South of Ireland Branch Suffolk Sheep Society Provincial Shows & Sales 2013

Transcription

1 South of Ireland Branch Suffolk Sheep Society Provincial Shows & Sales 2013 Venue Date Contact Details Fermoy Milltown (Co. Kerry) Roscommon Tullow Enniscorthy Raphoe (export) Kilkenny (multibreed) Monday 12 th August Friday 16 th August Saturday 10 th August Tuesday 13 th August Wednesday 21 st August Friday 16 th August Monday 2 nd September Brid Coakley / Valerie Tiffin Ursula Rooney / Mary Gahan / Michael Brennan / Martin McGlinchey Richard Moore / DID YOU KNOW Suffolks provide the fastest growing male rams; Suffolks are tops for milk yield; Suffolks are tops for mastitis resistance; Suffolks are tops for scrapie resistance

2 SOUTH OF IRELAND BRANCH SUFFOLK SHEEP SOCIETY Calendar of Events 2013 NSC Cork Show Saturday 15 th June Premier Show & Sale Roscrea Mart Saturday 3 rd August Show & Sale Roscrea Mart Wednesday 4 th September Show & Sale Tullamore Mart Wednesday 11 th September Ram Sale Roscrea Mart Wednesday 2 nd October National Ploughing Championships Ratheniska Stradbally Co. Laois 24 th to 26 th September Details from Secretary: Anne Mitchell, Cross, Menlough, Ballinasloe ; annemitchell@eircom.net Visit our website: Design & Print by Browne Printers Ltd, L/kenny, t.: Irish Suffolks 2013

3 Table of Contents Chairman's Address...3 Secretary s Report...4 Minister Simon Coveney Foreword...7 South of Ireland Branch Club Officers Obituaries...10 West of Ireland Suffolk Pedigree Sheep Breeders Club Report...14 Hall of Fame Award Co. Wexford Sheep Breeders Club Report...24 Tup Care Pays Dividents...28 National Championships 2012 Report...30 Braving the Elements at the NSC Athenry...37 Problems & Remedies...44 Uniblock...45 Roscrea Premier Sale 2011 Report...47 A moment of Action at Roscrea Premier Show A Message from Chief Executive Dr Lewis McClinton...58 Kerry Pedigree Suffolk Breeders Club...61 Sheep Ireland...64 Killkenny Pedigree Sheep Breeders Club Report...67 John Martin s Suffolk Crosses...69 Lamb Pita Pockets Recipe...70 Schmallenberg Virus...72 Munster Sheep Breeders Association Report...75 Donegal Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association Report...78 RDS Champion of Champion Awards Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme...84 Suffolks Stand Tall at the National Ploughing Championships...86 Presentation Night North Eastern Suffolk Breeders Club Report...89 Sales Entry Form...92 Membership Form...93 Lamb Stir-fry with Leeks and Peppers Recipe...95 Acknowledgements & Contributors...98

4 Officers 2013 Chairman: TJ Broderick Cross, Menlough, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway tel.: Vice Chairman: Jimmy Screene Guilkagh, Menlough, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway tel.: Treasurer: Jim Jeffery The Bungalow, Ahanesk, Midleton, Co. Cork tel.: Secretary: Anne Mitchell Cross, Menlough, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. tel.: mob.: Committee Members 2013 Michael Brennan, Galbally, Ballyhogue, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Michael Clarke, Ballyhine, Barntown, Co. Wexford TJ Broderick, Cross, Menlough, Ballinasloe John Corcoran, Foxhurst, Brownstown, Kilcloon, Co. Meath. Rev. Canon. Joe Delaney, 91 Castlelawn Heights, Headford Road, Galway City John Donoghue, Ballybur, Cuffsgrange, Co. Kilkenny Marie Ennett, Longwood, Solbborough, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Michael Fleming, School Road, Killorglin, Co. Kerry Jim Gahan, Coolyhune, St. Mullins, Co. Carlow Willie Gleeson, Ballygow, Fethard-on-Sea, Co. Wexford Mark Grealy, Middlethird, Oranmore, Co. Galway PJ Howard, Fermoyle, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. Jim Jeffery, The Bungalow, Ahanesk, Midleton, Co. Cork Gerry Killilea, Cregcarragh, Claregalway, Co. Galway 2 Con Lynch, Newtownbond, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford Philip Lynch, Seabank, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth Declan Mangan, Cloghans Hill, Tuam, Co. Galway Anne Mitchell, Cross, Menlough, Ballinasloe Richard Moore, Smithstown, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Padraic Niland, Chessy, Kinvara, Co. Galway Arthur O Keeffe, Annakisha House, Mallow, Co. Cork Mat Pearse, Cappakee, O Briens Bridge, Co. Clare Jimmy Rooney, Gurtnaderry, Grange, Co Sligo Greg Rossiter, Grange, Bannow, Co. Wexford Jimmy Screene, Windfield, Menlough, Ballinasloe Herbert Stanley, Bawnogue, Rathdowney, Co. Laois Reggie Walsh, Gurteen, Orna, Co. Longford

5 Chairman's Address TJ Broderick 2012 will be remembered as a very challenging year for all farmers. A summer and autumn of High rainfall meant normal farming operations such as silage/hay making and cereal harvesting were difficult to carry out. This resulted in a shortage of quality winter feed which needed to be supplemented by additional concentrate feeding. With the wet year Livestock thrive was poor and disease such as liver fluke flourished. To compound matters the schmallenberg virus was discovered in the south of the country towards the year end. Although the weather took its toll the sheep meat production continued to rise with 260,000 more sheep slaughtered in 2012 that the pervious year. The total value of Irish sheep meat exported in 2012 increased by 7% to E205 million. Lamb prices were down by 3% from 2011 with the average price for 2012 of E4.61kg. Our National Championships were held in Athenry in conjunction with a Teagasc organised sheep event on the 30 th June. The Suffolk Judge on the day was Mr Pat Machray owner of the Middlemuir Suffolk flock in Aberdeenshire Scotland. Despite the poor weather this was a very successful event with the standard and number of sheep presented. Congratulations to Miss Susan O Keeffe of the Clyda flock who exhibited the supreme champion. Congratulations and thank you also to all our breeders who exhibited sheep at the national championships and all who exhibited Suffolk sheep at the various shows around the country. They are a credit to themselves and the Suffolk Sheep Society. Our Premier show and sale was held in Roscrea mart. The event was brought forward for 2012 by 3 weeks to 14 th July on an experimental basis. Our thanks to Mr John Christie of the Westcarse flock who judged on the day. Congratulations to J. & R. Wilson of the Castleisle flock on exhibiting the supreme and reserve champion of the show. The sale was successful, but the results did not warrant a permanent change of our premier sale to the earlier date, thus counsel have decided to revert to the 1 st weekend in August for the 2013 sale. Breeders are advised to cull hard again this year and only lambs of the highest quality to be retained for breeding and offered for sale. As you are all aware there is no fortune to be made in sheep 3

6 farming but for Suffolk breeders to maintain credibility and market share, our product which we offer for sale must be above reproach. I would ask all clubs who organise sales to be strict in their inspections and only allow sheep of the highest quality through their sales ring. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers, sponsors, the marts that hosted our society sales, for their contribution to a successful year. To our Judges and inspectors, stewards, and fellow council members, all who helped out during the year a sincere thank you. I wish everyone a prosperous Secretary s Report In the ten years I have served as Secretary to the South of Ireland Branch of the Suffolk Sheep Society I have seen many changes in the sheep trade but the Suffolk has held and successfully harnessed a big slice of the market share. This has been achieved by the Suffolk breeders always striving to meet the demands of the producer. Suffolks are the number one terminal sire; Suffolks provide superior growth rate, Suffolks have great fleshing ability, Suffolks have longer carcasses with extra meat; Suffolks are top for milk yield; Suffolks are tops for mastitis resistance. The Branch is delighted to see an increasing number of commercial breeders using Purebred Registered Suffolk Rams in their flocks thus helping them to produce excellent lambs that meet the demand of the customer. As well as the increasing number of commercial flock owners it is very encouraging to see the number of new breeders registering with the parent body each month. Great credit must go to the members for the strides they have taken to ensure the top quality of the sheep they bring forward to all events both locally and nationally. Breeders must ensure that they continue to avail of every opportunity to deliver the message that Suffolks are tops. This can be achieved by continuing to present Suffolk Sheep at all local shows, sales and agricultural events held countrywide. The sheep industry held its own again in 2012; while our average price for ram lambs at the Premier Sale was 4

7 down somewhat on the 2011 price; the over all average price and clearance was somewhat better than in The number of sheep continues to be on the increase in Ireland rising to over 5ml in 2012 leaving lots of scope for sale of Rams. The dreaded Schmallenberg Disease is now the biggest threat to sheep farmers. To date there are only 33 confirmed clinical cases reported despite the evidence of widespread exposure to the virus and numerous reports from flock owners that they experienced malformed lambs especially in the early lambing flocks in the South and East of the country. Sadly, each year the Branch reports on the passing of members. In 2012, the Branch lost Mary Kenny (better known to her family and friends as Moira). Moira s premature death saddened and shocked us all. Moira from the Farragher Flock assisted her late father John Kenny at shows and sales for many years and ably took over the running of the Flock since his death. Moira was so well known for her cheerful personality and pleasant smile. She had goodness and strength that shone through at all times. As well as knowing her as a Suffolk Breeder, I had the privilege knowing her as a work colleague; her presence in the office had a very positive influence on all staff members. She was both affirmative and supportive while fostering respect for herself and of others. May she remain forever young with the Lord. Our deepest sympathy is extended to her husband Des, children Laura and Jack, her mother Mollie and her extended family. Nil si imithe uainn ta she imithe roibh. John Nelly Furpark Gort, Co. Galway passed away peacefully on April John became a breeder of Suffolks in 1974 establishing the Furpark flock purchasing his first Suffolks from the late Padraic Raftery of the Coshla Flock. John was a dedicated Suffolk Breeder as well as a highly respected judge. He dispersed his flock in 1991 on retirement, after having gained the respect and friendship of many breeders both registered and commercial during that period. His sister and nephews survive him; The Branch wishes to extend their sincere sympathy to them Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam Dilis The Branch Committee concluded the activities of the year in the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise on 11 th December by hosting Dinner and presentation of Trophies to all the worthy 2012 winners. Richard Wilson celebrated a very enjoyable afternoon in the RDS on 19 th January last where he was presented with his trophy and cheque for E400; Richard was nominated the Branch s 2012 Champion of Champions winner. Arthur O Keeffe and I represented the Branch at four Council Meetings during 5

8 the year and we travelled in the good company of our President Jim Jeffery. We have reported the ongoing progress and developments in the Society back to the Branch, including the movement of Head office to a new location in Ballymena in March this year. The Branch held its AGM in March where John Corcoran retired from the Chair after his two-year tenure. During John s time as Chairman the Suffolks enjoyed an increase in memberships and sale prices. John welcomed the incoming chair TJ Broderick as he commenced his role for the next two years. The redevelopment of the Branch s website was undertaken in 2012 and continues into this year. With the onset of technology taking over form the pen and paper, it is a very useful medium for all breeders to advertise their flocks as well as sales and shows in their areas. Finally, I want to extend my sincere thanks TJ Broderick Chairman: to all the Committee members for their dedication and support during the past year; to our Treasurer and out going President of the Society Jim Jeffery whom has steered the Branch in the black again this year. To club Chairmen and Club Secretaries for keeping their members informed of all developments. To the members whom have worked behind the scenes, in helping to organise local sales, shows and other events ensuring the Suffolks are at the forefront of sheep breeding. Also, to the Mart Managers in Roscrea & Tullamore and their help full staff and our dedicated sponsors, MSD, Volac, Redmills, Greenvale, Uniblock and to my family. Anne Mitchell Secretary New Address for Head Office The Suffolk Sheep Society Fenaghy Road Galgorm Ballymena Co. Antrim BT 42 1fl Telephone number Chief Executive Lewis McClinton lewismcc@suffolksheep.org Secretary Zara Morrison zara@suffolksheep.org Administration Assistant Gale Anderson gale@suffolksheep.org 6

9 Minister's Foreword Mr. Simon Coveney T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food I am delighted to introduce the Suffolk Sheep Society South of Ireland branch 2013 diary which provides a complete guide to one of the most important sheep breeds in the country. The Suffolk breed is one of the oldest in the world, and has grown to become the leading terminal breed on Irish farms. It has outstanding terminal qualities, leading to the production of high quality lamb most suitable for vital export markets. Superior meat eating quality is also a noted feature of the breed, which is vital for the discerning modern consumer. The South of Ireland branch of the Society through the President and Committee provide leadership and dedication to the breed to ensure commercial farmers across the country have access each year to top quality breeding stock. I am aware of the contribution of the Sheep industry to the regional economy, and have provided a number of schemes to assist the sector in recent years. My Department recently enhanced the TAMS Sheep Fencing/ Mobile Handling Scheme which will help assist farmers to reduce the labour input required on their farms. The addition of eligible items to include mobile meal feeders, hay racks, adoption units and tag readers is a significant boost to the sector. The newly launched Sheep Technology Adoption Programme will allow farmers participate in discussion groups, and undertake tasks leading to increased adoption of new technologies which will improve farm profitability. Ireland has become a world leader in the field of genetic improvement of livestock. There is collective industry agreement that there is significant potential to increase genetic gain in the National Sheep population. I have therefore provided major funding to the Industry owned body, Sheep Ireland, to develop comprehensive breed improvement progarmmes for the sheep sector. I commend the Society for their support for this organisation, and would encourage greater uptake of services such as Lambplus which will ultimately improve profitability for all sheep farmers. In addition, my Department continues to provide significant funding and support to the Sheep sector such as financial support for An Bord Bia for the marketing of lamb and Teagasc who are making significant progress in sheep research and knowledge transfer through the BETTER farm programme.. I am committed to the developing a positive future for the sheep sector, and wish the Suffolk sheep society every success for

