Texel classes at this years show.

National Ploughing Championships Tuesday 22nd – Thursday 24th September will for the third consecutive year be held in Stradbally, Co. Laois. Come visit us in the NSBA Sheep Tunnel. On this year’s Texel stand we will have Hiltex Ewes with lambs, Pedigree Texel Ewes and Rams and some crossbred Texels. The plouging championships is the ideal opportunity to come and discuss the merits of Texel Sheep with breeders at the stand and they can answer any questions you might have.

If you require information for any of these Texel events and for up to date news and events, please contact the Society Secretary at 087 3552992 or alternatively info@irishtexel.com.

Please visit our website www.irishtexel.com and follow us on Irish Texel Sheep

6

7

List of Approved Judges Mr. Michael J Bird, Dunlever Hse, Trim, Co. Meath Mr. John J Brennan, Lisgobbin, Roscommon Mr. Alex Clarke, Alepat, Boyerstown, Navan, Co. Meath Mr. Liam Coen, Lehinch, Hollyount, Co. May Mr. John Donohoe, Ballybur, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny Mr. Ronnie Edwards, Hillsborough, Ramelton, Co. Donegal Mr. Pat Farrell, Oberstown, Tara, Co. Meath MR. Barry Farrell, Oberstown, Tara, Co. Meath Mr. John Gallagher, Ballinamongree, Glanworth, Co. Cork Mr. Ronan Gallagher, Carrowcarden,Enniscrone, Co. Sligo Mr. Peter Gibbons, Macetown, Tara, Co. Meath Mr. John Greene, Larahirl, Culduff, Co. Donegal Mr. Tom Healy, Blackthorn View, Loughanure, Clane Co. Kildare Mr. John Kelly, Shraigh East, Bunnahowen, Ballina, Co. Mayo Mr. Pat Landers, Mountnicholas, Gortatlea, Tralee, Co. Kerry Mr. Pat Lyons, Turoe, Bullaun, Loughrea, Co. Galway Mr. Michael McHugh, Cnoc Glas, Lisnashannagh, Carrickmacross Mr. Shane McHugh, Figart, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal Mr. Adrian McKeague, The Knock, Culduff, Co. Donegal Mr. Ian McKeague, The Knock, Culduff, Co. Donegal Mrs. Anne Murphy, Belcarrig, Gorey, Co. Wexford Mr. Wm Murphy Snr, Sheffield Hse, Ballylinan, Athy, Co. Kildare Mr. Neville Myles Legaltion, Ballyshannon Co.Donegal Mr. Michael Neenan, Dromakee, Kilyflynn, Tralee, Co. Kerry Mr. John Neville, Brownstown, Murrintown, Co. Wexford Mr. Padraic Niland, Chessy, Kinvara, Co.Galway Mr. Arthur O’Keeffe, Annakisha Hse, Killavullen, Co. Cork Mr. Fergal O’Se Church Cross, Ventry, Tralee Co. Kerry Mr. Tom Pollard, Grawn, Ballingarry, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Mr. John Renehan, Violet Hill, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny Mr. Flor Ryan, Lawn, Prosperous, Co. Kildare Mr. John Stewart, Roughan, Ramelton, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Mr. John Taylor, Hilton Park, Clones, Co. Monaghan Mr. John L Taylor, Renaghmore, Barna, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Mr. Liam Walsh, Rathroen, Ballina, Co. Mayo 8

046 9436735 086 8179246 046 9027418 087 2872674 056 7729914 074 9151056 046 9025090 086 0580574 025 38232 096 36408 087 2077560 074 9379389 045 868529 087 7831017 066 9764639 091 842420 042 9661712 074 9136273 086 8164127 074 9379130 086 8441144 087 9951075 0861555599 087 2777721 087 1204485 091 635148 022 26180 087 9895475 052 54314 056 8838775 086 8115560 074 9151077 047 56258 056 8834412 096 75915

Society Contact Information Secretary: Sinéad Brophy Kellistown Farm, Kellistown, Carlow 087 3552992

Vice Chairperson: Arthur O’Keeffe Annakisha, Mallow, Co. Cork 086 8135804

Council Members 2015-16 NAME

REGION

Michael Bird John McLoone Hughie Mooney Jimmy Garrivan Paul Coyne Michael McHugh John Wehrly Michael Murphy Michael Carroll Zoe Payne Flor Ryan Arthur O’Keeffe Fergal O Sé John Kidd John Neville

North East Donegal Donegal North Connacht North Connacht North East North East West West Midlands Midlands South West South West South East South East

CONTACT DETAILS 086 9965239 086 3627292 087 9621642 087 2872674 086 8796346 087 2448481 086 8122485 087 6993411 086 0638388 087 1351609 086 8115560 086 8135804 087 9895475 087 2480910 087 1204485

Website Co-Ordinator: info@irishtexel.com Email: info@irishtexel.com Website: www.irishtexel.com Like us on

Irish Texel Sheep

To get information on promotions and events in your area, text your name and county to 087 – 3907540 (Note: information will only be used for promotion of events and news within the Irish Texel Sheep Society, no data will be forwarded to any third party for marketing purposes.)

9

Harissa Flavoured Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki To Serve: 4 bread rolls, cut in half and lightly toasted Salad leaves To make the burgers: Place the mince, harissa paste, garlic, half the lemon juice, half the mint leaves, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well to combine. With damp hands shape the mixture into 4 burgers.

To make the tzatziki: Mix together the yogurt, garlic, cucumber, lemon juice and chopped mint. Season to taste.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and cook the burgers for 4–5 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking. You can also cook the burgers on the barbecue.

Put some salad leaves on the bottom half of each roll, place a burger on top of the leaves.

Spoon over some tzatziki and top with a little extra harissa paste.

Serve with baby new potatoes or crispy potato wedges.

Ingredients Serves 4 Time: 20 minutes 400g lean lamb mince 1 tablespoon harissa paste, plus extra, for topping 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed Juice of ½ a lemon 20g fresh mint leaves, chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tablesp. oil Tzatziki 150g Greek-style natural yogurt 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed ¼ cucumber, seeded and finely diced Juice of ½ a lemon 20g fresh mint leaves, chopped Nutritional Analysis per Serving: Kcal: 547kcal Protein: 29g Carbohydrate: 63g Fat: 21g Iron: 2.8mg

10

Texel is King A

for Louth farmer

nthony McShane from Rooskey, Carlingford, Co. Louth is keen to use the latest technology in sheep and grassland management in the management of his 500-ewe flock.

In 1998 Anthony was selected as Sheep Farmer of the Year. He has tried out many breeds and crosses over his farming lifetime and he strongly believes that Texels “are the most consistent of all the low-land breeds�.

The McShane flock consists of 350 Lowland and 150 Blackface Mountain ewes plus replacements.

Blackface mountain ewes are used as the foundation for the lowland replacements. Blackie ewes surplus to replacement requirements are crossed with Bluefaced Leicester rams to produce Mule ewes.

Over the years, these Mule ewes have been crossed with many terminal breeds but Anthony is now firmly convinced that the Texel is the ideal ram to use for producing both factory and replacement ewe lambs from this type of ewe.

11

From his experience, Anthony has become a strong supporter of the Texel cross Mule ewe. He finds this ewe suits his system of mainly outdoor lambing in late March.

While they may be slightly less prolific than the Mule, they are great mothers, hardy and have good shape, resulting in a higher cull value and produce excellent quality lambs. They are consistently producing 1.5 lambs per ewe to the ram.

As a terminal breed McShane again is firmly of the opinion that ‘Texel is King”.

Over the years, he has tried out other terminal breeds but his first choice always remains Texel.

The reasons he gives for his choice are: • Lively at lambing – get up and go with a lot less hassle than other breeds • A good quality carcase with good growth rates on grass-only diets • Cleanliness and less dagging” this is evident even on a dry year where some ewes of other breeds need dagging” • A large selection of rams with performance records to choose from. “I look at the ram physically and then the records. I select on the Terminal or maternal traits depending on what ewes I intend putting to the ram. For the Mule ewes, I primarily select on the maternal traits.

12

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION RAM FERTILITY TESTING SEMEN FREEZING SEMEN STORAGE EMBRYO TRANSFER Contact: Ronan Gallagher MVB Email: prostargenetics@hotmail.com Address: Carrowcarden, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo Phone: 00-353-87-9837107 Like us on

速

Pro Star Genetics

Review and Outlook of Irish Sheep Sector Declan Fennell, Sheep Sector Manager, Bord Bia

Following a significant decline in sheep numbers in 2013, there was some recovery in sheep numbers in 2014. Total sheep numbers increased by 2% totally 5.11 million head according to the latest June Livestock survey from the CSO. Within this, breeding sheep showed a decline of 2% with breeding sheep numbers currently standing at around 2.6 million head. There was some increase in ewes greater than 2 years old and also a rise in other sheep which suggests some flock rebuilding.

Table 1: Number of sheep 2010 to 2014 June Livestock Survey (‘000 head)

000 head

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Breeding sheep

2,530

2,509

2,667

2,649

2,597

Ewes

2,450

2,435

2,589

2,568

2,516

Ewes ≼ 2 years

1,965

1,939

2,028

2,029

2,059

Ewes < 2 years

485

496

561

540

458

Rams

80

74

78

80

81

Other sheep

2,216

2,321

2,503

2,358

2,510

Total sheep

4,745

Source: CSO June Livestock survey

4,830

5,170

5,007

5,107

Total sheep disposals at export meat plants increased marginally in 2014 to reach 2.59 million head. This was characterised by tight supplies of hoggets, which were down by around 8% or 50,000 head in the first quarter of the year. New season lamb throughput increased by 55,000 head or 3.5%. Cull ewes and rams disposals declined by 6%. Despite tight supplies in the early part of the year supplies of lambs and hoggets recovered to show a marginal increase in 2014 to reach 2.25 million head.

Looking at 2015, any significant change in supplies is unlikely. Higher lamb disposals also in 2014 point to tight hogget supplies this spring.

Looking beyond the early part of the year, availability will depend on lambing and grazing conditions. However the increased price positivity and

14

demand in 2014 is likely to boost producer confidence and ultimately new season supplies.

Little change in production For the full year 2014, net production totalled around 58,000 tonnes (cwe), which was marginally ahead of the previous year. This represents an 8% increase in net production since 2012. Increased throughput and some rise in carcase weights helped edge net production upwards. Excellent grazing conditions throughout the year resulted in an increase in carcase weights by 0.18kg or just less than 1%. This recovery followed a 3% decline in carcase weights in 2013. Some further increase in net production is anticipated for 2015.

Figure 1: Average lamb carcase weights 2009 to 2014 (e)

20.4 20.2 20 19.8 19.6 19.4 19.2 19

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014 (e)

Source: DAFM

Recovery in consumption Lamb consumption on the Irish market showed an increase of 3% in 2014 to reach an estimated 15,500 tonnes in 2014. As show below lamb joints comprise of the majority of products purchased at retail level at 44% of sales with a rise of 2% recorded. Lamb chops made up around 34% of retail sales with lamb mince comprising a 12% share.

15

Figure 2: Proportion of retail lamb volume sales by product

Burger, 1% Stewing, 4% Value added, 2%

Mince/Casserole, 12%

Joints, 44%

Chops, 34%

Steaks, 3% Source: Kantar World Panel 52 w/e 01 Feb 2015

UK and France remain main destinations Overall exports declined by around 2% in 2014 totally 46,500 tonnes based on reduced throughput coupled with some rise in domestic consumption.

In value terms this amounts to around €218 million up marginally on the previous year’s value. The UK and France continue to be the core markets for Irish sheepmeat accounting for 60% of total export volumes. However, they continue to lose ground as their value share of exports has fallen from 63% to just below 55% in the last two years. Exports to France eased slightly to 19,000 tonnes and were valued at €90 million. Shipments to the United Kingdom stood at around 11,000 tonnes.

Key growth markets are Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland. While Switzerland commands pole position for the highest €/ tonne price return, Denmark which has registered 23% volume growth in the last year earned a 60% premium above the average global export price.

While Belgian sheepmeat imports have fallen by a third since 2009, due to a 75% reduction in New Zealand exports, Ireland has grown its exports Further decline in EU sheepmeat production The global sheepmeat market continues to become more polarised between the traditional markets of Europe where production is in decline and demand remains subdued and the accelerated growth in sheep meat imports in emerging economies where domestic supplies are unable to match demand. Growing demand from the Far East and a shrinking supply base in Europe and Oceanic regions has resulted in a significant increase in world sheepmeat prices.

16

These developments are leading to a narrowing of the price differential between NZ and European lamb. Given the attractiveness of the Irish lamb proposition, European retail/foodservice buyers are making the switch over to Irish lamb. Reduced price volatility is also evident in Europe as demonstrated by the fact that during the transition from hogget to new season lamb prices remained above the €5/kg mark throughout the months of June and it wasn’t until early July when the main volumes of UK lamb came onto the market that prices realigned downwards.

A €7.7 million Generic Lamb Promotional Campaign to commence in 2015 In an initiative to encourage more consumers to cook lamb across six European countries Bord Bia together with Interbev (France) and Eblex (UK) secured funding under the EU Promotional of Agricultural Product Scheme. This three campaign will seek to increase consumer awareness of the importance of European lamb production and drive awareness of lamb as a versatile daily-use meat. Over the course of 2015-17, an annual investment of €1.6million from Bord Bia, Interbev and Eblex will be matched by the EU for an integrated promotional campaign across Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, England, France and Germany.

17

Greenes take the Reds AT TEXEL GROWVITE ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIPS The 2014 Growvite All Ireland Texel Sheep Championships sponsored by Univet Ltd, were held at Finn Valley Show Co Donegal.

Charlie Boden of the renowned and very successful Sportsman flock cast his more than capable eye over the 190 entries participating on the day.

The glorious weather was certainly a good omen of what was to be a superb turnout of high quality Texel sheep. Crossbred sheep that were also exhibited at the show clearly distinguished the Texel as a fine example of a dual-purpose terminal and replacement sire.

The day was to be the most successful ever for Donegal Texel breeder John Greene’s Larahirl flock when he took the Overall Supreme Champion with the jointly owned Shearling Tup Strathbogie Uno IJS1300258. Uno who had earlier been Male Champion and 1st in the Shearling Ram class. He was purchased jointly as a lamb in Lanark 2013 and the 10,000 Sterling purchase has developed into a fine sheep with his father Strathbogie Terminator also producing some fine offspring in other classes on the day.

The Reserve Supreme Champion also went to Mr Greene’s Larahirl flock when the Female Champion and 1st in her class, a Shearling ewe GEI 13019 by Kelso Pavarotti was tapped forward by Mr Boden. This was an outstanding ewe and excellent example of a good family line as her full sister was second to her in the Shearling ewe class.

The Reserve Female Champion also went to Larahirl for another superb aged ewe GEI 11028 by Lochar Rocket that earlier took 1st in the Two Shear Ewe and Upwards class. This outstanding ewe had the three C’s in abundance character, conformation and carcase, but there was more than looks to this lady as she was the dam of a Strathbogie Terminator daughter who took 1st in the Senior Ewe Lamb class and a Terminator son who was 2nd in the Senior Ram Lamb class.

18

The reserve Male Champion title made the long journey to Cork in Arthur & Patrick O Keeffe’s Annakisha flock. This super Tullylagan Tonka son whose dam is by the much admired Castlecairn Secret Service was tapped forward

by Mr Boden, having took 1st in the Senior Ram Lamb class earlier in the day. A lamb with a tremendous carcase and super head to match bringing the judge to comment that this lamb handled extremely well.

Daire and Enda McManamon from Co. Mayo also had a fine day when their ET brothers took 1st and 2nd in the Junior Ram lamb class. Sired by Scholars Twenty Twelve and the dam an excellent Rascal Panther ewe these brothers were like two peas in a pod and generated much interest among all present including Charlie Boden when he tapped them forward 1st and 2nd respectively. Daire and Enda struck again when they took 2nd in the Junior Ewe lamb class with a Scholars Twenty Twelve daughter this time by a Strathbogie Stifler dam.

The Junior Ewe lamb class like the Senior Ewe lamb class was a hotly contested affair with Mr Boden finally tapping forward a ewe lamb from Malachy Mc Meel’s Forthill flock from Co.Monaghan. This Thornville Ureka daughter was a super ewe lamb and it was not hard to see why, as her sire the stylish and jointly owned Thornville Ureka was the Reserve Male Champion and 1st in the Senior Ram Lamb class at the Growvite All- Ireland Championships 2013.

Neville Myles’s Silverhill flock took the Two Shear Ram and Upwards Class with Emlach T- Rex FSE12007.This Glenside Razzle Dazzle son purchased at the Premier Texel sale 2012 was a previous winner at the Growvite AllIreland Championships having been the Overall Reserve Male Champion and 1st in the senior ram lamb class in 2012.

Rodney Mc Laughlin’s Clara flock from Co. Donegal won the Novice Ram Lamb class. This stylish ram lamb was sired by Strathbogie Terminator and the Novice Ewe Lamb class was won by Philip Crowe’s Powerful flock with a very nice Strathbogie Terminator daughter.

The Gemma Doyle Memorial Cup for the Junior Stockperson was awarded to Laura Brennan, Monard, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Congratulations to Laura and all who participated in this class which was almost the most competitive one of the day. Without doubt many excellent new breeders and existing breeders have come from this class.

19

Results Overall Supreme Champion & Male Champion: Strathbogie Uno Reserve Male Champion & 1st Senior Ram Class: OKI14042 Female Champion & Reserve Supreme Champion: GEI13019 Reserve Female Champion: GEI11028 Two Shear Ram & Upward

Junior Ram

1. Neville Myles - Emlach T Rex 1. D&E McManamon - DEE14040 2. Paddy Leonard & G,C& M Taylor - 2. D&E McManamon - DEE14048 AQI12006 3. D& L Coen - LII14042 3. Paddy Leonard - QPI10005 Senior Ewe Two Shear Ewe & Upward 1. John Greene - GEI14020 1. John Greene - GEI11028 2. Ryan Greene - EGE14011 2. Danny Murray - SAF1000635 3. Liam Walsh - EWI14012 3. Willie Doherty - YZI12006 Junior Ewe Shearling Ram 1. M, J & A McMeel - MLE14040 1. John Greene IJS1300258 2. D&E McManamon - DEE14043 2. Ronnie Edwards- Woodbrook 3. Anthony Donnelly - DII14035 Ulster Pride Novice Ram 3. S&D Keane - Clarks Unforgettable 1. Rodney McLaughlin EXI14014 Shearling Ewe 2. Liam Browne - LBF14010 1. John Greene - GEI13019 3. Philip Crowe - PCF14003 2. John Greene - GEI13020 Novice Ewe 3. A&P O’Keeffe - OKI13016 1. Philip Crowe - PCF14001 Senior Ram 2. Rodney McLaughin - EXI14002 1. A&P O’Keeffe - 14042 3. M,J &A McMeel - AMF14010 2. John Greene 3. Rodney McLaughlin

20

Supreme Texel Champion & Reserve Overall Champion. The Greene family with Charlie Boden (Judge)

Supreme Texel Champion - Strathbogie Uno exhibited by Ryan Greene

Reserve Female Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion

Female Champion - GEI13019 exhibited by J Greene

Reserve Champion OKI14042

Emlach T Rex exhibited by Neville Myles

Aged rams

21

Aged Ewe - GEI11028 exhbited by J Greene

Shearling Ewe - GEI13019 exhibited by J Greene

Aged ewes

Shearling ewes

Shearling rams

22

Shearling Ram - Strathbogie Uno IJS1300258.

Exhbited by J Greene

Senior Ewe Lamb. GEI14020 exhibited by John Greene

Senior Ram Lamb Prizewinners

Junior Ram Lamb exhibited by Daire McManamon with Stephen Lyons, Univet (Sponsor)

Senior Ram Lamb, OKI14042 exhibited by A&P Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keeffe

Junior Ram Lineup

23

Junior Ewe Lamb. MLE14040, exhibited by M.McMeel

Novice Ram Lamb. EXI14014 exhibited by Liam Browne. Co. Donegal with Stephen Lyons, Univet.

