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HomeBeefRenowned Suffolk breeders join forces for joint production sale
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Renowned Suffolk breeders join forces for joint production sale

Two flocks, Ivybrook & Kells Suffolks, have joined forces to host their second annual production sale.

Eamonn Duffy is a full-time beef and sheep farmer based in Kells Co. Meath. He runs one of Ireland’s largest pedigree Suffolk flocks, comprising 120 pedigree Suffolk ewes.

His late father established the flock in 1980, 41 years ago. He sells over 80 pedigree ram lambs every year to pedigree and commercial farmers alike.

Kells Suffolks won the champion South of Ireland flock title in 2017 and 2018 and the best large flock in the UK & Ireland in 2018.

Furthermore, Aaron Kealy is a 24-year-old breeder who established his flock in 2015. He farms part-time, working as a research assistant on the UCD Lyons research farm after completing his animal science degree at UCD this year.

He runs a flock of 25 pedigree ewes, “investing heavily” in a small number of ewes each year to add to his flushing team.

Ivybrook & Kells Suffolks

Their sale will occur at Carnaross Mart, Kells, Co Meath on Saturday, October 30th, at 1 pm.

60 pedigree Suffolk females – including in-lamb gimmers, aged ewes, and dry ewe lambs – will come under the hammer

The breeders, who are both members of the South of Ireland Branch of the Suffolk Sheep Society, told That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane:

“This sale provides an annual opportunity for new & existing breeders to purchase new and exciting bloodlines from two of the leading Suffolk flocks in Ireland.”

“Last year’s sale had a 100% clearance. 60 lots averaged €1,000, topping at €3,460 for an Ivybrook gimmer.”

Two flocks, Ivybrook & Kells Suffolks, have joined forces to host their second annual production sale at Carnaross Mart on October 30th.
Strathbogie Statham: Shearling ram champion Balmoral show. Ivybrook service sire
Investment in superior genetics 

Eamonn and Aaron have “invested heavily” in the very best bloodlines available in the breed today by purchasing breeding females and using some of the best rams available.

Kells’ service sires for the sale include Kells T-rex, the 25000gns Supreme and overall male champion at the Blessington premier sale 2020, and Crewelands Frontline purchased for 12,000gns at Lanark 2020.

Ivybrook’s service sires include Cavanagrove Chielini, the 2021 Ballymena novice champion, 13,000gns Strathbogie Joel, who bred lambs to 14,000gns in Ballymena 2021 and Strathbogie Statham, a previous winner of the Shearling ram class at Balmoral Show.

“Our target market is both new and existing pedigree breeders. This is an excellent opportunity for new pedigree breeders to purchase proven sheep from proven bloodlines with guaranteed after-sales support and advice.”

“All females are on the Heptavac – P programme, from a fully scrapie monitored flock or genotyped ARR/ARR. Also, all sheep will be sold scanned in lamb and have been scanned twice. All sheep will are eligible for export to Northern Ireland and Europe.”

Two flocks, Ivybrook & Kells Suffolks, have joined forces to host their second annual production sale at Carnaross Mart on October 30th.
Cavanagrove Chielini: 2000gns Novice Champion Ballymena 2021. Ivybrook service sire. Credit: Alfie Shaw
Viewing, bidding and transport

Sheep can be viewed on-farm before the sale by contacting the vendors Aaron Kealy 0861999148 or Eamonn Duffy 0861506785.

Sheep will be available for viewing in the mart on the day of the sale from 11 am. Both ringside, telephone and online bidding will be available on the day.

Bidders must pre-register with the mart before the sale to bid online.

According to the breeders, they can arrange transport for buyers after the sale, free of charge. Online bidding is available through LSL.

Two flocks, Ivybrook & Kells Suffolks, have joined forces to host their second annual production sale at Carnaross Mart on October 30th.
Strathbogie Joel: 13000gns at Lanark 2020. First crop of lambs sold to 14500gns for Burnview Suffolks at Ballymena 2021.

Note: All images supplied by interviewee for article

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