N.I. Texel Club - Tel: 07791679112
Letter From The Chairman
Breeders’ Gazette 2025
OFFICE HOLDERS 2025
Honorary Presidents: Ian Millar, Larne and John Currie, Ballymena
Chairman: Philip Whyte Portglenone
Vice Chair: Colin Price Crumlin
Secretary: Martin Warnock, Limavady
PRO: Barbara Strawbridge, Coleraine
Minutes Secretary: Jane McCollam, Crumlin
Treasurer; Brian McAllister, Kells
Export Manager: Martin Warnock, Limavady
James
Society Representative: Alastair Gault, Newtownabbey
Young Members' Representative: Stewart Ferris Lisburn
Congratulations goes to Mark Priestley Seaforde Flock for claiming the RUAS Balmoral Champion and to Young Breeder Sam McNeilly with ReserveChampion.
June saw the club hold their second national show competition at Armagh which was a huge success with a large entry again. Judge for the day AndrewClarkremarkedonthequalityofstockandespeciallytheewelamb classes.CongratulationstoMartinMcConvilleGlenhoneflockwithasuper ewe lamb. Also to Reserve Champion Alastair Gault Forkins flock with a very impressive shearling. As we look forward to our National Show 2025 which will be judged under professional eye of Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn Flock, I would encourage all members to support the National Show and keep growing it to be a great success. The club continuestosupportbreedersmakingthetimeandtheefforttoshowatall the local shows through the show flock of the year competition which will run again this year throughout the summer Well done to Alastair Gault Forkins flock in claiming the Show Flock 2024 and to Martin McConville Glenhone flock on claiming Reserve place. A big thanks to Galloway and MacleodLtdforthesponsorship.
As we moved into July we saw a great crowd gather for a club trip to celebrate the British Texel Society 50th anniversary at Carlisle for the National Texel Textravaganza Show Congratulations to our NI Texel Club team members who took part and received second place in the National Team Games. A fantastic show of stock and a great time was had by all as a club. We look forward to the next trip and would encourage everyone to getinvolved.
Ontothesalesseasonanditisimportanttoacknowledgethesuccessofall the club sales this past year with great averages and clearance rates across the board. I would like to thank all the club sponsors and judges for the sales and without your support none of the pre-sales shows would be possible.
The autumn saw the annual flock competition and dinner awards night kindly sponsored by Seamus McCormick Danske Bank. A big thanks to this year's judge Frank Rushton Derbyshire for the giving of his time. Congratulations to Cyril and Martin Millar, Millars flock on receiving Champion Flock and John Trimble Curley flock for Reserve flock. A huge well done to all who took part and supported a great night's fun at the dinner
I would like to thank all committee for their ongoing support and to all breeders old and new for your support and enthusiasm to profile the Texel breedandwishyoualleverysuccessin2025.
As we start another year and look forward to the longer days and hopefully thebetterweather,itisgoodtolookback at some of the club's achievements from the past year. I would like to thank and acknowledge the hard work and enthusiasm from all our breeders throughouttheshowseasonlastyear. Balmoral Show was another great success, with a fantastic show of stock andgreatcrowdslookingon. Club Chairman
Committee Members
Neil Watson
Chairman'sAward
Club Chairman Andrew Moses presented Ailish Ross with the Chairman's Award for her support to the NI Texel Sheep Breeder's MembersatSocietylevel.
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With spring in the air amidst lambing season & summer shows around the corner it's been a welcoming start with condi ons being considerably be er than this me last year
Young breeders once again have paved the journey to success with Ivanna Strawbridge taking the Reserve Overall Champion at the NI Na onal with Lynbrook Hercules which went on to sell for 6,000gns. He was bought by the day's judge, John Greene, Larahirl flock, Co.Donegal.
The Five Na ons weekend is being hosted in Donegal, Ireland, by the Irish Texel Sheep Society from Friday 27 - Sunday 29 June 2025. Females were also in high demand when Stewart Ferris sold an in-lamb gimmer at the Fes ve Crackers sale for 3,600gns, securing the final bid was Fintan Hacke of the Cornagilta flock.
Tickets are €260/£220 per person for the weekend, this includes bed and breakfast accommoda on, coach travel, with collec on and drop off at Belfast airport, meals, and show entry cket.
All booking queries are to be emailed to info@irishtexel.com
Our first event of the year will kick off with the Texel young handlers class at Balmoral Show which will commence a er the championship. This class will be judged on the handler & not the sheep.
There will be two classes: Jnr: 13 & under & Snr: 14 - 18 year's old.
To enter please come & see Stewart Ferris Jnr
£1 entry fee at the gate.
