NI Texel Breeders Club Newsletter 2026

Breeders’ Gazette

NI Texel Sheep Breeders Club

N.I. Texel Club - Tel: 07791679112 Email: nitexelbreedersclub@live.co.uk

Letter From The Chairman

As we begin another year and look forward to the longer days and, hopefully, improved weather, it is fitting to reflect on some of the Club's achievements over the past twelve months. The past year has been a very positive one, and I would like to sincerely acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm shown by all our breeders throughouttheshowseason.

The Balmoral Show was once again a tremendous success, with an outstanding display of stock and excellent crowds in attendance. Congratulations are extended to Mark Priestley, Seaforde, on winning the RUAS Balmoral Show Championship, also to James McCleland and Colin PriceonsecuringtheReserveChampionship.

JunesawtheClubhostitsthirdNationalShowatArmagh,whichprovedto be another outstanding occasion with a large entry of high-quality sheep. Judgefortheday,AlanBlackwood,AuldhouseburnFlock,commentedvery favourably on the overall standard of stock, with particular praise for the ewe lamb classes. Congratulations to Adrian Liggett, on winning the Championship with a superb ewe lamb, and also to Mark Priestley, on claimingReserveChampionwithanotherveryimpressiveewelamb.Aswe look ahead to the 2026 National Show, which will be judged by Harry WilkinsonoftheArkleFlock,Iwouldencourageallmemberstosupportthe event and continue to build it into a flagship date in our calendar The Club also continues to recognise and encourage commitment to the show circuit through the Show Flock of the Year competition, which again ran throughout the summer. Well done to Alistair Gault, on winning the 2025 Show Flock of the Year, and to Naomi O'Hare, on securing Reserve Place. Sincere thanks are extended to Galloway and McLeod Ltd for their valued sponsorship.

Moving to the sales season, Northern Ireland National Sale turned out to be a great success. The champion on the day was Martin McConville, with the Reserve Champion going to Stuart Ferris. The highlight of the day was thetop priceof 32000guineas,achievedbyEugeneBrannigan LargyFlock, which was a tremendous achievement and a great advertisement for Northern Ireland Texels. It is important to acknowledge the continued success of all Club sales over the past year, with strong averages and clearance rates achieved across the board. I would like to thank all sponsors and judges for their support throughout the sales season, as withouttheircontinuedcommitmentthepre-saleshowsandeventswould notbepossible.

The autumn period saw the annual flock competition and dinner awards night, kindly sponsored by Seamus McCormick of Danske Bank. Sincere thanks are extended to this year's judge, Kerr Jarvie Duncryne flock, for giving his time and expertise. Congratulations to Alan Glendinning, Lylehill Flock, on winning Champion Flock, and to Adrian Liggett, Corbo Flock, on securing Reserve Flock. A huge well done to everyone who supported the competition and attended the dinner, making it such an enjoyable and successfulevening.

Finally, I would like to thank the Committee for their ongoing support and commitment, and all breeders, both established and new, for their continuedenthusiasminpromotingandstrengtheningtheTexelbreed.On behalfoftheClub,Iwisheveryoneeverysuccessfortheyearahead.

OFFICE HOLDERS 2026

Honorary Presidents:

Ian Millar, Jim Wilson, Martin Cromie, Alex Thompson

Chairman: Philip Whyte

Vice Chair: Colin Price

Secretary: Martin Warnock

PRO: Barbara Strawbridge

Minutes Secretary: Jean McCollam

Treasurer; Brian McAllister

Export Manager: Martin Warnock

Society Representative: Alastair Gault

Young Members' Representative: Stewart Ferris

Committee Members 2026

Richard Currie

Alan Glendinning

Adrian Liggett

Committee Members 2025

Geoffrey Fleck

Mike Reynolds

John Trimble

Committee Members 2024

Stephen McNeilly

Sam McAuley

James Wilkinson

Naomi O'Hare

David Chestnutt

Club Chairman Philip Whyte presented Andrew Moses with the Chairman's Award for his work and support establishing the NationalShowatArmagh.

ADVERTISING TThe Club offers an advertising service whereby members can forward flyers for inclusion with the club mailing. Please contact the secretaryMartinWarnockon07791679112.

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DANSKE FLOCK COMPETITION 2025

Kerr Jarvie, Duncryne Flock, Perthshire, kindly judged the Clubs annual Flock competition 2025. Kerr 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 2026 week commencing 2nd November and we look forward to welcoming Martin Cromie, Tullyear Flock, Banbridge. The Awards Ceremony will take place at the annual Dinner Dance on 7th November in the Burrendale Hotel.

