Local breeders of Scottish Blackface sheep have withdrawn all animals from livestock competitions at this week’s Balmoral Show.
It comes after the show’s organising body, the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), insisted that all animals must remain at the show for all four days.
The issue has been raised in previous years, and ever since the RUAS decision to extend Balmoral show to a four-day event.
Some common ground was previously found, which allowed Blackface breeders to have their sheep at the show for only two days.
However, that was not on offer this year. As a result, it is the first time that Scottish Blackface sheep will not be present at Balmoral Show.
Losses
Breeders spoken to by the Irish Farmers Journal said that they encountered several losses after showing sheep at Balmoral last year, while others reported respiratory problems and loss of performance in other prize-winning animals.
“Blackface sheep are used to the hill and mountain environment, not being penned up for several days at such events. The sheep on display are the best genetics available to local breeders and extremely valuable when selling at autumn breeding sales. People lost sheep after last year’s show, which is hard to accept,” stated one breeder.
The sheep on display are the best genetics available to local breeders and extremely valuable when selling at autumn breeding sales
Another said: “The RUAS points out that the Royal Highland Show is a four-day event, just like Balmoral. While this is true, the Royal Highland Show occurs in late June.
“This means ewes with lambs are at least five to six weeks older. This makes a huge difference to the hardiness of new-season lambs, compared to being a fortnight old when Balmoral takes place.”
Read more
Shortage of fencing posts in the west
Take a peek into one of Ireland’s largest sheep flocks
Local breeders of Scottish Blackface sheep have withdrawn all animals from livestock competitions at this week’s Balmoral Show.
It comes after the show’s organising body, the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), insisted that all animals must remain at the show for all four days.
The issue has been raised in previous years, and ever since the RUAS decision to extend Balmoral show to a four-day event.
Some common ground was previously found, which allowed Blackface breeders to have their sheep at the show for only two days.
However, that was not on offer this year. As a result, it is the first time that Scottish Blackface sheep will not be present at Balmoral Show.
Losses
Breeders spoken to by the Irish Farmers Journal said that they encountered several losses after showing sheep at Balmoral last year, while others reported respiratory problems and loss of performance in other prize-winning animals.
“Blackface sheep are used to the hill and mountain environment, not being penned up for several days at such events. The sheep on display are the best genetics available to local breeders and extremely valuable when selling at autumn breeding sales. People lost sheep after last year’s show, which is hard to accept,” stated one breeder.
The sheep on display are the best genetics available to local breeders and extremely valuable when selling at autumn breeding sales
Another said: “The RUAS points out that the Royal Highland Show is a four-day event, just like Balmoral. While this is true, the Royal Highland Show occurs in late June.
“This means ewes with lambs are at least five to six weeks older. This makes a huge difference to the hardiness of new-season lambs, compared to being a fortnight old when Balmoral takes place.”
Read more
Shortage of fencing posts in the west
Take a peek into one of Ireland’s largest sheep flocks
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