2025 Membership forms will be available online on the 'Texel Young Breeders NI' Facebook page in due course. If you'd prefer a paper copy posted out instead please don't hesitate to ask. As always it would be great to see new members on board to con nue the future of the young Texel enthusiasts in Northern Ireland.
To conclude I'd like to wish you all a successful year & look forward to seeing what 2025 has in store for us all.
Stewart Ferris Jnr Chairman.
DANSKE FLOCK COMPETITION 2024
Frank Rushton Derbyshire kindly judged the Clubs annual Flock competition 2024. Frank commented on the high standard of stock presented and thanked everyone for their warm welcome and hospitality. The Club extend their thanks to Seamus McCormick and Danske Bank for their ongoing generous sponsorship for the competition. Thank you goes to Club members for participating and congratulations to all those members who received awards. It is planned to run this competition again in 2025 week commencing 10th November followed by the Awards Ceremony at the annual Dinner Dance on 15th November
Results NI Texel Breeder's Flock Competition
Small Flock
1 John Trimble Curley Flock
2 Andrew Kennedy Maineview Flock
3 Philip Whyte Innishrush
Large Flock
1 Martin Millar Millars Flock
Medium Flock
1 Alan Glendinning Lylehill Flock
2 Philip Dodds Tullybrannigan Flock
3 Naomi O'Hare Millburn Flock
2 Roger Strawbridge Tamnamoney Flock
3 Alastair Gault Forkins Flock
Pen of Ewe Lambs
Small:-
1 Martin McConville Glenhone Flock
2 Jack Gault Cherryvale Flock
3 John Trimble Curley
Large:-
1 Alastair Gault Forkins Flock
2 Jonny Cubitt Drumcon Flock
3 Andrew Kennedy Maineview Flock
Best Junior Stock Ram
Medium:-
1 Philip Dodds Tullybrannigan
2 Philip Whyte Innishrush
3 Naomi O'Hare Millburn Flock
1 Martin Millar with Glenhone Hit Me Up
2 Andrew Kennedy with Oberstown Hercules
3 David Chestnutt Drumcon Humdinger
Best Senior Stock Ram
1 Alastair Gault with Douganhill Gangster
(Joint owned with Ballynahone, Tamnamoney and Whitepark Flocks)
2 Roger Strawbridge with Ballynahone Foreman (Joint owned with Millars and Whitepark Flocks)
3 Alan Glendinning with Lylehill Gunshot
Overall Champion Danske Flock:
Martin Millar Millars Flock
Overall Reserve Danske Flock :
John Trimble Curley Flock
2024 Show Flock and Flock of the Year compe on winners
Champion Show Flock Alastair Gault Forkins Flock and Reserve Champion Show Flock Mar n McConville Glenhone Flock
Reserve Champion Flock of the Year John Trimble Curley Flock
Young Breeder of the Year, Ivanna Strawbridge Lynbrook Flock
Philip Whyte farms 40 acres in Portglenone, Co Antrim with his wife Avril and children Ellie and Jack. His enterprise is mainly sheep with a small herd of Simmental cows. Growing up on a farm Philip has always been involved with sheep farming and tells us as a kid his father used Texel rams on crossbred ewes. 'I always loved the look of Texel rams and saw the performance they had' says Philip, leading him to expand his enterprise into pedigree breeding.
Philip founded the Innishrush Flock in 2005, at the age of 20, purchasing his founda on ewes from John Currie's Tullagh Flock reduc on sale. Philip tells us there were 3 ewes originally purchased, all from the breeding lines of Bal er Just Look. He was a Craighead Hercules son and grandson to E rick Glenmorangie. Craighead Hercules had set a new breed record selling at 50,000gns and was sought a er for his conforma on and style. At the me genotyping and the scrapie resistant ARR/ARR genotype was a huge a rac on and trait for breeders, with 16K Glenmorangie helping to bring that to the table for progeny.
Philip aims to run 100-120 ewes in total with 20 purebred Texel ewes as part of the overall flock numbers. His enterprise also includes 10 purebred Simmental cows running through for breeding stock. Sheep provide the main financial stability for the enterprise and a er 20years working with the Texel breed, Philip is no stranger to the breeders across the UK, earning his place as the NI Texel Sheep Breeder's Club Chairman. Coming into his new role as Chairman, Philip really wants to promote and build on the social side of the club. Philip reflects where covid had a significant impact on face to face interac on of members outside of sales and the Clubs social calendar. He also aims to use his role to encourage more young people to get involved in the Texel breed, building enthusiasm for Texel sheep within the next genera on.