RESULTS NI Texel Breeder's Flock Competition

Best Junior Stock Ram

1 Alan Glendinning with

Ram

1 John Watson with Aideshill Hedge Hunter

John Watson Duvarren Future

Added value for Dungiven Flock

A burgeoning trade for crossbred ewe lambs allied topremiumpricesforhisprimelambsmeansthere isonlyonechoiceofsirebreedforDungiven,based AlwynMcFarlane.

Farming 1100 Mule ewes alongside 250 Blackface ewes and 80 suckler cows as well as small flocks of both Border Leicesters and Texels, Alwyn says he's tried other breeds, but has come back to the Texel fortheaddedvaluetheyoffer

“We've been using Texels for many years and dabbled with other breeds along the way, parcularly as some of our ewe lamb customers were wanng black headed lambs rather than whiteheadedones.

“However, we were finding the whether lambs hardertofinishandtheewelambsweren'tactually making as much as the Texel crosses were. Even in the prime lambs the price difference was noceable. The difference in price between the Texel crosses and the others was at least £12/head andupto£16/head,”heexplains.

And,saysAlwyn,whenyouaveragethatoutacross potenally 2000 lambs a year, it is a sizeable amountofincometomissouton.

Birth vigour and hardiness are also crical factors in his sire selecon and with all ewes and lambs moving at least three miles, if not further, from home within a week or 10 days of lambing the abilitytowithstandbadweatherisvital.

“As is the nature of a lot of farms here in Northern Ireland, our ground is fairly spread out. We have a good block of 75 acres here at home, but then everything else is between three miles and seven milesaway.

“We split the flock for lambing, with 450 ewes lambingfromthe12thofMarchandtheremaining 650 lambing in the first week of April. Those early lambing ewes then spend a week or so at home and then must be moved to away ground to make room for the later lambing ewes to be turned out post-lambing,” says Alwyn who this year is hosng NorthernIrelandSheep.

“Spling the flock also maximises the work each ram gets each year, with rams run with ewes for about15daysbeforebeingtakenoffandthenused onthemainblockthreeweekslater”

On top of this, it is the quick growth of the Texel when crossed onto a milky ewe like the Mule that cks the boxes for the McFarlane family, including Alywn'sfather,Mervynandwife,Joanne.

“Our Texel cross lambs just put weight on all the way through the spring and summer off their mothersmilkandgrass,”heexplains.

“We take our first draw of prime lambs in the second week of July weighing from 44-50kg liveweight, with our first ewe lamb sale being on the first week of August and we usually have 250 lambsforwardforthat.

“Thoseearlyewelambsdohaveasmallamountof feed in the final three weeks before sale, but that's just to put a bit of bloom on them. They've already growntheframeandstaturebythatstage.”

Such is the demand for the family's Texel x Mule ewe lambs that 90% of them are sold for breeding, bringing valuable extra income to the flock. “Last year our best ewe lambs sold at £176 and the first 250wouldallaveragenotfarbehindthat.”

Most of the flock's prime lambs are sold deadweight to Dunbia, with 30% grading as Us, a smallnumberofOgradesandthemajoritygrading asRs.

“We'drarelyseeanOgrade,butwillalwaysgetthe odd one. Hing the U grade earns us an extra 10p/kg, which is a good boost, but so long as most are in the R spec then we're achieving a decent return.”

Occasionally, Alwyn chooses to sell a few pens of prime lambs liveweight and last year saw his pen leadtheTexelprimelambshowatBallymenaMart, sellingat£168for50kglambs.

“Ilikesupporngthelivemarket,butitcanbemost of the day lost, whereas dropping lambs to the collecon centre means travelling two miles down the road, giving me more me to get on with the restoftheworkload,”heexplains.

Scanning at in excess of 200%, with this year's scanning revealing a yield of 214%, the flock generally sells at between 190% and 195% every year, in part due to rigorous health rounes implementedtomaximiseperformance.

“I'm fairly rigid in health management, aiming to treat the whole flock in the same meframe no maer what we're doing. So, in the first week of May we Heptavac all the lambs and give them a nematodirus drench, with ewes drenched at the same me if the faecal egg count suggests they needit.

“Then we go back in five weeks later with the second Heptavac dose and worm the lambs again and treat them with Clik Extra too. Ewes are then shorn in mid-June and lambs receive a mineral drench and another worm drench if required Keeping the lambs thriving is vital to maximising theirvalue,”headds.

