Local and overseas purchasers were active at the Irish Dutch Spotted Association’s second annual premier show and sale on Saturday, August 6th, 2022.
Two entries sold for a joint top call of €5,000 at the sale at Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society LTD’s venue at the Showgrounds, in Carrick-on-Shannon.
First up was the overall champion, McDermott’s Fast & Furious, a Diamond Electro-sired ram lamb bred by Kevin McDermott from Gleneely, Donegal.
At the same price tag was the reserve champion, a ewe lamb, Cashel Hill Faydell, by the same sire as the champion bred by Joseph Harkin from Gleneely, Donegal.
A first-prize shearling ewe, a Dutch import, presented by Rachel Gallagher from Port Salon, was the first sheep into the ring and set the tone of the trade at €3,100.
A spokesperson for the Irish Dutch Spotted Association told That’s Farming:
“We were delighted to welcome Dutch Spotted breeder, Henry Jewitt, from the Sunnybank flock in Barnards Castle, Durham as our pre-sale judge.”
“Henry is very active on the UK show and sale circuit with his Spotties and other breeds, with recent wins at the major shows in England. He inspected all stock for correctness and quality.”
“Shearling ewes averaged €1,632, and ewe lambs levelled at €1,272. Meanwhile, shearling and older rams averaged €840, and ram lambs levelled at €770. Overall, 24 lots sold for 4 figure prices with most top lots going for export,” the spokesperson added.
Irish Dutch Spotted Association
From an initial 19 breeders who committed to establishing the IDSSA, “strong” growth and interest have resulted in the current membership standing at 47.
Breeders formed the association to promote, market, record and certify the breed in Ireland.
According to the society, main traits include:
- Thrive on a grass-based system producing a quality meaty carcase;
- Light boned with a large framework;
- High kill-out percentage, lean meat and a unique taste;
- Easy lambing with vigorous lambs;
- High yielding with plentiful milk;
- Good mouths and excellent, hard feet;
- Mature weights: Females: 75kg-95kg. Males: 115kg-135kg;
- Easy to handle with an inquisitive nature.
Its next sale of females and rams will take place in Blessington on September 10th, 2022.
