Cheviot breeders’ 49th annual dinner Blessington
SHEEP farmers from across County Wicklow and indeed surrounding counties gathered in the Glendalough Hotel recently for a special celebration marking the 49th dinner dance hosted by the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Owners Association.
The association was established over 50 years ago and for the past 49 years, members have come together at the start of the Winter to look back on the year that has passed and to catch up with old friends. The Cheviot breed is the foundation stock in the sheep farming industry and when cross with Suffolk lamb produces the speckle faced hogget - the desirable breed which commands the biggest price at local marts including Tullow and Baltinglass.
The breeders were joined by Andrew Doyle, Pat Casey, John Brady and Simon Harris for the occasion and the guest of honour was IFA president Joe Healy.
During his address, Joe spoke of his fondness for Wicklow going back to his day attending sheep shearing competitions in the county and the many friends he had made along the way.
He outlined that he understood the importance of sheep farming in Wicklow and the vital role the Wicklow Cheviot plays as the breed is so well suited to the Wicklow uplands.
Joe acknowledged the help and support the Wicklow minis- ters and TDs give to the farming organisations.
He welcomed the increase in €25million for the Areas of Natural Constraint ANC scheme announced in the budget and stressed the importance of direct payments to farm incomes and that these payments must be protected and fully funded going forward. Joe also talked about the uncertainty of Brexit and its implications and that out nearest market must be protected without any extra tariffs being imposed.
He acknowledged the serious TB problem in Wicklow and would continue working with all on this.
Joe thanked the society and wished them well in the future and is available to offer his support when needed.
After the formalities, the members enjoyed music and dancing as well as a raffle with over 19 prizes, the top one won by Richie Turner, Glasnamullen.
Weanling sale, November3:
There were 348 weanlings on offer and very lively trade for all types.
Weanling Bulls over 400gs €430 to €700 over €/kg, Weanlings Bulls over 300kgs €400 to €670 over €/kg, Weanlings Bulls over 200kgs €400 to €630 over €/kg, Weanling Heifers 400kgs €380 to €580 over €/kg, Weanling Heifers 300kgs €360 to €565 over €/ kg, Weanling Heifers 200kgs €320 to €480 over €/kg.
nCattle sale, November 2: There were 277 cattle and 46 calves on offer. Good steady trade for all classes.
Cattle Beef & Forward Store Bullocks €640 to €860 over €/kg, Store Bullocks 500kgs €500 to €800 over €/kg, Store Bullocks 400Kgs €460 to €725 over €/kg, Store Bullocks 300kgs €400 to €590 over €/kg, Beef & Butcher Heifers €520 to €800 over €/kg, Store Heifers 400Kgs €400 to €645 over €/kg, Store Heifers 300Kgs €300 to €530 over €/ kg, Beef Cows €370 to €700 over €/kg, Feeding Cows €/ Kg to €320 over €/kg, Calves Fr Bulls €70 to €155 per head, Cont. Bulls €260 to €400 per head, Cont. Heifers €180 to €345 per head, HE/AA Bulls €180 to €305 per head, HE/AA Heifers €140 to €300 per head.
nHfrs under 400kg at €550 – €1080 or €2.10 - €2.87 /kg, 2 Ch bulls 440kg at €1075, 2 Ch bulls 424kg at €1150, 1 Lm bull 390kg at €1110, 2 Ch bulls 472kg at €1185, 3 Ch bulls 610kg at €1370, 1 Bb bull 396kg at €1180, 2 Sm bulls 323kg at €800, 4 Aa bulls 290kg at €620, 2 Hd bulls 280kg at €590, 3Ch Hfrs 375kg at €905, 2 Ch Hfrs 324kg at €890, 3 Ch Hfrs 352kg at €860, 2 Ch Hfrs 340kg at €870, 3 Ch Hfrs 296kg at €620, 3 Lm Hfrs 320kg at €760, 1 Lm Hfr 454kg at €950, 1 Bb Hfr 312kg at €880, 1 Bb Hfr 308kg at €950.
Sheep sale, November 2: There were 3,850 sheep on offer. Trade similar to last week with good demand for all classes.
Prices: Butcher and Factory Lambs €92 – €104, Store Lambs over 35kg at €73 – €87, Store Lambs under 35kg at €53 – €79, Heavy cull Ewes €92 - €109, Light Cull Ewes €45 – €80, Breeding Ewes €95 – €140, Rams €100 – €350, 25 Lambs 49kg at €101.50, 8 Lambs 46kg at €93.50, 5 Lambs 72kg at €112, 5 Lambs 70kg at €114, 6 Ewe Lambs 46 kg at €100, 15 Lambs 44kg at €93.50, 12 Lambs 40kg at €83.50, 12 Lambs 42kg at €86, 18 Lambs 29kg at €68, 42Lambs 37kg at €78.50, 20 Lambs 48 kg at €96, 21Lambs 36kg at €76.50, 18 Weather Lambs 39kg at €86.50.
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