The first draw of ewe lambs are weaned three weeksaheadofsale,withabout300-320drawnoff at this point. Weaned ewes are then turned away to hill ground to dry off and build their body condionbackup.

“Alltheeweshavethemouthsandudderschecked at weaning as well as being scanned for OPA disease too. We're keen to keep that out of the flock having seen a few cases in the past, so scan theenreflockeveryyear,”saysAlwyn.

“Three weeks ahead of tupping ewes have their udders checked again, receive a mineral drench and are dipped before being put on to good grass forflushing.”

Replacement ewes are currently being sourced within Northern Ireland, as movement restricons as a result of Bluetongue have prevented Alwyn sourcingthemfromhisusualsupplierinScotland.

FARM FACTS

Alwyn, Joanne and Mervyn McFarlane. Dungiven, Co Londonderry (BT47 4QP)

1100 Mule ewes

Sell 90% of ewe lambs for breeding Scan at 200+%

First prime lambs sold at 12 weeks old

“Wewerebringing300Muleewelambsoverevery year for our replacements, all off the same farm and had being doing so for many years. They were thetypeofsheepwewerelookingforandweknew thehistoryofthem.

“Now we're having to buy out of local markets here. It's OK, but inevitably we end of buying from a number of flocks and that means we have to be extra rigorous with quaranning them and ensuringwegetthemontoourhealthsystem.”

When it comes to tup buying Alwyn stays close to home, buying Texel shearlings at local sales, including Coleraine and Ballymena. “I'm looking for a shearling with a good carcass, a solid top and essenally, good feet and legs. I like them to be cocky, but I don't want a cocky tup if it means sacrificing the fundamentals of easy fleshing and funconaltraits.

“I'm happy to pay well for the tups I want and had to go up to £1500 last year for the right ones, but I've always worked on one tup being 10 prime lambs,sowe'resllintherightplace,”hesays.

Provita Pedigree is a specialised, science-based feed addive formulated to opmise the digesve efficiency and physiological performance of high-value livestock. Designed primarily for pedigree beef, sheep, and show animals, it funcons by stabilising the internal environment of the rumen and gastrointesnal tract, parcularly during periods of metabolic stress or when animals are on high-plane nutrion.

Probioc Funcon: Live microorganisms colonise the gut to establish a healthy microbiota. By lowering the intesnal pH through lacc acid producon and occupying aachment sites on the gut wall (compeve exclusion), they prevent the proliferaon of intesnal pathogens. Yeast Synergism: Yeasts consume residual oxygen within the rumen, creang a strictly anaerobic environment that favours fibre-digesng bacteria. Furthermore, they help stabilise rumen pH by ulising lacc acid, which prevents the onset of sub-clinical acidosis—a common risk when show animals are fed high-starch diets to maximize growth.

Provita Pedigree helps ensure that high-quality feed is converted into physical growth and health rather than being lost to metabolic

Beer assimilaon of end-products into muscle protein and conformaon. Enhanced dry maer intake (DMI). Increased average daily gain (ADG).

Supports bloom, the visible health of the animal's coat and skin.

Feedback from Craigenquarroch Texels: We have great results using Provita Pedigree on our lambs, it helps the lambs convert feed to gains more efficiently. We have found we are able to have natural lambs the same size as embryo lambs come sale me! Lambs didn't want to eat competor probioc / yeast products from competors. Provita Pedigree helps keep the gut right and avoid gut upset or acidosis which impact performance. Using Provita Pedigree gives me peace of mind throughout the summer!

Feedback from Millars Texels: Award winning flock, Millars Texels have used Provita Pedigree and ProVitaMin drench for 5 years. They find this combinaon improves the genecs of the breed by helping to promote growth and live weights gains “Provita products do a great job on the farm!”

For pedigree Texel breeders, the margin between a show-stopping champion and an average performer oen comes down to micronutrion. A high-quality vitamin and mineral drench acts as the nutrional insurance policy required to unlock the breed's full genec potenal. ProVitaMin contains over 25 acve constuents at high concentraons in chelated form for beer absorpon.

Millar's Duo Focus on Quality

Marn Millar works alongside his father, Cyril, in their Millar Farms enterprise just outside Coleraine. The dynamic duo manage 3 flourishing enterprises consisng of pigs, a Holstein dairy herd and Texel sheep, farming across 700acres. Elite Sires, one branch of the enterprise, is a long established pig enterprise providing an AI service, supplying semen throughout the UK and Ireland. The Holstein Dairy enterprise of the business is now the largest of the three established in 2008, and currently acvely milking a 550plus Holstein Herd. Millars Texels, the sheep part of the enterprise, is well known within the sheep and Texel industry, with sheep always being part of farming pracce at Glenleary.