Philip informs us 'lambing prac ce is to lamb as many of the Texel ewes as we can from AIs and embryos in one week mid-February'. This helps Philip manage his part me enterprise while working full me outside of the farm as a ruminant sale advisor
Philip looks forward to this year's sales season with a crop of lambs from 10K Ballymena champion 2024 Forkins Hawkeye, in a joint purchase and Tamnamoney Hop House. Philip comments both Hawkeye and Hop House are Strathbogie Gypsy King sons' and from a sought a er breeding line for style and conforma on.
A er the Texel ewes have finished lambing, the crossbred flock is scheduled to lamb a month later with ewes and lambs going straight to grass mid/end March. 'Ewes are fed a 20% protein ra o for 4 weeks before lambing and con nue through un l 5 weeks post lambing' says Philip and then turned out to grass. As a Ruminant Sales Advisor Philip is well versed in animal nutri on and informs us 'Using a top quality 20% protein nut helps provide top quality colostrum, encouraging young lambs to get the best start in life and raising their immune system against infec ons and diseases'. Philip prefers to feed lambs a 17% grower pellet to weaning age and then moves them onto a coarse ra on up to sale season while all on grass. 'We aim to rota onal graze ewes and lambs moving them every 5 days in a paddock system, running up to seven ewes and lambs to the acre' Philip discloses. This allows the most to be taken from grass produc on.
Philip informs us he breeds mostly for commercial traits with a mix of maternal and terminal traits. He focuses mostly on breeding sheep with correct conforma on such as correct legs and feet, with good length, stretch and overall size. 'We aim a lot for commercial traits and correctness due to selling so many rams from home due to returning customers' says Philip. If sheep are correct in conforma on and do well buyers inevitably return and play a big part in the enterprise sales approach.
Show season is a busy me for the enterprise with li le effort placed on a ending shows with the Innishrush Flock however, Ellie and Jack are both taking an interest in the Flock and keen to take me to take out an Innishrush Show Team in the future. Philip recalls memorable moments and his best achievements to date at sales. He tells us 2023 NI Premier Sale was a par cular highlight, selling his pen average to 2600gns with a top of 3800gns on the day. His top price for a ram lamb sold was for Innishrush Gerrard at 3800gns, a Rhaeadr Entrepreneneur son out of a homebred gimmer by Usk Vale Dark Dawn 4500gns.
Philip reveals his future plans to grow the Innishrush Flock in size a li le, keeping a few more ram lambs for a small shearling enterprise but 'most of all push on to produce the best females with great maternal traits and correctness to sale.'
Forkins Hawkeye
Innishrush Gimmers
Usk Vale Dark Dawn
CLUB TRIPS
Club members headed off to Borderway Mart Carlisle to celebrate the Society's 50th Anniversary for their Annual Club Trip. Members joined in on the Society's Texel Club Champions Day on Friday 5th July which saw seven teams figh ng it out to be named champion club and take away the £1000 prize pot.
Challenged with a range of tasks, including shearing, cookery, stock judging, a quiz and a 'fit for farming' task as well as a team relay, compe tors fought it out for more than two hours in a bid to claim top spot. Well done on Club Members Adrian Ligge , David Chestnu , Rian O'Hare, Richard Henderson and Naomi O'Hare on claiming the 2nd place runners up rose e.
This year members are travelling to the Derbyshire Show on 4th July and taking a few farm visits in on the way. The Club trips are an excellent way to relax and enjoy some me away from the business of the day to day especially in the lead up to sales season.
Aged
Ewe
Shearling Ewe Mar n McConville Glenhone Flock
Ram Lamb Naomi O'Hare Millburn Flock
NI-Club-team-Club Champions Day runners up
NI TEXEL SHEEP BREEDER'S CLUB SHOW FLOCK OF THE YEAR 2024
Sponsor Galloway & MacLeod Ltd
Lamb Mar n McConville Glenhone Flock
Special Prizes
Ram Jacob Henry Federnagh Flock
Aged Ewe Alastair Gault Forkins
Ewe Lamb Special Prize
Galloway & Macleod Reserve Champion Show Flock
Mar n McConville Glenhone Flock
Galloway & MacLeod Champion Show Flock
Alastair Gault Forkins Flock
Ram Lamb Special Prize
Shearling Ewe Special Prize
Aged ewe_Forkins Special Prize
Shearling Ram Special _Douganhill Gangster Special Prize
Aged Ram Special Prize
Mar n McConville, a Young Breeder from Rathfriland Co Down is quickly becoming a well-known pedigree Texel breeder across Ireland and the UK. Mar n runs a mixed farming enterprise with the help of his father of Holstein dairy cows and Texel sheep. The dairy herd is Mar n's primary source of income. Mar n claims using robo c milking technology 'has made the dairy opera on both efficient and highly rewarding'.