10 For comprehensive livestock coverage The Farmers Journal is in a class of its own In your local newsagents every Thursday Contact Siobhan Foster - Tel: (01) Mob: sfoster@farmersjournal.ie

11 South of Ireland Branch Club Officers 2013 Munster Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club Secretary: Brid Coakley , Cleanor, Doneralie, Co. Cork Chairman: Andrew Hume Ballinrostig, Whitegate, Co. Cork West of Ireland Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club Secretary: Ursula Rooney Gurtnaderry, Grange, Co. Sligo Chairman: Jimmy Screene Windfield, Menlough Ballinasloe Eastern Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club Secretary: Mary Gahan , Coolyhune St. Mullins Co. Carlow. Chairman: Niall Walsh, , Castlegrogan, Errill Portlaoise, Co. Laois Kilkenny Pedigree Sheep Breeders Association Secretary: Richard Moore , Smithstown, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Chairman: John Renehan Donegal Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association Secretary: Martin McGlinchy , Tullvinney, Raphoe, Lifford, Co. Donegal Chairman: JJ Doherty Weston, Malinhead, Co. Donegal Kerry Pedigree Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club Secretary: Valerie Tiffin ; Roughty Lodge Gortnaboul, Kilgarvin Co. Kerry Chairman: Pat Curran , Sunhill, Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Co. Wexford Sheep Breeders Association Secretary: Michael Brennan , Ballyhogue Enniscorthy Co. Wexford. Chairman: Michael Clarke , Ballyhine Barntown Co. Wexford North Eastern Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club Secretary: Philip Lynch , Castlebellingham, Co. Louth Chairman: Philip Lynch , Castlebellingham, Co. Louth 9

12 Obituaries The Late Moira Kenny Moira the kind shepherd began her life in Farragher on a small mixed farm of dairy cows, commercial sheep, hens, ducks, a donkey and a horse. In her childhood she was happy to work on the farm with her sisters and brother to help their parents. At the age of 10 Moira began helping with the new established flock of Farragher Suffolks. The foundation stock was purchased from the late Denis Lynch Moatfarrell and Moira continued throughout her life to have great respect for the Lynch family. Moira helped with the farming duties which she enjoyed and helped to ensure the lambs were delivered safely and those that required special attention were always a welcome guest curled up by the range. Moira would be delighted in the morning to hear the lambs bleating in the kitchen when she woke. Moira travelled to many shows and sales with her parents and in later years with her husband and children and received many prizes for the stock she tended to. In 1975 Moira showed a pen of first price winning ewe hoggets in Roscommon mart. In 1976 the Farragher Texel Fock was established. The establishment of this flock gave Moira a new set of skills under the guidance of her parents. The skills Moira had learned dealing with the docile Suffolks in no way prepared her for the feisty Texels. Moira continued with the friendships that her parents had made as members of the Suffolk Sheep Society and would greatfully help out other members. Moira would continue to keep connected with her farming passion when she went to work in Dublin by joining Macra Na Feirme and her keen knowledge of stock ensured that she won a stock judging competition. Moira spend her happiest times working with sheep and it was with great joy that she saw her own children showing sheep with style at our local Show in Roscommon and lamb festival. It was her intention during her illness that she would return to farming full time. She was very proud of where she came from and it was with great joy that she learned of the success her fellow West of Ireland shepherds had won the top prizes in Blessington at last Augusts Premier Sale; for her sick bed she said "Up the Boys from the West. Moira was a kind and gentle shepherd and mingled through her flock giving them a quick stroke or an admiring look. Joan Kenny 10

13 The Late John Nelly John Nelly Furpark Gort, Co. Galway passed away peacefully on April John became a breeder of Suffolks in 1974 establishing the Furpark flock purchasing his first Suffolks from the late Padraic Raftery of the Coshla Flock. He was a dedicated Suffolk Breeder as well as a highly respected judge. He dispersed his flock in 1991 on retirement, after having gained the respect and friendship of many breeders both registered and commercial during that period. His sister and nephews survive him. The Branch wishes to extend their sincere sympathy to them. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam Dilis. When the Curtain Falls There comes a time for all of us When we me must say Good-bye. But faith and hope and love and trust Can never never die. Although the curtain falls at last Is that a cause to grieve? The future s fairer than the past If only we believe. Trust in God s eternal care. So when the Master calls. Let s say that life is still more fair Although the Curtain Falls.. 11 Anne Mitchell

14 VACCINATE TO PREVENT FOOTROT IN SHEEP PREVENTING FOOTROT BY TAKING A WHOLE FLOCK APPROACH Further information is available from: MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18. T (1) F (1) W: msd-animal-health.ie

15 West of Ireland Suffolks Calendar of Events 2013 Club Championships Clarenbridge 16 th June. Roscommon Premier Show & Sale 10 th August Portumna Mart Sale Only 20 th August Athenry Mart Show & Sale 26 th August Ballina Mart Show & Sale 3 rd September Ballinrobe Mart Lamb Plus Show & Sale 6 th September Roscommon Mart Sale Only 7 th September Carrigallen Mart Sale Only 16 th September Ballinasloe Mart Sale Only 28 th September Roscommon Mart Sale Only 5 th October Tuam Mart Sale Only 8 th October Stay ahead of the rest ~ buy the best Enquiries to Club Secretary: Ursula Rooney jandurooney@eircom.net BENWISKIN SUFFOLKS Scrapie Monitored Est Reg. LKV Flock Achievements 2012: 1st Prize Novice Ram Lamb NSC nd Prize Open Ram Lamb NSC nd Prize Novice Ewe Lamb NSC rd Prize Aged Ewe NSC st Prize Aged Ewe West of Ireland Championships st Ram Lamb West of Ireland Championships st Aged Ram West of Ireland Championships 2012 Reserve Champion West of Ireland Championships 2012 Sires Used 2012: Solwaybank Razzle Dazzle Carragh Big Bucks Cairness Castello Glenhead Grandmaster Clyda Cockatoo Bailys Supervalue Mountford Bolt Burnview Top Flight Enquiries Welcome Males and Females sold privately. James Rooney Gortnaderry, Grange, Co. Sligo Phone: , Mobile: jandurooney@eircom.net Benwiskin Judo. Sold at Roscrea Premier 2012 to Priorview Flock

16 West of Ireland Suffolk Pedigree Sheep Breeder s Club by Ursula Rooney, Secretary The West of Ireland Suffolk s had another very successful year kicking of with their Club Championships in early June 2012 at the Roundfort Show in Co Mayo. The judge for the day was Mr Martin Butler from the very successful Castlewood flock Dunshaughlin Co Meath. A high standard of sheep on show and perfect weather conditions left Martin s task more difficult. Gerry Killilea 1st prize winner Ewe Lamb and Champion of the Show at Club Championships

17 Results of the Day: Shearling Ram & Upwards: Aged Ewe: Ewe Lamb: Ram Lamb: 1 st James Rooney James Rooney Gerry Killilea James Rooney 2 nd J.P Screene & Sons J.P. Screene & Sons Gerry Killilea J.P. Screene&Sons 3 rd S & C Govin S & C Govin S & C Govin T.J. Broderick. Champion of the Show: Gerry Killilea Reserve Champion: JP Screene & Sons. Their next event for the club was the National Sheep Championships that were held this year at the Teagas Research Centre in Athenry Co Galway on the 10 th June. Once again the West took there share of rosettes under terrible weather conditions with James Rooney of the Benwiskin Flock taking 1 st in the Novice Ram Lamb and going on to take 2 nd in the open. This was followed with Mark & Mary Grealy of the Oranmore Flock taking 1 st in the Ewe Lamb and Gerry Killilea of the Carragh Flock with a 1 st in the Trimmed Ewe class. With other West of Ireland breeders also taking rosettes in ever class on the day all in all it was a great achievement for the club. The club once again was in the line up in Roscrea at the Premier Sale on July 14 th with Trevor Burk of the Deburca Flock taking 1 st in the Ewe Lamb Class and Mark & Mary Grealy of the Oranmore Flock coming 1 st in the Recorded Class. The day ended on a high for the club with Trevor Burke taking Reserve Female Champion of the show. The year progressed and it was the start of the clubs shows & sales. The Premier Sale in Roscommon on the 11 th August kicked started our sales and shows. There was a good attendance and plenty of potential buyers around the ring. The sale opened with cautious bidding but however this changed with three lambs from the Oranmore Windfield and Benwiskin Flocks reaching respectively The champion of the show went to J.P. Screene & Sons of the Windfield flock with Mary & Mark Grealy of the Oranmore flock taking reserve. The club held a total Jimmy Rooney 1 st prize winner Aged Ewe and Reserve Champion of the Show at Club Championships 2012 Colm & Mark Grealy Reserve Champion Premier Sale Roscommon 2012 with Judge P J Howard 15

18 James Rooney attended Roscommon Fest Lamb Fest, Roscommon 2012 of 10 sales in 2012 and despite the current financial climate, demand was good for good quality sheep. With the year coming to an end the club was coming to terms with the death of one of our long standing members Ms Moira Kenny Kerns of the Farragher flock Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon and Mr Phelm Kearns Auctioneer Cloghan Co. Offaly earlier in the year. The club wishes JP Screene & Sons Champion Premier Sale Roscommon 2012 to extend its deepest sympathy to their families and also to all other club members who lost loved ones through out the year. May their gentle souls Rest in Peace. Last but not least as always our gratitude is extended to our sponsors, judges and inspectors, the managers and staff of all the marts and last but not least to you our members for without you there would be no club. James Rooney 1 st Prize Winner Ram Lamb Club Championships Roundford 2012 with Judge Martin Butler 16

19 ORA NMOR E SUFFOLK S Est Reg. No. 88J Our System is outdoor reared from birth to sale Scrapie Monitored Show & Sales Success - 1 st & 3 rd prize ewe lamb at the NSC 2 nd & 3 rd prize ram lamb at the NSC 1 st prize Sheep Ireland ram lamb, Premier Show & Sale Reserve Champion, Champion Group highest price Roscommon Show & Sale Athenry: Champion Group & Sheep Ireland Class At three other sales: 1 Champion, 3 Reserve Champions. - Sires Used st prize winner, Sheep Ireland, Roscrea Premier sold to Judge John Christie, Westcarse Flock Oranmore Super Power (Reg ) by Solwaybank Special One (Reg ) cost 32,000 Bred exceptionally well in first season. Sired many of the above lambs. Bawnoge Cu-Cullann (Reg ). Purchased in Roscrea 2012 for E2,000 Breeding big and powerful straight sheep. Enquiries welcome Males and Females for sale in autumn Mary D and Mark Grealy Middlethird, Oranmore, Co. Galway Telephone: Mobile: Enquiries welcome 17

20 COOLMEEN SUFFOLKS Est Reg. no. NJA Sires used Ewebank Scot s Gold Carragh Pure Gold Males and females available for sale from mid July onwards Enquiries to STEPHEN & COLM GOVIN Colmeen, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo Telephone: (094) , (087) stephen.govin@gmail.com Moneen (est. 1983) Suffolk Flock R40 Scrapie Monitored Moneen has won many Championships and prizes at Shows and Sales across the country down the years Sires used in 2012 DeBurca Deezer Stratisla Stan the Man Racepark Ferrari Ewes for sale at all times. Enquiries Welcome. MICHAEL MURPHY MONEEN CUMMER TUAM CO. GALWAY Mobile: (087)

21 SUPERIOR GROWTH RATE FLESHING ABILITY OBTAIN HIGHER PRICES KEY TO SUCCESSFUL SHEEP FARMING SUFFOLKS UNIFORMALITY OF LAMBS FAST FINISHERS LONG CARCASS WITH EXTRA MEAT SCRAPIE RESISTANT 19

22 Flock Owner: T.J. Broderick, Cross, Menlough, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Flock Number: KWR Phone: Mobile: SIRES USED 2012 Foxhurst Olympic Gold Windfield Chairman Est.: 1992 Reg. No: 1992 Sires used 2012: Baileys Jacobite Oranmore Buster Benwiskin Judo Matt Pearse, Cappakee, O Briens Bridge, Co. Clare. Tel: One of our prizewinning lambs