Junior Lamb Lineup

Novice Ram Lamb Prizewinners

Novice Ewe Lamb Prizewinners

24

Junior Stockperson. Laura Brennan, Claremorris Co. Mayo

Novice Ewe Lamb PCF14001 exhibited by Philip Crowe with Stephen Lyons, Univet (Sponsor)

Millfarm and Dunlever Texels

2015 Lambs sired by ■

■

Oberstown Usain Bolt Muckish Unique

■ ■ ■

Greenhill Punt Baileys Sé Duvarren Nugget

Member of LambPlus

Some of our 2015 Shearlings

Michael & Kenneth Bird Millfarm, Dunlever, Trim, Co. Meath

25

T: +353 (0) 46 9436735 M: +353 (0) 86 9965239 E-mail: mjbirdtex@gmail.com

Cooley Sheep Breeders wishing the Texel society the best of luck at all Ireland event at Dundalk show Next annual show and sale Saturday 5th September Carlingford Co Louth Sale at 1 pm 1800 breeding females aprox Hoggets ewes and ewe lambs All locally reared and electronically tagged Transport can be arranged Breeds include hill tex, mules, Lleyn x X bred and blackface Phone John 0868122485, Gerry 0872219815

EST.

LEHINCH TEXELS 1990 LIAM & DAVID COEN

SIRES FOR 2015 SEASON: Oberstown Usain Bolt Ballybrooney Vario Strathbogie Untouchable Lehinch Rip Van Winkle Visitors Always Welcme Lehinch, Hollymount, Co. Mayo 26 087-2872674 or 087-7422416 Facebook lehinchtexels.liamcoen@facebook.com

Space for your advert

U O SE R G DIE

Est. 2011

T E X E LS

Males & Females Always For Sale Visitors and Enquiries Welcome Diarmuid Keane Ardagh, Co. Limerick Mob: 087 2450502

G

ORTATLEA

Kilflynn.indd 1

Flock JUI

Est. 1992

T E X E LS

Males and Females always for sale

Prizewinning Stock at various shows

Enquiries to: Patrick Landers Mountnicholas, Gortatlea, Tralee, Co. Kerry Tel.: 066 9764639 or 087 4144674

FLYNN L I K

20/04/201

Flock NAI

Est. 1991

T E X E LS Scrapie Monitored

Stock Always For Sale Visitors Welcome Michael Neenan Kilflynn, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Tel.: 066 7135412 087 2777721

STRING & BALLINAMONGREE TEXELS

Some of our breeding ewes

FLOCK ACHIEVEMENTS ■

Reserve Overall Champion Flock 2015

■

Numerous prize winners at local shows

RAMS USED FOR 2015 ■ ■ ■

Oberstown Usain Bolt Ettrick Rainbow Warrior Skehana Volt

■ ■

Enniscrone Uncle Jerry Drumgooland Ucal

Scrapie Monitored & Lambplus Recorded flock Contact: John Gallagher 086-8360059 Mikey Gallagher 0851613303

String texels

POWERFUL TEXELS

Winner of Best Ewe Lamb in Novice Class at Texel All Ireland 2014.

Flock using 100% embryo transfer and AI.

2015 crop by Tonka, Union Jack, Mullan Van Winkle and Milnbank Valdaron. Females always available for sale.

Powerful Texels • Lisenanagh • Ballinagh • Co Cavan powerfulgenetics@icloud.com • M: 0860743931

29

From One Champion to Another...

Strathbogie Uno, The Overall Champion at the 2014 Growvite Texel All- Ireland Champion showed his worth by siring the Male Champion at the Irish Texel Premier Show & Sale.

The sale was held in Blessington Mart on Saturday 8th August. The Male Champion, Clara Vegas was out of a homebred ewe by Clara Rambo exhibited by Rodney Mc Laughlin, Clara, Isle of Doagh, Clonmany, Co. Donegal. Vegas went on to sell for 6500gns.

The Reserve Champion ram was bred by Arthur & Patrick O’ Keeffe, Annakisha, Mallow, Co. Cork. He was sired by Knock Ursus out of a Tullagh Neptune bred ewe. He sold for 1800gns to Danny Murray, Co Donegal.

In the female section the Female Champion was the winner of the Ewe Lamb class sired by Strathbogie Terminator and out of one of the top-breeding ewes in the country, TYC09016. (TYC 09016 also was the dam of last years Male champion, Oberstown Usain Bolt, sold for 7000gns). The 2014 Female Champion was bred by Pat & Barry Farrell, Oberstown, Tara, Co. Meath.

She went on to sell for the Irish female record auction price of 4200gns. She sold to Thornville & Macetown flocks.

The Reserve Champion Female was the winner of the Shearling Ewe class sired by Straidarran Stonebrook and bred by Flor Ryan, Lawn, Prosperous, Co. Kildare. He hammer fell at 1700gns to Barry Gallagher, Co Donegal.

Other Leading prices on the day included Ronan Gallagher, Enniscrone Co. Sligo sold a Strathbogie Terminator son out of a ewe by a homebred sire Enniscrone Playboy for €5,000.

Hitting the 3000 was a Hogget ram from John Neville sired by Strathbogie Python out of a Kiltariff Osprey ewe.

Liam Dillon, Co.Wexford then got 2800gns for a ram lamb by last years champion Oberstown Usain Bolt.

2800gns was hit again when Pat and Barry Farrell sold a full sister to the female champion.

30

Rodney McLaughlin was in the money again for his Strathbogie Terminator sired lamb, which sold for 2400gns Class Prize Winners: Shearling Ewe:

Lamb Plus Ram Lamb:

1. F Ryan FRI13053 2. L. Walsh EWI13037 3. L.Walsh EWI13027

1. A&P O’Keeffe OKI14040 2. A&P O’Keeffe OKI14013 3. F O’Sé FSE14021

Ewe Lamb:

Novice Ram Lamb:

1. P&B Farrell PFI14012 2. J Greene GEI14005 3. J Greene GEI14017

1. G Warde WAF14008 2. T Kenny KTE14052 3. K Bird BIE14003 Young Breeders Ram Lamb

Shearling Ram:

1. Patrick O’Keeffe, Co. Cork 2. Ryan Greene, Co. Donegal 3. David Coen, Co. Mayo

1. J Neville Tamnamoney U Clinker 2. J Neville Thornville Ureka 3. D Murray Beechvale Uel Open Ram Lamb.

1. R McLaughlin EXI14004 2. A&P O’Keeffe OKI14042 3. J Canty VYI14029

Overall the sale had an excellent clearance rate.100% clearance of the Shearling Ewes, 50% for ewe lambs and an 83% clearance average across the shearling and ram lamb sections. Pedigree Breeders were out in force on the day paying from 1000gns to a top of 6500gns for rams for their pedigree flocks and commercial sheep farmers were there in huge numbers buying in the price range of 400gns to 1000gns.

Class averages: Shearling Ewes

39 sold average €640

Ewe Lambs

17 sold average €800

Shearling Rams

47 sold average €790

Ram Lambs

103 sold average €824 31

Male Champion Clara Vegas exhibited by Rodney McLaughlin sold for €6500

Lot 49 Female Champion PFI14012 exhibited

by P&B Farrell sold for €4200

Lot 178 Reserve Male Champion exhibited by A&P O’Keeffe sold for €1800

Lot 20 Female Reserve Champion FRI13053 exhibited by Flor Ryan sold for €1700

Champion & Reserve Champion Male

Female Champion Champion

&

Reserve

Female

1ST Shearling Ram exhibited by John Neville

32

Shearling Ram Class Line-up

Shearling Ewe Class Line-up

Open Ram Lamb Class Line-up

33

Lamb plus Ram Lamb Line-up

Novice Ram Lamb Line-up

Young Breeders Class Line-up

34

1st Novice Class. Lot 249 G.Warde

Group of 3 Ram Lambs 1st A&P O’Keeffe Co. Cork

Group of 3 Ram Lambs 2nd Fergal O’Sé

Other Leading Prices

Lot 202 exhibited by Ronan Gallagher sold for €5000

Lot 126 sold for €3000 exhibited by John Neville

35

Lot 222 exhibited by €2800

Liam Dillon sold for

Lot 254 exhibited by Rodney McLaughlin sold for €2400

Lot 214 exhibited by €2000

John Canty sold for

Lot 178 sold for €1800

Lot 240 exhibited by L & D Coen sold for €1500

Lot 299 exhibited by Anthony Donnelly sold for €1700

36

The Sheep Ireland €uroStars

by Kevin McDermott, ICBF

What’s the objective?

To provide pedigree and commercial farmers with more information to aid the selection of the best breeding to enter their flock Texel ram breeders have been displaying €uroStar evaluations for their rams for a number of years now. The breed continues to be the largest performance recording breed in the country with 178 Texel breeders signed up to performance record through LambPlus in 2015.

What are the €uroStars The €uroStars are simply the way in which Sheep Ireland display genetic evaluations for performance recorded animals, ranging from 1 Star to 5 Star representing the range poor to excellent respectively.

Why are genetic evaluations important?

Many farmers make decisions on animal breeding based on individual animal performance, for example only selecting ewe lambs or rams that were born as twins in a bid to try and increase the scanning rate of the flock through genetics. While genetics has a considerable role to play in a flock’s pregnancy scanning result, this selection method will not yield the flock considerable gains. A more effective method would be to use the genetic evaluations and continue to select rams replacement rams that are strong for number of lambs born.

To make progress it is essential that we consider a broader range of information connected to that particular animal – how have their other siblings performed? How have their parents and other siblings performed?

Until such time as this information is known it is not possible to make properly informed breeding decisions which will positively impact on the flock output. This is why detailed and accurate performance recording is critical to delivering improvements to the Irish sheep industry.

Quality of genetic evaluations There is one very important piece of information that Sheep Ireland need all users of the €uroStar evaluations to know. There are ‘Good Quality’ genetic evaluations and ‘Bad Quality’ genetic evaluations. There are a number 37

of critical ingredients that Sheep Ireland requires to deliver good quality genetic evaluations to Irish sheep farmers, all equally important: Ancestry information for the breed in question Having a depth of ancestry information is critical to linking up and tying together all the performance records that we have for each bloodline. Take the example highlighted earlier – without knowing the family tree of the animal in question; it is impossible to assess their performance.

Accurate ancestry information With the best will in the world there are many practical difficulties associated with assigning accurate parentage to all lambs at birth. From mating time to lambing time there are many opportunities for accurate data capture to fall down, a ram break-in, mis-mothering in the lambing shed, genuine recording errors, etc, etc. Accurate parentage verification can be helped greatly by DNA technologies and this will be one of the major benefits of genomics for the Irish sheep industry which is now at research stage (OVIGEN).

Lots of performance records To build up an accurate picture of the genetic potential of a particular bloodline a large number of records are required. A high volume of performance records makes identifying the top and bottom performing bloodlines much easier. The more ram breeders that performance record their flock, the more data that is generated across all the various bloodlines, to the benefit of both the ram breeder and ram buyer.

Sheep Ireland and the Irish Texel Sheep Society In recent years the number of Texel sheep breeders that have commenced performance recording their flocks with Sheep Ireland has been very encouraging and bodes well for both pedigree & commercial farmers looking to source genetically superior breeding rams. This has significantly increased the volume of performance records available to Sheep Ireland for the €uroStar evaluations on the Texel breed.

The Irish Texel breed continues to be in a strong position; this is in no small way a direct outcome of the action taken by the Irish Texel Society in 2011 to keep the societies flockbook information in the Sheep Ireland database. This has allowed for a reduction in paperwork for Texel LambPlus breeders as their LambPlus return also doubles up as their society returns (Birth notifying), the evaluations can use the ancestry information built up by the society over the decades to produce more accurate evaluations for the breeders and the ease of incorporation of the €uroStars into sales catalogues, along with many more advantages.

38

Sheep Ireland and other industry stakeholders are hugely committed to promote performance recorded Texel rams in Ireland, this is evidenced by the strong promotion of €uroStar rams in the Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) again for 2015. The €uroStar ram task is worth two tasks making it an extremely attractive option for STAP farmers in the year ahead. The Irish Department of Agriculture should be complimented for their forward thinking approach in regard to sheep genetic improvement. Sheep Ireland will be doing all we can to encourage continued support into the future to help performance recording breeders efforts.

Where can I find €uroStar Texel Rams?

Sheep Ireland launched an Online Ram Search in May 2013 which can be found at www.sheep.ie. This gives commercial and pedigree farmers the opportunity to search for LambPlus recorded rams on a county, breed, €uroStar, and even STAP eligibility. Farmers can also use this to search for performance recorded rams that may already be in their flock. The full list of LambPlus breeders for 2015 can be found on the Sheep Ireland website.

The Top Texel Replacement and Terminal Sire* used last year was the Pat & Barry Farrell, Co. Meath (Oberstown flock) bred ram Oberstown Tuff (PFI12014) now owned

by Anne Murphy, Co. Wexford (Foundry flock).

Tuff was used in the CPT in 2013/14 and has almost 200 performance recorded progeny on the Sheep Ireland database. * Based on the 29/10/14 evaluation and had progeny born in 2014 with an accuracy of 50% or higher for that given index and was Irish bred

How to contact Sheep Ireland If you wish to join LambPlus or find out more about the €uroStar evaluations please contact us on 1850 601 901, or e-mail us at query@ sheep.ie.

You can also find us on

for weekly updates.

39

Leading the way with proven and trusted breeding technologies, we offer professional, expert advice and services to Texel breeders for quality, reliable results.

OFFERING A RANGE OF:      

Artificial Insemination Embryo Transfer Semen Freezing and Storage Embryo Freezing and Storage Ram Fertility Testing Imports and Exports

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE FOR 2015 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:

MALVERN 01531 651 210 www.abreeds.co.uk

EDINBURGH 01875 614 500

BELFAST 07967 764 132

enquiries@abreeds.co.uk

ANNAKISHA TEXELS Lamb Plus Recorded

Supre me

Champion Golden Shears 2

014

Flock Achievements 2014 • Supreme Champion Golden Shears Gorey 2014 • Champion Ram Lamb and Reserve Male Champion All Ireland 2014 • 1st & 2nd Prize Recorded Class, 2nd Prize Open Class, Reserve

Male Champion Premier Sale 2014 • Champion Group of 3 Ram Lambs Premier Sale 2014 • Champions at numerous shows and sales

Sires of 2015 Lambs • Sportsmans Scania • Fordafourie Vision

• Glenside Valhalla • Peterculter Urbanite

Males and Females for Sale Enquiries and visitors always welcome

41 Keeffe 086-8135804 Arthur & Patrick O’

Donegal Texel Club Report Growvite All Ireland Return to Donegal The 2014 Growvite All Ireland Texel Sheep Championships were held at Finn Valley Show. Charlie Boden of the Sportsman flock was our judge who commanded the show ring throughout the day and cast his expert eye over Texel sheep brought from all corners of the country.

Mr Boden found his Supreme Champion in the Shearling ram class in the shape of Strathbogie Uno, sired by Strathbogie Terminator and out of a Glenside Razzle Dazzle ewe. Uno who was jointly purchased by a quartet of Donegal breeders in 2013 was shown by Ryan Greene.

Success continued for the Larahirl flock when John Greeneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shearling Ewe GEI 13019 sired by Kelso Pavarotti was awarded Reserve Supreme Champion and Female Champion.

The Reserve Female Champion also went to Larahirl with an aged ewe GEI 11028 by Lochar Rocket that earlier took 1st in the Two Shear Ewe and Upwards class. Her progeny also made their presence felt which who took 1st in the Senior Ewe Lamb class and 2nd in the Senior Ram Lamb class both by Strathbogie Terminator.

Neville Mylesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Silver Hill flock took the Two Shear Ram and Upwards Class with Emlach T- Rex. This Glenside Razzle Dazzle son purchased at the Premier Texel sale 2012 was a previous winner at the Growvite All- Ireland 42

Championships having been the Overall Reserve Male Champion and 1st in the senior ram lamb class in 2012.

The Novice Ram Lamb class was won by Rodney Mc Laughlin’s Clara flock.

Sired by Strathbogie Terminator and out of a Kelso bred ewe by Garngour Nirvana.

Premier Sale Success All- Ireland Champion Strathbogie Uno, sired the Male Champion at the Irish Texel Premier Show & Sale.

Judge Brian MacTaggart selected his Champion Clara Vegas which was exhibited by Rodney Mc Laughlin, Clonmany, Co. Donegal, out of a home bred ewe by Clara Rambo. Vegas went on to sell for the sales top price of €6500gns to the Northern syndicate of TJ Carson, Robert & Andrew Kennedy and Peter Lamb.

Rodney was in the money again selling Clara Veteran a Strathbogie Terminator sired lamb out of a Kelso bred ewe by Garngour Nirvana`selling to Eric Campbell for €2400gns.

Donegal breeders then went on to purchase the 2nd highest priced lamb from Ronan Gallagher, Co. Sligo selling Enniscrone Van Gaal a Strathbogie Terminator son out of a ewe by a homebred sire Enniscrone Playboy for €5,000 to Donegal trio Neville Myles, John Stewart and Andrew Wilson.

Liam Dillon, Co.Wexford got €2800gns for a ram lamb by last year’s champion Oberstown Usain Bolt selling to the J&C Mc Hugh and Mc Hugh Brothers.

The Reserve Champion ram was bred by Arthur & Patrick O’ Keeffe, Annakisha, Mallow, Co. Cork sired by Knock Ursus out of a Tullagh Neptune bred ewe. He sold for €1800gns to Danny Murray, Co. Donegal. €3000 Texel tops Raphoe Sale Sale leader at €3000 was ram lamb from the Speenogue pen of the Mc Hugh Brothers, Burt with a Glenside Tomboy son out of a Hillcrest ewe by 43

Irish Hill Opal purchaser after strong bidding was Brendan Mc Laughlin.

Success continued for the pen with another Tomboy son out of a homebred ewe by McArthur Prince of Dance for €900 to Michael Kennedy.

Next best was a Hillsborough shearling ram from Ronnie Edwards bred by Kilcoursey Rolex and out of a home bred ewe by Millars Napoleon selling at €1560 to Neville Myles. This ram’s twin brother sold later for €980 to Craig Anderson. The Hillsborough flock also sold a Deveronvale Oddie son out of a homebred ewe by Mellor Vale Masterpiece to Marty Bonar for €880. While the Moneyhill of Louise Edwards, sold a Finn bred shearling by Ballynahone Nectar out of a Finn ewe by Finn Nutcracker to Charlie Kennedy for €1280 The Champion Shearling and Overall Champion was awarded to a shearling ram brought out by Rodger Doherty, purchased as a lamb last year from the Quarry House flock this Glenside Razzle Dazzle son sold to Ryan Mc Elhinney for €1150.

The Hillcrest flock sold a Curley Thoe son out of a Tullyhubbert Oki shearling to Margaret Stevenson for €1100. Next best for the flock was a Garngour Nobleman bred shearling out of a Hillcrest Never Better ewe to John Woods for €920. Nobleman again was the sire of shearling out of Tophill Nockout selling to Stephen O Donnell for €880. The Hillcrest lambs topped at €850 for a Sportsman Superstar sired lamb out of a Tullyhubbert Oki ewe.

44

The Culdaff pen of Ryan Greene sold the Reserve Champion Lamb

by Baltier Thunderbird outa of a homebred ewe by Castlecairn SAS Commander which herself has won the Donegal Championships in 2012 and 2013, purchaser her was Noel Jennings, Mayo sold at €1000.

At the same money John Greene then sold another Thunderbird son this time out of a Claybury Rocky Balboa ewe to Michael Jennings. A Shearling ram form the Larahirl flock sired by Milestonehill Toploader and out of a Hullhouse ewe by Castleknowe Matchmaker sold to Thomas Stewart for €800. At the same money was a ram lamb by Strathbogie Terminator out of a Larahirl ewe by Lochar Rocket to Charlie Tinney.

The Muckish flock of John Mc Gee topped at €900 for a shearling ram sired

by Kiltariff Santos out of a homebred ewe by Bridgeford No Name purchaser here was Daryl Duncan. Following that a Deveronvale Oddie son out of a Kerryhill Oscar ewe sold for €840. The last shearling from the pen was a Muckish TT son by a Forkins ewe by Douganhill McFly sold to Margaret Stevenson for €820.

