Report: The inaugural Rare & Minority Breed Sale at GVM Tullamore Mart on Saturday, November 27th, 2021, attracted strong interest overseas, 120 bidders from Wales, NI and UK alone registering to bid.
The sale – which saw prices soar to €3,200 – is the brainchild of renowned sheep breeder, Jim Croke, who held this under the banner of Croke Promotion.
Rare & Minority Breed Sale report
Speaking to That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, following the sale, Croke said:
“I could not be happier with the sale, and how much interest was there for the breeds. I was very dubious of how things would go in the beginning. However, as the day went on and more and more people came to view the stock, I knew it would be a success.”
“There was an 82% clearance across all breeds. The top price went to the Badger Face Texel at €3,200 and Dutch Spotted topped at €3,000.”
“Another breed that is very dear to me are the Herdwicks. They topped at €290 and averaged €260. Therefore, I would say if we had 100 of them on the day, they would have all sold.”
“People turned out in their droves to views the different breed. During the sale, there was a lot of activity in the room. I have already started making plans for next year and set up a Facebook page to promote and highlight photos from his year.”
“The next sale will be on November 23rd, 2022, in GVM Mart Tullamore following this year’s success.”
“I would like to thank Merissa Kelly for organising sponsorship from Mayo Health Care. Dawn Thomas for helping run the event on the day and Caroline Mullen for doing photography as well.”
“Also, thanks to Catherina Cunnane and the That’s Farming team for the coverage and support in reaching out to everyone on your social media platform.”
“Thanks to Antoinette Daly and the team in GVM Tullamore Mart. I am looking forward to next year already. I know we will have many more breeds, and hopefully, demand will be as high,” he concluded.
Rare & Minority Breed Sale report: Sheep prices:
Breed | Description | Average Price € | Top Price € |
Badger Face Texel: | Ewe Hoggets | € 2925 | € 3200 |
Badger Face Texel: | Ewe Lambs | € 1800 | €2200 |
Blue Texel: | Ewe Lambs | € 617 | € 900 |
Dutch Spotted | Ewe Hoggets | € 2500 | €3000 |
Dutch Spotted | Ewe Lambs | € 1814 | € 2300 |
ClunForest: | Ewe Lambs | € 200 | € 200 |
Galway: | Ewe Lambs | € 260 | € 290 |
Galway: | Ram Lambs | € 150 | € 150 |
Herdwick | Ewe Lambs | € 270 | € 290 |
Jacob | Ewe Lambs | € 280 | € 360 |
Kerry Hill | Ewe Lambs | € 195 | € 210 |
Shropshire | Ewe Lambs | € 140 | € 140 |
Zwartbles | Ewe Lambs | € 470 | € 520 |