However sheep farming has always been part of Mar n's farming enterprise, with a keen interest for Texel sheep in par cular since the age of 13years. Mar n always liked the look of Texel's and followed the success of many of the leading breeders in the business, inspiring him to start his own flock.
Mar n established his Glenhone Flock in 2011 with some of his founding ewes purchased from Blackstown, Milestonehill and Kiltariff Flocks. Observing other breeder's success, Mar n set a goal to improve the breeding bloodlines of his flock to produce top quality sheep, gradually purchasing good Texel ewes from acclaimed flocks. Mar n could see the adaptability of the breed, especially in the wet NI weather both for commercial and pedigree breeding. Mar n values the typical characteris cs of Texel sheep, aiming to breed progeny which are good in size and muscle quality with typical Texel heads with nice white hair Mar n says 'the turning point came when I purchased a high quality ewe from Plasucha, which proved to be an excellent match with the tups I was using at the me'. 'From that moment, my flock began producing outstanding Texels with the current flock going back to the same bloodlines which has been the founda on of my con nued success'. This ewe was a homebred ewe sired by Plasucha Aberfeldy and at the me sires used in the flock included 11K Plasucha All Star
At the age of 26years, his Glenhone Texel sheep flock has already become a name known both at shows and sales arenas. Mar n manages his flock closely with Ar ficial insemina on and Embryo Transfer, 'which allows me to get more embryos' says Mar n and 'supports condensed lambing into the space of a week or so which helps with managing other farm business'. Lambing is always scheduled for mid-February which Mar n believes ensures lambs are just at peak form for sale me. Lambing takes place indoors with the aim to have out to grass in 2 weeks following birth, depending on weather condi ons. This year Mar n's lambs are sired by 28K Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants, a Seaforde Empire King son out of a 350K Sportsmans Double Diamond daughter and 160K Rhaeadr First Choice, a Sportsmans Dare Devil son out of a Teiglum Younggun daughter. Mar n solely produces lambs for sales, either for commercial or pedigree trade, with none going to the meat industry. The best females are retained within the flock. Mar n says 'this requires op mum sheep welfare control with regular drenching, vaccina on and good feed management to ensure lambs are maintained in the best condi on and health possible so they are fit for breeding’
Mar n's breeding efforts soon led to success in the show ring. Winning eleven consecu ve championship tles with ewe lambs, including Champion, Reserve Champion, and Overall Champion plus numerous inter breeds at mul ple shows and numerous championship tles with gimmers in 2022 and 2024.
'Determined to keep improving, I achieved even greater success the following year, winning more major championships' comments Mar n. 'One of my proudest achievements was winning Champion at the Ballymena Premier Sale, where my lamb fetched the top price of 12k' recalls Mar n. 'He was a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur son out of a daughter from our Plasucha ewe and was sold across the water to top Texel breeders Teiglum, Strawfrank and Rascarrel' says Mar n. Another milestone came in 2024 when Mar n won the Na onal Show with a ewe lamb (Glenhone Bella Dama). To top off an incredible year, he also claimed the NI Texel Sheep Breeder's Ewe Lamb Flock of the Year. Over the past three years, Mar n has achieved impressive sale prices, including 20k, 12k, 10k, 8k and 6k twice, also 3.4k and 3k with many more top prices. Despite these successes, he con nues to strive to improve breed gene cs within the flock.
'Farming has always been my passion and I am commi ed to furthering my success with both my Texel flock and my dairy enterprise' says Mar n.
Championship at Armagh National Show
The NI Texel Sheep Breeder's Club saw all roads lead to Armagh Show for their Na onal Show compe on. Sponsored by Galloway & MacLeod, this is the second year in its running with a large number of entries from breeder's across the Province. The compe on was judged by Andrew Clark of the reknowned Teiglum Flock, Lanarkshire.
Mar n McConville clinched the Galloway & MacLeod Female Champion and Overall Na onal Show Championship at Armagh Show with his first placed Ewe lamb exhibit, MNV24 00493 (E1), from a class of 40 ewe lambs born before 28th Feb 24. She is a Coniston Equinox daughter out of a Castlecairn Doodlebug dam. 10K Coniston Equinox is a son of 350K Sportsmans Double Diamond.
The Seaforde Ewe lamb exhibit from Mark Priestley claimed a worthy Reserve Female Champion tle, PRQ24 02740 (E1). She is an Auldhouseburn Gazza daughter and out of a dam by Procters El Presidente daughter who is out of a Knock-bred dam by Knock Banker This makes her a maternal sister to the 7000gns Seaforde Empire King which has bred rams to 100,000gns.