Danny Murray sold a Billary Hill shearling sired by Derryvore Solid Rock out of a Chessy ewe by Tullagh Neptune for €900. At the same price John and Colm Mc Hugh sold their Chessy Spot on ram lamb out of a Hillcrest Rocket Man ewe to John Boyce. Rodney Mc Laughlin sold his Strathbogie Uno sired lamb out of an Irish Hill Opal ewe for €820 to Patrick Feeley.

Michael Grant sold his Deveronvale Oddie bred shearling out of a Glenside Loneranger ewe to William Mc Fadden for €800. Two more lots sold at the same money first was Shane Mc Hugh, Figart with a Speenogue Pierre sired lamb out of a ewe by Glenside Razzle Dazzle purchaser was Michael Duffy.

The Churchview flock of Billy Mc Keague sold his Speenogue Ronaldo sired shearling out of a Church View Omega ewe to Pat Gallagher.

45

The Champion Ram Lamb selected by Judge John Trimble of the Curley flock went unsold having failed to meet his reserve, sired by Teiglum Tornado he was out of a Braehead ewe by Mullan Photogenic he returns to the Highway flock of owner Liam Browne.

The Champion Female was won

by John and Colm Mc Hughs shearling ewe sired by Straidarran Trooper out of a Enniscrone Patriot ewe sold to Charlie Doherty Carndonagh for €680. Isobel Moore took the next best price in the females with a shearling ewe

by Labbadish Tyrell out of a Figart ewe by Pierre she sold to Ross Henry at €620.

The Reserve Female can from Andrew Wilson’s Shannagh flock sired by Kiltrob Tomos out of a Deveronvale Oddie sired ewe selling to John G. Mc Dermott for €600.

46

First prize ewe lamb came from the Hillview of Ryan Doherty was sired by a Millars ram out of a ewe by Larahirl Superstar selling to Liam Hannigan for €400.

The trade for breeding rams was driven by farmers purchasing STAP eligible rams. This trend continued over the remaining sales with quality rams selling well.

In Lamb Ewe Sale The November sale of In Lamb ewes saw the pen of Andrew and Richard Wilson led the trade. Their shearling ewe by Kitrob Tomos and out of a Deveronvale Oddie bred Shannagh ewe was sold in lamb to the €5000 Enniscrone Van Gaal selling to Declan Mc Loone for €1020. Next best for the Shannagh pen was another Thomos daughter this time out of a Cowal Maverick ewe in lamb to Van Gaal selling for €900 to John Mc Gee. The Shannagh pen also sold their Champion Ewe selected by Judge Ronnie Edwards, this one again by Kitrob Tomos and out of a Tophill Nockout ewe again sold in lamb to Van Gaal for €750.

The Hillcrest pen of William Doherty sold a Garngour Nobleman daughter out of a Chessy O’Conaire ewe selling in lamb to Hillcrest Picasso to Mark Sweeney for €920.

Hillcrest Vixen was then sold for the Mammy I want to walk fund. This Templepark usher sired ewe lamb out of the same O’Conaire ewe as the previous lot sold to Declan Mc Loone for €950.

William Doherty, John Mc Loone and Isobel Moore presenting Ann Marie and Paul Doherty with the proceeds from the sale of Hillcrest Vixen in aid of the ‘Mammy I Want to Walk Fund’

47

2

CQI est 199

ALEPAT & TROJAN OCE est 20

04

CQI 13031

Specialising in home sales

Quality is not expensive….

Its Priceless.

Alex & Patricia Clarke

Stock always for sale

Alepat,Boyerstown,Navan,Co.Meath Tel.046-­‐9027418 / 087-­‐8171037 Email:alex.clarke@boliden.com Ornaith Clarke Tel.087-­‐9149540 50 Email:orny@hotmail.co.uk

Everyday Barbecued Lamb To Serve: Steamed new potatoes with melted butter flavoured with lemon juice Wedges of chargrilled lemon Combine thyme or oregano, garlic, sumac, paprika, water and oil in a large dish. Add the lamb and gently toss until well combined. Cover and place in the fridge for as long as you can.

Even 15 minutes will make a difference to the final flavour.

To make the salad: Place the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, herbs, cheese and lettuce in a large bowl. Mix the sumac, lemon juice, oil and seasoning in a screw top jar and shake well. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to combine.

Grill the lamb chops on the preheated BBQ or griddle pan for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked to your liking. Serve with new potatoes and salad.

Ingredients Serves 4 4 lamb steaks or chops 2 tablesp. thyme or oregano leaves 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tablesp. sumac, if available, or grated rind of 1 lemon 1 teasp. mild paprika 2 tablesp. water 1½ tablesp. rapeseed oil Salad 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped coarsely 4 vine ripened tomatoes, chopped 8 black olives 1 small red onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 tablesp. parsley, coarsely chopped A few torn basil leaves 2 x 125g mozzarella balls, cut into cubes 1 x baby gem lettuce, roughly chopped 1 teasp. sumac or grated rind of 1 lemon Juice of ½ a lemon 3 tablesp. olive oil Nutritional Analysis per Serving: Kcal: 780kcal Protein: 38g Carbohydrate: 31g Fat: 52g Iron: 2.25mg

51

Top Dog in Co. Sligo Tony and Cormac Kearins farm in Dromard Co. Sligo. They keep a lowland flock of 350 Hilltex and Cheviot cross ewes while they also run a flock of 800 mountain ewes.

T

ony Kearins farms with his son Cormac in Dromard, Co Sligo. In 2008, Tony partook in the World Sheep Dog Trials and narrowly missed out on getting into the semifinals. Having achieved the required number of points from national events in 2013, he is one member of the Irish team which qualified to take part in the World Sheep Dog trials in Scotland last September with his dog, Spud.

Tony and Cormac farm over 400 acres of owned mountain land and also have a large area of commonage next to it. In addition, they farm approximately 120 acres of lowland. They run a flock of about 800 black-faced mountain sheep on the hills and commonage, while on the lowland they have a flock of Hilltex and Cheviot cross ewes.

Over the years, Tony has experimented with several different crossbred sheep. He said his flock of Hilltex ewes suit his farming system well at the moment.

Previously, he had run a flock of crossbred Suffolks. They had good mothering abilities but he felt that carcase quality could have been better and that there would be more of a market for Hilltex ewe lambs.

This was one of the main reasons for changing to the Hilltex ewe; a cross between a Texel ram and a mountain Blackface ewe.

Tony said that the crossbred nature of the ewes means they are very hardy while at the same time they have plenty of milk and good mothering abilities.

In addition, they do not require much worming compared to other types of sheep. The surplus ewe lambs are kept and sold in a special Hilltex ewe lamb sale in the autumn.

Output is one of the key drivers of profitability on farms. Using a Texel on the Hilltex ewe provides a “super cross for the factory job,” said Tony. He added that the Hilltex crossbred ewe is a prolific one and this year he estimates that he will sell 1.6 lambs per ewe.

52

Texel cross lambs from the Hilltex ewes are slaughtered at 12-15 weeks of age at 20-22kg carcase. All ewe lambs bar replacements are sold in the autumn.

Due to land fragmentation and the stocking rate on the farm, managing grass is difficult. He aims to house the ewes in December and feed them indoors until after lambing from February on. This is done to try to increase grass supply for spring so that they can maximize lamb thrive and reduce meal usage.

Ewes are supplemented with 0.23kg of meal during late pregnancy along with good-quality silage. The Hilltex ewes are run with a Texel ram and Tony aims to finish most of these lambs at 13 to 16 weeks of age.

In the latter finishing stage, all lambs are creep fed with 0.23kg of a special lamb crunch per day. The lambs usually grade R3 with some U grades.

Weight for age is not an issue and lambs easily reach the target of 20kg to 22kg carcase at slaughter.

Grassland management is difficult. Much of Tonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm is fragmented. A rotational system cannot be carried out on much of it, so set stocking and moving ewes from one field to the next regularly and allowing fields to rest and re-grow is what is done to control grass supply.

The flock of mountain ewes is brought down from the mountains on 1 November for breeding. After six weeks of breeding, they are put back on the mountain for the winter period.

They are brought down again for lambing in early April and once they are lambed, they are put back up to the mountain again for the summer months, where they remain on the mountain until September when the lambs are weaned from the ewes.

53

Because of the close eye that is kept on the sheep at lambing, they manage to lamb 1.2 to 1.3 lambs per ewe. However, Tony said that ideally one lamb per ewe is enough for the mountain.

In September, cull ewes are removed also and the lambs are wormed and brought down to finish. The target is to produce mountain lamb with a carcase of over 16kg.

Tony said that the market for light lamb last year was very difficult, and prices were poor. For that reason, he will creep feed the lambs at grass once they come down off the mountain to try to get them to a more saleable weight. Lambs that are just too light will be sold as stores.

He said that the Department and Bord Bia need to think carefully about balancing the supply of mountain lambs while at the same time grazing hills.

He said that if the Department of Agriculture moves to make more farmers keep mountain sheep in order to graze mountains and hills, then they need to pay heed to the fact that there is only a very small market for this and without a margin, it will be hard to entice farmers to produce a product that is not wanted.

He also said that, in most cases, it is not possible to expect farmers that never farmed mountains to buy in mountain sheep and put them on the hills.

Where mountain sheep are brought in from other areas, there may be issues with trying to keep them on the hill.

Ideally, sheep bred from specific areas should be used to increase the numbers on that mountain, and it may take time to build up numbers on certain areas again.

54

The tracesure速 range of boluses for sheep

Image by Agriimages.co.uk

Brian Hanthorn Mullan Texels

top stockmen make sure with

tracesure

速

For more information, call: Sam Thompson: Flor Ryan: Rory Dicker:

+44 (0) 7795 434 986 +353 (0) 86 811 5560 +353 (0) 87 063 5950 veterinary technology

www.animax-vet.ie

55

Anglezarke Uno - Sire of some of our 2015 Lambs

56

North Connacht Report The sun shone down on all in Belmullet on Sunday 27th July 2014, as the North Connacht region of the Irish Texel Society held their 2nd Annual North Connacht Championships.

Under the watchful eye of Judge Barry Farrell, of the successful Oberstown flock, Co Meath, spectators were treated to a fine display of Texels. The event was very kindly sponsored by Grennan’s Feeds, Co Offaly.

The first class of the day was the Aged Ram, where Stuart Dorran’s “Greenhill Rover”, a son of Enniscrone Patriot was placed first, followed by Niall Brennan’s ram, sired by Baltier Panther. David Coen’s home-bred ram, a son of Lahinch Rip Van Winkle was placed third.

Next was the Aged Ewe, where Jimmy Garrivan’s ewe GAI 11063, sired

by Enniscrone Playboy, was given the red rosette, with Stuart Dorran’s RWI10028, a daughter of Deveronvale Oddie placed second. Third was Walter Brennan’s ewe, a daughter of Larahill Nutter.

In the Hogget Ram class, Stuart Dorran was placed first with Mullan Ultimatum, a son of Ettrick Mighty Mouse. Second was Shane & David Keane with Clark’s Unforgettable sired by Strathbogie Smokey Blue. Niall Brennan’s ram bred by Glenside Tomboy was third.

After this was the Hogget Ewe class, where Daire and Enda McManamon were placed first and second with two full sisters, DEE13012 and DEE13023 respectively, bred by Haddo Ringleader. Stuart Dorran was third with his Springhill Taylor-bred ewe, SZE13022.

In the Ram Lamb class, sponsored by Sean Walsh Agri-supplies, Walter Brennan’s powerful ram lamb, XWI14014, a son of Hillcrest Statesman, was placed first. Jimmy Garrivan’s lamb, GBE14025, a son of Teiglum Tornado was placed second. Daire & Enda McManamon’s lamb, DEE14001, bred by Castlecairn Keltic Star, was named third.

Next up were the ewe lambs, which proved to be a very large and competitive class. Daire & Enda McManamon’s DEE14020, a daughter of Tullylagan Tonka was put forward in first place. She was followed closely by David Coen’s LII14031, a daughter of Oberstown Usain Bolt. In third place was Jimmy Garrivan’s GBE14055, bred by Teiglum Tornado.

57

After this, came the Overall Championship, where Judge Barry Farrell deliberated long and hard over his decision. After much thought, he tapped forward Daire & Enda McManamon’s hogget ewe, DEE13012 as Overall Texel Champion of the show, with Reserve Champion going to Jimmy Garrivan’s Aged Ewe GAI11063.

The North Connacht region would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors: Grennan’s Feeds, Birr, Co Offaly; Louisburg Show; and Sean Walsh Agri-Supplies, Castlebar.

Our thanks also, to the judge, Barry Farrell, for his very thorough and measured decision-making.

Finally a special word of thanks to Tom McAndrew and the Belmullet show committee for their tireless work in ensuring that the 2014 North Connacht Championships ran as smoothly and successfully as they did.

Aged Ram class

Aged Ram class

58

Aged Ram 1st Stuart Dorran

Judge Barry Farrell at work

Aged Ewe line-up

Aged Ewe 1st Jimmy Garrivan GAI11063

Hogget ram line-up

59

Hogget ram 1st Stuart Dorran

Hogget ewe line-up

Hogget Ewe 1st Daire & Enda McManamon

Ram Lamb class

Ram lamb

Ram lamb line-up

60

1st Ram lamb Walter Brennan

Ewe lamb line-up

1st Ewe lamb Daire & Enda McManamon

Overall North Connacht Texel Champion - owned by Daire & Enda McManamon, Newport.

61

North Connacht Events The North Connacht region of the Irish Texel society had a very successful 2014, both in the sales ring, and on the show circuit.

Shows In the Growvite All-Ireland Championships, the region was well represented in the various line-ups.

In the Shearling Ram class, Shane and David Keane were placed 3rd with their ram, Clarks Unforgettable.

In the Senior Ewe lamb class, Liam Walsh got third for his Knock Ursus daughter from a Tullagh Neptune dam.

In the Junior Ram lamb class, Dáire and Enda McManamon’s two ram lambs were placed 1st and 2nd, two full brothers bred by Scholars Twenty Twelve from a Rascarrel Panther ewe. They then followed this up with 2nd in the Junior Ewe lamb class, a Scholars Twenty Twelve daughter from a Strathbogie Stifler dam.

Anthony Donnelly was placed third in this class, with his Ettrick Rainbow Warrior daughter off a Baltier Nailer ewe. In the Senior ram lamb class, he got fourth for a Rainbow Warrior son.

Further success for the region was on the cards when Judge Charlie Boden named Laura Brennan from Mayo Abbey as Junior Stockperson of the Year 2014. Congratulations to Laura from the region for this great achievement.

At Louisburg Annual Show, Dáire and Enda McManamon won Champion Texel and Overall Interbreed Champion with their Hogget ewe DEE13023, a daughter of Haddo Ringleader from a Hexel Lexus dam.

In Ballina Annual Show, Anthony Donnelly’s hogget ewe, DII13027, was named as Champion Texel, an impressive Ettrick Rainbow Warrior daughter from a Baltier Nailer ewe.

At Bonniconlon Agricultural Show, Stuart Dorran’s shearling ram, was named as Overall Texel Champion.

62

At the 2nd Annual North Connacht Texel Championships, held in conjunction with Erris Annual Show, the Overall Texel Champion, after stiff competition, was given to Dáire and Enda McManamon’s hogget ewe, DEE13012, sired

by Haddo Ringleader from a Hexel Lexus ewe.

Sales At the Premier Show and sale in Blessington, congratulations to Liam Walsh who got 2nd and 3rd with his two hogget ewes, both daughters of Wayside Topgun.

Anthony Donnelly also secured success in the line-up with 5th in the Shearling Ram class, with his home-bred Ballyglass Uziah. He followed this up with 6th for Dii14022 in the Open Ram class, selling later for €850. He also got 4th in the LambPlus Class with an Knock Ursus lamb off a Knock Reebok ewe, later selling for €1000. His success in the ring continued later, selling another Rainbow Warrior off a Knock Reebok ewe for €1700.

Ronan Gallagher was placed 5th in the Open Ram lamb class. He later went on to sell for €5000, a Strathbogie Terminator son out of a ewe bred by Enniscrone Playboy.

Other noteworthy prices in the ring saw Liam & David Coen sell for €1500, an Oberstown Usain Bolt son, off a Forkins Nijinski ewe.

Local sales in the region were well supported for the past year.

In Ballinrobe, Anthony Donnelly was given Champion Texel of the show with his ram lamb, a Rainbow Warrior off a Baltier Nailer ewe. He later went on to sell for a sale top price of €700. P.J. McDermott took Reserve Champion with his lamb, an Ettiick Oki Doki son off a Bothar Bui Midas dam.

In Ballina, Anthony Donnelly was named as Champion Texel of the show, a ram lamb off his Douganhill McFLy ewe, who later sold for a top price of €530.

The year concluded with the annual Christmas dinner, this time held in The Helm Restaurant, Westport, where breeders had a chance to eat and relax, and catch up on the year gone by.

We, the North Connacht region of the Texel Society would like to take this opportunity to thank all judges and inspectors in the region, and to wish all buyers and breeders every success for the coming year.

63

Ballinrobe Hiltex & Texel X sale The popularity of Hiltex as breeding ewes, was again confirmed at the 10th Anniversary Annual Texel X and Hiltex sale held in Ballinrobe in August 2014. Buyers from all over the country travelled to Co Mayo to purchase some of these much sought-after stock. Prices again reached record highs, with the quality of the stock on offer described as being excellent. In an age where farmers are experimenting with many different cross-breeds as breeding ewes, the Hiltex and Texel X ewes are repeatedly proving to be hugely satisfactory.

Indeed, such is the success of this sale in recent years, it has now been moved to a stand-alone Saturday sale, which this year will take place on August 22nd 2015. There will be a large number of Hiltex hogget ewes and ewe lambs, and also Texel X hogget ewes and ewe lambs available.

For all commercial sheep farmers, those who insist on buying only the best, this sale in Ballinrobe is not to be missed. For queries or further information, phone 086-8422386.

Louisburg Agricultural Show - Texel Champion 1st Prize Hiltex hoggets and Overall Interbreed Champion - DEE13023 - Daire & Enda McManamon

1st Prize Hiltex lambs

1st Prize Texel X hoggets

64

View of the busy sale floor

LambPlus Ram lamb line-up

Overall Texel Champion - Anthony Donnelly

1st Prize Texel X lambs

Open Ram Lamb line-up

65

Hiltex

The Mother of all Crosses

I

n recent years, there are many farmers who are discovering for themselves the merits of Hiltex sheep- the progeny of a Mountain ewe and a Pedigree Texel ram. One such farmer is Ted Crowley of Mallow, Co Cork. Together with his father John Francis, and his son Aidan, Ted currently keeps over 200 Hiltex ewes, and crosses them again with a Pedigree Texel ram. He told us that he first encountered the Hiltex breed at Sheep 2012 in Athenry.

He was convinced on the day to try them out, and so travelled to Ballinrobe later that year and purchased 100 hogget ewes.

Even in their first year, he was extremely impressed with them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I found them to be very easy lambers, with plenty of milk. The ewes themselves are not overly big, and as a result, are easily maintained for the Winter months, even when carrying high lambing percentages. As well as that, they are very capable of producing lambs that are at the heavier end of the factory range.â&#x20AC;?

Such was his positive impression of them, that he returned to Ballinrobe the following year and bought a further 100!

66

The lambs that these ewes produce are all sent to either the butcher or the factory. They kill out very well, and the majority achieve U or R grades. Ted tells us, “The lambs are easy to finish, and will leave for the factory or butcher off grass. I really like the Texel X lambs because they don’t need meal, which keeps costs down. They are also very hardy, and of course, clean.”

His Hiltex ewes scanned at 99% in-lamb this year, and his lambing percentages for the past two years have been 1.7. This is another thing he is very satisfied about.