23 Hall of Fame Award 2013 Mary Duffy Grealy I was born in Barna Co. Galway. At 12 years of age I moved to Oranmore to attend secondary school. I lived there with my aunt and uncle whom had no children; I loved helping out on their farm. I met my late husband Sean Grealy at a Galway Sheep Breeders Dance in The Grealy's were highly respected Sheep Breeders and exhibited nationally winning the 1st Prize with their Galway Rams at the Spring Show in the RDS in They one of the very first families to start a Suffolk Flock in the West of Ireland in the early 1960s. Sean and I got married in 1961 and we took over the running of his uncle's farm. In 1972 Sean arrived home from a sheep sale in Roscommon with a little present for me; he had purchased the five prize-winning ewe hoggets' from the late John Kenny and he suggested that I would start up a Suffolk Sheep Flock of purebred Suffolk Sheep. We then purchased another five ewes and from then on each year we kept our best ewe lambs each year to build up our flock to what it is today. In 1974 I officially joined the Suffolk Sheep society. I served as Chairperson in the West of Ireland Club for a number of years in the 1980s. I later held the role of Treasurer and in 1998 I was honoured with be given the role of President of the West of Ireland Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club, a role which still Mary Duffy Grealy from Oranmore receives the Suffolk Sheep Society South of Ireland Hall of Fame Award from Niamh Lynch who is the Fresh Foods Category Director for Tesco Ireland at the annual National Hall of Fame Awards in the Sheraton, Athlone. 21

24 hold very proudly today and thoroughly enjoy. Over the years we have exhibited at almost every show and sale held by the club in the West of Ireland, winning Championships and every one of them at one stage or another. At the prestigious events in Athenry and Roscommon we have captured the Champion and Reserve Champion awards as well as the group class on numerous occasions. ln1988 on our first attempt we won the Novice Cup at the Premier Show in Maynooth. Since then our flock has gone from strength to strength with 2012 being another fantastic year which saw us win the performance recorded class at the South of Ireland Premier Show and Sale in Roscrea where we achieved the fourth top price on the day of E2,500gns. Whilst this can be considered a success in its own right, I am proud when I hear from a customer that one of our sheep bred well and brought them good fortune. I would like to thank all whom have supported me and purchased our sheep throughout the years. Since Sean's death 28 years ago my son Mark has managed the farm with me for the last number of years he has been joint owner of the 88J Oranmore Flock. The friends I have made during all these years from all parts of Ireland are very special to me but alas too many of them have now gone to their eternal reward. May They Rest in Peace. Lastly, I wish to thank the South of Ireland Branch of the Suffolk Sheep society for nominating me for this prestigious award and wish success to everyone involved in the Suffolk Sheep Society. I look forward to working with you for many years to come. Mary Duffy Grealy "A double celebration" Mary Duffy Grealy celebrated her 80th Birthday together with her family at he Hall of Fame awards

25 UPTON RYAN Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors Tax Compilance & Consultancy Auditors to South of Ireland Branch Suffolk Sheep Society for over 20 years Best Wishes to Suffolk Sheep Society 9 Adelaide Court Adelaide Road Dublin 2 Tel Website: BALLINASLOE LIVESTOCK MART Sheep Sales January July Every Wednesday August December Every Friday Cattle Every Wednesday Weanlings Every Saturday Phone or

26 Co. Wexford Sheep Breeders Club by Secretary Michael Brennan The sales of Co. Wexford sheep breeders 2012 held at Enniscorthy Mart started on a high note with a big crowd, brisk bidding, very good prices and a full clearance of stock. As the season progressed crowds got smaller and prices slipped a little at each sale. Having said that at each sale there were some very good prices and as always top quality rams sold very well. There was no better example of this than at our last sale where bidding reached an impressive E700. For our first Show and Sale on August 15 th Mr Arthur O Keefe made his way through the floods to judge and inspect and gave the championship to a strong ram from Rossiter s pen, with the reserve going to Michael O Neill. At our second Show and Sale a very nice ram lamb from Patrick Doyle s Ballybrennan flock won the championship judged by Mr John Donohue and he picked the reserve from Tom Rossiter s pen. In June we held a cross breed factory lamb competition for the best six pens of Suffolk cross lambs. The prizes were vouchers to be used at our ram sales for the purchase of a Suffolk ram. This was made possible by the very generous contribution from the Suffolk Sheep Society for which we are very grateful. 1 st Show & Sale Clem Rossiter Champion; Arthur O'Keeffe Judge, Michael O'Neill Reserve Champion 24

27 Our annual outing was a trip to Balmoral Show Belfast in May. It was a very worthwhile experience and an enjoyable day out was had by all and even the bus journey home was without incident when our bus ran out of fuel in Ferns. Luckily we were rescued by a former member Mr Jim Byrne. Our younger members in the group felt it was the highlight of an enjoyable day out. Remaining on a social note our year ended with our annual dinner and presentation of trophies in the Stanville Lodge Hotel where we had another very pleasant evening. Our guest speaker this year was Mr J.J. Kavanagh National Treasurer of the I.F.A and a sheep farmer himself who gave a very interesting talk dealing with the home scene and also sheep matters at E.U. level. Our sincere thanks to our sponsors I.C.M. Camolin and Wexford Farmer Co-Op for their help and assistance throughout the year. Co. Wexford Sheepbreeders Association Prize Winners st Show & Sale Open Ram Lamb: 1 st Greg Rossiter, Grange, Bannow 2 nd Michael O Neil, Bollinaspect, Camolin 3 rd Greg Rossiter, Grange, Bannow 4 th Marie Ennett, Solsbourough, Enniscorthy Group of Three Ram Lambs: 1 st Greg Rossiter, Grange, Bannow 2 nd Michael O Neil, Bollinaspect, Camolin 3 rd Michael Brennan, Galbally, Ballyhogue 4 th Pat Rossiter, Newtown, Wellingtonbridge Shearling Ram: 1 st Rodney Deacon, Garranvabby, The Rower 2 nd Rodney Deacon, Garranvabby, The Rower 3 rd Rodney Deacon, Garranvabby, The Rower Novice Class: 1 st Marie Ennett, Solsbourough, Enniscorthy 2 nd Marie Ennett, Solsbourough, Enniscorthy 3 rd Rory Skerritt, Ballyknocken, The Ballagh 4 th Kevin Gaffney, Rathiminey, Gusseraune Ewe Lamb: 1 st Marie Ennett, Solsbourough, Enniscorthy 2 nd Bernie Howlett, Shielbaggan, Ramsgrange 3 rd Kevin Gaffney, Rathiminey, Gusseraune 4 th Rory Skerritt, Ballyknocken, The Ballagh Champion: Greg Rossiter, Grange, Bannow Res. Champion: Michael O Neil, Bollinaspect, Camolin 2nd Show & Sale Open ram Lamb: 1 st Patrick Doyle, Ballybrennan, Bree 2 nd Tom Rossiter, Graige Hill, Bannow 3 rd John Martin, Ballymagyr, Duncormick 4 th Michael Brennan, Galbally, Ballyhogue Novice Class: 1 st Hilary & Gary Ennett, Solsbourough, Enniscorthy 2 nd Kevin Gaffney, Rathiminey, Gusseraune 3 rd Ann Murphy, Kilabeg, Ferns 25

28 Hogget Ram Sale Premier Show & Sale Sale Second Show & Sale Evening Sale 6.30 p.m Sale Sale Sale Dates 2013 All Sales held at Enniscorthy Mart Wednesday, 3rd July Wednesday, 21st August Wednesday, 4th September Wednesday, 18th September Wednesday, 2nd October Wednesday, 16th October Wednesday, 30th October Co. Wexford Marts Wexford Farmer s Co-Op Society Ltd. Sheep Sales every Wednesday at 10 am Autumn pedigree sales held in conjunction with Co. Wexford Sheep Breeders Association Enquiries to: Tommy Harrington Tel: (053) , wexfarm@iol.ie Co Wexford Marts, Dublin Road, Enniscorthy Bannow Suffolks CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF PEDIGREE SUFFOLKS SIRES USED 2012 Baileys Reserve (95808) Bawnogue Turbo (95265) Enquiries and Visitors always welcome Greg Rossiter Tel Mob Grange, Bannow, Co. Wexford 26

29 Michael Clarke Ballyhine Suffolks Established 2003 Reg No LWW SIRES USED 2012 Bawnogue Turbo (95265) Cragroe Three Rocks (94344) Baileys Reserve (95808) Kells Supreme (95701) Performance Recorded Flock Enquiries and Visitors always welcome Michael Clarke Ballyhine, Barntown, Wexford. Tel , Mob Dranagh, Caim Enniscorthy Co Wexford Tel: (053) New stores now open at: Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy Bosheen, New Ross Drinagh, Wexford Please visit our stores for all your agri needs: Fertiliser, seed, chemicals, feed, plastics and much more. WATERFORD/ROSS MARTS ROSBERCON, NEW ROSS Regular Sales each Saturday Sheep Calves Cattle 1.00pm DAIRY/SUCKLER SALE First Saturday of each month HORSE/PONY SALE Second Sunday of each month in Waterford Mart, Old Kilmeaden Road WEANLING SALES Each Saturday from September to December at noon Manager: Richard Kirwan (051) (087)

30 Tup Care Pays Dividends by Harold Barton Going to see if the tups are still in the paddock just before tupping time is not the right way to get next season s lambing off to a good start. But, with the heavy summer workload, we all tend to do it. Tup care is all-important. A tup is literally half the flock in terms of lamb numbers and quality. He is a costly animal and his working life is short enough without reducing it through neglect. Routine summer care involves keeping feet trimmed, keeping flies away from the head and rear end, ensuring that they receive the right does of clostridial vaccine when the ewes are injected and regular routine worming. Any fighting wounds should be treated as they occur. Ensure a regular supply of clean water and ample shade. At least three weeks before tups are required to perform they should be put onto a special high protein diet starting with 0.5 kg per day and building up to 1 kg. At the same time check the feet thoroughly and inspect the teeth and scrotum. The testicles should be firm and if there is any doubt about the tup s age, testicles firmness or general health ask your veterinary practitioner to carry out a semen test. If harnesses are used, put these on the week before the tups go out and check them again to ensure straps are not cutting in or have become slack. Also, that the raddle is still in place in the correct alignment. The next most important time - and one of common neglect - is when tups have finished working. All too often, they are turned out without the correct diet to bring them back to strength. They should be returned to a high diet of nutrition and any poor ones housed and given additional care until they are back in form. Through the winter, they should share in the ewes rations. Feeding twice a day will ensure proper visual attention. Any foot problems should be dealt with as soon as they occur. If possible, keep young and older tups separate to reduce fighting. 28

31 Greenvale ANIMAL FEEDS Greenvale Animal Feeds Cabra, Thurles Tel Reps: Gordon Richardson Liam Walsh Suppliers of Superior Quality Muesli Concentrates For Pedigree Sheep Greenvale The Power to Perform ANIMAL FEEDS Cooked Pedigree Lamb Creep Pedigree Lamb Stage 2 Ovine Showglo Muesli Contact your local stockist today or Order Line

32 National Championships 2012 by Anne Mitchell Secretary The Suffolk National Championships were held at Teagasc Research Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway on Saturday 30 th June. There were eighty Suffolks to be judged by Pat Machray from Aberdeenshire. Thanks to Pat for travelling and judging under such poor climatic conditions. While the weather was inclement, it did not hinder the enthusiasm of the breeders or the spectators. Supreme Champion of the Show, Female Champion and 1st prize winner in Aged Ewe Class was captured by Susan O Keeffe from Mallow Co. Cork. Anne Mitchell, 1 st Novice Ram Lamb from J Rooney Winning Group of three from A O' Keeffe Winning Pair of ewe lambs from A O' Keeffe 1 st Shearling Ram and Male Champion from Seamus Browne 30

33 Secretary was both delighted and proud to present Susan with the John Joe Mitchell Memorial Cup. Sincere thanks to Greenvale Animal Feeds and Volac for their continued sponsorship. Special thanks to Pat Cahill Managing Director VOLAC for launching the 2012 Irish Suffolk News. The West of Ireland Suffolks Sheep Breeders Club members made every effort to impress and ensure that the area was prepared perfectly, judging rings in place and comfort added to all exhibitors and spectators by providing a marquee and hot refreshments to all which was very welcome on such a cold wet windy day. 1 st Shearling Ewe, Reserve Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion from P O' Keeffe The John Joe Mitchell Memorial Cup for the Overall Champion NSC 2012 presented by Anne Mitchell to Susan O Keeffe with TJ Broderick, Jim Jeffery, Pat Machray (Judge) and Lewis McClinton. 1 st Untrimmed Ewe lamb from Seamus Browne 1 st Trimmed Ewe lamb from G Killilea 31

34 1 st Aged Ewe, Female Champion and Overall Champion from S O' Keeffe 1 st Novice Ewe lamb from M & M Grealy 1 st Open Ramlamb and Reserve Male Champion from A O' Keeffe Dillon Killilea and Eoin Butler broght home Rosettes also Results of Suffolk National Championships 2012 Judge: P. Machray, Middlemuir Flock Shearling Ram and Upwards 1 S Browne Errigal Simply the Best by Cairness Just the Best 2 S & P O Connor Lakeview Islandmore by Glenho Genius 3 M Brennan Castleisle Creation by Strathisla Dylan Thomas Aged Ewe and Upwards 1 S O Keeffe BYD:L30 by Castlewellan Sportsman 2 S Browne CFJ:L82 by Strathisla Dylan Thomas 3 J Rooney JFF:K82 by Shannagh Shergar 32

