New air of positivity with strong start to breeding sale in Tullow

Despite a lower mood in sheep farmers over the past few months with stubborn factory quotes and falling sheep numbers, there was a definite “air of positivity” ringside at the 38th annual Tullow Sheep Breeders show and sale hosted in Tullow Mart.

Ewe lambs sold from mid-morning on, with over 900 lambs recording a full clearance rate, while hoggets sold after lunch, with over 40 farmers actively purchasing breeding hoggets.

‘There’s a new air of positivity around here today, with a lot of people going back to the Suffolk x Cheviot-cross ewe now that had walked away from it,” said mart manager Eric Driver. “Between her longevity and her ability to produce high-end lambs while still being of high value as a cull ewe, what might look dear here today is far from it. We have had cull Suffolk x Cheviot-cross ewes reaching above €300/head last week which is phenomenal.”

Ewe lambs in the main sold between €240-€260/head for those in the mid 40-50kg weight band, with select lots of heavier lambs broaching the €300/head mark on several occasions, more frequently than last year. Lighter lambs weighing between 37-40kg sold from €190/head upwards, with these types being tighter in supply this year. Top price in the ewe lambs was a pen of 10 sharp sheep weighing 52kg that sold for €440/head (€8.46/kg).

In the hoggets, top-quality lots sold for €380-€420/head in the main, with only very plain types failing to sell for €300 and above. “Farmers are prepared to put their shoulder to the wheel and produce food and to farm sheep. It’s high time that the industry falls in behind them,” Eric said. “The strong prices paid for breeding sheep today was driven by farmer positivity and an enthusiasm for sheep farming.”