SPECIAL SHOW & SALE of Hiltex and Texel X breeding ewes

• Top quality ewe hoggets and ewe lambs • Aged breeding ewes also available

Ballinrobe Mart,

Sat 22nd August 2015

Sale commences at 11am sharp For further information, phone Secretary 086 8422386 or Ballinrobe Mart 094 9541140

67

#addtexeladdvalue

BRITISH Northern Ireland National Show & Sale Ballymena Mart Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd August 2015

Tel: +44 (0)2476 696629 Fax: +44 (0)2476696472 Email: office@texel.co.uk

www.texel.co.uk In touch with Texel

|

68 @twitter.com/britishtexel

|

British Texel Sheep Society

Our 2015 lamb crop are by: Dunlever Troika — purchased Blessington 2013, Champion Male, West Region Texel Championship 2014

Doon Hill Viking — purchased Blessington 2014

Lisgobbin Viscount & Lisgobbin Uppercut – home bred rams

Champion Shearling Ewe at West Region Texel Championship 2014

Both flocks are LambPlus recorded and eligible for STAP Both flocks have been Dunlever Troika — Champion Male participating in the Scrapie-monitoring West Region Texel Championship 2014 Scheme since 1993 and are fully eligible for export Enquiries welcome

JOHN J, ALMA & LORRAINE BRENNAN Lisgobbin, Roscommon Tel: 086 8179246 Email: almabrennan@yahoo.com or lorrainembrennan@gmail.com 69

North East Texel Club Report Local Shows The North East show season began with Dundalk show where the awarding of the North East cup brought out a large entry of quality Texels. The judge of the day was Willie Doherty, Hillcrest flock from Donegal.

The hotly contested Show Champion and the North East Texel Cup was awarded to Malachy Mc Meel, Forthill Flock, for his first prize winning ram lamb. Peter Gibbons, Macetown, was awarded the Reserve Texel title with his homebred ram, winner of the aged ram class. This was the fourth year in succession that the Champion Texel of Dundalk Show was awarded to The Mc Meel family. Well done to the Mc Meel family on this remarkable achievement. Paddy and Pearse Leonard had a successful year on the show circuit. The Leonards had the Texel Champion at Bailieboro, Virginia, Tydavnet and Trim shows. Again this is a remarkable achievement given the strong classes that the Leonards had to contest against to win these awards. Enda Quirke was in the rosettes at many of the shows and had the Champion at Oldcastle and Moate shows. Peter Gibbons, Macetown, returned to his winning ways when he moved out of the region!!! His aged ram won the aged ram class and was awarded Champion at Mullingar show.

Texel Growvite All-Ireland Championships A superb show of Texel sheep was on exhibit at this year’s All-Ireland at Finn Valley Show in Co Donegal. Again North East breeders were to the fore in the awards. The Junior Ewe Lamb Class was won by the Mc Meel family, Mac’s Flock. Philip Crowe, Powerful flock, won the Novice Ewe Lamb Class with a ewe lamb from M, A & J Mc Meel’s flock awarded third prize in this class. The Powerful flock was also in the rosettes in the Novice Ram Class being awarded 3rd.

In the Aged Ram Class two rams owned jointly by Paddy Leonard and John Taylor were placed second and third.

70

71

Regional sales The Irish Texel Sheep Society’s regional sale was held at The Station Road Mart Cootehill on Saturday 13th September. Despite this being the first time for a Texel sale at this venue, there was a tremendous trade for the excellent quality stock on show. Matthew Murray had both champion with his ram lamb and reserve with a hogget ram.

He also had the highest prices on the day with his two hogget rams making €745 and €715 and his ram lamb €695. Other top prices for ram lambs were: J&C Mc Hugh €660, €630, €580, €575, €540 and €525; Kenneth Bird €570; J Ryan €525; Paddy Leonard €485; Michael Bird €450. Sean Mc Gee, Navac flock, had the champion female with his ewe lamb.

The sale was preceded by a special show of crossbred Texel sheep at the commercial sheep sale on the previous Wednesday. This show, sponsored by the North East Texel Club, had a large entry of top quality Texel cross sheep.

The winners of the classes were as follows: Pen of 6 factory type Texel cross lambs; P J Martin Lisnagunnion, Carrickmacross.

Pen of 6 Texel cross butchers lambs; P J Martin Lisnagunnion.

Pen of 6 breeding Texel cross breeding females; John Canty, Kildalky, Co Meath.

Our special thanks to Jimmy O’Reilly, Mart Manager, for his help and cooperation in organising both events.

The North East Club sale held at Carnaross Mart had a much improved trade with prices and clearance higher than previous years.

Oberstown Flock Pat and Barry Farrell’s Oberstown flock continued in 2014 with the success they enjoyed the previous year. At the premier sale their ewe lamb by the same ewe that bred the 2013 Male Champion, Oberstown Usain Bolt, was Female Champion and went on to sell at a new female record price of 4200gns. A full sister also sold for 2800gns.

However, the highlight of the year for the Farrell family was still to come with the tremendous success of Oberstown Usain Bolt. Usain Bolt was awarded the title “UK Sire of the Year” and Pat and Barry were awarded the trophy as breeders of the award winning ram. This is the first time a ram from the Irish 72

Republic was awarded this trophy and it is a tremendous achievement for the Farrell family. To mark this unique occasion, North East Texel members held a special function and made a presentation to Pat and Barry. This was a most enjoyable night and more than replaced the Christmas party!!!!

Flock Competition Congratulations to our members Sean Mc Gee, Navac Flock and John Canty, Clover Hill Flock for performing so well in the Irish Texel National Flock competition. Sean Mc Gee came first in the large flock section and the group of 10 ewe lambs while John Canty was awarded second in the large flock section.

National Texel Championships 2015.

The New Year brought the exciting news that Council has decided to hold the 2015 National Texel Championships at Dundalk Show on Sunday 14th June. It is now all hands on deck to make this a memorable event that will show case the very best of Irish Texel Sheep. North East members look forward to welcoming fellow Texel breeders and indeed all sheep farmers and their families to what promises to be an enjoyable and interesting event.

73

Vaccinate your flock NOW! Use Medicines Responsibly.

Heptavac P Plus is indicated for the active immunisation of sheep to reduce mortality and clinical signs of clostridial diseases such as lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney, struck, tetanus, braxy, blackleg and black disease,

R11-018

and to reduce mortality and clinical signs of pneumonic and systemic pasteurellosis.

For a complete list of components included in the vaccine* and any further information, please contact MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland.

Tel: +353(0)1 2970220 E-Mail: vet-support.ie@merck.com Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie Legal Category: LM in R.O.I. and POM-VPS in Nth Irl.

OBERSTOWN TEXELS EST. 1989 Sires Used in 2014: • KIldowney Victorious purchased for £3,200gns at Ballymena NI premier sale 2014 • Anglesarke Uno

f the UK ‘’sire o Bolt 2014 in 2013 a s n U to n g w in n Bless Obersto io p m as a h C h tood ason e h year’’ he s his first se In . i) . s ld n a g iv 00 ullan V sold for 70 00gns. (M ,0 2 5 £ to s bred son

• • • •

Oberstown Usain Bolt Tophill Union Jack Tullagh Saracen Douganhill Mcfly

In 2014 we had the female Blessington champion Oberstow n Victoria (Pictured) Maternal sister to Ob erstown Usain Bolt sold for 4,200 gns. she sold jointly to the Th orn ville and Macetown Flock s.

Visitors always welcome

Contact:

76 Pat 0862615661

Barry 0860580574

Oberstown Flock Report The Oberstown Texel flock was established in 1989, with purchases from the Premier Sale which was then held in Maynooth.

Notable flock achievements over the years include 1993. We initially entered the show ring in 1993 coming third place with a ram lamb and fourth with a ewe lamb both of which were sired by Vern Banker. Our first big achievement was winning the 1997 All Ireland Ewe Lamb class with a daughter of a home bred ram Oberstown Blitz. Following on from that at the 2002 All Ireland Championships we captured the Senior Ewe Supreme Champion title with FHI98005 by Cambwell Diamond which we purchased at Frank Harringtons dispersal sale in 2000. FHI98005 went on to breed Oberstown Krockett who was the first in the Shearling ram class at the 2005 All Ireland Championships. Krockett was sired by Cornerstone Indellible (full brother to the famous Isaac) Krockett went on to win the senior ram class and then was awarded the title of Reserve Overall Champion at the 2006 All Ireland. He was retained in the flock and bred exceptionally well.

77

In 2009 we purchased a ewe lamb (TYC09016) privately from John Trimble (Curley Flock). Her sire is Milestonehill O’Gara. She has bred exceptionally well for us. In 2012 she bred Oberstown Tornado who sold to the Lawn and Ballybur Flocks for 2000gns. A full brother to Tornado, Oberstown Tip-top sold to Robert Laird of the Cambwell flock in Scotland for 1300gns. In 2013 TYC09016 bred Oberstown Usain Bolt who went on to win the Male Champion at the Irish Texel Premier sale in Blessington Mart. He sold for 7,000gns to Paul and Baillie O’Connor. (Drumgooland and Windermere Flocks N.I) Usain Bolt was sired by Kelso Pavarotti. Also In 2013, TYC09016 bred Oberstown Ulysses a maternal brother to Bolt who was born mid March and sold to Peter Gibbons (Macetown flock) for 3,600gns. In 2014 TYC09016 bred the Champion Ewe lamb and Female Champion Oberstown Victoria selling for 4,200gns to Peter Gibbons, Macetown flock and John Neville, Thornville flock. Another full sister of the champion sold for 2,800gns to Kenneth Bird Millfarm Flock and John Canty Cloverhill flock. Three full brothers to the ewe lambs, Oberstown Viking Warrior sold privately to the UK Quercus flock, Oberstown Van Persie sold for 1,750gns at the Blessington Premier Sale, and Oberstown Volt selling privately to Brian Kirkham’s Geordie flock.

In October 2014 the Oberstown flock created a new achievement and previously unclaimed by a south of Ireland flock when Oberstown Usain Bolt was awarded the 2014 UK Sire of the Year. In his first year as a service sire Oberstown Usain Bolt produced sons that recorded the highest average at the UK Society’s National Sales. Rams sold across UK during the 2014 sales season at an average of £20,475. Two of the top prices were obtained

by Brian Hanthorn with Mullan Vivaldi selling for 52,000gns at Lanark.

Oberstown Usain Bolt’s second highest selling priced son, Mullan Van Gogh was also sold at Lanark. The third highest priced ram was from the flock of Henry Gamble with Springwell Vierra selling for 3000gns at Ballymena National Sale. The three lambs averaged 19,500gns (£20,475) It was a great achievement for us and a proud moment for the Oberstown Flock to win this award.

We thank our Society Secretary Sinead for attending the British Texel Society AGM with us to collect the award. We also wish to thank our North East Texel Club members for their presentation to us on receiving the Sire of Year Award. It is very much appreciated.

Pat and Barry Farrell

78

79

SEMEN FOR SALE

Knock Ursus (€60 per dose)

Sire: Sportsmans Trojan II, Dam: HAK 1100165, Dams Sire: Cambwell Rob Roy Ursus was purchased in partnership at Lanark last year for a staggering 34k. He is a powerful ram with great carcase, skin, size and character. He has a great back end and is one of the best headed rams ever to come into the south of Ireland. His lambs are showing great promise.

Wayside Topgun (€40 per dose)

Purchased jointly with Patrick Joyce, John Kelly, Padraic Niland, Fergal O’Sé and Liam Walsh for £5,500. Sire: Glenside Razzle dazzle. Dam: Champion ewe lamb at Highland Show 2011, by Ettrick Rainbow Warrior, she was purchased for a record £20,000. An extremely correct ram with great carcase and skin.

Contact Fergal O’Sé: 087 9895475 Email: fergalose@hotmail.com 80

I

PEDIGREE PRINT HERE

E

04-99999 04241G

   81

South West TEXEL report The year started off on a good note with a warm spring, followed by an awesome summer of glorious sunshine.

The first National competition of the year was the Golden Shears Championships held at the World Shearing event in Gorey, Co. Wexford. The title of Supreme Champion was awarded to Arthur & Patrick O’Keeffe with an aged ewe.

The South West Club Sale was held in Milltown on September 6th. . Sheena & Eddie McCarthy took the honours of Champion and Reserve champion on the night. The sale was judged by Michael Horan, Killarney. The Sale and evening was sponsored by Dan O’Connor’s Feeds and O’Connor’s Agri & Farm Supplies, Duagh for whose support we greatly appreciate.

The highlight of the year was the Open Evening held at Fergal O’Sé & Family’s farm in Ventry, Dingle. This was a wonderful success and well attended evening which ended with light refreshments and a raffle which was sponsored by Southern Milling Feeds.

The Gallaghers, Co. Cork deserve a word of congratulations on their success at being awarded Reserve Champion in the National flock competition which was held in November.

I would like to thank all the breeders of the South West and beyond for their help and support throughout the year and wishing them a profitable and successful 2015 and, also, to our hard working secretary, Sinead Brophy for her efficient and helpful service throughout the year.

82

South West Field Evening The South West Texel branch held a very enjoyable and informative open evening in Ciarraí Thiar at the end of July. The Texel/Hiltex evening in conjunction with Teagasc was held on Tuesday July 29th on the farm of Fergal Ó Sé (Emlach Flock). One could not have asked for a finer summer’s evening to host the event. A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered in Ard a’ Bhóthair for proceedings.

Special thanks must go to Kevin O’Sullivan, working out of the Killarney Teagasc office, who spoke and enlightened listeners as to what exactly farmers should be looking out for when purchasing a stock ram. All areas were expertly covered including appearance, performance recording, pedigree of ram and physical examination of the animal. Kevin encouraged questions from the audience.

The discussion was recorded by Ted Creedon of Agri Time and the whole programme was broadcast on Radio Kerry the following week.

Next to speak was local Daingean Uí Chúis butcher, Gerry Kennedy of Kennedy’s Butchers. He spoke of the advantages of Texel cross lambs and in particular of Hiltex lambs. He complimented their superior conformation, high kill out percentage and their extra lean meat. He said they contributed greatly to what all good butchers continually strive for – prime meat that is easily sold!

83

A special word of thanks to Mossie Kearney of Tíramháin, Baile an Fheirtéirigh, who supplied top quality Hiltex lambs as well as first and second cross Hiltex ewes for the evening. The sheep on show were very impressive.

Chairman of the South West Texel Branch, Mike Neenan thanked the Ó Sé family for their hospitality and for all their work in organising the event. He thanked the locals and society members for their help in erecting pens for the evening. Mike also gave a brief summary of the origins, history and physical traits of the Texel pedigree breed as well as the physical characteristics of texel rams that have made them increasingly popular to commercial lowland and mountain farmers alike.

A “Guess the weight of the lamb” competition was held. Micí Ó Conchúir of Clochán, Ceann Trá was the man taking the names and weights during the evening. Former international rugby star, Mike Galwey picked one of the three winning weights and Pat Landers, secretary of the South West society made the presentation of 10 Red Mills bags of ration to the winner, John O’ Sullivan of Farranfore, Co. Kerry.

The night was well supported by South West members and from commercial farmers throughout Kerry and neighbouring counties. Fergal wrapped up proceedings by inviting everyone for some light refreshments. Guests were also invited to view and inspect the Emlach lamb rams that were being prepared for upcoming sales.

On a sad note, a good friend and neighbour of Fergals’, Mike Sé of Gleann Fán and An Daingean, who helped out on the night and many other nights has recently passed away. Cara Maith agus Rógaire Breá!

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

84

Sheep Ireland Recorded & Scanned

MULLAGHRAFFERTY TEXELS Flock CII

Hi llc res t

Top sho t, Tex e

Show l Champion National Livestock

Est. 1995

14 20 e or am l l Tu

Sires used for 2015 lambs Hillcrest Topshot Billary Hill Usaid Springwell Patch Selection of Shearling Ewes and Ewe Lambs for Sale

ENQUIRIES: CHARLIE CLARKE Jnr

Mullaghrafferty, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan T: 042 9692880, 086 8243826 c.mullaghrafferty@yahoo.ie

Midland Report The Midland region show season started at Carnew Show where John Neville won the Texel Champion award with his stock ram Hillcrest Topshot. Next show on the the midland calender was Ossary where Robert Walker took the Chamion Rosette with his stock ram. Eoin Brophy had a super day showing for his grandfather Willie Murphy exhibiting the Reserve Champion Texel.

Tinahely followed on August Bank Holiday Monday where the Champion award went to Flor Ryan’s shearling ewe. Finally at Tullamore Show the Champion award went to John Neville’s stock ram. A special thanks goes to all exhibitors to these shows bringing out excellent Texels in such large numbers and to the judges James Murphy (Carnew), Anne Murphy (Ossary), Jim Walker (Tinahely) and to Kerrie Kermode (Tullamore) who made the over night journey from the Isle of Man. Sales in the region were good for quality sheep with excellent demand for Texels rams showing strong commerical attributes.

Tinahely Show Texel Champion & Shearling Ewe Class Winner FRI13053, bred by Flor Ryan

87

Ossory Show Champion Robert Walker

Ossory Show Reserve Champion Willie Murphy

Tullamore Livestock Show Champion 2014, Hillcrest Topshot exhibited by John Neville, also pictured Kerrie Kermode (Judge)

88

Tullamore Show 2014

Shearling Ram Lineup

Enda Quirke 1st Ram Lamb Class

Robert Walker - Multitasking!!

Ram Lamb Class Lineup

Shearling Ewe Lineup

Aged Ram Lineup

Champion exhibited by John Neville, Res Champion exhibited by A&P Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keeffe

89

1976-2016

coming soon, join us for the celebrations...

90

PNI Est. 1976

C

PNE Est.2011

Nilands Te & y xe ss Scrapie Monitored e ls h Lambplus Recorded

ed

Bred to Bre

The Chessy Flock winners of the National Flock Competition 2014

Sires used in 2014 Knock Ursus Anglezarke Uno Oberstown Usain Bolt Chessy Van Gogh Corbo Val Verde

Visitors and Enquiries Always Welcome

PNI08016, All Ireland Champion 2009. Sold to Proctors Farm for â&#x201A;Ź10,000. Her progeny have won rosettes at the Royal Highland Show, The Great Yorkshire Show, The Royal Welsh Show, The Welsh Premier Ram Sale and many others.

Padraic & Gerard Niland 91 Chessy, Ardrahan, Co. Galway

087 4121886, 091635148

National Flock Competition 2014 After an absence of 17 years the National Flock Competition was organized and held for the first time since 1997.

The man assigned the task of selecting the Champions was the very capable and knowledgeable Mr. Robert Calvin from the Ballyhivistock flock in Co. Antrim.

Unfortunately numbers were small but we hope to grow this further for 2015.

Flocks were assigned into either large or small categories depending on the amount of ewes mated notified to the Society for 2015 lambing. On the foggy Irish morning of 25th November so began the roadtrip to some of the top Texel flocks throughout the country.

After three days the judge retired for the unenviable task of deciding his winners.

The results were announced as follows: Champion Flock Chessy Flock Padraic Niland, Co. Galway Reserve Champion Flock String Texels Mary Gallagher, Co. Cork Large Flock 1.

2.

3.

Sean McGee John Canty Michael Murphy

Co. Cavan Co. Meath Co. Galway

Small Flock Padraic Niland Mary Gallagher John Neville

Co. Galway Co. Cork Co. Wexford

92

Winning Ways The National Flock Competition was revived in 2014 after a lapse of seventeen years. It was won by the Chessy flock in 2014, the same flock also won it seventeen years ago.

In 2011 the flock was split and now consists of both the Chessy and Nilands flocks. The Nilands flock was also entered into the competition.

The competition was marked in three sections; Ewes, Stock Ram and Group of five Ewe lambs. The main stock ram is ‘Knock Ursus’ who was purchased in partnership for 34,000gns. He was not on the farm on the day of judging so he was not marked. The ram who was judged was ‘Chessy Van Gough’, a son of Ursus whose dam was the 2011 All-Ireland Champion and his grand dam was All Ireland Champion 2010. His embryo sister was West Club Champion 2014 and is considered to be one of the best females ever bred in Chessy.

The flock ewes are sired mainly by Tullagh Neptune, Wayside Topgun, Knock Reebok, Cowal Rico, Knock Rafiki, Millers Outstanding, Ettrick Oki Doki, Kelso Oxygen, Kelso Picasso, Livery Prince Jim and Tamnamoney Relian.

