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Scanning results for mid-season lambing flocks are running 10% to 20% ahead of previous years, according to sheep scanning technicians across NI.
Those contacted by the Farmers Journal indicate that they have almost completed scanning of March lambing flocks, with scanning of hill flocks likely to get underway towards the end of January.
Lowland crossbred sheep mated in October have had a successful breeding period with 180% to 200% scanning common, and some clients achieving scanning results as high as 220% to 230%. Last year, scanning results were more typically 160% to 190%.
Technicians also indicate that barren rates are down this year, with 2% to 3% of ewes running empty compared with 5% to 6% in previous years.
In contrast, scanning results for ewes that were mated in August are poor (especially in areas impacted by the summer drought), with ewes more typically scanning 150% to 160%, and higher barren rates. Scanning results improved for ewes tupped in September, but were still lower than those bred in October. Meanwhile, early sales of in-lamb sheep at Ballymena Mart this week saw twin-bearing lowland cross ewes selling to £145/head. Numbers forwarded for sale are expected to increase in the coming weeks.
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