Alastair Gaults Forkins Flock dominated the Male Championship, taking the champion rose e with joint owned Douganhill Gangster, GCK23 17026 (E1) and who later claimed the Overall Galloway & MacLeod Reserve Champion. Gangster is an Equinox son and grandson to 350K Sportsmans Double Diamond and already no stranger to the show arena, winning the Champion Junior Stock Ram NI Flock Compe on 2023.
The Reserve Male Champion rose e went to the champions pen mate, the Cherryvale exhibit from Jack Gault, GCN2404175 which claimed the first place rose e in the Young Breeder's Class. He is a 100K Strathbogie Gypsy King son and out of a Clarks Bolt dam. Gypsy King is a son of Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants out of a Milnbank Dance Monkey Dam and was the Reserve Overall Champion at the Royal Highland Show and Champion Lanark 2023.
The NI Texel Sheep Breeder's Club wish to thank Andrew Clark for judging the compe on and express gra tude to Galloway & MacLeod for their generous sponsorship. Congratula ons to all breeders for an excellent show of sheep.
Class Results
Aged Ewe Class
1: Alan Glendinning Lylehill
2: James Wilkinson Ballygroogan
3: Naomi O'Hare Milburn
Aged Ram Class
1: Jacob Henry Federnagh
Shearling Ewe Class
1: Alastair Gault Forkins
2: Mark Priestley Seaforde
3: Alastair Gault Forkins
Shearling Ram Class
1: Alastair Gault Forkins
2: Jacob Henry Federnagh
Young Breeders Class
1: Jack Gault Cherryvale
2: Jack Walmsley White Water Farm
4: Jacob Henry Federnagh
5: Rebecca Burke Burke
4: Mar n McConville Glenhone
5: Mark Priestley Seaforde
6: Alan Glendinning Lylehill
3: J Wilson & J&A Moses Blackstown
4: Philip Herron
3: Jacob Henry Federnagh
Ram Lamb Class born before 28th Feb
1: Alan Glendinning Lylehill
2: Brian Hanthorn Mullan
3: Alastair Gault Forkins
Ram Lamb born from 1st March
1: Alastair Gault Forkins
2: I&W MacRoberts Magherally
Ewe Lamb Class born before 28th Feb
1: Mar n McConville Glenhone
2: Mark Priestley Seaforde
3: Jonny Cubi Drumcon
Ewe Lamb Class born from 1st March
1: Roger Strawbridge Tamnamoney
2: Mark Priestley Seaforde
3: I&W MacRoberts Magherally
Group of Three
1: Alan Glendinning Lylehill
2: Alastair Gault Forkins
Male Championship
4: Eugene Branagan Largy
5: Daniel Murray Kildan
6: Alastair Gault Forkins
3: Rebecca Burke Burke
4: Mar n McConville Glenhone
5: Alastair Gault Forkins
6: Alastair Gault Forkins
4: Liam McPolin Tamnaharry
5: Eugene Branagan Largy
6: Alastair Gault Forkins
3: Liam McPolin Tamnaharry
4: I&W MacRoberts Magherally
Champion: Alastair Gault Shearling Ram
Reserve: Alastair Gault Ram Lamb
Female Championship
Champion: Mar n McConville Ewe Lamb
Reserve: Mark Priestley Ewe Lamb
Overall Championship
Champion: Mar n McConville Ewe Lamb
Reserve: Alastair Gault Shearling Ram
Glenhone Ewe Lamb Claims Galloway & MacLeod
Female & Overall Champion Reserve Female Champion
Male Champion and Overall Reserve Champion Shearling Ram Reserve Male Champion
Female and Overall Champion Ewe Lamb
Champion & Reserve
Shearling Ram Trade
Shearling ram trade at the Northern Irish Na onal Sale, Ballymena, peaked at 4000gns for Artnagullion Godfather from Brian and William McAllister
This son of Blackadder Doddie is out of a dam by Midlock Yohann and had stood second in his class in the pre-sale judging . Buying this one was A J Robinson, Downpatrick, Co Down.
Second best at 3600gns was Henry Gamble's first prize shearling, Springwell GI, a Ballydesland Eddie son out of a dam by Thornville Alberto, with this one bought by T Hynes, Rathfriland, Newry
Selling for 2300gns was Troy Watson's best of the day, Duvarren GWagon. Sired by Kilduff Farley and out of a dam by Blackstown Yule, he was taken by previous buyer A J Robinson.