93

The ewe lambs are sired by Knock Ursus, his sire Sportsman Trojan II and Drumgooland Unleashed. The 2015 lambs are sired by Ursus, Anglezark Uno, Oberstown Usain Bolt, Chessy Van Gough and Corbo Val Verde and so far we are very pleased with what we have on the ground.

Ram lambs are sold at all the main sales and at the Western Club sales.

Females are sold at the Special In-Lamb Sale, Blessington in early December and at the West Club In-Lamb sale in November.

Probably the most successful female we have sold was PNI08016, by Tullagh Neptune. She was All Ireland Champion 2009 and was sold to Proctor Farms for â&#x201A;Ź10,000. Her progeny have won rosettes at the Royal Highland Show, The Great Yorkshire Show, The Royal Welsh Show and was Male Champion at the Welsh Premier Sale. She also produced Proctors top price ram lamb selling for 8,000gns at Lanark 2014.

On the male side we played a small part in Knap Vicious Sids pedigree, he sold for 145,000gns. His sire Tamnamoney Tuborg Gold carries Chessy blood from his grand dam.

The flock is scrapie monitored and has been weight recorded for the best part of thirty years.

Visitors Always Welcome Padraic & Gerard Niland, Chessy, Ardrahan, Co. Galway 087 4121886, 091635148

94

flock BHF

Keeltown Texels Member of Lamb Plus Recording

Lehinch Sandyman Terminator

Ewe x Strathbogie

Profit through Science

Ettrick Rainbow Warrior sired ewe

lamb

Main Stock Ram, purchased Lanark 2014. STRATHBOGIE VOLTAGE, Sire STRATHBOGIE UNTOUCHABLE, Grand Sire STRATHBOGIE TERMINATOR, dam is

by GLENSIDE RAZZLE DAZZLE

Sires used in 2014 Strathbogie Voltage Sportsman Supreme Strathbogie Terminator Enquiries and visitors always welcome Patrick & Brendan Hanley, Edgeworthstown Co. Longford Mob. 086958241920

WEST REGION TEXEL CLUB Come and join us at the

West Region Texel Championships Teagasc Sheep 2015, Athenry Saturday, June 20th

Sale Dates 2015 Roscommon

Saturday, 22nd August

Delvin

Thursday, 3rd September

Ballinasloe

Saturday, 5th September

Athenry (Open)

Monday, 7th September

Tuam

Tuesday, 8th September

Maam Cross

TBA

Roscommon

Saturday, 19th September

Athenry

Monday, 28th September

Mountbellew

Saturday, 3rd October

Ballinasloe In-lamb

TBA

For further details, please contact: Club Chairman: Padraic Niland – 087 4121886 Secretary: Lorraine Brennan – 086 8546772 email: lorrainembrennan@gmail.com 96

West Region Report The West Region Texel Club held their 2nd annual club championships at Galway County Show held at Ballybrit Racecourse.

The show was again very successful and the standard of sheep on show highlighted the quality in the region. The difficult task of judging was in the very capable hands of Neville Myles of the Silverhill flock, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.

The 1st class of the day was the Senior ram class in which Neville tapped forward Dunlever Troika from Sean, Alma & Lorraine Brennan. This ram was sired by Baileys SĂŠ. 2nd and 3rd both went to Michael Murphy with rams sired by Glenside Razzle Dazzle and Cairness Rolls Royce respectively.

Patrick Hanley took home 1st prize in the Senior ewe class with his Baltier Nailer sired ewe. 2nd went to Patrick Joyce and 3rd to Tom Kenny.

Senior ewe line up

97

In the Shearling ram class, Eric Campbell received the red rosette for his Glenside Tomboy-sired ram. 2nd and 3rd went to father and son team of Tom and Thomas Kenny, with shearlings sired by Kelso Pavarotti and Castlecairn Secert Service respectively.

Shearling ram judging

A great turnout of Shearling ewes greeted Mr Myles, with 1st prize going to Alma & Lorraine Brennan with a very powerful ewe sired by Springwell Superstar. 2nd and 3rd prize went to father and son team of Padraic and Gerard Niland, both shearlings sired by Wayside Topgun.

Shearling ewe judging

A great showing of top quality ram lambs in the Open ram lamb class ended up with Mark Noble winning both 1st and 2nd prizes, with both lambs sired

by Cairnam Talisman. 3rd went to Padraic Niland, with Eric Campbell and Patrick Joyce receiving 4th and 5th.

Open ram lamb line-up

98

The biggest and best quality class was the Ewe lamb class, where Padraic Niland took the first two places with both lambs sired by Knock Ursus. 3rd went to Tom Kenny with a March-born lamb, and 4th and 5th went to Mark Noble and Eric Campbell respectively.

The next class was the “ram lamb class confined to members who joined society on or after 2008”. Gerard Warde was placed 1st and 2nd with Knock Ursus sired rams, while Gerard Niland took 3rd with a lamb by Sportsman Trojan, who is also sire of Knock Ursus.

The final class was for the young handlers, who put on a great display.

After much deliberation, the red rosette went to Louise Hamill who ably exhibited a shearling ram many times her size!

The female championship went to Padraic Niland’s ewe lamb, while Patrick Hanley’s Senior ewe was placed in reserve.

Louise Hamill – Junior Handler

Female Champion

99

Sean, Alma & Lorraine Brennan’s Senior ram took the Male championship, with Mark Noble’s Open ram lamb taking the reserve prize.

Finally, Neville selected Padraic Niland’s cracking ewe lamb as the West Region Overall Champion Texel for 2014, while Brennan’s Senior ram was the overall reserve.

Laura Kerins presenting the Moira Kenny Memorial Cup to Padraic Niland

A special thank you to our sponsors: Dan O’Connor Feeds, Limerick; Roches Feeds, Limerick; Charles R Wynne, Athy; AW Ennis Feeds, Virginia; Tuam Farm Supplies; Osmonds; Kilmore Agri Vet & Cormac Sheep Equipment.

The 2015 West Region Championship will be held at the Teagasc Sheep 2015 event Premier sale The premier sale was another successful weekend for our members. The novice ram class was the most successful from a West region perspective; taking 4 of the 6 rosettes: 1st went to Gerard Warde; 2nd to Tom Kenny; 4th to Michael Healy and 6th to Cyril Keane. In the ewe lamb class Padraic Niland took home 4th prize.

Club Sales The region held eight successful club sales in seven livestock marts throughout our area. The most popular of these was the first sale, held in Roscommon mart: Roscommon sale It was another very successful sale at Roscommon Livestock mart for the West region Texel club. In the show, the Champion rosette was awarded to a much admired ram lamb from the Roscommon flock of Alma and Lorraine 100

Brennan. There was a great show of sheep in every class and a special thanks goes out to the judges on the day Daire and Enda McManamon.

Top price on the day was shared by two very classy rams: a ram lamb from the Kilcoursey Flock of Mark Noble and shearling ram from the Hillswood Flock of Tom Kenny.

1st prize Shearling ram

West Region In-lamb ewe sale The region held its 5th annual in-lamb ewe sale in November with another strong sale.

There was a good overall clearance; top price on the day went to Padraic Niland for a Cowal Rico sired ewe, a full sister to the Novice champion at the 2013 premier sale.

Flock Competition Finally, congratulation to Padraic Niland and the Chessy flock on their success as Overall Champion in the National Flock Competition 2014, judged by Robert Calvin, Ballyhivistock.

101

102

103

Global Opportunities

for Irish Sheepmeat

By John Shirley

The start of 2015 has seen record prices for sheep in Ireland. Factory prices were up 10% on a marginally higher throughput.

T

rade was particularly active for cull ewes; - always a great sign of a strong base in the trade. This in turn put oomph into the demand for breeding sheep and for ewes with lambs at foot.

We saw an example when the dispersal of a 400 in lamb ewe flock in Tullow mart in February 2015 returned an average price of â&#x201A;Ź220 per head. I estimate that ewes with lambs at foot this Spring were at least â&#x201A;Ź50 a head dearer than last season.

What is behind this strong demand for sheepmeat? Can it continue?

In my view there are a few major global factors are at play in the sheep and sheepmeat sector and that the Irish sheep farmer is benefitting from these fundamental changes.

Since 2010 New Zealand has been supplying less and less of its EU quota.

In 2014 New Zealand only filled 68% of its EU sheepmeat quota. This represents a shortfall of 72,000 tonnes- an amount greater than total Irish sheepmeat exports.

The growing Muslim demand for sheepmeat coupled with the rising living standards in Muslim countries.

104

Thirdly the emergence of China as a major force in the global sheep business.

Within China sheepmeat production is growing at 2.5% a year but consumption is growing at a spectacular 3.4% a year. China now accounts for over 30% of the world’s sheep trade compared to 10% only five years ago. Since 2013 China has become New Zealand’s biggest buyer of sheepmeat and Australia is fast developing its Chinese business also. Both of these countries have completed bilateral deals with China that will boost their sheep business.

Irish export delegations who travelled to China on beef selling missions found that the Chinese were actually more interested in our sheep products.

However Mainland China is still not officially open to import sheepmeat from Ireland but the indirect Chinese demand for sheep offal and oddments has permanently added value to our sheep.

It’s a sign of the times when Muslim religious Festivals such as Ramadan and the Eid al-Adha become common terms in the conversations of the Irish sheep farmer. “It’s almost like having three Easters in every year” observed a sheep farmer acquaintance on the effect of the Muslim festivals. This year Ramadan begins on June 18 and finishes on July 17. Demand for sheep and sheepmeat peaks at the start and finish of Ramadan. Eid 2015 falls in late September.

Last year the Irish factory lamb kill in the week pre Eid shot above 70,000 head, the highest for the year, observed Declan Fennell of Bord Bia. Following on from the “Horsemeat Scandal” these has been greater testing and surveillance of retail meats. This has revealed that many so called “lamb kebabs” had very little sheepmeat content. Privately I wonder if the very strong market for ewe meat has resulted from this surveillance.

Another fundamental shift in EU sheepmeat sector has come with the rapid decline in the Spanish flock. Coupled with this is the fact that the Spanish have switched from exporting lamb carcases to France to shipping live lambs to North Africa and the Middle East. Since 2010 this trade out of the EU has grown threefold to exceed 2 million head in 2014.

Another positive story on the Irish sheepmeat horizon is the promise of access to the US market in the near future. The US sheep flock has been in steady decline opening the way for imported product. The US has been a happy hunting ground for New Zealand chilled lamb for more than a decade. Indeed part of the reason for New Zealand failing to fill its EU quota is that it has found more lucrative outlets in the US. 105

Irish beef has already made its way into the States. There is genuine optimism that Irish lamb will also secure niche outlets there as well within months rather than years.

So far in this article the story on sheep is all brightness and light.

The negative story on sheepmeat and lamb is that consumption is falling across much of the EU. Lamb consumption within the EU is linked to older consumers and when these die out new younger consumers are not replacing them.

To counteract this predicament Bord Bia has teamed up with its counterparts Eblex in the UK and Interbev in France to embark on a major generic promotion of sheepmeat. This project has qualified for 50% EU funding bringing the total budget to â&#x201A;Ź7.7Million over three years. In addition to targeting younger consumers this programme will promote new ways of presenting lamb and sheepmeat.

When it comes to sheepmeat Ireland has bucked the trends across the EU in that we have had consumption growth in the recent past.

What will happen in Summer 2015?

While the overall market outlook for Irish lamb and sheepmeat prices are positive it is not realistic to expect anything else but that the normal seasonal price decline will happen as it does every early Summer.

I also have no doubt but that Irish processors milk this price fall for all that it is worth. During late April and May UK lamb still has come out in large volume. Irish lamb still has the French market more or less to itself. If the Irish processors so wished they could postpone the seasonal price fall for another few weeks. Instead they cash in on the nervous market. This is when they make their profits. (The factories argue that these profits are needed to pay for the money blown on expensive hoggets killed from February to April).

In 2014 the normal early Summer lamb price collapse was delayed until early July. There are hopes that the timing of Ramadan could bring a similar pattern to lamb prices in Summer 2015.

Bord Bia estimates that lamb output across Ireland and the UK for 2015 will differ little from last season. If there was to be any increase in New Zealand supply into the EU it was thought that that would have come in the first quarter of 2015 and this hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happened. So it must be odds on that New Zealand will again not fill its EU quota in 2015.

106

SOUTH EAST REGIONAL REPORT 2014 2014 got off to a busy start for some the South East Breeders, not only had they lambing to contend with but also the mammoth task of organising The Golden Shears Texel Championships.

This was organised in conjunction with the world shearing event, which was held in Gorey on Saturday the 24th of May. After months of organising, a large number of entries were received from across Ireland for this championship and with penning up and ready in advance; everything was ready to go, what could possibly go wrong...The weather!!!! Heavy rain the night before made for a lot of muck, making access and ground conditions difficult. Credit is due to all competitors who turned out a great show of sheep on the day despite the wet and very ‘sloppy’ conditions.

From the South East Region it was Anne Murphy and the Foundry Flock who triumphed on the day winning the Texel ram two shear plus with Hillcrest Topshot and second with Oberstown Tuff. Foundry flock also went on to win the shearling ram and the ewe lamb classes. Hillcrest Topshop went on to claim Reserve Champion of the show, with the show Champion going to Arthur O’Keeffe and his aged ewe.

A big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who entered and travelled with their sheep to this event; to Growvite and the Irish Texel Society, the show sponsors.

Golden Shears Champion 2014. Exhibited by A&P O'Keeffe Co. Cork

107

The Championship... South West V’s South East!!

The Champion Patrick O’Keefe’s Aged Ewe with Judge Henry Gamble.

Reserve Champion Anne Murphy with Hillcrest Topshot and Judge Henry Gamble.

The Golden Shears, Gorey

108

Senior Ram Class

Shearling Ram Class

Ram Lamb Class

109

Senior Ewe Class

Ewe Lamb Class

110

Also to Buffalo Steel who supplied all the penning, the judge Mr. Henry Gamble, Bangor in Co.Down and to the volunteers and workers of the Golden shears event who helped with traffic control and the loading and unloading of sheep.

At this year’s Premier sale, John Neville took first and second in the shearling ram class, first went to Tamnamoney U-Clinker and second to Thornville Usain Bolt. Congratulations to John whose hogget, sired by Strathbogie Python out of a Kiltariff Osprey ewe went on to achieve €3000 in the ring. Also to Liam Dillon, Co.Wexford as he received €2800 for a ram lamb by last year’s champion Oberstown Usain Bolt.

Liam Dillon ‘Kilclammon’ Texels and his ram lamb.

John Neville and his Shearling Ram.

John Neville ranked first and second while John Donohoe, Kilkenny was fourth in the shearling ram class.

A change in the weather was greatly appreciated for the county shows which soon followed. Bannow and Rathangan show in July saw John Neville take Show Champion while Liam Dillon and the Kilclammon flock taking Reserve.

August was a busy month with shows and saw a change in top position, when Liam Dillon claimed show Champion with a ram lamb at this year’s Tullow Show in Carlow and John Neville claiming the Reserve Champion.

111

This year a number of South East breeders had success in Tullamore when John Neville and ‘Thornville’ flock was placed first in the senior ram and senior ewe classes while claiming second and third in the shearling ewe lamb class. In the shearling ram class it was South East breeder John Kidd ‘Treemore Texels’ who was ranked in first place with Anne Murphy and ‘Foundry Texels’ coming in third. The Champion and Reserve Champion decided, the judge awarded top position to John Neville and ‘Thornville’ Texels. Congratulations to all.

At this year’s Iverk show in Piltown, Kilkenny a cup was given in memory of the late Michael Kelly and is to be awarded to the Texel Champion of the show each year. This year, the first year, the cup was awarded to John Taylor and ‘Renaghmore’ Texels.

John Taylor and members of the Kelly family, being awarded the Michael Kelly memorial cup at this year’s Iverk Show.

Ram Lamb Class at Tinahely Show 2014. 1st Springbridge Victory with handler Ben Casey.

Also in photo is Leigh Whelan and Amy Casey with ewe lambs from the Springbridge Flock

The South East held two sales in the region this year, Tullow sale and Enniscorthy an open show and sale. Tullow, even without a show or rosettes to influence the buyers, there was good demand for all rams, especially for quality and high star rated lots offered in the sale.

In September 25 rams went under the hammer in Enniscorthy in this year’s open sale. The Sale Champion went to Anne Murphy and her ram lamb, sired

by Murphys Umpa Lumpa, while Reserve Champion went to a Ringmaster lamb bred by John and Kathleen D’Arcy ‘Kilmallock Texels.

The South East breeders would like to wish both breeders and buyers success in 2015.

112

Co. Wexford Sheepbreeders Co. Wexford Sheepbreeders had a successful year in 2014 with an average increase in price over all our sales of €40.

Our Premier Show and Sale was held on Wednesday 20th August. Judge for the day was Mr. Barry Murphy of the Murbro flock in Castledermot, Co. Kildare.

Once again Anne Murphy from Belcarrig, Gorey had the champion ram and the reserve went to John D’arcy of Ballymurn. With steady prices and a good clearance breeders were pleased with the day. Our Second Show and Sale was held in mid September, judged by Mr. John Donohoe from Kilkenny and again the champion was bred by Anne Murphy with the reserve also coming from Anne’s pen. Our breeders were very pleased with our evening sale that attracted numerous buyers from outside the county and this trend continued at our remaining sales.

As usual the year ended with our annual dinner and presentation of trophies with a change of venue to the Farmer’s Kitchen, near Wexford town.

Entertainment was provided by Michael Brennan and John Murray.

A special word of thanks to Co. Wexford Marts and I.C.M Camolin, for their continued generous sponsorship.

Sale Dates 2015 Hogget Ram Sale: Wednesday 8th July First Show & Sale: Wednesday 19th August Sale: Wednesday 2nd Sept.

Second Show & Sale: Wednesday 16th Sept Evening Sale: Wed 30th Sept 6.30pm Fifth Sale: Wednesday 14th Oct. Last Sale: Wednesday 21st Oct Texel Prize Winners 2014 First Show & Sale Ram Lamb: 1st Anne Murphy, Belcarrig, Gorey 2nd John D’arcy, Kilmallock, Ballymurn 3rd Anne Murphy, Belcarrig, Gorey Second Show & Sale Ram Lamb: 1st Anne Murphy, Belcarrig, Gorey 2nd Anne Murphy, Belcarrig, Gorey 3rd John D’arcy, Kilmallock, Ballymurn 113

FORTHCOMING PEDIGREE TEXEL SALES

BLESSINGTON Livestock Mart

PREMIER SALE

Show on Friday 14th August 2015 Sale on Saturday 15th August 2015

N.S.B.A. MULTI-BREED SALES: Saturday 26th September 2015 Weekly Sales:

Tuesdays: Sheep, Lambs & Ewes – 11am Thursdays: Calves – 11.00am Beef & Str. Blks., Hfrs. Wnls. & Dairy Cows: (60 days blood test) – 11.30am Fridays: Special Weanling Sales from Mid-September onwards

Tel: ( 01) 4903201 Fax: ( 01) 4907292 e-mail: mart@jpmdoyle.ie www.blessingtonmart.ie

PERFORMANCE RECORDED SCRAPIE MONITORED

Member of LambPlus

2015 LAMBS SIRED BY: OBERSTOWN VOLDEMORT PFI 14005

LL E R I M Flock LCI

TE

Est. 1989

XELS

by Strathbogie Terminator

RECESS VICTOR PJE14008

by Knock Ursus

HILLCREST STATESMAN

by Kelso Picasso

BALLYBROONEY ROCKSTAR

by Kelso Oxygen

STAP eligible Shearling rams and lamb rams for sale this year

Enquiries: Paul Coyne, Rathgranagher, Cloghans Hill, Tuam, Co. Galway.

(093) 33344, (086) 8796346 or visit: www.millertexels.com

WE WISH THE TEXEL BREEDERS CONTINUED SUCCESS IN 2015 CORMAC TAGGING LTD. ARE NOW THE NO 1 TAG SUPPLIER FOR THE PEDIGREE TEXEL BREEDERS.

