Sheep sales in Ireland off to a flying start

Premier sheep sales in Ireland have got off to a flying start challenging some critics who believe there is no future in the Irish sheep industry.

Despite a particularly poor year for the sheep farmers, with prices bottoming out in late April and May, breeders are determined to stay in the business.

Ram and breeding ewe sales are seen as a key indicator of farmer confidence in the industry for the next breeding season. To date, all the premier sales are reporting higher than expected prices and almost full clearances.