The Rare & Minority Breed Sale is the brainchild of Jim Croke, who describes himself as a “Dublin man with no farming experience”.
The sale will take place at GVM Tullamore Mart, Co Offaly, on Saturday, November 27th, 2021.
According to the organiser, a renowned Zwartbles sheep breeder, just over 90 lots will come under the hammer at 1 pm sharp.
Viewing is between 11 am and 12:30 pm at the Offaly-based venue.
- Badger Face Texel: x 2
- Blue Texel: x 9
- ClunForest: x 5
- Dutch Spotted: x 17
- EasyCare: x 16
- Galway: x 4
- Herdwick: x 6
- Jacob: x 5
- Kerry Hill: x 10
- Shropshire: x 10
- Soay: x 5
- Zwartbles: 3
Rare & Minority Breed Sale
Speaking to That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, Jim said:
“Both parents are from Tipperary, so that is what took me away from the smoke. I started breeding Zwartbles sheep in 2012 as a hobby.”
“I got heavily involved with the breed and have a flock of 52 ewes. Due to Brexit, we have formed our own association, and I am currently chairman for the Irish Zwartbles Sheep Association (IZSA).”
“I have always had a liking for unusual breeds and went on to keep ClunForest, Herdwick and recently Dutch Spotted. I did try several years ago to get a sale going for rare breeds, but it was unsuccessful.”
“This year and very last minute, I decided to run with the idea. So, the rare and minority sale has come to reality.”
“I am not sure how to go about it, but I do know that setting up a society to run an event becomes complicated and time-consuming.”
“So, I felt the best way to go about it was to go solo, so I am running the event under the banner of Croke Promotion.”
“I have reached out to the many different breeds, and the support and interest has been incredible.”
“We are delighted to have the native Galway sheep at the sale, even if there are only four this year. We have 12 breeds in total.”
“Admittedly, the stock numbers are low, but the event has to start somewhere. This is a great opportunity for breeders to come together and sell their sheep in a public auction setting.”
“The location is central, and we hope to have a good turnout on the day,” Jim concluded.
Some entries from Jonathan Workman for sale on Saturday:
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