35 Shearling Ewe 1 P O Keeffe 33H:11:087 by Cairness Liam 2 C Lynch N43:11:043 by Lakeview Beacon 3 S O Keeffe BYD:11:114 by Solwaybank Super Sensation Novice Ram Lamb 1 J Rooney LKV:12:007 by Baileys Supervalue 2 M D & M Grealy 88J:12:029 by Oranmore Super Power 3 M D & M Grealy 88J:12:017 by Cionn-mhalanna D Best Open Ram Lamb 1 A O Keeffe R15:12:081 by Solwaybank Super Sensation 2 J Rooney LKV:12:007 by Baileys Supervalue 3 G Killilea HOL:12:024 by Ardlea Action Novice Ewe Lamb 1 M D & M Grealy 88J:12:019 by Oranmore Super Power 2 J Rooney LKV:12:011 by Solwaybank Super Sensation 3 Fergal O Se NWC:12:006 by Clyda Goliath Untrimmed Ewe Lamb 1 S Browne PBH:12:001 by Errigal Simply the Best 2 A O Keeffe R15:12:024 by Cairness Liam 3 T & M Burke LYB:12:014 by Deburca Deezer Trimmed Ewe Lamb 1 G Killilea HOL:12:025 by Ardlea Action 2 A O Keeffe R15:12:021 by Cairness Wild Fire 3 T & M Burke LYB:12:015 by Deburca Deezer Female Champion: S O Keeffe, BYD:L30 Reserve Female Champion: P O Keeffe, 33H:11:087 Male Champion: S Browne, PBH:11:004 Reserve Male Champion: A O Keeffe, R15:12:081 Supreme Champion: S O Keeffe, BYD:L30 Reserve Champion: P O Keeffe, 33H:11:087 Supreme Champion Pedigree Sire: Castlewellan Sportsman Dam: BYD:C53 by Glenisla Grimaldi G. Dam: BYD:T84 by Glenho Harley Davidson 33

36 South of Ireland Branch National Sheep Championship Cork Agricultural Show Bishopstown Co Cork Saturday 15 th June 2013 Judge: Niall Walsh Judging commences at am Don t miss it Launching Irish Suffolk News

37 Braving the Elements at the NSC Athenry TEAGASC Reserch Centre,

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39 Eastern Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club by Secratary Mary Gahan The year s activities started on Saturday 23 rd June with an Open Day on farm of S & S Gahan, Barrowlands Flock. Though unfortunate with the weather a large crowd attended. All clubs were invited with special emphasis on new breeders. Society President Jim Jeffery addressed the crowd attending and a presentation was given by Eamon Wall of Sheep Ireland on the benefits of Lamb Plus Recorded Sheep. Everyone has an opportunity to see the flock ewes, ewe lambs, ram lambs and stock rams before the rain got too heavy. We had Junior and Senior Stock Judging with Mr Tom Deacon being Master Judge. Prizewinners in Junior Section were, Alex Stacey, Alex Doyle, Tom Eustace, Fergal Doyle and Cerys and Teagan James. Senior prize-winners were John Stacey, John Hanley Jnr., Niall Walsh, Alan Stanley and Colin Watchorn. Refreshments were enjoyed by all. Club members continued to promote Suffolk Breed at local shows. The club continues to sponsor Suffolk / Cheviot Cross Ewe Lambs class at Tullow Ewebreeders annual competition at Tullow Mart. The club give prizes of vouchers towards purchase of Champion Sulffolk Ram at Tullow Mart. L/R Judge: Mr Herbert Stanley Bawnogue Flock, with the winning owner Mr Alan Stanley, Grogan, Portlaoise. 37

40 Suffolk Ram to be used at our Club Sales. At Premier Sale in Roscrea we were delighted that Oliver & Geoff Deane s Mountford Flock took1 st prize in Novice Class going on to win 3 rd in Open Class in Open class for his Cairness Achievement sired lamb and selling to Bawnogue Flock. Other club members selling well were, Baileys, Bawnogue, Barrowlands and Foxhurst. At our club Sales In Tullow there was continued demand for Suffolk Rams which was very evident at packed ringside and strong trade present resulting in higher prices and excellent clearances. Our Judges for our Premier Show & Sale was Rodney Deacon who awarded Champion Sheep of the show to Tom & Jeff Baileys, Baileys Flock for a lamb by Cairness Liam. Reserve champion went to Niall Walsh, Garryhinch Flock for a lamb sired by Ardlea Alonso. Prizewinners Shearling Class: 1 st John Stacey 2 nd P & E Lacey 3 rd Lacey Bros Lamb Plus: 1 st Niall Walsh 2 nd S & S Gahan 3 rd Aeron James Open Class: 1 st Tom & Jeff Bailey 2 nd Niall Walsh 3 rd Alan & Robert Stanley 4 th John Redmond 5 th Herbert Stanley 6 th S & S Gahan Pairs: 1 st Niall Walsh 2 nd Alan & Robert Stanley 3 rd S & S Gahan 4 th Herbert Stanley Tom Bailey with his Champion Sheep at our Premier Show & Sale at Tullow Mart, with Judge Rodney Deacon and Club Chairman Niall Walsh. 38

41 5 th Aeron James 6 th Niall Walsh Herbert Stanley judged our Second Show & Sale with Champion sheep going to Alan & Robert Stanley s Castlegrogan Flock for a lamb sired by Freighduff Grand Slam. Reserve Champion went to S & S Gahan s Barrowlands Flock for a lamb by Cairness Barcelona. Prizewinners Shearling Class: 1 st John Stacey 2 nd P & E Lacey 3 rd J & J Corcoran Lamb Plus: 1 st S & S Gahan 2 nd S & S Gahan 3 rd Niall Walsh 4 th & 5 th Aeron James Open Class: 1 st Alan & Robert Stanley 2 nd S & S Gahan 3 rd Aeron James 4 th Alan & Robert Stanley 5 th P & E Lacey 6 th S & S Gahan Pairs: 1 st S & S Gahan 2 nd Alan & Robert Stanley Club Sire of the Year went to S & S Gahan s Barrowlands Flock for their Stock Ram Cairness Barcelona Eastern Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club Sale Dates for 2013 Premier Show & Sale Tullow Mart Tues 13 th August 2 nd Show & Sale Tullow Mart Tues 10 th September Sale Tullow Mart Tues 1 st October Eurostar rams bred by certified Lamb Plus Breeders will be available at above sales For Catalogues and information contact: Secretary Mary Gahan: or or marybgahan@eircom.net

42 SCRAPIE MONITORED REG. NO. LJA Sires used 2012 Strathisla Speed Thurston Calzaghe Cairness Achievement Foxhurst Founder Enquiries Always Welcome J. & James Corcoran Foxhurst, Brownstown, Kilcloon, Co. Meath Tel.: or Ciarness Achievement Wishing Breeders all the best throughout 2013 HYW BARROWLANDS HYW 2013 Lambs Sired by: Cairness Barcelona: private purchase from Cairness. Son of Cairness Caius, breeding exceptionally well Cairness Hamlet: full brother to Shrewsbury Champion 2012 Kings Theatre Cairness Diamond Jubilee Middlemuir Messi Barrowlands Hurricane urostar Rated Lambs - Stock and Semen for Sale S & S Gahan, Coolyhune, St Mullins, Co. Carlow Tel: Jim Shaun Visitors & Enquires Always Welcome 4 th Annual Female Production Sale with Annakisha, Castleisle, Clyda and Shannagh Flocks at Blessington Mart on Sat 2nd November 2013@ 1pm.

43 Reg. HJW 1 Roscrea Champion 2011 Castlewood Champion 1 Cairness New Approach HJW J45 by Rhaeadr Rossi 2 Roscrea Champion Pen of Three 2011 Sires used 2012 Cairness Bolt Purchased in Stirling 2012 for 5,500. Very good lambs from him this year Baileys Bacchus Cairness Crean Rhaeadr Rossi Cairness See the Stars 2 Annual Production Sale 23rd November 2013 with Carragh, DeBurca and Errigal flocks including Endova (David Dunkan) dispersal Enquiries phone Tom Bailey tombailey@bovale.com Wishing all our customers and friends the best for 2013

44 CARRAGH EST 1993 SCRAPIE MONITORED Joint Production Sale 23 rd November 2013 noon on Tom Bailey s Batterstown farm FLOCK AWARDS 2012: 1 st Prize Trimmed Ewe Lamb NSC rd Prize Open Ram Lamb NSC 2012 Champion Suffolk West of Ireland Championships 2012 Reserve Champion Suffolk Galway Show Reserve Champion Ram lamb Atherny Show and Sale HOL First Prize Trimmed Ewe Lamb NSC SALES Carragh Cassius sold for 950gns Roscrea 2012 to the John Tess Flock Carragh Big Bucks sold for 900gns Roscommon 2nd sale to the Benwiskin Flock Semen & Stock for sale privately HOL Sold for 6,000gns to Solwaybank Suffolks. FEMALE SALES HOL sold for 6,200gns to Solwaybank Suffolks HOL sold for 3,000gns to the Coolmeen Suffolks. 8 gimmers averaged 1,896gns each. 7 ewes averaged 700gns each. Enquiries always welcome! Contact Gerry Killilea Cregacararagh Claregalway Co. Galway. tel , mobile

45 Scrapie Monitored Flock No LYB Est Deburca Suffolks Ewe Lamb Champion and Overall Reserve Female Champion at Roscrea Sale 2012 Main Sires Used 2013 STRATHBEG STAN DA MAN Purchased from Joe Connaughton. He is a huge ram who bread Edinburgh Champion 2010 Strathisla Sea Bird sold for 10,000 DEBURCA DEEZER A son of Schumacher very exciting prospect great style, size, power and character. He was West of Ireland Champion lamb and overall reserve champion on the day 2009 GLENHEAD BLACK DIAMOND Used frozen semen this year. PERRINPIT DANDY A son of the legendary Solwaybank Ranger. As a lamb, he was the 2 nd in the LMI class in Edinburgh, a ram with great power and style CLYDA COCKATOO This was a great purchases in Roscrea 2012 he came second in the LMI class a ram with great style and bone first crop of lambs look very good prospects. BAILEYS ONE DIRECTION Purchased privately from Tom Bailey the ram has bread excellent lambs with limited uses one for next year when he will be used heavily across the flock CAIRNESS COMMANDEUR Purchased half share from the Rosco flock, sons have sold for 7,500 gns Edinburgh 2005 sire of Bounty Novice champion Roscrea 2007 CARRAGH CASPER Purchased at Roscrea for E3,200, one of Gerry Killilea s best lambs 2006 son of Glenho Glanza (see pic above) Joint production sale Nov 23 th at Tom Bailey's Batterstown farm at 1pm. Semen for sale All above sires Visitors always welcome Contact Trevor Burke, Ballybanagher, Cummer, Tuam, Co Galway. Eire fridayburke@eircom.net. Mobile Hm:

46 Problems & Remedies Broken mouth in sheep Broken mouth is a gum disease that acts over a period of years to give tooth loss. The tooth itself remains normal. It is a bacterial disease. A complex mass of bacteria if many different types living between the gum and tooth interact with the gum tissues to damage the tooth Footrot in Sheep Footrot is a highly contagious disease affecting sheep of all ages. A number of methods of treatment are available. These may be used singly or in combination. Footparing remove all under-run horn and expose areas of infection to the air. Footbating use 10% solutions of zinc sulphate or 5% solution of foot malin. Orf Orf is a common condition in sheep the usually is recognised as blisters and ulcers around the lips. It is frequently complicated by the development of clusters of wart like growths. These are most frequently seen around the lips and nostrils of lambs but may be spread to the udder of ewes resulting in mis-mothering and mastitis. It also affects the lips and feet of older sheep where bacterial infections may further complicate the disease. Occasionally the whole mouth, particularly the gums around erupting teeth, the tongue, cheeks and roof of the mouth, may become affected. Such animals may be so supports. No specific organism had been implicated. The rate of progress depends on upon the yet to be identified factors in farm management and ewe feeding. Weight loss and drop in condition following tooth loss leads to early culling and financial loss. Good shepherding helps to minimise loss. Antibiotics administered to the feet this is only effective if all infected tissue is exposed. This treatment should only be used on dry feet and never done before Footbating. Antibiotics by injection a large injection of penicillin and streptomycin into the muscle is frequently effective. Vaccination modern multistrain vaccines are available and have both a curative and protective action. distressed that they starve to death. Orf is a serious welfare and economic problem for the sheep breeder. Orf vaccines are freely available. However, the sheep s immunity to the disease is poorly understood and less effective than to many other virus infections. Consequently, the protection provided is incomplete and the vaccine itself can produce disease. Humans handling sheep can contact Orf. It is normally an uncomplicated infection but the sores are very painful and may not heal for a long time. 44