The McAllisters then reinvested some of their takings when paying 2200gns for Fraser and Helen Tweed's Ballycloose Goliath. He's by Caereinion Ace and out of a dam by Deveronvale Warrior. He sold with a top 1% texelplus index.
Then came three at 1900gns, the first of which was another from the Artnagullion pen, Artnagullion Goldfinger. He's also by Blackadder Doddie and is out of a dam by Langside Bushwhacker. Buying this one were Ian and William McRoberts, Banbridge, Co Down.
Second at this price was Artnagullion Goodfellow from the McAllisters. Again by Doddie and out of a Midlock Yohann daughter he was taken by Peter McGinn, Hilltown.
And the final 1900gns call came for one from John Watson, Duvarren Guinness, a Kilduff Farley son out of a dam by Dunelm Charisma. He sold to M McGarrigle, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh.
Averages; 66 shearling rams £1399.20 (J A McClelland and Son).
NORTHERN IRELAND NATIONAL 2024
GIMMERS
Mark Priestleys' female champion from the pre-sale show, PRQ2302498, a Coniston Equinox daughter out of a Knap-bred dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball, topped the female trade at the Northern Irish Na onal Sale, Ballymena 2024.
Selling at 7500gns, this one found a new home with Alan Blackwood's Auldhouseburn flock.
Second best at 3000gns was one from Mar n McConville, Glenhone, in the shape of MNV2300459. This Sportsmans Dare Devil daughter is out of a dam by Fordafourie Amalert and was bought by W M Doherty, Glebe, Co Donegal.
Next in line at 1200gns was Alastair Gault's gimmer GAF2303633. Sired by Charben Fantas c, she's out of a dam by Lakeview Dirty Dancer and sold to join Anthony Rowland, Crossmolina, Co Mayo.
And at 1000gns was one from Nathan Armstrong, ANY2300455. She's by Haddo Fortune and out of a dam by Harestone Commander and was taken by M Boal, Le erkenny, Co Donegal.
Making the same money was Richard Henderson's Ballynahone gimmer, HBR2301904. This one is a daughter of Ballynahone Foreman and out of a dam by Procters Deacon Blue and headed away with Declan Byrne, Treamount.
Averages; 13 gimmers £1530.58 (J A McClelland and Son).
Jwatson SR Ballymena Na onal
Tweed SR Ballymena Na onal
Watson SR Ballymena Na onal
McAllister SR Ballymena Na onal
Mark Priestley Gimmer Ballymena Na onal
Mar n McConville Gimmer Ballymena Na onal
On behalf of Farmcare Products, Jill Hunter, Beef & Sheep Nutri onist from Harbro, presented a webinar hosted by Farmcare Products on how pre lambing nutri on is essen al in delivering quality colostrum for the lamb. Here is an outline of the presenta on.
There is nothing more important than colostrum. Ge ng it right can be the difference between healthy lambs you never have to touch or weak lambs, which will struggle to thrive throughout their life me.
An bodies cannot pass through the placenta of ruminants, meaning colostrum is the only way to provide immunity in early life. They are rela vely big molecules, so the ewe's gut has to open to allow them to be absorbed. As soon as the lambs are born, it is a race against me to get colostrum into them, before the gut starts to close and the an bodies can no longer be absorbed. We want to get a big bellyful, as quickly as possible before the gut wall starts to close and the goodness can no longer be absorbed.
Typically, colostrum contains twice the fat and four mes the protein of milk. This is one of the reasons for the ewe's high energy and protein requirements around lambing. To support quality colostrum produc on, it is essen al to have a diet which balances rumen degradable protein with rumen by-pass protein and energy
Some vitamins and minerals do not cross the placenta either, like vitamin E. This means adequate vitamin E must be in the ewe at lambing, to ensure colostrum is rich in vitamin E to prevent issues like white muscle disease.
Selenium is another mineral which is essen al to the newborn. Shivering accounts for 50% of heat produc on in newborns and brown fat, which is the layer of fat a lamb is born with, accounts for a further 30%. Alongside other supplements, selenium is essen al for muscle func on, which allows the newborn to shiver and is needed to release energy stored in brown fat. This means it is essen al to supplement ewes with selenium. Tradi onal sources of selenium can be poor quality and not well u lised by the animal. This is why Sel-plex is used in Topflock products. Sel-plex is an organic, selenium enriched yeast, which is readily absorbed and u lised, with trials showing more lambs weaned which were heavier and grew quicker than those from ewes not fed Sel-plex.
