Northern Ireland breeders Alfie and Elaine Shaw are offering 26 rams, eight two-shears and 18 shearlings in their upcoming online sale. Running from 22 to 24 August through Harrison and Hetherington, the online sale follows on from the Co Tyrone farm’s first online offering from their Glebefarm flock.
The Glebefarm breeding programme is built on strong maternal traits, summed up by the family as “Triple M” which stands for meaty, milky, mothers. The Shaws see their Cheviot tups as an ideal commercial crossing option for any breed looking to bring milkiness, mothering ability and hardiness into a flock, with Glebefarm ewes regularly scanning 175-180% and lambing outdoors with minimal intervention.
All tups are fertility guaranteed and grown on grass, reflecting the low-input, forage-based system the flock is run on, and it is those commercial credentials that last year’s buyers say are carrying through to their own farms.
Proven potential
At this year’s Balmoral Show, progeny by Glebefarm Excel took first place in the ewe lamb class, while a ram lamb by Glebefarm Extra Special stood second, early confirmation that last year’s crop is delivering at pedigree level as well as commercially.
On the ground, the reports have been equally encouraging. Glebefarm Eye Opener, which was lot 5 in last year’s sale, scanned 188% across 60 ewes for his new owner, who declared himself “delighted with him, and still as fit as the day he went in”. Another Glebefarm tup successfully covered more than 130 ewes.
Glebefarm Epic, last year’s lot 4, was bought entirely off photographs and videos, his purchaser never having seen the sheep in the flesh before bidding. He has since proven himself commercially, and his owner commented that he would confidently buy that way again.
That confidence in buying online is no accident. Alfie, better known to many as the man behind Agriimages livestock photography, brings a professional eye to how every animal is presented, and this year the Shaws are formalising that advantage into something bigger.
Buy a tup, join the sale
New for this year, the Shaws are inviting Glebefarm customers to become part of the flock’s future. Buyers of Glebefarm tups will have the opportunity to consign progeny as guest vendors at future Glebefarm sales, backed by the family’s photography, videography and marketing expertise.
“If you buy a tup off us, we’re going to help you market and sell what he leaves you,” said Alfie. “It’s not just about the sheep, it’s about helping our customers grow and market their own livestock through Glebefarm genetics, with our sales and marketing support behind them.”
The Glebefarm online timed auction runs from 22 to 24 August through the Harrison and Hetherington platform, with viewing available on farm on Friday 21 August from 2pm and again on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August from noon, at 32 Tobermesson Rd, BT71 7QE.
SHARING OPTIONS