One of the must-attend stands for sheep farmers at this year’s National Ploughing Championships is the sheep pavilion – with a total of 15 different breeds attending. The tunnel is located on block 2, row 5, stand 90, and is organised by the National Sheep Breeders Association each year.

Over the three-day event, the pavilion will attract sheep enthusiasts from across the country, with something for everyone.

Tefrom sheep originate from New Zealand.

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The 15 different breeds are being represented by both their recognised societies and a mix of individual exhibitors. Some of the top sheep will be on display, as it is the pinnacle of the year for breeders to showcase what each breed has to offer. Many breeds will have held their main premier sales ahead of the Ploughing, with some record prices achieved this year across a number of breeds.

The following sheep societies/associations will be on display:

  • South of Ireland Suffolk Sheep Society.
  • Irish Texel Sheep Society.
  • Irish Rouge Sheep Society.
  • Irish Dutch Spotted Sheep Association.
  • Munster Lanark Sheep Society.
  • Galway Sheep Breeders’ Association.
  • Jacob Sheep Society Ireland.

    • The below breeds are been represented by individual exhibitors:

  • Schwarzkope sheep.
  • New-Zealand Suffolks.
  • North Country Cheviot.
  • Polled Dorset.
  • Kerry Hill.
  • Scotch Blackface.
  • Wicklow Cheviot.
  • Tefrom Sheep.

    • The Irish Farmers Journal caught up with NSBA secretary and tunnel organiser Samantha Ginty: “The sheep tunnel is growing year on year, there is great interest across all breeds set to be on display and gives a taste of what their respective breeds have to offer. It’s great to see more sheep breeds on display every year.

    “The tunnel always has a great buzz about it for the full three days and it will be no different this year. We are in full preparation mode ahead of the National Ploughing Championships.”

    The Schwarzkopf sheep breed will be on display in the sheep pavilion. \ Patrick Browne