47 Watery Mouth Watery Mouth is an infection of newborn lambs. They become dull, stop feeding and their chins become wet with saliva. They have swollen stomachs and some may be constipated. Usually they collapse and die within a few hours. Lambs most at risk of watery mouth are from multiple birth litters, lambs for old ewes and from ewes with no milk. To avoid Watery Mouth ensure that lambs get at least a large teacup full of Colostrum immediately after birth. Given by stomach tube if necessary. Keep lambing pens clean and use plenty of bedding. If these methods fail, give antibiotics to high-risk lambs by mouth soon after birth. Good milk production in ewes will reduce the level of Watery Mouth. Cull old, broken mouthed and one sided ewes before tupping. Ensure ewes are in appropriate condition by giving them concentrates six to eight weeks prior to lambing. Lean ewes should be given extra feeding. Good shepherding at lambing is essential so as to spot at-risk lambs and give them extra Colostrum. A Sheep farmers work is half over once the ewes and lambs are outside grazing grass. This year there is no grass so where does that leave sheep farmers? Feeding ration at rates never before seen to keep ewes in milk. At Uniblock we have products ready to ease your worries. Last year with UCD we undertook a trial where ewes with 3 lambs at foot were given access to an Energy bucket and ½kg of ration and we compared them to ewes given 1kg ration only. WE found that the ewes on the bucket were in better condition at weaning and their lambs had grown at 20g/day more. So if you find yourself carrying bags of ration to ewes in fields every day think of carrying a bucket instead. Uniblock I would like to take this opportunity to wish you well for the rest of the year and thank you for choosing UNIBLOCK 45

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49 Roscrea Premier Sale 2012 by Anne Mitchell Secretary Judge: John Christie The Suffolk Sheep Society held its first 2012 sale at Roscrea in Ireland. The South of Ireland Branch of the Society moved the sale forward by three weeks to avail of the pedigree trade. There was strong demand for Suffolk shearling ewes with an eighty per cent clearance rate and an overall average of E761. Michael and James O Connell from Ennis Co Clare had the first prize Shearling ewe which was overall female champion on the day. Being first into the ring was no disadvantage when she quickly was sold to Northern Ireland breeder P McVerry for E1,200gns. This outstanding female was sired by Aughnakeeragh Captain out of a Castleisle Livewire ewe. Thomas and Mary Burke from Tuam, Co Galway won first prize ewe lamb with a Deburca Deezer sired lamb out of a Lot 107, 1st Open Ram Lamb, Male Champion and Overall Champion from Wm J & R Wilson sold for E3,100 47

50 Solwaybank Ranger ewe. This was unsold leaving the ring at 1,400gns. The highest price ewe lamb at 900gns came from James Browne, Letterkenny, Co Donegal and was sired by Errigal Simply the Best. John Hanly from Thurles, Co Tipperary won the Shearling ram class with a son of Cairness Ciro which was sold for E1,000gns. The highest price on the day of E3,100gns was paid by Rory Skerritt from Enniscorthy, Co Wexford for the Open Male Champion which stood overall winner on the day. W&R Wilson brought out this ram sired by Errigal Simply the Best out of a Baileys Big Brother ewe. Out of the same pen came the Reserve Overall and secong prize ram lamb but this one was sired by Cairness Achievement out of a Strathisla Dylan Thomas ewe. The final bid of E2,200gns came from G&W Hennessey, Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny. Well known Irish breeder Oliver Deane from Ballitore Co Kildare had a memorable day with his Cairness Achievement sired lamb. Not only did he win first prize in the Novice Ram Lamb Class but this lamb went on to be placed third in the Open Class. The icing on the cake came when Herbert Stanley paid E2,000gns to secure his services for the Bawnogue Flock. The Performance Recorded Class was won by Mary and Mark Grealey from Oranmore, Co Galway. This impressive lamb with a tremendous loin was sired by Cionn- Mhalanna D Best and out of a Castlewellan Challenger ewe. He certainly impressed Lot 106, 2nd Open Ram Lamb, Reserve Male and Reserve Overall Champion from Wm J & R Wilson sold for E2,200 48

51 the judge John Christie as he went on to make the final bid of E2,500gns. The lamb now heads for use in the Westcarse Flock at Stirling. The final class of the day was the Group of Three and as had gone before was won by the Shannagh flock of W&R Wilson. The highest price of these was an Errigal Simply the Best son which was sold for E2,700gns to Edward Jeffery, Ladysbridge, Co Cork. The remaining best price of the day went to John A Doherty Donegal E2,600gns for a ram lamb sold to P. Savage Ballywalter Co. Down.Th edoherty Bros had a cracking day selling four lambs to an average of E1,562gns. William R Wilson E3,100gns; E2,700gns; E2,200gns; John Doherty E2,600gns Mark Grealy E2,500gns Herbert Stanley E2,000gns & E1,600gns 0 & G Deane E2,000gns Doherty Bros E1,700gns Eamon Duffy E1, 700gns Arthur O'Keeffe E1, 700gns Roscrea 2012 Highest Prices Tom & Jeff Bailey E1,600gns Michael & James O'Connell E1,200gns Andrew Wilson E1,1150gns Seamus Browne E1,100gns J & J Corcoran E1,000gns John Hanley E1,000gns James Rooney E1,000gns Susan O'Keeffe E1,000gns Lot 22, 1st Ewe Lamb and Reserve Female Champion from T & M Burke 49

52 Lot 24, 1st Shearling Ram from J Hanly sold for E1,000 Lot 45, 1st Recorded Lamb from M & M Grealy sold for E2,500 50

53 1st Prize Group of three from Wm J & R Wilson Lot 2, 1st Shearling Ewe and Female Champion from J O' Connell sold for E1,200 51

54 Lot 79, 1st Novice Ram Lamb from O & G Deane sold for E2,000 Champion lamb from Wm J & R Wilson along with J Jeffery, Judge J Christie and L McClinton 52

55 Lot 101, from J Doherty sold for E2,600 Show Results Lot 48, form Wm J & R Wilson sold for E2,700 Class 1 Single Shearling Ewe 1. M & J O Connell Lot 2 DBJ:11:008 Sire: Aughnakeeragh Captain (93564) 2. M & J O Connell Lot 3 DBJ:11:097 Sire: Fermoyle Fury (94336) 3. Philip Lynch Lot 6 CZK:11:004 Sire: Lakeview Beacon (94726) Class 2 Ewe Lambs 1. T & M Burke Lot 22 LYB:12:014 Sire: Deburca Deezer (94516) 2. M & J O Connell Lot 13 DBJ:12:026 Sire: Knockogan Okie Dokie (95764) 3. Flan Casey Lot 10 NTB:12:003 Sire: Castleisle Young Stoner (94964) Class 3 Shearling Ram 1. John Hanly Lot 24 G4:11:157 Sire: Cairness Ciro (95312) 2. John Hanly Lot 23 G4:11:109 Sire: Cairness Ciro (95312) Class 4 Novice Ram Lamb 1. O & G Deane Lot 79 PBO:12:004 Sire: Cairness Achievement (94170) 2. M & A Power Lot 105 HCP:12:013 Sire: Rhaeadr Berlusconi (95733) 3. Martin McGlinchey Lot 29 NDO:12:003 Sire: Endova Silva (95791) Class 5 Recorded Class 1. M D & M Grealy Lot 45 88J:12:009 Sire: Cionn-Mhalanna D Best (93720) 2. Susan O Keeffe Lot 34 BYD:12:122 Sire: Castlewellan Sportsman (93827) 3. Arthur O Keeffe Lot 59 R15:12:032 Sire: Cairness Gala Star (95629) Class 6 Open Ram Lamb 1. Wm J & R Wilson Lot A:12:022 Sire: Errigal Simply the Best (95430) 2. Wm J & R Wilson Lot A:12:020 Sire: Cairness Achievement (94170) 3. O & G Deane Lot 79 PBO:12:004 Sire: Cairness Achievement (94170) Class 7 Group of Three Ram Lambs 1. Wm J & R Wilson Lot A:12:020, L49 78A:12:026, L48 78A:12: Arthur O Keeffe Lot 59 R15:12:032, L58 R15:12:067, L115 R15:12:081 53

56 3. Eamonn Duffy Lot 55 C46:12:035, L54 C46:12:030, L56 C46:12:083 Female Champion M & J O Connell Lot 2 DBJ:11:008 Sire: Aughnakeeragh Captain (93564) Reserve T & M Burke Lot 22 LYB:12:014 Sire: Deburca Deezer (94516) Male Champion Wm J & R Wilson Lot A:12:022 Sire: Errigal Simply the Best (95430) Reserve Wm J & R Wilson Lot A:12:020 Sire: Cairness Achievement (94170) Supreme Champion Wm J & R Wilson Lot A:12:022 Sire: Errigal Simply the Best (95430) Reserve Wm J & R Wilson Lot A:12:020 Sire: Cairness Achievement (94170) Suffolk Sheep Society South of Ireland Branch Suffolk Sheep Premier Show & Sale Saturday 3 rd August Roscrea Mart Judging 8.30 am Sale 1.00 pm Judge: Stephen Govin Details from Anne Mitchell, Secretary , annemitchell@eircom.net Catalogues: Anne Mitchell and Roscrea Mart

57 Moments of Action at Roscrea Premier Sale 2012

58 Central Auctions Central Auctions Central Auctions Services Co-Operative Society Limited Top Class facilities and service at Birr, Nenagh and Roscrea Marts Website: Central Auctions Reg. Office: Stafford Street Nenagh Co. Tipperary Phone: /31380 Fax: Branch Offices: Fairgreen Birr Co. Offaly Phone: Fax: Parkmore Roscrea Co. Tipperary Phone: Fax: George F. Candler AUCTI ONEER Specialising in the Sale of Lands, Livestock, Machinery, Pedigree Sales, Bloodstock Sales, Letting and Valuations Have Gavel Will Travel THE LODGE, 10 TALBOT S GATE, FRESHFORD ROAD, KILKENNY Telephone: (056) Mobile: (086) gfcandlerauctioneer@eircom.net Wishing the Irish Suffolk Sheep Society continued success 56

59 Supporting Irish Sheep Farmers

60 A Year of Challenges Dr. Lewis McClinton Retailing lamb in the UK is a difficult task with sale volume well behind chicken, pork and beef in the protein pecking order. Only by having product differentiation and brand identity is there any chance of increasing market returns. The Suffolk Sheep Society has successfully branded Quality Suffolk Lamb as a certification mark. Over the last twelve months the Society has been working with Morrisons to ultimately retail Suffolk Lamb under the Morrisons Traditional range. A number of changes have occurred within the Society over the year. Catherine Fleck, my Personal Assistant, for the last four years has left the Society and we wish her well. The Suffolk Data Bureau, operated by National Milk Records, has been closed and this work brought in house. An additional full time staff member has been recruited, to accommodate the additional workload. The Society office has outgrown its current premises and will relocate to a larger unit at Ballymena Business Centre in March The Society would like to thank NMR and Ballymena Mart for their assistance over recent years and wish them every success in the future. Government agencies that administer Charities continually assess what we do as a Society to maintain our charitable status. To retain the status quo we must be broader than our interests in Suffolk sheep. It is essential that we reach out to the wider community and consumers of tomorrow. For this reason the Society has continued to work with school children, not just in inner city Belfast, but also at any NSA sheep event to explain the Suffolk breed and the benefits of sheep production. I can assure members that these children come up with some challenging questions!! Extremes in weather are becoming the norm and 2012 was no exception. Matt Prince summed this up when he posted images on Facebook of extreme snowfall in early spring and a few weeks later the field was under a similar amount of water. Ironically a hose pipe ban was in place at the same time!! There have been some horror stories were weather played havoc during commercial lambing resulting in significant losses. My heart goes out to those unfortunate farmers. It is the most soul destroying thing to lose large numbers of lambs. Now that the Society is running efficiently breed promotion has taken centre stage. Promotional stands and material were on display at four NSA sheep events and three major shows during With the introduction of several sets of pop ups and promotional leaflets smaller regional events were also covered. I would like to thank those members that come and support these events. A new stand was sourced for 58

61 the Northern Area and Northern Counties Branches. We have also produced a series of new leaflets that cover seven different languages. The Society has also promoted the breed at Eurotier 2012 which was held in November at Hanover in Germany. Over sixty export interests were added to our website with some of these having already come to fruition. Two electronic newsletters were produced throughout the year. The circulation list now includes many individuals outside our Society. If you have a story to tell please get in contact with the Society office. The Society s Facebook site continues to increase and now numbers over 600 friends. Our website has been revamped and is receiving over 70,000 hits per month. Please note that members can advertise stock and semen for sale at no charge on the website. It is our intention to initiate a texting system through Twitter in 2013 so that topical information can be sent with increased frequency. No matter what the Society does to promote the Suffolk breed all members are faced with increasing input costs (concentrates, feed, fertiliser etc). The ram breed that can produce a 21kg carcass, off grass, in as quick a time possible will be in demand. The breed that can achieve this with the least production hassle will dominate. I have no doubt that the Suffolk breed contains the genetics to do this and our Society has the breeders to produce the goods. I would like to wish all members and customers a prosperous and hopefully drier CORMAC TAGGING LTD BROWNSGROVE TUAM Pedigree recording by electronic tagging made easy Cormac Tags can be applied at birth. For all your tagging needs contact Cormac Tagging on or sheeptagging@eircom.net For all your Sheep equipment requirements Penning Races Weighing Scales Expanding Metal Flooring Creep Feeders Sheep Shearing Equipmend and much, much more 59 1 Contact Cormac Sheep Equipment on