FREEPHONE 1800 303 635 FOR ELECTRONIC TAGS, PED CODE PRINT, DISCS Brownsgrove, Tuam, Co. Galway • www.cormac.ie • sheeptagging@eircom.net

V02 AIR 3288 Lamlac Ad Mothers Milk Ireland 10x8.3.pdf

Just like motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk but with a few extras Introduced over 40 years ago, Lamlac has been continuously developed to provide a top quality natural replacement for ewes milk for orphan and weak lambs. It is available in 25kg, 10kg and 5kg bags in Instant form for bottle and semi-automatic feeding and in 25kg bags in Free Flow form for machine/automatic feeding.

Call now for more information and advice or to receive your FREE Healthy Lambing Guide.

Volac Ireland, Church Street, Killeshandra, Co. Cavan T. 00 353 49 4334755 Locall: 0800 86522522 Email: infoireland@volac.com Web site: www.volac.ie

1

Glengoyne Genetics • Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination • Ram Fertility Testing • Semen Collection & Freezing • Embryo Transfer • Available throughout Ireland

Website: www.SheepAI.com Email: Info@SheepAI.com Seamus McGuinness MRCVS + 44 (0) 28 6632 2196 / + 44 (0) 7974 575997 117

Lameness on Irish Sheep Farms Shane Mc Hugh, Teagasc

Lameness is one of the most widespread welfare problems in the national sheep flock. Lameness and controlling it is a major cost in terms of time and money expended on products to treat/prevent the condition as well as associated production losses.

Most outbreaks of lameness in sheep are caused by either scald (interdigital dermatitis) or footrot. Scald and footrot share the same primary cause, the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum which causes damage to the superficial layer of the skin between the claws and enables the establishment of other bacteria, including Dichelobacter nododus, which causes footrot.

The important risk factors for foot lameness are damage to the interdigital skin by exposure to moisture and mechanical trauma.

There are many different reasons why sheep may become lame. Therefore, proper identification of the cause of lameness is required for treatment to succeed.

Common Causes of Lameness Under Irish conditions the following are the most common causes of lameness in sheep: 1. Sores between the digits at the back of the foot, no smell from the sore and sheep become severely lame very quickly. This is most likely to be scald.

2. Hoof horn lifting, foul smell, rotting in hoof. This is most likely to be footrot.

3. Infection breaking out between the coronary band and the hoof. (i.e. where the hoof meets the hair on the leg. This is characterised by severe lameness and no smell. This is likely to be Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD) 4. Injuries and infections in the joints are generally characterised by swelling, heat and tenderness in the affected area.

118

Footrot Footrot is an extremely painful disease and affected animals lose weight rapidly.

Animals with virulent footrot are very lame, remain recumbent for long periods and may carry the affected leg. When both forelimbs are affected, animals walk on their knees. The first sign of footrot is swelling and moistening of the interdigital skin. A break occurs at the skin horn junction from where infection spreads under the horn tissue so that the wall of the hoof becomes separated and the sole under-run. There is a characteristic foul-smelling discharge. In chronic cases, the hoof walls and toes become overgrown and misshapen, trapping dirt and inflammatory exudate between the inflamed, granulating soft tissues of the sole and overgrown horn.

Treatment of Footrot should be viewed as a whole flock problem.

Treatment methods include: Segregation of badly affected sheep for treatment.

Paring of the foot.

Antibiotics administered topically by spray.

In severe cases, long acting antibiotic by injection, under the advice of a veterinary surgeon.

• Foot bathing, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Selective culling of sheep that do not respond to treatment.

• Vaccination as part of a control programme.

• • • •

A combination of the methods described may be required to effectively control footrot. A combination is more effective than just one method of treatment Scald Scald is the most common cause of lameness in sheep occurring whenever conditions underfoot are wet. At grass, the incidence is generally greater in lambs than in ewes, but scald can become problematic in housed ewes, when straw bedding becomes wet and warm. In mild cases the interdigital 119

skin is red and swollen and covered by a thin layer of white material. There is no under-running of the hoof wall or sole and no foul smell.

Individual cases of scald can be treated topically using oxytetracycline aerosol sprays. When several animals are affected, walking sheep through a 10% zinc sulphate / copper sulphate solution or 3% formalin in a footbath usually provides effective control. It is usually necessary to repeat the foot bathing at weekly intervals throughout the risk period. Afterwards foot bathing sheep must stand in a dry area so that the formalin or zinc sulphate /copper sulphate can dry on the feet. At concentrations greater than 5%, formalin can cause severe irritation of the interdigital skin. The practice of regularly replenishing footbaths with a few splashes of concentrated solution should be avoided.

Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD) The characteristic clinical picture is a primary lesion at the coronary band of the outer wall with subsequent invasion and under-running of the hoof wall from the coronary band towards the toe causing detachment then shedding of the horn capsule. Sheep show severe lameness affecting one digit of one foot in most animals but both digits of one foot in some sheep. The damage to the corium may CODD infection in sheep be so severe that re-growth of the horn is feet permanently affected. Typically, there is also loss of hair extending 3-5 cm above the coronary band. There is no interdigital skin involvement.

Controlling of CODD depends on purchasing all sheep from known sources and/or health status to reduce the risk of infection, isolation of all purchased sheep for at least 30 days, regular inspection of all purchased sheep during the quarantine period, and the isolation of any sheep found to be lame and prompt treatment with a suitable antibiotic recommended by your veterinary surgeon.

120

Treatment/Prevention Once the cause of lameness has been identified, a treatment /prevention programme must be put in place. The aim should be to keep the number of lame sheep at any one time below 5%. For infections caused by footrot and scald an appropriate footbath solution will control mild cases and prevent infection. Severe cases may need hoof paring and antibiotic treatment.

Table 1 outlines the various footbath solutions that can be used to control these infections.

Chemical

Concentration

Advantages

Disadvantages

Formalin

3% of 40% formaldehyde. (i.e.

300ml per 10 litres of water.

Sheep can walk through â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fast working

Cannot be reused after one day

Avoid higher concentrations due to risk of skin damage

Cheap

Unpleasant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; irritant, toxic

10% (1kg per 10 litres) using Zinc Hexahydrate.

Can be reused

More expensive

Add a few squirts of washing up liquid to improve horn penetration

Not painful Not deactivated by organic matter

Can be difficult to dissolve

Zinc Sulphate

Copper Sulphate

10% (1kg per 10 litres

Antibiotic footbaths

Use as directed by Veterinary Surgeon

Stops working if contaminated with mud, straw, faeces / organic matter Very painful for lame sheep Hoofs become hard / brittle with repeated use

Can be reused Quicker to penetrate than zinc Useful against CODD

121

Can be toxic if drunk Need to stand sheep in bath

Very expensive Reacts with galvanised metal

Expensive Cannot be reused Reduced efficacy if soiled with organic matter

Footbathing For footbathing to work an effective footbathing facility needs to be in place. Treatment of scald works well in walk through baths where the sheep are slowly walked through a race which contains a footbath with an appropriate solution to a dept of 5cm. The footbath should be at least 6m long.

Where footrot is a problem longer contact times between the feet and the footbath solution will be required. In this situation a stand-in footbath is ideal.

This is a big bath that can hold 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 ewes at a time. By standing the sheep in the solution the active ingredient in the solution has a longer time to penetrate the hoof and kill any infective bacteria.

Achieving the appropriate strength of the footbath solution is an important factor in putting an appropriate control measure in place.

Post footbathing Post footbathing it is recommended to stand sheep on a dry clean concrete surface for half an hour or so. This will allow the chemical solution to dry onto the hoofs and give prolonged protection. By allowing the sheep out of the footbath in small numbers, lame sheep or sheep with overgrown hooves can be easily identified. These sheep can then be turned and have any excess or dead hoof horn removed. It is important not to over pare feet and avoid drawing blood.

The key to managing lameness such as footrot, scald and CODD is early intervention. Frequent foot bathing coupled with prompt treatment of infected sheep will prevent infection spreading between animals. Appropriate quarantine procedures for bought in sheep are essential to prevent new infectious disease such as CODD and footrot from entering flocks that have eradicated/controlled the diseases.

122

123

124

A powerful new genetic tool

Genomic selection

By Nóirín Mc Hugh, Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

Background The genome is the core genetic structure in every living species and is composed of DNA strands. DNA is the building blocks for genes. Every animal contain billions of pieces of DNA that generate genes that in turn control all functions throughout the body and therefore are one of the drivers of animal performances (capacity to grow rate, to lamb every year...).

Since the 1980’s, genetic evaluation of farm animals was solely derived from performances recording and pedigree structure. Recently, advances in biotechnologies made it possible to read animal DNA and place genetic markers at specific position on the genome to act as sign-posts to locate genes.

125

Glossary Phenotype – measurement of on the ground performance of animals (i.e. liveweights, lambing traits, ultra-sound data, etc.)

Genotype – DNA makeup of an animal Heritability – the transfer of superior (or inferior) genetics from parent to offspring

What is genomic selection?

Genomic selection is the new breeding technology that uses tens of thousands of genetic markers associated with genes. This genetic marker information along with performance records allow for more accurate estimates of the genetic merit of the sheep. The technology is currently available to measure over 54,000 genetic markers in sheep and is similar to the technology used currently in beef and dairy cattle.

What are the benefits of genomic selection?

The benefit of genomic selection is increased accuracy of estimates of genetic merit, thereby providing more accurate genetic evaluations for farmers. This will allow young animals to achieve higher accuracy’s at a younger age before large amounts of information are collected on the animal and allow for a potential reduction in the generation interval. Genomic selection can also be used to accurately assign parentage to lambs.

Simulation studies in cattle suggest that genetic gain can be increased by 50% with an appropriate genomic selection breeding program. Expected response to selection from genomic selection may actually be greater in Irish sheep since the current accuracy levels are low and therefore the potential scope for improvement is considerable. The potential increase in accuracy achievable with genomic selection is a function of: • the number of animals that are both genotyped (i.e. DNA information) and phenotyped (i.e. on the ground performance data) • and the genetic component of the traits, and • the number of genetic markers used.

The higher the number of animals phenotyped and genotyped, the higher will be the improvement in accuracy with genomic selection. Also greater increases in accuracy can be achieved for high heritability traits (e.g., growth rate) compared to low heritability traits (e.g., number of lambs born).

How can we prepare for genomic selection?

It is highly recommended that DNA of phenotyped animals is immediately collected, catalogued (i.e., the full animal EID) and stored appropriately.

Rams with many progeny and high accuracy’s should be particularly targeted. The number of phenotyped animals with DNA will be constantly monitored. Genotyping of animals will commence once the costs of the technology are reduced and/or a large number of DNA samples are available from informative animals.

126

RYAN TEXELS

SPECIALIZING IN GRASS PRODUCED SHEARLINGS FOR OVER 25 YEARS GRAIGUES (Est.1987) • ROTSEE (Est.1989) • LAWN (Est.1990) ARR ARR Rams & Ewes available for home and export sales

SOLD WHEN THE CREAM COMES TO THE TOP

127

Contact - Tel: 086 8115560 • Email: flor.ryan@animax-vet.ie ContactFlor FlorRyan Ryan - Tel: 086 8115560 • Email: floryan1@gmail.com

128

The Irish Texel Young Breeders Club The Irish Texel Young Breeders Club, was officially formed on May 16th 2014. The primary aim of the club is to give Young people in our Texel Society the opportunity to interact and get to know each other both in commercial and social settings.

The Club came about after eight young members from The Irish Texel Sheep Society formed two teams for the Northern Ireland Young Breeders 5 Nations Competition in July 2013, this event included teams from all over Ireland and the British Isles. The Teams got on very well at the event and found it to be great opportunity to meet other young Texel Breeders from all over Great Britain and also allowed them to get to know one another from outside the sales and show ring.

As the Club was established late in 2014, organisation of events for 2014 were minimal. Our highligh was to organise the first ever Young Breeders Class at the Premier Sale in Blessington on August 8th. The class was a complete success with over 20 of our members showing their rams and all proudly wearing our Green Young Breeders T-shirts! The Class was won by Patrick Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keeffe Co. Cork and he was presented with the Young Breeders Cup for 2014 by Mr. Brian MacTaggart (Judge) 129

For 2015, we are working hard to get events planned and organised. In June we host the 5 Nations Young Breeders Weekend similar to that of 2013. The Event will be held on the same weekend as the Texel Growvite All Ireland Texel Championships in Dundalk Co. Louth.

The event will be held at Pat and Barry Farrells, Oberstown Flock, Co.Meath on Friday June 12th. Followed by a trip to Liam and Billy Dillonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm in New Ross, Co. Wexford on Saturday June 13th . The trip will finish up in Dundalk at the All Ireland Championships on the Sunday where the winning team will be announced.

Each day incudes a farm walk, as well as other fun interactions such as a table quiz, stock judging and bale rolling. This will be followed each evening with some socialising in Dublin City, before returning to our hotel each night.

Other events to take place in 2015 will be at the Texel Sheep Society AGM and also at the Premier Sale in Blessington in August 14th and 15th. This will include an auction at the banquet after the Showing on August 14th.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IrishTexel Sheep Society as well as our sponsors for all their help in getting us established and all their support since.

Thank You David Coen Club Chairman Like Us on Facebook @ Irish Texel Young Breeders Club | Facebook

130

Condition Scoring of Ewes

by Darren Carty, Livestock Editor Irish Farmers Journal Feeding inserting new lease of life into breeding The last two breeding seasons have been as close to ideal as anyone could hope. Grass growth in the latter half of 2013 and 2014 ran above normal levels with ewes in the majority of cases in improved body condition. The positive knock-on effect in both years has been an increase in ewe breeding performance. This has been exhibited through a combination of higher litter size, lower barren rates and tighter lambing spreads.

While management factors differ between farms, there is a lesson for all farms that having ewes in optimum body condition at breeding and meeting their nutritional requirements can increase flock breeding performance. This statement is relevant across low and high prolificacy flocks. As such there is huge potential for many flocks to increase well above the average weaning rate of 1.3 lambs per ewe mated without progressing down the route of high prolificacy breeding.

Condition score & litter size The advantages of having ewes in the correct body condition cannot be stressed enough. Teagasc research, carried out by Tim Keady and Noel McNamara in Athenry, shows that each body condition score unit increase at mating (within the range of BCS 2.5 to 4) has the potential to increase litter size by 0.13 lambs per ewe put to the ram. Results coming from the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep programme add backing to this statement.

Research also shows the greatest benefit in increasing litter size is achieved from ewes brought from a lower base with the advantages diminishing as you approach or exceed target condition. As such there is a huge benefit to be gained in particular in identifying the ewes in the flock that require preferential treatment. There are additional advantages outside of an increased litter size with ewes in optimum condition cycling earlier and achieving higher conception levels along with tighter lambing spreads.

Target condition Body condition scoring of ewes is the most accurate method of assessing ewe condition. It is easy to carry out and while the accuracy can vary slightly between operators it is a good technique to monitor changes in ewe condition and suitability for breeding. The target condition score for lowland 131

ewes at mating is 3.5 to 4.0. Increasing one condition score generally equates to an increase of 9kg to 12kg live weight in most lowland breeds with a mature weight of 70kg plus.

Mature ewes grazing good quality grass will gain in the region of 0.8kg to 1kg liveweight per week meaning for ewes to improve from a condition score of 2.5 to 3.5 requires about 9-10 weeks feeding on good grass. The rate of increase may be faster where ewes are grazing reseeds or aftergrass swards. Likewise, it may take ewes in very poor body condition or with poor mouths longer to gain condition. Where this is the case, ewes should be monitored closely with their suitability for breeding kept to the fore.

Increasing condition The fact that it takes 9-10 weeks for ewes on good quality grass to gain one condition score underlines the importance of putting plans in place well in advance of the start of the breeding season. Post weaning ewes should be tightened up on bare pasture for a period of about 10 days to dry off sufficiently and reduce the risk of mastitis. Alternatively ewes may be housed with access to hay and water. Ewes can be assessed on condition at weaning, or once they are weaned satisfactorily, with animals requiring culling identified first.

Ewes should be split into groups with parameters set on body condition.

Where there is a significant variation in condition ewes should ideally be split into three groups â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a group of ewes in very poor body condition of less than 2.5 and requiring close attention, a group of ewes at BCS 2.5 to 3.5 and requiring access to good quality grass and a group of ewes in BCS 3.5 plus requiring maintenance or slightly below maintenance feeding.

It is difficult on most farms to be in a position to divide ewes into three groups and also graze lambs. An approach taken on some farms is to graze in a leader-follower system with ewes in very poor condition grouped with finishing lambs (ewe or wether lambs). This group can be followed by ewes in average body condition with the final group used to graze out pastures to 3.5cm to 4cm and promote high-quality grass regrowth.

On many farms there is often likely to be paddocks that have developed a thick butt of stemmy material during July and August. Dry ewes requiring maintenance feeding are ideal to graze these areas. Ewes grazing for maintenance will require in the region of 0.8kg to 0.9kg grass dry matter intake per day while ewes grazing good quality grass will consume 1.3kg to 1.4kg DM per day. It should be noted that it is important to monitor ewes 132

regularly and switch ewes between groups to avoid ewes gaining or losing excessive condition.

Preference to ewes The mistake is often made of giving sole preference to lambs and cull ewes post weaning with breeding ewes stocked heavily and little, if any, monitoring of ewe body condition until close to the breeding season. It is vital that steps are taken to avoid this and plan in advance to ensure there is sufficient grass available to meet stock demand. Where grass supplies are likely to remain tight in the run up to and post weaning (and depending on market conditions at that time), it may be an option to consider the live trade with store lambs or cull ewes to reduce grass demand.

It is not just the post weaning recovery period that is important. It is also important to manage grass supplies to ensure high-quality grass will be available in the run up to and during breeding. Providing ewes with adequate condition up to breeding and failing to maintain a high level of nutrition in early pregnancy can result in poor attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus and early embryonic loss. On lowly stocked farms applying 10 units to 15 units of nitrogen will help maintain grass quality. For more highly stocked farms (8+ ewes/ha), spreading 20 to 25 units of nitrogen post grazing will help maintain grass supplies. The frequency of application will be dictated by grass supplies.

Key points â&#x20AC;˘ Having ewes in optimum condition pre-breeding will lead to increased litter size. â&#x20AC;˘ Quick action is needed with ewes requiring 9 to 10 weeks on good grass to gain one condition score. â&#x20AC;˘ Split ewes into groups requiring preferential treatment and those needing only maintenance feeding.

It is not just the recovery period that is important, feeding during breeding and in the month post mating is critical.

133

134

135

Texel Shop

Hoodies €32.00 Umbrellas

• Red & White €15.00

• Black & White €15.00 Showcoats €23.00 1 Regatta Full Jackets €55.00 Bodywarmer €45.00 Fleece Jackets €35.00

Regatta Softshell Jacket €45.00 Polo Shirts €20.00 2 Baseball Cap €10.00 3 Wool/Beanie Hat €10.00 Mug* € 7.00 Keyrings** € 3.00 Available Colors

1 2

Regatta Jacket Black only Fleece Jacket Black, Navy, Red Polo Shirt Black, Navy, Red, Green Other color options available on request Sizes available S - XXL Children's showcoats and jackets also available The above quoted price includes standard logo of Irish Texel Sheep Society on left chest 4 , and on the back of item 5 (this can be omitted if requested at time of ordering). Flock name can be added on under logo at extra cost of €5.00.

The service is also available to apply logo and flock name onto items of clothing. Please contact Secretary for further details.

Postage Costs Please contact Secretary for details, as items are items are priced according to weight. The above items are priced exclusive of postage & packing.

3

4 5

* picture of your choice e.g 1st prize winner, show champion etc, can be printed onto mug this is included in price ** Society logo on one side of keyring picture of your choice can be printed onto other side.

136

Membership Information & Fees

New members must have 5 Pedigree Registered females before they can accepted as members of the Society.

Membership application forms can be obtained from: The Secretary, Irish Texel Sheep Society, Kellistown Farm, Kellistown Carlow. Alternatively forms can be downloaded from www.irishtexel.com. All applications for membership should be made before the 31st December so that lambs born the following Spring are eligible for registration with the Society. Applications received after the 31st December will not eligible to enter Society sales the following Autumn. All lambs must be birth notified to the Society Secretary

by April 30th in the year of their birth. Lambs not birth notified by this date cannot be registered with the Society, and therefore are ineligible to be sold in Society sales.