Of course, the quicker a lamb stands and suckles, the quicker it reaps the benefit of the quality colostrum wai ng for it. Omega 3 has been shown in trial work to increase gesta on length and birth weight and decrease me to stand and suckle, making it essen al in late pregnancy Colostrum is nutrient rich, essen al to get lambs off to the best start and the number one thing we can do to influence life me performance and profitability. A small investment pre-lambing can help take your herd to the next level.
Finally one of the biggest risks at lambing is twin lamb disease. Here good supply of energy is essen al for the ewe. At lambing you need an energy source that does not have to be processed through the liver in high quan es, as this will put further stress on the ewe. Propylene Glycol is the go to source at this stage as it by passes the liver and delivers an immediate response to energy demands.
The Super Topflock Energiser lick provides all of these important supplements, ensuring the ewe's demands are met at this stressful me. For more
Ram Lamb Trade
A trio of 10,000gns bids for lambs by the same sire helped deliver a record ram lamb average at the Northern Irish Na onal Texel Sale, Ballymena, when 189 levelled at £1509.17.
First of the five figure sales came for the day's champion from the presale show, Forkins Hawkeye from Alastair Gault. This son of the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King is out of a dam by Sportsmans Dare Devil and has a texelplus index in the top 5% of the breed.
A spirited bidding ba le resulted in him being knocked down in a five-way split to James Wilkinson, Ballygroogan, John Trimble, Curley, Adrian Ligge , Corbo, Philip Whyte, Innisrush and Stanley and Mar n Warnock, Straidarran.
Next at 10,000gns was the first of two from Jonny Cubi in the form of Drumcon Hall of Fame. Again by the 100,000gns Gypsy King, he's out of a Rhaeadr-bred dam by Teiglum Younggun and is a maternal brother to the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice. He sold to Stephen Etherson, Killans, with a half share retained.
The other at this price ws Drumcon History Maker, another by Gypsy King. This one is out of another Rhaeadr-bred dam, this me by Garngour Envoy II and is again from the same family as the 160,000gns First Choice. He was bought in a two-way share by Douganhill Farms, Douganhill and Nick Legge, Thornbury
Next in line at 6000gns was the day's reserve overall champion from young breeder Ivanna Strawbridge. This was Lynbrooke Hercules, another by Strathbogie Gypsy King and this me out of a dam by Strathbogie Dirty Dancer. He was bought by the day's judge, John Green, for the Larahirl flock, Co Donegal.
A brace of 5500gns calls followed that, with the first being for Mark Priestley's best of the sale from the Seaforde flock. He sold Seaforde Hezza Lord, an Auldhouseburn Gazza son out of a Knap-bred dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball to Eire-based breeder James Dunn, Belturbet, Co Cavan.
Second at this money was Drumderg Hitman from Alistair Breen. He's by Hilltop Golden Eye and out of an Oberstown-bred dam by Rhaeadr Entrepreneur and was the pick of Frank Clewer, Bluehill.
Then close behind at 5000gns was another from Mark Priestley, Seaforde Hurricane Bay. He's a full ET brother to the 5500gns Hezze Lord and was bought by J Browne, Omagh, Co Tyrone.
Two more then sold at this money, with the first of these being Brian Hanthorn's Mullan Hit The Diff. Sired by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and ouit of a dam by Plasucha Folklore, he was taken home by J Wilson and J WilsonMoses for the Blackstown flock.
The final 5000gns sale was for Drumderg Haymaker from Alistair Breen. Another by the 30,000gns Hilltop Golden Eye, he is out of a dam by Lakeview Dirty Dancer and was bought by the Wilkinson family for their Arkle flock.
A 4600gns call followed that for Seaforde Hollywood from Mark Priestley. This Auldhouseburn Gazza son is another full ET brother to the two previous Seaforde lambs and sold to Paddy Morrissey, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Also at this price was Tullnasoo Happy Galore from Darryl Branagan. He's by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a Sportsmans-bred dam by Garngour Cra sman and sold to Ian and William McRoberts, Magherally
Jonny Cubi was then back in the money, taking 4000gns for Drumcon Head Of State. This full ET brother to the first of his 10,000gns lambs sold to join Mark Priestley, Seaforde and Eugene Branagan, Largy
A er that came a 3800gns bid for Forkins Hitman from Alastair Gault. This one is by Douganhill Gangster and out of a dam by Procters Cocktail. Sold with a top 1% texelplus index he found a new home with Colin Price, Loanends.
Another from the same home then made 3600gns, with this being Forkins Hugo Boss. This son of the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King is a full ET brother to the 10,000gns Forkins lamb and sold to Belston Ltd, Lurgan, Co Armagh.
Not far off the pace at 3500gns was Curley Hercules from John Trimble, with this being by Auldhouseburn Fandabidozi and out of a dam by Garngour Challenger. He headed away with Beth Cousins for her Cousins flock.