Sheep and Texels were originally the main interest of Marn's older sister, Sharon. Marn reminisces how his interest grew for the Texel breed at a young age when helping Sharon at shows and sales across Ireland and the UK with her Glenleary Flock, quickly recognising the Texel breed as a good terminal sire with lots of character. “Lambs were lively at birth and quickly became my favourite breed” says Marn. It was when Sharon got married in 2010 that Marn and his dad Cyril founded the Millars Flock. The flock was founded from ewes purchased from local breeders Victor Chestnu Clougher Flock and Alan Cochrane Seneirl Flock.

“We used to run 50 Ewes with embryo transfer but recently we have reduced our numbers and concentrated on quality instead of quanty” Marn informs us. The Flock now aims to maintain at 20 ewes, flushing 5/6 of them each year. In the lead up and during tupping ewes are not hungered to take flesh off. Marn says they realised when monitoring tupping pracce that this actually reduces the concepon rate.

Marn discloses “We keep the ewes cking over on the le over grass and add in some Mineral Drench. Our flushed ewes are kept on a high energy low protein diet for 2 weeks prior to tupping. We then start the AI process. This method works far beer for us as it means lambing can be monitored over a shorter period of me which makes life that lile bit easier on a busy farm.”

Farm management of the flock focuses on keeping ewe to grass unl 2 weeks prior to lambing, when ewes are housed and fed total mixed raons. The duo look forward to lambing season when they strive to produce quality lambs both suitable for pedigree and commercial markets. Marn focuses on producing bigger, longer and stronger females who will breed character. Choosing a terminal sire needs to have appropriate traits to deliver that criteria.

“Our main service sire this year was a lamb purchased at the Naonal sale from Stewart Ferris, Bellefield I'm The Boy for 5K and shared jointly with Philip Dodds. Our other purchase was Mainview Instructor from Andrew Kennedy's Maineview Flock. Both sheep have grown to be impressive and we plan to have Bellefield I'M the Boy part of our show team for Balmoral this year and looking forward to what show and sales season brings for 2026.”

Marn reflects on some memorable moments with 2008 being one which stands out, winning the Interbreed Champion at Balmoral and Lanark in the same year, selling our Lanark champion for 29k Millars Outstanding and selling Millars Eye of the Tiger for 20k whilst keeping a share of him. The change in their Flock Management policy with a focus on quality has created new movaon for the show ring, with 2023 among the highlights, winning sheep interbreed champion at Balmoral RUAS with an aged ewe as well as the Dairy Interbreed Champion. 2024 was no excepon with the Flock claiming the NI Texel Sheep Breeder's Club Flock of the Year Overall Champion Flock, with 2025 the Flock recognised in the Large Flock and Medium Pen of Ewe Lambs, claiming second place in both.

Lambs over last few years have been strong and Marn commented “We had a great start to the 2024 show season when we were placed first and second in the ram lamb class and first in the ewe lamb class at the RUAS Balmoral”. Daughter Bella has a keen interest in the breed and was placed first in the Young Handlers on her first oung at Balmoral 2024. Last year was another successful Balmoral when we clinched the Aged Ewe class with a homebred ewe, a Ballygroogan First Class daughter out of a Hexel Diamond Joe dam. Our ram lambs also took the top two places in their class, both Drumcon Houdini sons out of a dams by Knockhill Electric.

“Everyone plays a big part on the farm and I couldn't do without them, especially my right hand woman worth 10 men Millars Dot the sheep dog” Marn comments. Marn and Cyril plan to keep the focus on quality, promong the flock and the breed at shows over the coming months, while encouraging and inspiring the next generaon of Millars.

The year kicked off on a very damp 14th June with Armagh show, where the Young Breeder's Class saw a major increase in entries. Jack Walmsley took top spot, Jack Gault second and Jack Whyte third.

On Saturday 16th August, the NI Texel Young Breeders held a flock tour, vising Maineview, Lylehill and Tamnamoney. The day presented an opportunity for young Texel enthusiasts to visit different flocks, showing them a mixture of stock from ram lambs to flush ewes.

The day started at Andrew Kennedy's farm in Ballymena, where the club held some stock judging aer geng a tour of Maineview Texels. For the under 17s, Sam McNeilly took top spot, John Joe O'Hare claimed second with Ellie Whyte gaining third place. In the senior category Ciaran McKeefry took first place, Marn Hamill second and Colla McDonnell third.

