Gardaí have launched an investigation after seven pedigree Charollais rams were stolen from a field in County Laois last week.
It is understood that the theft occurred near Brittas Road in Clonaslee between last Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 and Friday, March 19th, 2021.
Highlighting the theft on social media earlier today (Tuesday, March 23rd), a spokesperson for Garda Síochána Laois Offaly said:
“Mountmellick Gardaí are investigating the theft of 7 Pedigree Charollais Rams from a field off the Brittas Road in Clonaslee between last Wednesday 17th March 2021 and Friday 19th March 2021.”
“If you have any information that may assist us or know of their whereabouts, please contact us. Any information to Portlaoise Garda Station: 0578674100.”
Sheep prices
In other sheep-related news, IFA national sheep chairman, Sean Dennehy, has said demand for hoggets and lambs will strengthen over the coming weeks.
He said buying for the Easter trade is in full swing and will be followed immediately afterwards by Ramadan, which starts on April 13th.
“Numbers are extremely tight, and factories and wholesalers are competing strongly for supplies. Factories are paying €7.30-€7.40/kg for QA hoggets, with higher deals available for groups and larger lots,” he said.
He stated that spring lamb quotes have increased, with up to €7.80/kg on offer.
Dennehy said strong and improving market conditions must be reflected in prices to farmers.
He believes early lamb producers must be rewarded with a premium for spring lambs above hogget values that reflects the costs associated with the production system and the long-term commitment of these farmers in providing high-cost lamb for factories.
“Current prices for spring lamb are not reflective of the value of this premium product and the costs associated with producing it. Prices paid by factories for spring lamb must be increased.”
Concluding, Dennehy said demand is strong, numbers are tight, and farmers should sell hard to maximise returns.
Meanwhile, he added, cull ewes are making from €2.90-€3.20/kg, in general.
