Blue Texel may be a relatively new breed to Ireland, but 17-year-old Jennifer Donohoe is one breeder who is optimistic for its future.
In 2016, when she was just twelve years of age, she established her own flock of prize-winning Blue Texel sheep, which she farms alongside the family’s pedigree Aubrac cattle.
She founded the renowned Johnstown Blue Texel flock, based outside Delvin, with purchases from both Philip Crowe (Powerful Blue Texels) and the Innishmore flock in Co. Fermanagh.
Jennifer Donohoe, a member of the Irish Blue Texel Sheep Society, told That’s Farming:
“I was drawn to the breed instantly for their sweetness and sharp heads as well as their carcass quality.”
“I cannot see any fault in the Blue Texels, and at the moment, it is looking like I am not the only one who thinks this. They have done everything right for us so far, and it is of no surprise demand is growing all the time.”
From strength-to-strength
Since its inception in 2016 with 10 breeding ewes, the flock has grown to 30 breeding females.
“Many farmers are attracted to the breed for their ease of lambing, yet high-quality kill-outs and U and E grading. We are very excited for the future of Blue Texels in Ireland as interest is growing all the time.”
“This year, we hope to run two rams with our ewes to vary our bloodlines. Our latest purchase is a ram by Powerful Blue Texels. We look forward to his progeny next year and are very excited to see how he does.”
“My highlight with the blues so far has been the NSBA Championships 2019, where we came home with male champion and overall champion with a home-bred ram lamb, Johnstown Dynamite.”
Sheep for sale
Johnstown Blue Texels offer a selection of high-quality for sale annually.
The flock will offer 10 lots for sale at the Irish Blue Texel Sheep Society’s third annual sale today (Saturday, August 21st).
These include lots 15, 16, 36, 37, 38, 69, 70, 71, 72 and 73.
A total of 100 lots will come under the hammer at The Showgrounds, Carrick-on-Shannon. The show will commence at 10am, with the sale to follow shortly afterwards at 12:30pm.
Information
For more information about Johnstown Aubracs and Blue Texels, click here.
A sample of the lots Johnstown Blue Texels will offer for sale:
