Hill farmers might complain about the margins in sheep at the moment, but there certainly appears to be money in the bow-wows they use to herd them.

Seemingly, good sheepdogs are very hard got, particularly trained dogs. Up to €5,000 is being asked for top-class dogs, the Dealer has heard.

I hear some are willing to pay €3,500-4,000 for a trained dog that is ready to rock and roll in the hills.

One man told me that despite his willingness to pay top dollar for the right dog, he has been unable to purchase.

“It’s a lot easier to buy a quad or a drone these days, than it is to buy a dog,” he said.