Vendeen Sheep At Roscommon Mart
Posted on: 26/07/2012
Vendéen Sheep
There was a very strong demand for quality lots at our Premier Sale and Irish Vendéen Sheep Society breeders are, again, fielding numerous enquiries and requests for rams this year. Our sales are always well attended but, although the interest in Vendéen rams this year is still increasing the number attending this years’ Premier Sale would not be as large as last year. This may be in response to the downturn in lamb prices, the weather, or some other reason. However, those who attended were rewarded with excellent quality animals throughout.
At the Premier Sale, held at Roscommon Mart on Wed. 18th July there were 43 lots on offer with 70% clearance of rams with an average of €502.00 being paid. This figure is up on last year by some €18.00.
The top priced ram and Champion of the Show was a lamb bred by Tom Duffy, Tallagh, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, which sold for €1560.00. The show classes were judged by Robin Kennedy, Northern Ireland.
Overall, bidding was brisk with a good number of breeders and commercial buyers showing interest. Many of the lots for sale had LambPlus Eurostar figures and there was a good deal of interest in these figures being shown by prospective purchasers.
This year we will be holding ram sales at various marts around the Country. (Look out for our adverts): Our year cumulates in our In-Lamb Ewe Sale at the end of October in Roscommon. This has become a popular annual event, especially for breeders looking to acquire new breeding stock. We have an incentive in place at this event for anyone looking to start breeding Vendéen sheep. Any prospective member of the Irish Vendéen Sheep Society who buys 2 or more females and subsequently transfers them into their own name, is entitled to their 1st year membership free of charge.
Catalogues will be available nearer the time – keep a look out on our website www.vendeensheep.ie for all sales catalogues.
Our website is also an excellent way to find out more about Vendéen sheep – their origins on the west coast of France and why they are so popular as a meat breed here and in France. It also contains a list of all members and contact details as well as dates and venues of sales. Sale catalogues are available to download about a week before the sale.
Ann Ford
P.R.O., Irish Vendéen Sheep Society