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63 Kerry Pedigree Suffolk Breeders Club By Valerie Tiffin, Club Secretary. The year got off to a good start with a show on the 13 th May at The Kingdom County Fair in Tralee. The day was warm and sunny which resulted in a great turn out of both sheep and people. This gave the club a great opportunity to promote both the club and Suffolk sheep. There was a lot of good-hearted banter between the members who got their first chance since lambing to check out the opposition! The judge for the day was Jim Jeffery who once again did an excellent job. The Supreme Champion went to Sean O Connor with his shearling ram and the Reserve to Seán Tiffin with his ewe lamb. Unfortunately due to the weather our club championship which should have been held at Kilgarvan show was cancelled fingers crossed for this year. Once again our annual show and sale was held at Milltown on the 17 th August. Our judge for the evening was Aiden Collins from County Clare. Aiden picked out a strong ram lamb from Seán Tiffin s pen to take first prize in the open class. This ram by Solwaybank Special One out of a ewe by Annakisha Sergeant the second went on to win the champion rosette and was later sold for E470. The reserve champion went to a ram lamb by Cairness Wildfire and was shown by Denis Brosnan. Prices on the evening ranged from E470 to E260 and averaged out at E340. Milltown Annual Show and Sale Results Open Class (Ram Lambs) 1 st Seán Tiffin 2 nd Denis Brosnan 3 rd Fergal O Se 4 th Michael Fleming 5 th Seán O Connor 6 th Seán Tiffin Pen of 3 Ram Lambs 1 st Fergal O Se 2 nd Michael Fleming 3 rd Seán Tiffin 4 th Seán O Connor Supreme Champion: Seán Tiffin Reserve Champion: Denis Brosnan I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members who showed sheep over the past year. I would also like to thank our judges Jim Jeffrey and Aiden Collins and the manager and staff of Milltown Mart for their continued support and help. Finally I would like to wish breeders and customers a prosperous and successful year. 61

64 KERRY PEDIGREE SUFFOLK BREEDERS Promoting Pedigree Suffolks Throughout The South West Club Championship Kilgarvan Annual Show Sunday 4 th August 2013 Premier Show and Annual Sale Friday 16 th August 2013 Evening Sale Show 5pm Sale 7pm Venue: Mid Kerry Co-op Mart Milltown Co. Kerry Enquiries regarding any of the above: Valerie Tiffin Club Secretary Roughty Lodge, Gortnaboul, Kilgarvan. Co Kerry. Tel JOB WELL DONE The Dunlop Purofort Professional is the popular and trusted boot in the Dunlop agricultural range. The Dunlop Purofort Professional gives you reliability throughout your working day with optional certified steel protection in the toe and sole. With thermal insulation down to -20 C and a 100% waterproof guarantee you can be confident of warm and dry feet in getting the job done. For more information check out 62

65 Tracesure clinches championship wins for top Suffolk breeder A ram lamb, which clinched some of Ireland s top sheep awards in a single year, had been bolused with Tracesure. The top performing ram lamb was bred by Martin Butler, a builder who also runs a flock of 30 Suffolks at Dunshaughlin, County Meath was Martin s best show season since he established the flock 10 years ago and he believes the Tracesure bolus played a major part in this achievement. Tracesure has to be a factor in those wins, says Martin. In other years I have had good enough lambs but this year that lamb, he was never dirty, he never missed a beat for me, he just pushed the whole way. Maybe it wasn t all down to the boluses, it was breeding and pedigree too, but it did a great job in finishing him off. It just added a bit more to him. The season culminated with the Champion of Champions Agriculture Award, presented to Martin by the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, at an awards ceremony in Dublin. He now has a collection of 10 trophies. The only thing I have to do is to get them engraved! he jokes. It was a great year. All in all everything played a part but the Tracesure boluses added that wee bit more and the ewes were in better form, they looked better. Martin boluses the ewes in March and again prior to AI at the start of August, giving the lambs the full benefit of trace elements. The lambs seem to be livelier, hardier and have more vigour in them, he says. The lambs are bolused when they are two months old. I believe the bolus pays dividends for me, says Martin. Martin Butler believes Tracesure gave his ram lamb the edge in the show ring. Top stockmen make sure with Tracesure Visit or telephone Rory Dicker (ROI) or Flor Ryan (ROI) or Sam Thompson (NI)

66 Sheep Ireland This year has seen yet another increase in the number of LambPlus recording Suffolk flocks. Over 60 Suffolk sheep breeders are now performance recording which is hugely positive for both the breed and farmers using the breed. This growth in participation rates demonstrates the great endeavour of Suffolk breeders to improve the genetics of the breed and in turn, the flock genetics of farmers using these rams. Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) The launch of STAP by the Department of Agriculture earlier this year, will provide all performance recording breeders with a fantastic opportunity. A compulsory element of the scheme requires participating STAP farmers to use a LambPlus recorded ram in their flock. These rams need to have a minimum of 3 stars for any of the three main recorded traits Production, Maternal & Lambing. This scheme will undoubtedly increase the awareness of the EuroStar rams across the industry. Suffolk breeders should do all in their power to promote the benefit of using rams with good EuroStar evaluations in delivering lambs with superior genetics and performance. EuroStars help every sheep farmer to make more informed decisions when purchasing a ram. For example when purchasing a ram to breed flock replacements, it is very difficult to determine the maternal ability of that rams daughters by the rams appearance. However, when the ram has genetic evaluations this can give some degree of information as to what his daughters maternal ability may be. With such strong participation in STAP, there will undoubtedly be a greater demand for LambPlus evaluated lambs with strong EuroStars. In 2013 the first ever Irish online ram search has been made available for all performance recorded breeds on the Sheep Ireland home page ( allowing all sheep farmers to easily search EuroStar rams by county, breed and eligibility for STAP. Accuracy % One thing which breeders and ram buyers must strive to find is EuroStar evaluations with high accuracy %. The higher the accuracy % values, the more confident ram buyers can be in the information being provided. The benefit of using high Accuracy rams is outlined below. Accuracy (%) Average lamb weaning weights (100 days of age) Progeny from 1 Star rams Progeny from 5 Star rams Av. Difference 60% and above 30.3 kg 34.3 kg 4.0 kg Table 1: Information collected from commercial lamb data, recorded on MALP & CPT flocks in

67 The future of genetics? Much has been reported of the exciting role that genomics is currently playing in genetic progress within the Irish dairy & beef industry. Essentially genomics allows breeders to identify desirable genetics in very young animals by simply analysing a DNA sample from that animal. In the dairy industry this is done by taking a hair sample from the tails of new born calves. Using all the performance recording data that has been collected on dairy animals throughout the years, geneticists can identify the genes that carry the most profitable traits. These genes can then be identified in the DNA of very young calves born each year. It is thought that the information provided by genomic testing is equivalent to a bull having 15 daughters milking in herd. The information provided by genomic analysis facilitates rapid identification of the best genetic available to the industry in very young calves, thus maximising the speed of genetic progress. The very same technology could be applied to the Irish sheep industry. Before genomics in sheep can become a reality it is necessary to build up a sufficient amount of performance data. In association with this performance data it is necessary to collect DNA samples from as many performance recorded sheep as possible. A combination of DNA samples and performance data will enable geneticists in future to identify the genes that carry the most profitable sheep traits. These genes can then be looked for in the DNA of young sheep, speeding up the rate of genetic gain that can be made annually. The Irish Suffolk sheep society is currently in a great position to avail of this technology as the breed is collecting the largest volume of performance data annually. It is estimated by geneticists that in order for genomics to be viable in sheep it would be necessary to have performance records for over 1000 individual Suffolk rams. While this level of data is not currently available, it would be very wise to start taking some action to facilitate genomics in future years. As much performance recording as possible, and the collection and storage of DNA samples from these performance recorded rams will lay the foundations for rapid future progress. 65

68 Full range of quality Sheep Feed available For more information on the GAIN Sheep Feed range contact your local stockists Lo-Call: GOLDEN VALE CO-OPERATIVE MART LTD TULLAMORE, CO. OFFALY. SHEEP SALES EVERY WEDNESDAY AT A.M. Cattle Sales every Thursday Bullocks In Ring 1 at a.m. Sucklers, Dry Cows at a.m. followed by heifers in ring 2 Dairy cows and calves in ring 3 at WEANLING SALES EVERY SECOND MONDAY AT 6.30 P.M. ENQUIRIES: GOLDEN VALE CO. OP. MART, TULLAMORE CO. OFFALY. TEL. PHONE NO

69 Kilkenny Pedigree Sheep Breeders Club 2012 proved to be a very difficult year for the ram sales in Kilkenny. After a very wet Summer, the clubs first sale came right in the middle of the harvest and needless to say farmers were very scarce on the day. Prices for those that sold were good but the clearance was very poor. A much better clearance was experienced at the later sales but the prices were back E50 per head on the Hogget ewe prices in the region were well back also even though the lamb trade held reasonably well throughout the year. After a terrible spring of 2013, I would by Richard Moore Secretary say that the sheep industry as a whole faces a challenging time ahead. Practically all our club members are now involved in the Lamb-Plus recording scheme and we hope to run at least one totally Lamb-Plus Recorded sale in the coming year. The advent of the STRAP Scheme has focussed a lot of interest in recorded rams and should give a boost to the whole sheep recording scheme. Our thanks as always to Kilkenny Mart and Auctioneer George Candler for their help and support during the year. Kilkenny Pedigree Sheep Breeders' Club Multi Breed Ram Sales 2013: Monday 2 nd September 2013 Monday 23 rd September 2013 Monday 7 th October 2013 Large selection of Lamb - Plus recorded Sheep on offer All enquiries to Richard Moore, Secretary

70 Established 1958 COLUMBKILLE SUFFOLKS Prefix Y47 Sires Used for 2012 Bawnogue Bullion (95933) Castlewellan Sportsman (93827) New for 2013 Breeding: Rhaeadr Destiny (96325) Purchased Sterling jointly with Michael Purcell Shearling Rams & Ram Lambs for Sale Flock Fully LambPlus Recorded Enquiries to: RICHARD MOORE SMITHSTOWN THOMASTOWN CO. KILKENNY Phone: (056) Mobile: (087) Phone Fax Electronic Tagging Shearing Equipment Visual Tag Electronic Tag Allflex Quality Tagging System The Best in the Business Mullinahone Co-op, Co.Tipperary 68

71 John Martin's Suffolk Crosses One of the most talked about sections of our Suffolk stand at the ploughing match in Heath Park, New Ross, Co. Wexford, was the speckled faced Suffolk cross ewe lambs. They were bred by John Martin from Duncormick, Co. Wexford. John has been breeding that type of ewe lambs for a number of years with great success in the show ring and also commanding very high prices. They are bred from Border-Leister Cheviot cross ewes crossed with John's pedigree Suffolk stock rams. The main enterprize on John's farm is his dairy cow herd but he still finds time to run a very successful flock of pedigree Suffolk sheep. That interest was passed on from his father Paddy who bred pedigree Suffolks for many years. John took over the Duncormick flock of pedigree Suffolks from his late grandfather who was also John Martin. When the opportunity arose in the early nineties to go to Scotland, he grasped it and arrived at the home of Sandy Lee of the famous Fordafourie flock where he learned the tricks of the trade. That contact was made by his friend and fellow breeder Tom O' Morchoe. Initally the agreement was to work at sheep only, but being eighteen years old John was very enthusiastic and drove tractors, harvesting sillage and all other farm tasks. He got the experience of preparing the top ram lambs for the Edinburgh show and sale and has very fond memories of making the long trip south to the National Show and Sale held in Stoneleigh at that time. On the trip he accompanied Sandy Lee and his wife Isabelle and enjoyed sampling refreshments at the roadside motels when stopping to check the sheep in the trailer, etc. He was also exposed to some very intersting stories from Sandy regarding his past experiences breeding and showing pedigree Suffolks. After a year of living in with the Lee family, lambing ewes etc, John brought twelve pedigree ewes and a stock ram lamb home from Fordafourie. He admits that it lifted his flock to a new level and the rossettes and bigger prices followed. From then until the Fordafourie flock dispersed in 2002, John made the trip back to Scotland every year for the two weeks leading up to the Edinburgh sale for his annual 'holidays', to help the Lee's to prepare rams for the event. He always refers to Fordafourie as home away from home and it was no surprise that after the occassion of his wedding in 2003 himself and his wife Charyl, chose Scotland for their honeymoon. John and Charyl now have three children, Jack, Liam and Anna, and if the consistently high standard of his rams at Co. Wexford Sheepbreeders sales over the years is any indication, the Martin family will be breeding Suffolk sheep for a long time to come. 69

