A carefully selected group of 180 rams from trusted breeders across a wide range of leading terminal and maternal breeds will be offered for sale in the upcoming Big Boy Ram Sale at the showgrounds in Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday 1 August.

This multi-breed sale includes, Texel, Suffolk, Charollais, Lleyn, Belclare, Aberblue, Suftex, Chartex, Charbex and Sufclare.

With something to suit both commercial and pedigree-focused flocks, buyers can expect rams that are strong, structurally correct and suited to real working conditions. Breeders involved in the sale have placed a strong emphasis on conformation, mobility, and soundness, with animals presented ready for work.

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Commenting on the sale, Stuart Doran, one of the breeders with rams in the sale, said: “There are no poodles in the Big Boy Ram Sale. Rams are presented with no dye or trimming to hide topline faults. The breeders strive to breed rams that are functional and appealing to the eye.

“The extremely rigorous inspection done by the independent veterinarian is helping to maintain a standard of rams which we can stand over.”

Modern-type rams

Stuart believes the modern-type ram they are offering in the sale is what the market requires: “They are more geared towards the commercially desirable traits, such as lighter bone, carcase conformation, tight wool, vigor and black silky hair. Many have a flicked up ear giving them a more lively appearance. They also tend to transfer more vigor at lambing time, and easier lambing as a whole,” he said.

In recent years, this modern type ram has become increasingly popular with Boris breeders, Suffolk Mule breeders and show enthusiasts, to breed that sharp, dark-coloured cross with the Texel, that has been dominating the show circuit.

Increased demand

This has led to an increased demand over the last two years, with the small numbers offered for sale sparking bidding wars between commercial and pedigree breeders. As a consequence, the number of rams offered in this year’s sale has doubled to meet the new demand.

Viewing starts at 4pm on Friday 1 August in Carrick-on-Shannon, with the sale commencing at 6pm, ringside and online via LSL. Rams are export-eligible from the yard to Northern Ireland and the EU on the evening of the sale.