Costs: Entrance Fee €65.00 Annual Membership €50.00 Book of Birth Notification Forms €20.00

2015 Registration Fees Every Ewe mated fee before 31st October € 5.00 (€10 thereafter*)

*L ate fees not accepted after 31st December. Full rejoining fees & outstanding balances are then due after this date.

Ewe Lamb & Hogget Registration €10.00 Ram Registration €20.00 Imported Ewe Reg (incl N.I ) €15.00 Imported Ram Reg (incl N.I) €35.00 New breeders should generally buy their foundation stock at Society Sales held during the months of August, September and October. All sheep sold through these sales have been passed by Society Inspectors as being properly notched, identified and as having no inherent faults.

If breeders purchase stock privately from other breeders either in Ireland,

137

Northern Ireland or Britain they should ensure that they are identified properly. Pedigree stock should be free from obvious faults, such as wrong mouths, bad legs, black patches on the wool or brown hair on the head and legs. Such privately bought sheep will be liable to inspection and if considered unsuitable, will be removed from the Society flock book.

All flockowners are actively encouraged to participate in the Lambplus breed improvement scheme run by Sheep Ireland. All members of the Society are automaticlly members of Sheep Ireland as the Irish Texel Sheep Society are using the online flock book and database facilities of Sheep Ireland.

On joining the Society, each new breeder is assigned their own unique 3 letter flock code. New flock codes are also given a prefix usually of the breederâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice. This flock code and prefix are unique for each flock and are used in naming any rams born into the flock.

138

Application Form for Membership Name:

......................................................................................................

Address: ...................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................

Tel No.

........................................ Mobile

...........................................

Flock Designator: IE04 .....................................(found on sheep tags) I am the owner of 5 Pedigree Registered Females and I would like to apply for membership and a €1 share in the above named Society. I hereby to abide by the Rules of the Society, make payments as required and otherwise to be bound thereby.

Applications need to be received by Society Secretary prior to 31st December in the year of application, so flocks can be established prior to lambs being born and also for the breeder to be eligible for participation in the following year’s Society Sales.

Please register my flock under the prefix*

First Choice: ......................................................................................................

Second Choice: ...................................................................................................... *Farm name or first line of address usually taken as prefix

Signature: ......................................................................................................

Date: ......................................................................................................

Terms of Membership It is recommended that intending members contact the Society Secretary prior to purchasing foundation stock. €65 Entrance Fee & €50 Annual Membership Fee = €115 (Other fees may be payable, contact Society Secretary) Details of Ewes & Rams owned must be submitted with application

This form should be completed, signed and sent with certificates and appropriate fees to: The Secretary Irish Texel Sheep Society Kellistown Farm Kellistown, Carlow

✁

139

Earmarking in Registered Flocks It is recommended that all lambs must be notched within 24 hours of birth for identification purposes. The method of ear notching to identify the individual lambs is shown in the diagram.

Correct Ear Notching Ear notches are inspected at all Society Sales. Incorrectly or ineligibly marked sheep are rejected by the inspectors and may not be sold in Society Sales or used for Pedigree breeding. It is the responsibility of each breeder to familiarize themselves with the correct identifying procedures and tagging requirements.

Using Slot 1cm Long by 3.5mm wide, e.g.

Examples of Notching For ‘28’ – notch a ‘20’ in the right ear and a ‘5’ and a ‘3’ in the left ear as shown in diagram.

For ‘107’ – notch two ‘50’s at the bottom of the right ear and a ‘5’ and a ‘2’ in the left ear.

Tattooing is now optional due to the use of double tagging with EID Department Tags. The details that would have been tattooed into the ear must now be embossed onto back of one (or depending on supplier both) of the tags, e.g.: ABE 15001 etc. This is the unique flock code and the lamb number in the year of its birth.

Sheep presented for sales with handwritten details on tags will not be allowed into sales. It is advisable that each breeder keep a record of each lambs tag number with their corresponding ear identification number in the case of a lost tag.

140

Irish Texel Membership 2015 PREFIX

NAME AND ADDRESS

FLOCK NAME

CONTACT DETAILS

Donegal JAE

Alexander, Mr. Martin, Ballincor, Cross Roads, Killygordon, Lifford, Co. Donegal

Purton Park

087 9499420, 074 9149677

CBF

Barnett, Clive, Muntertinney, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

Mongorry Hill

087 2672715

BCF

Boal, Mervyn & Anna, Killydesert, Coolboy, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Boals

087 7923797, 074 9122290

AFE

Boyce, Shaun, Gortmacall, Milford, Co. Donegal

Gortmacall

086 3445108

LIF

Brady, Liam, Rosemount, Kilmacrennan, Lettterkenny, Co. Donegal

Drumbrick

086 8625094

LBF

Browne, Liam, Listillion, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Highway

087 9472236

BAF

Browne, Peadar, Listillion, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Donegal

086 6326058

ICF

Campbell, Ian, Cloonmore, Cresslough,Co. Donegal

Gallifrey

086 3168144, 074 9138511

IDE

Devlin, Daniel, Cleagh, Clonmany, Co. Donegal

Quarry House

086 0812226, 074 9376713

CNE

Doherty, Charles Jnr, Cashelgragen, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal

Cashelgragen

086 1063216

UYI

Doherty, Roger, Urrisma, Clonmany, Co. Donegal

Urris

086 8602361,074 9376275

RYE

Doherty, Ryan, Urrisma, Clonmany, Co. Donegal

Hill View

086 8530199

YZI

Doherty, William, Galdonagh Glebe, Manorcunningham, Co. Donegal

Hillcrest

087 2355493, 074 9157491

AEI

Edwards, Louise, Hillsborough, Ramelton, Co. Donegal

Moneyhill

074 9151056

REI

Edwards, Ronnie, Hillsborough, Ramelton, Co. Donegal

Hillsborough

086 6652455, 074 9151056

FFE

Farragher, Patrick, Finnadouse, Donegal P.O , Co. Donegal

Spireydale

087 7515205

PFE

Friel, Patrick, Drumatrummom, Kerrykeel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Loughross

074 9150311

JDF

Furey, John & Daniel, Ballinamore, Cloghan, Lifford, Co. Donegal

Finn View

086 0517557, 074 9546318

CCE

Gallagher, Ciaran, Cloonmore, Cresslough, Co. Donegal

Cashelban

087 2281792

BGF

Gallagher, Noel,Gortnessy, Pettigo, Co. Donegal

Agricare

086 8372415, 719861730

CME

Gibson, Christine, Mageestown, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

Mageestown

087 6119618, 074 9145145

DLE

Gillespie, James & Martin, Derrydruel, Lettermacedward, Co. Donegal

Glen Oak

087 6425304

MZE

Grant, Michael, Umricam, Buncrana,Co. Donegal

Umricam

086 3700664

GEI

Greene, John, Larahirl, Culduff, Co. Donegal

Larahirl

086 8244373, 074 9379389

EGE

Greene, Ryan, Larahirl, Culduff, Co. Donegal

Culduff

086 3437919

HMF

Henderson, Michael, Clonblosk, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

Clonblosk

087 6216707

HCE

Heraghty, Ciaran, Clooney, Ramelton, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Tullyhill

086 4079804

BBF

Kee, Jonathon & Ivor, Drumboe, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Finn Valley

086 3374292, 087 2472834

PKF

Kelly, Patrick J, Milbrook, Knock, Ballybofey, Lifford, Co. Donegal

Hiii Top

086 6064407, 074 9130416

IVI

Kilpatrick, Ivor & W.J, The Common, Raphoe, Lifford, Co. Donegal

Habistown

087 9806968, 74 9145671

JLE

McDermott, John G, Falmore, Gleneely,Co. Donegal

Goldstar

086 2020734

SME

McDevitt, Seamus, Largnalarkin, Cloghan P.O, Lifford, Co. Donegal

Largnalarkin

086 1997030, 074 9133953

AOE

McFeeley, Patrick, Bootagh, Lecamey, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal

Bootagh

086 3510164

141

DMF

McGee, Darren, Ballyheerin, Fanad,Letterkenny,Co. Donegal

Mulroy

086 3909598

DGI

McGee, John, Massinass,Cresslough,Co. Donegal

Muckish

087 2285654, 074 9138028

BGI

McGowan, Brendan,20 Cluain Barron,Ballyshannon,Co. Donegal

Kanather

086 8465809

GRE

McGrath, James, Clarcaricknagun, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

Collar Rock

087 9430089, 074 9722942

EMF

McGrath, Seamus, Clarcaricknagun, Donegal Town,Co. Donegal

Clarecarrick

087 9430089,074 9722942

IUI

McHugh Bros,Speenogue, Burt, Lifford, Co. Donegal

Speenogue

086 0812461, 074 9368355

UJI

McHugh Shane, Figart, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal

Figart

087 9512411, 074 9136273

MHF

McHugh Stephen, Summy, Portnoo, Co. Donegal

Summy

086 3774817

JHI

McKane, James H, Whitehill, Killygordon, Co. Donegal

Whitehill

0044 7756893211 074 9149198

IKI

McKeague Bros, A.I.G & J, The Knock, Culduff, Co. Donegal

Knock

086 8164127, 074 9379130

BKE

McKeague, Billy, Glebe, Culduff, Co. Donegal

Churchview

074 9379108

KXI

McKeague, Stuart, Claggan, Culduff, Co. Donegal

Claggan

086 8189043, 074 9379108

MDE

McLaughlin, Michael, Lagacurry, Isle of Doagh, Clonmany, Co. Donegal

Ballandavoe

086 8935176

EXF

McLoughlin, Peter, Isle of Doagh, Clonmany,Co.Donegal

Isle

086 1002983

EXI

McLaughlin, Rodney, Clara, Isle of Doagh, Clonmany, Co. Donegal

Clara

086 1002983, 074 9376192

ADE

McLoone, Declan, Lr. Main Street, Glenties , Co. Donegal

Andross

086 3627292, 074 9551434

ADF

McLoone, John, Tullyard Road, Glenties , Co. Donegal

Tullyard

086 3627292, 749151790

HVE

Mooney, Hughie & Cathal, Brackey, Ardara, Co. Donegal

Cashel Hill

087 9621642

IMF

Moore, Isobel, Labbadish, Manorcunningham, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Labbadish

087 2389607

YPI

Murray, Danny, Billary, Pettigo, Co. Donegal

Billary Hill

0044 7729785037 071 9861625

NVI

Myles, Neville, Legaltion, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal

Silver Hill

086 1555599, 071 9851763

SPF

Parke, Stewart & Scott, Glenkeerin, Glenmaquin, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Glenkeerin

087 2393396

RUE

Russell, Kyle, The Glebe, Churchill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Gartan

087 6204066

SSE

Simms, Stephen, Belault South, Pettigo, Co. Donegal

Belault South

SJI

Stewart, John, Roughan, Ramelton, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Roughan

087 1277884, 074 9151077

KAF

Sweeney, Mark, Cloughwilly, Lettermacedward, Co. Donegal

White Hollow

087 6916639

WME

Ward, Michael, Figart, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal

Murroe

086 8753023

RWI

Wilson, Andrew & Richard, Shannagh, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

Shannagh

087 2286809, 074 9145440

RWF

Wilson, Luke Richard , Creevin, Mountcharles, Co.Donegal

Wilson

086 1047680

GWF

Wray, Gary, Drumlask, Donegal P.O, Co. Donegal

Hastings

086 8521177

NBF

Brennan, Niall, Newtownard, Grange, Co.Sligo

Grangehill

087 3271158

XWI

Brennan, Walter, Monard, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Monard

086 8185612, 094 9365312

Mayo/Sligo/Leitrim

JBE

Burke, John, St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Curraghmore, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo

Curraghmore

087 6145447

CJF

Carey, Martin John, Cloontakilla, Bangor, Erris, Ballina, Co.Mayo

Hillside

086 1694300

142

LII

Coen, Liam, Lehinch, Hollymount, Co. Mayo

Lehinch

087 2872674, 094 9540241

KCE

Conway, Gerry, Kilsallagh, Westport, Co. Mayo

Kilsallagh

087 6727002, 098 66265

LCI

Coyne, Paul, Rathgranaher, Cloghan’s Hill, Tuam, Co.Galway

Miller

086 8796346, 093 33344

AAF

Doherty, James Martin, 1 Gortmellia Upper, Barnatra, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Broadhaven

085 7373992, 097 84120

DII

Donnelly, Anthony, Ballyglass, Scarduane, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Ballyglass

087 2632711, 094 9364136

SZE

Dorran, Stuart, High Park House, Dromard, Co.Sligo

Pairc Ard

086 8411276

GAE

Gallagher, Joseph, Carrowcarden, Enniscrone, Co.Sligo

Champion

096 36408

GAI

Gallagher, Ronan, Carrowcarden, Enniscrone, Co.Sligo

Enniscrone

087 9837107, 096 36408

GBE

Garrivan, James, Belclare, Westport, Co. Mayo

Clew Bay

086 3391071

RBF

Handel, Rebecca, Threen, Castlebaldwin, Co.Sligo

Threen

086 1716661

RHF

Henry, Ross, Munninane, Grange, Co.Sligo

Benview

087 2147148

SHF

Herity, Shane, Ballineden , Ballinful, Magherow, Co.Sligo

Atlantic View

089 4939932

HGE

Higgins, Jonathon, Leekfield, Skreen, Co.Sligo

Avondale

087 1334434, 071 9166798

AIE

Keane, Shane, Cloineshill, Newport, Co. Mayo

Glenalainn

086 3580730

DKF

Keane, David , Cloineshill, Newport, Co. Mayo

Glenvale

087 7568576

JKE

Kelly, John, Shraigh East , Bunnahowen, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Bothar Bui

087 7831017

KKF

Killilea, Kevin & Tom, Bothaul, Meelick, Swinford, Co. Mayo

Meelick

087 6194250

CCF

Kilroy, Kevin, Furnace, Newport, Co. Mayo

Furnace

087 9294284

MIE

Lally, Michael, Macecrump, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Macecrump

086 4070628, 097 81203

LLF

Lavelle, Liam, Tallagh, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Ardoone

086 8213899

DAF

Loftus, Aiden & Joseph, Deelvale Farm, Carrowkilleen, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

Deelvale

086 8662839, 096 31482

AQI

McAndrew, Thomas, Tallagh Hill, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Massvilla

086 1504149, 097 82264

PTI

McDermott, PJ, Corrembla, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Seefinagher

086 3260942, 096 45050

FMF

McMorrow, Frankie, Kilmore, Dowra, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Kilmore

087 4109025

DEE

McManamon, Daire & Enda, Derrylahan, Newport, Co. Mayo

Derrylahan

086 8422386

JMF

McManamon, Joe, Sandhill, Carrowbeg, Newport, Co.Mayo

Tiernaur

086 3064230

OME

McTernan, Oisin, Donaghmore, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

Mulkaun

086 2473968, 071 9855303

AME

Moore, Michael, Clogher, Westport, Co. Mayo

Druminawoonagh

087 9933888, 098 28513

GOE

O’Dowd Gerry, Carrowreagh, Ballymote, Co.Sligo

Carrowreagh

071 9183396

GGF

O’Gara, George, Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Clarehill

087 9755903

TOE

O’Haire, Tommy, Letterlough, Newport, Co. Mayo

Letterlough

087 7838858, 098 42744

TSF

Siggins, Trevor, Ardtrasna Hse, Ballinful, Co.Sligo

Ardtrasna

087 2117291

MPE

Staunton, Mark, Rosskeen, Newport, Co. Mayo

Rosskeen

086 8410234

XTI

Staunton, Pat, Cappaduff, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo

Tourmakeady

087 3125209, 094 9544062

ESF

Sweeney, Emmet, Quigabar, Enniscrone, Co.Sligo

Quigabar

087 6847954, 096 37885

EWI

Walsh, Liam, Rathroen, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Ballybrooney

086 2622547, 096 75915

MWF

Walsh, Martin, Carrandulla, Swinford, Co. Mayo

Carrandulla

087 2256541

143

North East EBE

Bailey, Ellen, Culcommon, Batterstown, Co. Meath

Baileys

086 8216971

BIE

Bird, Kenneth, Mill Farm, Dunlever, Trim, Co. Meath

Mill Farm

086 3238416

BMI

Bird, Michael, Dunlever House, Trim, Co. Meath

Dunlever

086 9965239, 046 9436735

VYI

Canty, John, Pubblestown, Kildalkey, Co. Meath

Clover Hill

086 8312817, 046 9435219

CQI

Clarke, Alex, Alepat, Boyerstown, Navan, Co. Meath

Alepat

087 8171037, 046 9027418

CII

Clarke, Charles Jnr, Mullaghrafferty, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan

Mullaghrafferty

086 8243826, 042 9692880

OCE

Clarke, Ornaith, Alepat, Boyerstown, Navan, Co. Meath

Trojan

087 9149540, 046 9027418

CIF

Craig, Aidan & David, Ballyboggan, Clonard, Co. Meath

Clonard

087 2680400

PCF

Crowe, Philip, Lisonanagh, Carrigan, Co. Cavan

Powerful

086 0743931

DLI

Dolan, Terry, Cloneyfad, Oldcasle, Co. Meath

Castle

086 4019440, 049 8541140

ABF

Daly, Eddie, Clonmahon, Summerhill, Co. Meath

Clonmahon

087 2429335

JEE

Donohoe, John & Michael, Druninisclin, Crosserlough, Co. Cavan

Crosserlough

087 9924840, 049 4336414

RDF

Dunne, Robert J, Corporation Lands, Belturbet, Co. Cavan

Kilduff

087 3585284

PFI

Farrell, Pat & Barry, Oberstown, Tara, Co. Meath

Oberstown

086 2615661, 046 9025090

ZGI

Gibbons,Peter, Macetown, Tara, Co. Meath

Macetown

087 2077560

CHF

Hughes, Conor, Carricknagarvan, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan

Carricknagarvan

087 9617430

EKF

Kierans, Eugene Thomas, Edengora, Tierworker, Kells, Co. Meath

Edenhill

086 8773913

STE

Kiernan, Seamus & Therese, Clonlohan, Kilcogy, Co. Cavan, via Longford

Ardlow

086 1617982, 049 4336674

HKF

Kirkham, Brian, Drumsillagh, Drumconrath, Navan, Co. Meath

Geordie

087 2432295, 041 6854812

QPI

Leonard, Patrick, Glassdrummond, Smithboro, Co. Monaghan

Glassdrummond

086 6636383

RSF

Madden Rosemary, Grange End, Ratoath Rd, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath

Crannóg

086 6011124, 01 8259198

NSE

Martin, Nigel, Mullinacross, Smithboro, Co. Monaghan

Corcreaghy

086 1701231, 047 57047

CMF

McCann, Conor, Glenmore, Riverstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Glenmore

086 3688013

JQE

McCann, John, Glenmore, Riverstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Cleggan

086 3837470

JUE

McDermott, Justin, Aughnacreevy, Killeshandra, Co. Cavan

Creevy

086 3707569

PFF

McDonnell, Enda, Ellinure, Newbliss, Co. Monaghan

McDonnell

086 8922019

PDE

McDonnell, Paul, Ellinure, Newbliss, Co. Monaghan

Ellinure

086 8922019, 047 54263

ZEI

McGee, Sean, Lattagloghan, Crosskeys, Co. Cavan

Navac

086 6046283, 049 4330356

HUI

McHugh, John & Colm, Cnoc Glas, Lisnashannagh, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan

Greenhill

087 6708186, 042 9661712

AMF

McMeel, Amanda, Corry, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan

Mac’s

MLE

McMeel, Malachy, Corry, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan

Forthill

087 9299370

AEF

MacSeain, Gerard, Cherrybank Hse, Cornafean Co. Cavan

GMS

086 0494822, 494337633

GMF

Murphy, Garrett, Garvilla, Clougher Head, Co. Louth

Garavilla

087 1248137

MUE

Murray, Matthew, Essexford, Louth P.O, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Corryhill

