A consignment of top-drawer Dassenkop, Dutch Spotted and Valais Blacknose sheep are set to come under the hammer at a special Summer Spectacular Sale at Tullow Livestock Mart on Monday, May 1st, 2023, writes farming journalist, Catherina Cunnane.
The hybrid sale, which will also be hosted on Mart Eye and kicks off at 6:30 pm, is the brainchild of P&H Pedigrees, property of renowned Carlow-based pedigree sheep breeders, Nigel Hogan and David Power.
Diamond Dassenkop and Powervill Dutch Spotted joined forces and formed P&H Pedigrees.
Together, the two breeders have acquired stock from what they regard as “some of the best flocks” across Ireland, the UK and Holland, the latter of which they visited in June 2022 to “hand pick from some of its best flocks”.
Superior genetics
Speaking to That’s Farming ahead of the sale, Power told our editor:
“With the help of Theo Van Deijne, who is renowned for his Dassenkops, we imported some outstanding ewes to flush, and this really enhanced the Diamond flock.”
“When we got to Joost Louter’s Dutch Spotted flock, we were truly amazed by the breed’s potential. His were the best flock of Spotties we have ever seen.”
“They had length, power, and plenty of style, which is a testament to his dedication as a Dutch Spotted breeder for over two decades.”
“We brought over two super rams and some ewes to flush. January lambs could not have gotten any better, and the quality is next level.”
“We are at the top of our game and believe that any of the sheep on offer at summer spectacular will go on to win many shows and breed champions in the future.”
Entries
All sheep are eligible for export, and any sheep imported are from MV-accredited farms.
Diamond Dassenkop has 10 gimmers, 5 ram lambs and 10 ewe lambs catalogued.
Meanwhile, Powervill Dutch Spotted have entered all their January ET ewe lambs (8 in total) and their top 5 ram lambs, 2 imported gimmers and 3 of their flushing ewes.
Lastly, Quarrymount Pedigees, property of Brian Matthews, a guest consigner, will offer five lambs, a mix of rams and ewes, for sale.
Power explained: “Brian has a very good eye for stock and always puts his best stock forward for sale; this year’s lambs are no exception. This is a super opportunity to buy some top-end Valais Blacknose.”
The breeders will deliver to a selection of venues at a later date after the sale and will arrange any sheep for export.
Closing remarks
Power concluded:
“When I got into breeding pedigrees, a very successful breeder told me, ‘good sheep are not cheap, and cheap sheep are not good’. I have bought from the best to compete with the best.”
“We are putting our best sheep forward and will set the benchmark for quality for any sale this year.”
“Virtual sales are great, but you cannot see how good a sheep is if you do not see it in person. People need to put a hand on sheep to make sure the sheep feels as good as it looks.”
“This is the one sale you should not miss. You have tried the rest; now it is time to come back to the best,” he concluded.
Prices:
- Dassenkop topped at €2,750 – average: €1800
- Dutch Spotted sold to €1,750 twice – average: €1300;
- Valais Blacknose peaked at €3,000 – average: €2500.
Register to bid
If buying online make to contact the mart office – Tullow Livestock Sales – ASAP to register to bid by phoning 059 9151142.
The sale will kick off at 6 pm, with viewing from 3 pm.