Close behind at 3400gns was Mullan Heavy Hi er from Brian Hanthorn. Sired by Lylehill Gunshot, he's out of a dam by Sportsmans Batman and was knocked down to Owen and Liam Donohoe, Derryvore.
And making 3200gns was Mar n McConville's Glenhone Hipster, another by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug. This third prize winner was bought by Liam McPolin, Tamnaharry Averages; 189 ram lambs £1509.17 (J A McClelland and Sons).
CLUB SALES ROUND-UP
Dungannon
Champion J Herdman Shearling Ewe
Reserve A Glendinning Ram Lamb
Thank you to Amanda Dunn and Bonanza Calf Nutri on & Uniblock for their sponsorship and to Malachy McMeel for taking the me to judge the pre-sale show
Rathfriland
Enniskillen
The first place and TopFlock champion came from Adrian Ligge 's Corbo pen. This Mullan Game Changer son, Corbo Henry, LIG2400870(E2), is out of a Sportsmans Double Diamond dam and sold for 950gns. Claiming second place and the TopFlock Reserve Champion was Alistair Breen's Drumderg exhibit, Drumderg Hennessy BQU2400993(E1). A Hilltop Golden Eye son out of a Sportsmans Cannon Ball dam, he went on to lead the sale at 1440gns.
The sale averaged 675gns for 25 sold.
Clogher
The sale saw top trade of 1020gns for the second choice in the judging and Reserve Champion ram lamb from Craig Cowan. This mid-February born lamb, Owenskerry Henry OWE2400720(1) is a Loosebeare Chief son out of a Tamnamoney Datsun sired dam. The next top price of the evening was the first place ram lamb and overall Farmcare champion owned by Marcus Johnston. His Killarbran exhibit, Killarbran Hero JNQ2400678(E2) is a Seaforde Egyp an Warrior out of a Sportsmans Deal Breaker dam and moved home for 780gns.
Shearling Ram trade realised a 97% clearance averaging 789gns for 30.
John Trimble Curley Texels and son Charlie, Cherrylea Flock led the way at Rathfriland Show and Sale of Texels with their first place Shearling Ram, Curley Gunshot, TYC2301323(E1), an Auldhouseburn Fandabidozi son out of a Sportsmans Dare Devil dam sold at 1500gns. Their Champion Ram Lamb, Cherrylea Humdinger TCX2401474(E1), an Auldhouseburn Fandabidozi son out of a Sportsmans benchmark dam sold for 1700gns. The reserve champion from W&R Walmsley's White Water Farm. White Water Hitman, WXX2400567(3), a Donrho Eager son out of a Milnbank Avicii daughter changed hands for 900gns. Ram Lambs averaged 640gns for 26 sold.
Armoy
First place Shearling Ram and Reserve Champion from Mar n McConville's Glenhone pen. Fairywater Galaxy FAO2301768(2), a Craighead Eyecatcher son out of a Midlock Black Knight dam later sold to top the trade at 1540gns.
Taking the first place rose e and overall James Delargy Farm Supplies Champion was Alastair Gault's Forkins Ram Lamb. Keeping up the demand for Strathbogie Gypsy King sons, Forkins Hendricks GAF2404029(1), sold for 1200gns. Shearling trade averaged 942gns for 26 with a 90% clearance rate. Trade for Ram Lambs was consistent averaging 635gns for 55 with an 86% clearance.
Swatragh
Top prize and Farmware Champion was chose from Sean McCloskey's Glenroe pen, Glenroe Goldstar SEA2300787(1), a homebred shearling ram out of Glenroe Fandango and out of a homebred dam by Barcardi which sold for 1300gns.
Leading the way in the ram lamb sales was the first place exhibit and Farmware Reserve Champion from Patrick Bradley Grillagh Flock, with Grillagh Harry, PBQ2400410. He is a Rosnashane Granaghan son out of a Midlock Yorkie dam. He sold to top the sale for 1480gns.
Michael Cunningham Aughnacullion Flock claimed the first place rose e and overall Fane Valley Champion. Aughancullion Golden Balls, CUN2306803(2), is a Mullan Eagle Eye son out of a Knap Vital Spark sired dam. He later sold to top the Shearling Ram trade at 1200gns.
Taking the red rose e and overall Fane Valley Reserve Champion was Millburn Hes The Boy, ERX2400847(E1) from Naomi & Rian O'Hare. This 34K Claybury Dunkirk son out of a Ballykeel Eggle Piggle dam has seen ET brothers sell to 3.5K. He sold to top the market prices for 1400gns.
Hilltown