72 Ingredients 2 tablesp oil mixed with 1 tablesp curry paste 450g lamb, loin or leg, cut into thin slices 2 peppers,deseeded and sliced 1 red onion, sliced Mixed salad leaves Juice of half a lemon Salt and black pepper 4 pitta bread or french stick Lamb Pitta Pockets Serves 4 Method Place the oil and curry paste in a large bowl, add the Lamb and mix well together. Heat a large frying pan and stirfry the lamb for 2-3 mins. Add the peppers, onions, continue cooking and season. Mix the salad leaves with a little extra oil and lemon juice. Pile into the pitta bread. Top with the lamb slices plus the pepper and onion mixture. Serving Suggestions Serve with a spoonful of greek style yoghurt or mayonnaise. 70

73 Pro Contact: Ronan Gallagher MVB Address: Carrowcarden, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo Phone: ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION RAM FERTILITY TESTING SEMEN FREEZING SEMEN STORAGE EMBRYO TRANSFER Like us on Star Genetics 1959 mart serving farmers for over fifty years Sheep Sales Every Wednesday 11.00am Breeding Ewes Each Saturday (August October) Manager Maura Quigley 2012 Tel: / Fax: Website: roscomonmart.ie 71

74 Schmallenberg Virus by Maureen Prendergast MVB, PhD, MRCV Technical Services, MSD Animal Health) The Schmallenberg virus was first diagnosed in a small town in Germany of the same name in August 2011 and is related to viruses affecting ruminant animals in Africa. Subsequently, the virus was found in Belgium, Denmark, France, and in the UK in early 2012 and in Ireland, North and South, in Autumn Since then it has continued to spread rapidly throughout Ireland, carried by midges (Culicoides) up to 3 to 5km/day. The midge season in Ireland is from April to November. Midges can carry massive quantities of virus which they innoculate into sheep and cattle when feeding. Midges may even allow multiplication of the virus within their own bodies before innoculation. Deer and wild boar are considered potential wildlife hosts. There is no risk, so far, to humans from this family of viruses. Schmallenberg virus has now been diagnosed in cattle, sheep, goats and Alpaca throughout the North Western European Area. Clinical signs in sheep The early signs of the infection from this virus are often seen in non pregnant sheep as febrile diarrhoea, fever alone, loss of appetite, while respiratory signs were also seen in cases in Belgium. The incubation period is about 2 to 5 days after infection. The signs usually disappear within a week of initial infection. Abortions occur in pregnant ewes but if ewes are infected at 4 to 8 weeks into the pregnancy then there are a range of severe developmental abnormalities that can be seen following this disease (see picture). The virus can also be spread to the fœtus during pregnancy, and these lambs can also be a source of 72

75 new infection for midges at a later stage. This direct spread from ewe to lamb is blocked by vaccination. Immunity can also develop following natural infection. Diagnosis Diagnosis is often by observation of lambs in flocks with fœtal defects. In addition blood samples can be taken during the early infection for antibody levels to the virus or samples can be analysed from abortions or malformed lambs/calves for the presence of the virus. Management Attempts have been made to prevent contact between sheep and midges by the use of insect repellants but it is unknown yet how effective this will be. Vaccination in sheep with a new inactivated viral vaccine will cause a reduction in the viraemia in sheep, approximately 3 weeks following administration of the vaccine. It prevents spread to the fœtus and, if given prior to ewes being put in lamb, will protect flocks from the risk of fœtal abnormalities from Schmallenberg virus. It is important if you suspect that your flock is infected, that samples are submitted for analysis so that the countrywide incidence for this very new disease can be established. However, the disease is not officially notifiable to the authorities in Ireland. Facts about Schmallenberg Virus Infection It can cause abortion and still birth in ruminants It can cause the birth of deformed lambs (and calves). It is transmitted by biting midgets during April to December. It is not known to pose any risk to human health. It does not pose a risk to non-ruminant animals such as horses. It is not a notifiable disease. Impact of infection in Spring 2013 It will be relatively small in most infected flocks. It is entirely dependent on the stage of pregnancy at which ewes are infected. It will greatest in the South and East of the country. Because of the greater exposure risk to the virus. It is likely to be greatest in flocks with synchronised breeding programmes. Dept. of Agriculture does not impose and restrictions on infected holdings. 73

76 Only protects against Pasteurella and Clostridia * Vaccinate lambs NOW before weaning R Heptavac P Plus is indicated for the active immunisation of sheep to reduce mortality and clinical signs of clostridial diseases such as lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney, struck, tetanus, braxy, blackleg and black disease, and to reduce mortality and clinical signs of pneumonic and systemic pasteurellosis. For a complete list of components included in the vaccine* and any further information, please contact MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353(0) Legal Category: LM in R.O.I. and POM-VPS in Nth Irl. Use Medicines Responsibly.

77 Munster Sheep Breeders Association by Brid Coakley Secretary 2012 was another successful year for Munster Sheep Breeders Association members. At all sales there was a good demand for quality stock, with the majority of the rams finding new homes at good prices. Commercial farmers are demanding fast growing lambs that are hardy and produce a good carcass, Munster sheep breeders produce this type of ram and it is certainly paying dividends for our customers. In 2012 Suffolk cross lambs obtained top prices at all the local sales. Suffolk Cross ewes obtained premium prices with the greatest demand being for the top quality lots. Munster Sheep Breeders Association Sales Dates 2013 Fermoy Premier Show and Sale Monday 12 th August Fermoy 2 nd Sale Monday 9 th September Fermoy 3 rd Sale Monday 23 rd September Fermoy 4 th Sale Monday 7 th October Catalogues and information contact Brid Coakley Fermoy Mart Munster Ram sales are held in conjunction with Cork Co-Op Marts to whom we extended our thanks for their courtesy and efficiency. It is always a pleasure to work with them. Our premier sale was judged by Jim Tait. The Champion was a ram lamb by Cairness Achievement from the Clyda flock of Susan O Keeffe; the Reserve Champion was a shearling ram by Cairness Ciro from John Hanley's Freighduff flock. Sale Results Fermoy Premier Sale Open Ram Lamb 1 st Susan O Keeffe Clyda 2 nd P O Keeffe Blackwater 3 rd A J and P Coakley Killavullen Shearling Ram 1 st John Hanley Freighduff 2 nd Noel and Andrew Hume Ballintibbet 3 rd Noel and Andrew Hume Ballintibbet Novice Ram Lamb 1 st P O Keeffe Blackwater 2 nd Alan Jennings Gortroe 3 rd Alan Jennings Gortroe Second Sale Fermoy Noel Hume judged our second sale. Champion: Arthur O Keeffe, Annakisha flock. Reserve: Denis Harrington, Paddock flock The Munster Sheep Breeders Association members would like to thank all their customers for their patronage in We also remind breeders that for best value and top quality keep the Muster Sale Dates in your diary in

78 Reg No. R15 Reg No. BYD ANNAKISHA & CLYDA SU Lamb Plus Recorded FOLKS Joint inlamb ewe sale at Blessington on November 2nd 2013 Sires of 2013 Lambs Rookery Classic Reserve Champion National Sale 2012 Castlewellan Sportsman Cairness Gala Star Cairness Night Rider Cairness High Achiever Errigal Simply the Best BYD L30 Supreme Champion NSC 2012 Semen for sale from past and present stock rams National Suffolk Championships firsts, 2 seconds, Supreme Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion ENQUIRIES AND VISITORS WELCOME Arthur & Susan O Keeffe Annakisha House, Mallow, Co. Cork. Tel.: (086)

79 BAWNARD FLOCK Est Quality stock always for sale Enquiries Welcome JAMES H JEFFERY & SONS AHANESK MIDLETON Co. CORK Tel: Mobile Kilkenny Co-Op Livestock Market Tel: (056) / (056) Fax: (056) Sheep and Calf Sales Mondays Cattle Sales Thursdays Weanling Sales Tuesdays September to December Visitors are cordially invited to inspect our premises, preferably on sale days, when they can see the best stock in Ireland on offer CILLÍN HILL, LEGGETTS RATH DUBLIN ROAD, KILKENNY Ireland s Leading Livestock Auctioneers Weekly Cattle, Calf and Sheep Sales with open and competitive bidding Livestock Purchased to Order Collection and Selling Service Specialists to Sales of Ped. and Milk Recorded Stock Who to Contact: BANDON Tom McCarthy (023) FERMOY/CORRIN Sean Leahy (025) SKIBBEREEN Tom McCarthy (028) DUNGARVAN Ger Flynn (058) MACROOM John O Mahoney (026) CAHIR Jonathan O Sullivan (052) Dairy Sales Advisor JohnFoley Cork Co-operative Marts Limited 2A Market House, Macroom, Co. Cork Tel: (026) Fax: (026) info@corkmarts.com Web: 77

80 Donegal Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association by Andrew Wilson Roscrea Sale Donegal Suffolks were once again to the fore at the breeds premier sale in Roscrea as four out of the top 5 prices were secured by Donegal bred lambs, including Wm J & R Wilsons supreme champion selling for 3100gns, their reserve champion selling for 2200gns, and one of their first prize group of three selling for 2700gns, whilst the Doherty Bros sold their best at 2600 gns and secured 1700 for their next best. Premier Sale Donegals premier sale was kindly sponsored by Smyths Daleside Feeds, judge was Mr Oliver Deane from Co Kildare. Andrew Wilsons open ram lamb sired by Errigal Simply the Best was awarded the overall championship equalling the previous record priced Suffolk selling at 1600gns to D McLean, Larne. Also equalling this price was Doherty Bros 3 rd prize ram lamb selling to M Jennings, Co Mayo. Reserve Champion went to Wm J & R Wilson for their powerful ram lamb. The strong trade continued with Jonathan Lucas fourth prize lamb selling for 1100gns and Doherty Bros strong ram lamb selling for 1000gns. PJ Mc Monagles first prize shearling ram sold for 700gns. Andrew Wilson with the Premier Sale Champion, sold for E1600gns to D McClean, Larne. 78

81 Second Sale Mr Robin McAdoo, Co Tyrone judged our second sale which was sponsored by Fane Valley Feeds. Overall champion was Wm J&R Wilsons Shannagh Resolve sired lambs which sold at E780, whilst Tommy Cavanaghs reserve champion sold for E690. Wm J & R Wilson won the first prize pairs, whilst PJ McMonagle won the Shearling ram class. Third Sale Mr Geoffrey Douglas judged our third sale and awarded PJ McMonagles classy ram lamb the champion, whilst Andrew Wilson reserve champion sold for 730 gns. The pairs were won by Wm J & R Wilson. The Novice class was won by Seamus Browne, and the shearling class was won by Robert Tait. A strong trade was evident throughout with Doherty Bros selling E700, 670 and 500 to M O Shea, Co Cork. Doherty Bros ewe lamb also sold for 730 to Co. Mayo. Fourth Sale Mr Kieran Rodgers kindly judged our final sale which was sponsored by Inisleigh Co- Op and awarded Andrew Wilsons February born ram lamb by Castleisle Fame and Glory the championship which sold for the nights top price of E1180gns and sold to the Finn Vale Flock. Wm J & R Wilsons reserve champion sold for 810gns. Wm J & R Wilson also won the pairs. Many thanks to all our customers throughout the year, with buyers evident throughout Ireland Sam Wilson with the 2nd Sale Champion. 79

82 Shannagh & Castleisle Suffolks The Home of the Roscrea Premier Sale Champion 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012 Res and Doses of Semen for Sale from Shannagh Resolve Cairness Sapphire Limestone To-tal Strathisla Schumacher Ardlea Inspiration Middlemuir Hit n Run Price: E25 E40/dose 4 th Annual In-Lamb Production Sale Blessington Mart on 2 nd Nov Shannagh and Castleisle Suffolks Enquiries to: Andrew Wilson DONEGAL SUFFOLK SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION SALE DATES th August 2013 (Premier Sale) 6 th September 2013 (2 nd Sale) 27 th September 2013 (3 rd Sale) 18 th October 2013 (4 th Sale) All export status Large Selection of EuroStar Rams Available at all above sales! Looking for a ram in 2013, look no further, there will be a large selection of strong breeders rams & an excellent selection of commercial rams at the above sales. Enquiries to:

83 Errigal Est Photo taken on 5 th June 2011 Est Errigal Suffolks Errigal Simply the Best Reg. PBH Suffolks Reg.: PBH Errigal Simply the Best (ARR/ARR) 2011 Irish National Champion, 2012 Male Champion, 2012 Homebred Sire of the Year and 2012 Irish Sire of the Year. Bred sons selling 3,800gns, E3,100gns and E2,700gns, E1,600gns including the Supreme Champion at Roscrea. Bred daughter PBH:12:001 First Prize Untrimmed Ewe Lamb at Irish National Sheep Championships Semen for sale E50 per dose Buy 10 and get extra 4 FREE Cairnton the Cracker (ARR/ARR) Sold at Stirling for 10,000gns. He has grown on well and has been very fertile. His lambs on the ground are looking very promising. Semen for sale E40 per dose Buy 10 and get extra 4 FREE Flock Achievements st Prize Shearling Ram, Male Champion NSC st Prize Untrimmed Ewe Lamb at NSC 2012 Sires of 2013 lambs: Errigal Simply the Best Cairness Achievement Cairness Renovator Cairton the Cracker Production Sale Joint Production Sale with Bailey s, Carragh, DeBurca including Endova (David Dunkan) dispersal on Tom Bailey s Batterstown Farm on November 23 th at 12 noon Enquiries and Visitors Always Welcome Please contact: Seamus Browne mobile: office: home: seamus@browneprinters.com

