The Borris Ewe Breeders’ Association’s 59th annual show and sale takes place on Saturday, August 13th, 2022, at Borris Mart, Co. Carlow (R95 AY07).
The annual event – which is the pinnacle in some sheep farmers’ calendars – showcases the Borris ewe – a cross between a Cheviot ewe and Suffolk ram.
According to the group, sellers from the south-east bring their “best” Borris hogget ewes and ewe lambs to the annual event.
Borris Ewe Breeders’ sale
Judging will take place before the sale, with approximate entry numbers as follows:
- 700 ewe lambs sale starting at 11 am.
- 1,100 hogget ewes starting at 1 pm.
According to organisers, last year’s sale saw ewe lambs sell for €90-€145, while hogget ewes went under the hammer from €190-€250.
Speaking to That’s Farming, local breeder and chairman of the association, Maurice O’ Donoghue, said:
“The Borris Ewe Breeders’ Association is going from strength to strength. We are a group of farmers from the foothills of Mount Leinster in south Carlow.”
“The Borris ewe is well-known for its maternal traits coming from the mothering Cheviot ewe,” he added.
He said the Suffolk/Cheviot-cross has brought extra growth, shape and prolificy without sacrificing longevity.
“The hardiness comes from the Suffolk breed as well as the mountain characteristics of the Cheviot.”
“The high maternal traits, acquired from the Cheviot breed, make up the backbone of many of Ireland’s great flocks.”
“Cast ewes were making excellent money this year compared to the previous year,” he told That’s Farming.
“However, the lamb and cast ewe trade has tightened in the last month, so we are unsure of what the hogget trade will be like.”
“We only have three sales during the year, and entry numbers are generally always similar. Local farmers within a 15-mile radius are allowed to bring sheep to these sales.”
“Therefore, the group is a close-knit community, which we believe, is a testament to our sale’s success,” he concluded.
Information
For further information about this sheep sale, please contact Leinster Marts.
The group will host further sales on August 27th and September 10th, 2022.
