The first Beltex sheep was imported in 1995. It was another year before the Beltex Sheep Society was formed, meaning that this year the society celebrates its 20th year.
That time, the society started with a small group of 15 people and a meeting held in Tuam. Now it has 52 members, with nine new members joining this year.
A new producer group, QualEUtex, has been established this year. The group secured a contract to supply E and U grade lambs to Kepak, Athleague, at a premium price.
The Beltex Sheep Society is confident now more than ever that Beltex is poised for a great future. Beltex-sired lambs provide shape, high quality and add value to sheep enterprise.
Breeders participated at various shows throughout the summer, which has boosted interest in the breed, and Society members will be in attendance at the Beltex stand to meet and outline to farmers how the Beltex breed can improve the conformation and value of commercial lambs.
The Beltex sheep stand at the Ploughing Championship will this year feature a Beltex Shearling ram and Beltex-cross quality lambs, demonstrating the characteristic double muscled hindquarters of the breed.
The next sale of Beltex sheep is to be held in Roscommon Mart on Saturday 1 October followed by Milltown Mid-Kerry Mart on Tuesday 4 October and the Society’s in-lamb sale will be held in Tullamore Mart on Wednesday 7 December.
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