087 6781262

NJF

Nulty, Jason, Aughnacreevy, Tullyco, Cootehill, Co. Cavan

Aughaway

086 0808090

144

EOE

O’Sullivan, Eugene, Balgeeth, Ardcath, Co. Meath

Ardcath

086 2600616, 01 8354753

PRE

Porter, Robert, Glenboy, Oldcastle, Co. Meath

Glenboy

086 3125361

EQI

Quirke, Enda, Newtown, Hill of Down, Enfield , Co. Meath

Grove

086 8120065, 046 9546207

QTI

G,C & M Taylor, c/o Hilton Park, Clones, Co. Monaghan

Finn

086 1930747, 047 56258

CFF

Treanor, Christopher, Davagh, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan

Davagh

087 3502364, 047 87479

PTE

Tuite, Peter, Ballinvalley, Oldcastle, Co. Meath

Ballinvalley

087 2203610

WHE

Wehrly, Cayla & Emily, Drumsillagh, Ravensdale, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Slibh

042 9371744

ZWI

Wehrly, John, Ravensdale, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Ravensdale

086 8122485, 042 9371744

PPE

Boylan, Family, Haylands, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

Piper’s Hall

086 4037301

AEE

Brady, James & John , Ashtown, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow

Ashtown

086 2783684, 086 1728536

Midlands

OEI

Brennan, Eamon, Grennan, Attanagh, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Grennan

086 8759115, 0502 36204

BYE

Byrne, Joe, Deputy’s Pass Farm, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow

Foynes

086 8464450

CBE

Collison, Brid & Frances, Barna, Dunkerrin, Birr, Co. Offaly

Glendine

0505 45203

GDE

Delaney, Gerard, New Inn, Emo, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Cappakeel

087 6730313, 057 8626362

AHF

Hanbridge, Andrew, Winetavern, Stratford on Slaney, Co. Wicklow

Winetavern

087 2024664

EHF

Hanlon, Eddie, “Dunlon”, Dunbur Upper, Wicklow

Dunlon

087 2656239, 0404 68230

THI

Healy, Tom, Blackthorn View, Loughanure, Clane, Co. Kildare

Loughanure

087 2556069, 045 868529

HAF

Hobson, Avril, Barraderry, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow

Barraderry

087 8188441

ILI

Kelly, James, 270 Carbury Village, Carbury, Co. Kildare

Castle Kelly

086 3447137, 046 9553443

EAF

Maher, Noreen, The Cottage , Old Meadow Stud, Donadea, Naas, Co.Kildare

Old Meadow

087 6362365

BME

Mathews, Brian, Quarrymount House, Killeigh, Co. Offaly

Millenium

087 2658781, 057 9344964

GME

Murphy, Grahme & Barry, Woodlands Lodge, Castledermot, Co. Kildare

Castlecroft

086 3583158

IEI

Murphy, William Snr, Sheffield House, Ballylinan, Athy, Co. Kildare

Cloonsaran

087 9951075

ZPF

Payne Zöe, Mountvilla Farm, Cappanargid, Rathangan, Co. Kildare

Mountvilla

087 1351609

RRF

Rogers, Richard, Friarstown, Bohernabreena, Dublin 24

Rogers

086 3735554

FRI

Ryan, Flor, Lawn, Prosperous, Co. Kildare

Lawn

086 8115560

RYI

Ryan, Jackie, Carapiro’, Thomastown, Enfield , Co. Kildare

Rotsee

085 2384281

VRI

Ryan, Johnny, Graigues, Robertstown, Co. Kildare

Graigues

045 870463

RJE

Ryan, Joe, The Rath’, Garristown, Co. Dublin

Garristown

087 4145093, 01 8354469

SUI

Walsh, Una & Mark, Coolree, Enfield, Co. Meath

Coolree

086 3964914

ZYI

Bradley, Emily, Ashfield Hall, Ballickmoyler, Carlow

Ashfield

086 3947460, 059 9147966

TKE

Brazil, Kenneth, Toureen, Ballymacarbry, Clonmel, Co. Waterford

Toureen West

087 2725636, 052 36327

South East

MKI

Connolly, Ann & Gerard, Ballinacurra, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary

Ballinacurra

087 7713144

DAI

D’Arcy, Patrick, 3 Mill Green, Gorey, Co.Wexford

Ballywilliam

087 7579176, 053 9480835

145

XAI

D’Arcy John & Kathleen, Kilmallock, Ballymurn, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Kilmallock

053 9138541

PDF

Deery, Patrick, Knockanafalla, Rathgormack, Co. Waterford

Jewel

086 4473626

LDE

Dillon, Liam, Kilclammon, New Ross, Co. Wexford

Kilclammon

087 0654839

MDI

Donohoe, John, Ballybur, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny

Ballybur

087 6775844, 056 7729914

GHE

Grothier, Graham, The Grove, Clonegal, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Grove Lee

087 7736064

HEE

Holden, David & Ellen, Kellsgrange, Kells, Kilkenny

Garnastan

086 2617204

HNI

Hutchinson, William J, Chapelizod House, Kells, Co. Kilkenny

Chapelizod

086 2510899, 056 7728023

ZNE

Kidd, John, Kildavin, Bunclody, Co. Wexford

Treemore

087 2480910, 059 9157869

GCI

McCullagh, Anne, Glenaharry, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow

Glenrock

087 2173793, 059 9721479

MPF

Morrissey, Paddy, Ballintaggart, Callan, Co. Kilkenny

Ballintaggart

087 9557971

PXI

Murphy, Anne, Belcarrig, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Foundry

086 8441144, 053 9383270

PXE

Murphy, Michael & Aidan, Belcarrig, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Murphy’s

087 6634313

UVI

Neville, John, Brownstown, Murrintown, Co. Wexford

Thornville

087 1204485, 053 9139747

TPI

Pollard, Tom, Grawn, Ballingarry, Thurles, Co.Tipperary

Grawn

087 6534570, 052 54314

QJI

Renehan, John, Violet Hill, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny

Violet Hill

086 8153324, 056 8838775

RCF

Rothwell, Clive, 3 Park Green, Phelim Wood, Tullow, Co. Carlow

Ballypierce

087 6617060

DSF

Sinnot, Michael Jnr, Knockbrandon, Craanford, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Knockbrandon

087 1361875

ASI

Stephenson, Ann, Corstown, Kilmanagh, Co. Kilkenny

Ringwood

086 8340964, 056 7769489

LTI

Taylor, John L, Renaghmore, Grange, Barna, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Renaghmore

087 2357627, 056 8834412

ETE

Tynan Edward, Garrandarragh, Mullinavat, Co.Kilkenny

Garrandarragh

085 1655538, 051 898429

JWF

Walker, Jim, Ballybrennan, Killinick, Co. Wexford

Yoletown

087 9873264

WBF

Walsh, Noel P, Ballintlea, Leamybrien, Co. Waterford

Ballintlea

087 7768114

FWF

Whelan, Francis, Horetown, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford

Horetown

086 6061312, 051 565645

TWF

Whelan, Thomas, Barmoney, Ballyhogue, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Springbridge

086 6061312

EDE

Doran, Eddie, Ballinard, Fethard, Co. Tipperary

Ballinard

087 6325506

FFF

Flaherty, Maurice, Keel, Castlemaine, Co.Kerry

Keel

087 7621021

South West

TFF

Fraher, Thomas, Curraghkilbran, Galbally, Co. Limerick

Galtee Mór

086 8264156

YGE

Gallagher, Eamon & Mikey, Ballinamongree, Glanworth, Co. Cork

Ballinamongree

086 8360059

YGI

Gallagher, Mary, Ballinamongree, Glanworth, Co. Cork

String

086 8360059, 025 38232

SEF

Healy, Stephen, Upper Tennis, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry

Island

087 9254576

THE

Holmes, Thomas, Carnane, Corofin, Co. Clare

Poulnabruckee

087 8506028

AHI

Howard, PJ, Fermoyle, Fanore, Co. Clare

Elva

086 3179798

JJF

Jeffery, Jim & Frampton, The Bungalow, Ahanesk, Midleton, Co. Cork

Bawnard

086 3339010, 021 4631462

DIE

Keane, Diarmuid, Grouse Lodge House, Ardagh, Co. Limerick

Grouse

087 2450502

RLF

Lalor, Richard & John, Rathkenty, Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Rathkenty

086 1223478, 052 6131574

146

JUI

Landers, Patrick, Mountnicholas, Gortnalea, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Gortnalea

087 4144674, 066 9764639

CAF

McCarthy, Christopher, Burryroe, Bantry, Co. Cork

Burryroe

087 7613875

SEE

McCarthy, Edward & Sheena, Ballybeg, Buttevant, Co. Cork

Awbeg

086 2730363

JVE

McCarthy, Jerry, Fustane, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Kenmare

086 8748366

MKF

Meagher, Enda, Shangarry, Ballingarry, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Little Farm

087 9767830

NAI

Neenan, Michael, Dromakee, Kilflynn, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Kilflynn

087 2777721, 066 7135412

DNE

O’Donoghue, Declan, Droumcarbin, Headford, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Droumcarbin

087 6841342

OKI

O’Keeffe. Arthur & Patrick, Annakisha Hse, Mallow, Co. Cork

Annakisha

086 8135804, 022 26180

MVE

O’Mahony Robert, Forrestown, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork

Forresthill

086 8501163, 021 4882108

FSE

O’Se, Fergal, Church Cross, Ventry, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Emlach

087 9895475

OSF

O’Sullivan, James & Colin, Portmagee, Co. Kerry

Portmagee

087 0693032, 087 1411182

MSF

O’Sullivan, Michael, Cullinagh, Skibereen, Co. Cork

Sullitex

086 1790568

DBF

Thompson, Daniel, Castlegarde, Cappamore, Co.Limerick

Castlegarde

087 9314006, 061 381856

RWE

Walker, Robert, Kilcurley, Manister, Croom, Co. Limerick

Kilcurley

087 9252310, 061 397340

DWF

Walsh, Dermot J, Knightstown, , Valentia Island, Co. Kerry

Valentia

086 8339549

NBI

Brennan, Alma & Lorraine, Lisgobbin, Roscommon

Roscommon

086 8546772

West JBI

Brennan, John J, Lisgobbin, Roscommon

Lisgobbin

086 8179246

IBI

Brooks, John J, Racepark, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon

Racepark

086 8122850, 0906 9683627

BTE

Burke, Trevor, Tavanaghmore, Corofin, Cummer, Tuam, Co. Galway

Deburca

086 1606565, 093 41871

NBE

Byrne, Nicholas, Clare, Oughterard, Co. Galway

Weststar

087 6993422, 091 552548

ACF

Clarke, Aoghan, Ferriskhill, Mostrim, Co. Longford

Ferrisk Hill

087 6727002

ECE

Campbell, Eric, Vicars, Choroland, Tuam, Co. Galway

Master

086 0763014

ACE

Carroll, Damien, Ballymulalin, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Ballymulalin

086 0563779

MCE

Carroll, Michael, Ballymulalin, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Comer

086 0638388, 0906 488074

FKI

Conlon, Frank, 4, Tennis View, Moate, Co. Westmeath

Assulas

086 3522356, 0906 6481925

PAF

Conneely Patrick, Dunlough Rd, Bunowen, Ballyconneely, Co. Galway

Errismore

086 0446124

PPF

Connolly, Pat & Padhraic, Corbally North, Cummer, Tuam, Co. Galway

Woodhill

087 9720151

CQE

Cunniffe, Darragh, Horseleap, Tuam, Co. Galway

Horseleap

087 9895631

XVI

Delaney, Seamus, Creemully, Castlcoote, Co. Roscommon

Creemully

087 2076290, 0906 6663347

MDF

Dwyer, Michael, Donamon, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon

Oran

086 2041815

AFF

Fahy, Aidan, Carrownamona, Tullira, Ardrahan, Co. Galway

Tullira

087 2953295

BLE

Fleming, John & Gerry, Brierfield, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Brierfield

086 0763027

EFF

Flynn, Eoin, Menlough, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Hillview

087 2868068

BHF

Hanley, Patrick, Keelogue, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford

Keeltown

086 8241920

HHE

Haverty, Michael, Dunblaney, Dunmore, Co. Galway

Dunblaney

087 9000231, 093 38470

MHE

Healy, Michael, Doon West, Roscahill, Co. Galway

Doon Hill

087 7830750

147

PHF

Hett, Pat, Clougher Upper, Granlahan, Ballinlough, Co. Roscomm

Clougher

087 920602, 094 9646150

GII

Higgins, John Jnr, Belville, Baylin, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Baylin

087 6849778, 0906 6485921

PJE

Joyce, Patrick, Cahir, Recess, Co. Galway

Recess

087 6754357

CKE

Keane, Cyril, Ballinamana West, Clarenbridge, Co. Galway

Maree

087 6655701

BKF

Keenan, Bernadette, Ballyfinnegan, Balintober, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Shepherds

086 2405456

VHE

Kelly, Padraig, Taughboy, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon

Heatherview

086 2401527

KBF

Kelly, Stephen & Padraig Jnr, Taughboy, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon

Kellys

086 2401527

KPE

Kenny, PJ, Liscahill, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford

Shantum

087 9088320

KTE

Kenny, Thomas, Ballinderry, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Hillswood

087 2221322

KTF

Kenny, Thomas Jnr, Ballinderry, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Curach

086 1966860

GKE

Killilea Gerry, Gregcarragh, Claregalway, Co. Galway

Carragh

087 9430535, 091 799058

KJE

Kyne, Niall, Moyvoon, Oughterard, Co. Galway

Moyvoon

091 552430

CLF

Lyons, Conor, Turoe, Bullaun, Loughrea, Co. Galway

Lyons

086 0318699

LPI

Lyons, Pat, Turoe, Bullaun, Loughrea, Co. Galway

Turoe

087 9832392, 091 842420

NMF

McGloin, John, 3 Dun Ard, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Knockglen

087 1833189

JMI

Mee, Donal, Coolderry, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

Coolderry

086 3276061, 0906 623303

UXI

Mulligan, Margaret & Ruth, Mullagh, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath

Mullagh

087 2308642, 044 61314

MYE

Murphy, Martin, Ballykeeran Big, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Montybally

087 6325371

MYI

Murphy, Michael, Moneen, Cummer, Tuam, Co. Galway

Tysaxon

087 6993411, 093 41380

PNE

Niland, Gerard, Chessy, Kinvara, Co. Galway

Nilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

086 3797349, 091 635148

PNI

Niland, Padraic, Chessy, Kinvara, Co. Galway

Chessy

087 2898357, 091 635148

HNE

Noble, Harry, Kilcoursey House, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford

Noble

043 3371281

XNI

Noble, Mark, Kilcoursey House, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford

Kilcoursey

087 6146964, 043 3371281

JTE

Swift, Jack, Ballyhiague, Williamstown, Co. Galway

Ballyhiague

089 4530462

FTI

Teagasc c/o Henry Walsh, Research Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway

Foras

091 845847, 091 845845

FTE

Thornton, Fintan, Gortenaire, Tynagh, Loughrea, Co. Galway

Tynagh

087 2220639, 0909 74557

QYI

Turley, Enda, Newbridge, Fardrum, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Newbridge

086 3818743, 0906 430272

JFF

Walsh, Jack, Ballykeeran, Bullaun, Loughrea, Co. Galway

Bullaun

087 3359997

KWF

Walsh, Kevin, Corban, Gortymadden, Loughrea, Co. Galway

Corban

087 7979133

WAF

Warde, Gerard, Windfield Road, Menlough, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Skehana

085 2801426

DWE

Whelan, Declan, Lisnagree, Caltra, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Lisnagree

086 2689543

148

advertisers’ index

Breeders Adverts Bailey, Ellen Baileys Texels 54 Bird, Michael & Kenneth Millfarm & Dunlever Texels 23 Brennan, J,A & L Lisgobbin & Roscommon Texels 67 Canty, John Cloverhill Texels 15 Clarke, Alex Alepat & Trojan 48 Clarke, Charlie Mullaghrafferty Texels 84 Coen, Liam & David Lehinch Texels 24 Coyne, Paul Miller Texels 113 Crowe, Philip Powerful Texels 27 Farrell Pat & Barry Oberstown Texels 74 Hanley, Brendan & Patrick Keeltown Texels 93 Keane, Diarmuid Grouse Texels 25 Landers, Pat Kilflynn Texels 25 Mary Gallagher Ballinamongree & String Texels 26 McHugh, J,C &M Greenhill Texels 101 Neenan, Mike Gortatlea Texels 25 Niland, Padraic & Gerard Chessy & Nilands Texels 89 O’Keeffe Arthur & Patrick Annakisha Texels 39 O’Sé, Fergal Emlach Texels 77, 78 Ryan, F,J &J Ryan Texels 125

Club Adverts Cooley Sheep Breeders 24 Donegal Texel Breeders 46 Hiltex Ewe Sale 65 Northern Ireland Club 73 West Region Texel Club 94

Commercial Adverts Agri-Tags 79 Animax 53 Blessington Livestock Mart 112 Bord Bia 148 British Texel Society 66 Chanelle 100 Connollys Red Mills 121 Cormac Tagging 113 Glengoyne Genetics 115 AB Europe 38 Irish Farmers Journal 122 MSD - Heptavac P plus 72 Pro Star Genetics 11 Univet inside back cover Volac 114 149

Join the Bord Bia Quality Join the BordScheme Bia Quality Assurance and help Join the Bord Bia Quality Assurance and help secure ourScheme best markets.

Assurance Scheme and help secure our best markets. secure our best markets.

Securing access to the EU’s top retail groups, along with major foodservice and manufacturing companies critical toalong the future prospects of our beef Securing access to the EU’s top retailisgroups, with major foodservice lamb sectors.companies is critical to the future prospects of our beef andand manufacturing Securing access to the EU’s top retail groups, along with major foodservice andIn lamb sectors. and manufacturing companies is critical towill theonly future ourcoming beef general, our highest paying customers buyprospects beef and of lamb and lamb sectors. from Quality Assured farms.

That means if your farm isn’t a member of the Bord In general, our highest paying customers will only buy beef and lamb coming BiaQuality Beef and Lambfarms.

QualityThat Assurance (BLQAS), you couldofbethe losing from means Scheme if your farm member Bord out.

In general,Assured our highest paying customers will onlyisn’t buyabeef and lamb coming Bia from Beef Quality and Lamb Qualityfarms.

Assurance Scheme (BLQAS), youisn’t could be losing out.Bord Assured means if your farm a member the The Bord Bia Quality mark is ourThat assurance to customers that the beefofand lamb Bia Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme (BLQAS), you sustainable could be losing out. they buy meets the highest standards with regard to safe, food The Bord Bia Quality mark is our assurance to customers that the beef and lamb complete traceability and regard animaltowelfare. theyproduction, buy meets the highest standards with safe, sustainable food The Bord Bia Quality mark is our assurance to customers that the beef and lamb production, complete traceability and animal welfare. they buy meets the highest standards with regard to safe, sustainable food production, complete traceability and animal welfare.

Your food is our passion Your food is our passion Your food is our passion bordbia.ie bordbia.ie Scan here for more information on the Bord Mark.

Scanbordbia.ie here Bia for Quality more information on the Bord Bia Quality Mark.

Scan here for more information on the Bord Bia Quality Mark.

150

Our beef is now sold in more than 75 Our beef is now supermarket chains beef than is now soldOur in more 75 across EU markets, sold in more than 75 supermarket chains a higher number than across EU markets, supermarket chains beef of any other origin. a higher number than across EU markets, beefaof any other origin. higher number than beef of any other origin.

On the home market, Bord Bia’smarket, promotional On the home for lamb Bordprogram Bia’s On thepromotional home market, focuses on Quality program lamb Bord for Bia’s promotional Assurance.

98% of focuses on Quality program for lamb the lamb sold Assurance. ofby Irish focuses98% on Quality retailers carries the Bord the lamb sold by Irish Assurance. 98% of Bia Quality Mark. retailers carries thebyBord the lamb sold Irish Bia Quality retailersMark. carries the Bord Bia Quality Mark.

Tel: 049 5553203

Design & Print by Browne Printers Ltd Lettetkenny, t. +353 (0) 74 9121387

The Irish Texel Sheep Society Kellistown Farm, Kellistown, Co. Carlow tel: 087 3552992 â&#x20AC;˘ e-mail: info@irishtexel.com website: www.irishtexel.com Irish Texel Sheep