84 RDS Champion of Champion Awards 2012 Dr Michael Miskell presents Richard Wilson with Perpetual Challenge Cup, RDS Medal and cheque for E400 at the Champion of Champion Awards held at the RDS in January 2013 for his Supreme Champion Ram Lamb Premier Show Roscrea

85 SMYTHS DALESIDE FEEDS Mmunchy PEDIGREE LAMB A high performance coarse diet designed to stimulate lamb growth and achieve excellent daily liveweight gains Market Leaders in Animal Nutrition For further information contact: Robert Smyth & Sons Daleside Mills, Ballindrait, Lifford, Co. Donegal Tel: (074) N.I. Prefix ( ) images from shows and sales available to buy on 83 The place to be seen

86 Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme Quality Assurance Growing in Importance: The use of the Bord Bia Quality logo on-pack is growing in popularity since its launch on lamb back in According to Bord Bia retail store audits, the percentage of facings of lamb product with the Quality Mark has risen from 55% to 84% in the period December 2010 to This provides clear evidence that Irish retailers are committed to promoting Quality Assured Irish lamb and together with a growing number of Irish consumers looking for the Quality Mark the demand for this lamb is set to grow. Overall numbers of lamb producers in the BLQAS scheme stand at just over 9,300, which roughly equates to 45% of our national throughput. The announcement of the Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is a welcome initiative in potentially growing the membership base of BLQAS amongst lamb producers. How does the Quality Assurance audit and certification process work? As our Quality Assurance schemes are certified to the highest International level (EN45011) there are a number of procedures that must be followed. Firstly, producers can either apply directly to Bord Bia or through a meat plant. Existing members of the scheme are audited every months, and are notified by Bord Bia when the audit his due. When received, the application is assigned to an independent auditor by a Bord Bia approved inspection body. The auditor then contacts the farmer to arrange a time and date suitable to carry out the audit. Once the audit has been completed it is reviewed and then sent to a weekly certification committee, where the final decision is made regarding approval. A certificate is then issued to the farmer if they pass the audit or otherwise they are notified that they are ineligible for certification. At this stage the farmer will also receive an audit report outlining details of possible areas for improvement. Preparing for the Audit In advance of the farm audit, producers should: Review their flock register (manual or online) to ensure it is fully up-to-date. Make sure that the animal remedies register (manual or computer-based) is properly completed and up-to-date. Check that records have been kept of all feeds purchased onto the farm (delivery dockets, feed bag labels etc.). Update the Bord Bia Farm Book records (Animal Health Plan, home-grown feeds). Ensure that a fully up-to-date copy of your Farm Safety Statement is available for inspection (This can be completed online. See 84

87 Athenry Co-Op Mart Sheep Sale every Monday Sale commencing 10am Number of Wholesalers, Butchers and Factory Agents present Manager Alan Barry Tel: for further details Tuam Co-Op Livestock Mart Vicar Street, Tuam. Phone No Cattle Sale Every Monday Starting at a.m. Sheep Sale Every Tuesday Evening Tuam Mart Store Vicar Street, Tuam Tel: Leading Suppliers of top quality animal feeds, fertilizer, sprays and all Agriculture Products Working Together for a Better Future Across all enterprises, the IFA s united voice and democratic structure of elected voluntary officers is supported with the best professional expertise and resources. Whether at home, in Europe or Internationally, Irish Farmers can be absolutely confident that the Association is working hard to find solutions and delivering the best possible results on the issues of the day John Bryan, President 85

88 Suffolks Stand Tall at the National Ploughing Championships by Anne Mitchell Secretary The National Ploughing Championships went south this year to Wexford, Heathpark New Ross. While travellers may have complained about access to the site, the Branch is indebted to the Wexford Suffolks Breeders for their outstanding work in preparing the Stand for the event. Suffolk members of the Wexford Club, together with ther spouses, children, family and friends were drafted in under the watchful eye of the clubs Chairman Michael Clarke, to work tirelessly to present a stand that attracted crowds, praise and welcome from far and near for the effort involved. The stand had a magnificent display of top quality Suffolk pedigree and Suffolk crossbred sheep representing the cutting edge of the breed. Greg Rossiter of the Bannow flock together with Michael Brennan of the Galbally flock supplied and sourced the sheep for the stand. A ram lamb purchased at our Roscrea Sale by Society s President, Jim Jeffery from the Annakisha flock of Arthur O Keeffe was used as our showcase on the ploughing stand. Arthur groomed and nurtured the lamb for four weeks prior to the event, as did Greg and Michael with their sheep. This resulted in a stand of Suffolk sheep that gave a clear message to all tha the Suffolk breed is very much in demand. Breeders from the Wexford Club together with member of the Committee were eon hand during the three days of the event to offer advice and to provide information about the excellence of the Suffolk breed. 86

89 Providing you with a full range of breeding services for your flock Artificial Insemination Embryo Transfer Semen Freezing and Storage Embryo Freezing and Storage Ram Fertility Testing Imports and Exports Scrapie Genotyping Services available throughout the UK and Ireland Call us today: (0) Mobile ENQUIRIES@INNOVIS.ORG.UK

90 Presentation Night 2012 T J Broderick, Chairman, Jim Jeffery, President and Richard Wilson Susan O'Keeffe, T J Broderick, Chairman and Breda O'Keeffe T J Broderick, Chairman, and Oliver Deane T J Broderick, Chairman, and Nial Walsh 88

91 North Eastern Suffolk Breeders Club by Philip Lynch A wet year is never a good year for sheep and so it proved in Poor lamb prices with a wash out of a summer, compounded by record high meal prices all conspired to make it a year to forget. Needless to say ram sales were difficult and profits from producing pedigree rams were poor. The business of farming is just that; it is a business. Gone are the days when it was a way of life when people farmed because that was all they knew. Profitability goes hand in hand with costs. The cost of producing pedigree sheep of all breeds have rocketed and have out paced returns. The production of rams must get closer to and reflect the realities of commercial producers. Sanity must return. The cycle of production needs to change. Premier ram sales are held in late July early August. Commercial sheep farmers do not want to buy their rams at this time of the year. The only serious buyers are pedigree breeders who are breeding their ewes at this time so as to have rams strong enough for the premier sale the following year. Consequently, lambing is in early January, the most expensive time of the year. Short days, low temperatures, frost, snow and storms and endless days and nights in a lambing shed all add to the costs. Surely it would make much more sense to hold the premier sales in the first week of September. Lambing could then be done in mid to late February with ewes and lambs being turned out to grass almost immediately. This would reduce costs substantially, taking at least 100 of the cost of production. September sales would also have the added benefit of coinciding with demand from commercial producers. Club activities were also hit by the poor weather conditions. Our club show was scheduled for the Bailieboro show but prolonged heavy rainfall on the days previous led to a decision to cancel our club show and postpone it to be held in conjunction with The Flavours of Fingal Show. Again the weather had an impact on this event. This time it was good weather but with the back- log of work which had built up on farms many breeders had to prioritise and consequently there was a low turnout. In any event on the day the aged ram, aged ewe and shearling ewe classes were won by Philip Lynch, and the ram and ewe lamb classes were won by Gabriel Conway. Show champion was awarded to Philip Lynch shearling ram, Conveth Stylist, with reserve going to Philip Lynchs homebred aged ewe. Next event was our premier show and sale in Carnaross Mart. Mr. Ivan Porter was our judge on the night. 1 st prize ram lamb and champion went to Philip Lynch and sold for 550euros.2 nd prize and reserve 89

92 champion was awarded to Tom Wilson, selling for 520euros.3 rd prize and top price of the night at 600euros went to Martin Butler. At our second sale Paddy Carolan produced the champion selling for 720 euros Gabriel Conway and Hemersk Ire. Were 2 nd and 3 rd respectively. I would like to thank Carnaross Mart for their continued help and support. Finally, I would like to wish Martin Butler and his family well on their move north of the border to Ballymena. Martin, Orlaith, Eimear and Eoin were great supporters of all the club events and Martin was club chairman and Orlaith was our unofficial secretary up to the time when they moved. He also brought great honour to the club when he won the supreme championship at the premier sale in His enthusiasm and interest in the club will be greatly missed. North Eastern Suffolk Breeders Club Important dates Premier Show & Sale at Carnaross Mart Tuesday 10 th September at 6.30pm 2 nd Sale & Show at Carnaross Mart Tuesday 8 th October at 6.30pm Enquiries to: Philip Lynch (Chairman)

93 Suffolks EST REG. NO. C46 Errigal Dundee Purchased Roscrea Prem Sale for E2,900gns. Sires used in 2012 Errigal Dundee, Crosemanor Mr Muscle, Malinhead Donegal, Deburca Lewis, Threeways Northern Star, Cairness Saphire, Shannagh Resolve, and Strathisla Sea Bird. Males & females for sale privately Enquiries Welcome Eamonn Duffy Ethelstown, Kells, Co. Meath m: e: Annual Production Sale at Carnaross Mart, Kells on Tuesday 3 rd Sep at 1pm Muff Suffolk Established 1998 Prefix KHN Sires used in 2012 Castleisland Champ Baileys Lightening Dunmore butler Muff Freedom Enquiries and Visitors always welcome Paddy Carolan Larragh Muff Kingscourt Co. Cavan Why use a Pedigree Registered Suffolk Ram SUPERIOR GROWTH RATE EASY FLESHING EARLY FINISHING IDEAL CROSS TO ALL BREEDS HARDY LIVELY LAMBS EARLY TURN-OUT OF LAMBS LOW FEET PROBLEMS PRODUCES LOTS OF LAMBS QUALITY IN QUANTITY 91

94 South of Ireland Branch Suffolk Sheep Society ENTRY FOR ALL SALES 2013 NAME ADDRESS CONTACT PHONE NUMBER Reg. Flock No Prefix 1. Notch No Lamb Plus 2 Notch No Lamb Plus 3 Notch No Lamb Plus 4 Notch No Lamb Plus Signature Date Please return entry forms and appropriate fee to Anne Mitchell, Secretary, Cross Menlough Ballinasloe On or before appropriate closing date. 92

95 Membership Form Suffolk Sheep Society, Unit 19, Ballymena Business Centre, Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, BT42 1FL

96 THE ORIGINAL Novavet s 3 in 1 sheep care lick is innovative in solving three of the most demanding challenges to sheep care. Firstly the magnesium to protect the ewe against GRASS TETANY and still safe to use with pedigree ram lambs - ORF in lambs can be a hugely painful disorder - it is prevented and cured successfully, while the high levels of biotin and zinc helps build up strong hoofs resiliant to FOOT ROT. Also Available: BACTOKILL - Ringworm & Orf Spray Available in 500ml A unique ready to use spray which is effective against orf in sheep and ringworm in cattle. Usually two or three sprays will see disorder improve. NEW PRODUCT FEET FIRST Available in 500ml Treats scald and footrot in sheep, foul & digital dermatitis in cattle. Aids with treatment of Montelligo, Tethers & Joint ill. Available from: Co-op stores, Agri merchants & selected vet shops Novavet Desart, Cuffsgrange Co. Kilkenny, Ireland (IRL) (NI) info@novavet.ie

97 Lamb Stir-fry with Leeks and Peppers Ingredients 500g lean lamb stir-fry strips 2 red peppers 2 leeks 1 onion 300g egg noodles Bunch of scallions, sliced into 2cm pieces 1 tablesp. coriander, chopped 1 tablesp. soy sauce 1 tablesp. olive oil 1 tablesp. sesame seeds, toasted Serves 4 Marinade 2 cloves garlic, crushed 4cm piece of ginger, peeled and grated 2 tablesp. soy sauce 1 tablesp. rice wine vineger 1 tablesp. sesame oil 1 tablesp. cornflour Method Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add in the lamb strips and leave to marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and noodles. Thinly slice the red peppers, leeks and onion and set aside. Cook the noodles as per packed instructions. When they are cooked add in the scallions, coriander and soy sauce and stir well to combine. Heat a little oil in a wok or frying pan and stir-fry the peppers, leeks and onion for a couple of minutes. Remove to a plate and keep warm while you cook the lamb. Add a little more oil to pan and when it is very hot stir-fry the lamb in batches. As it cooks remove it to a plate and keep warm. Return the vegetables and lamb to the wok and mix well together. Remove to a serving dish and sprinkle over the sesame seeds. Serve immediately with the noodles. To toast sesame seeds Heat a small dry pan over low heat. Add sesame seeds and stir constantly until golden. This will only take about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. 95