A good crowd then headed to the Lylehill flock, where Alan Glendinning showcased an array of excellent stock.

Finally, the young breeders headed to Roger Strawbridge where the Tamnamoney flock was on display. Davy Chestnu's BBQ was put to use, where Philip Whyte cooked up burgers kindly donated by Stephen Etherson. The night finished with some fun games!

The NI Texel Young breeders would like to thank everyone for coming and supporng their chosen charity, MacMillan, in memory of the late Robert Calvin. In total, the NITYB raised £725 which wouldn't have been possible without your donaons. A special menon to the commiee who organised the event and NI Club Chairman Philip Whyte for his generosity by providing supplies.

YOUNG BREEDERS REPORT

Finally, it was me for the NI Naonal Show and Sale at Ballymena Livestock Market which saw plenty of younger faces showing in the NITYBC Ram Lamb Class. Well done to Stewart Ferris for taking first place with Bellefield I'm The Boy, Jack Gault for picking up second with Cherryvale Iron Mike and Ivanna Strawbridge for liing third with Lynbrooke Ivanna's Lad. Stewart then went on to li reserve overall champion!

The club also held a young handler's class aer the championship. Thank you to all the young ones for geng involved and pung some older faces to shame! This saw Lara Taylor and Jusn Ross taking first place in their respecve age groups.

The club has a busy year ahead and we hope to see a few more faces at upcoming events!

The Club ran their annual Show Flock of the Year over the summer months, kindly sponsored by Galloway & MacLeod Ltd. The club wish to thank Galloway & MacLeod for their ongoing sponsorship which supports recognion of the efforts of its Club members throughout show season.

Special Prizes

Aged Ram Sainield Show

Jacob Henry Federnagh Flock

Aged Ewe Armagh Show

Alastair Gault Forkins

Ewe Lamb Omagh Show

Alfie Armstrong Tanhill Flock

Shearling Ewe Limavady Show

Philip Whyte Innishrush Flock

Ram Lamb Ballymoney Show

Alastair Gault Forkins Flock

Shearling Ram Antrim Show

J&C Aiken Carnew Flock

Galloway & Macleod Reserve Champion Show Flock

N&R O'Hare Millburn Flock

Galloway & MacLeod Champion Show Flock

Alastair Gault Forkins Flock

Congratulaons goes to all breeders on their success and the Club looks forward to running the compeon again in 2026 and thank Galloway & Macleod once again for supporng the event along with our new sponsor Provita..

THE YEAR

Sponsor Galloway & MacLeod Ltd

Texels Smart Choice for Corbo Pedigree &

Adrian Ligge founded his Seskinore based Corbo Flock 1998. As a young breeder with a keen interest in sheep, Adrian soon recognised the value of the Texel breed within the sheep industry and has grown the Corbo Flock to be well renowned among both commercial and pedigree sectors of the industry across Ireland and the UK.

Adrian considers Texels as an excellent choice for crossbreeding with commercial ewes due to their ability to consistently produce strong, healthy lambs with impressive growth rates. When crossed with commercial ewes, Texels bring hybrid vigour, resulng in lambs that are robust from birth, with good conformaon and muscle development. Adrian says “This makes lambing easier to manage and ensures lambs hit the ground running in terms of weight gain.” Texel lambs also tend to perform well in the market, oen fetching higher prices in the sale ring thanks to their exceponal quality and desirable meat traits. Adrian believes the Texels lean, high-quality carcasses and excellent muscling, boost the overall profitability of his flock as well as adding sale value to the lambs in the sale ring, making them a smart choice for any commercial operaon.

Adrian reminisces on the foundaon of what has become a well-known Flock across pedigree and commercial Texel breeders. “Our founding purchase was a carefully selected group of foundaon stock from some of the most reputable breeders in the industry. We began with ewes from Springhill, Cornerstone, and Tamnamoney, all known for their outstanding genecs and strong performance traits. These inial purchases set the groundwork for our flock, ensuring we had the right balance of structure, muscle, and quality As we connued to expand and refine our breeding program, we later added bloodlines from Auldhouseburn and Craighead, further strengthening our flock's genec pool and enhancing its overall performance. These strategic addions have been pivotal in developing a high-quality, commercially viable flock with both the physical aributes and market appeal we aim for in every lamb.”

Adrian shares some of the secrets of his success in recent years with farming policy centred around careful, hands-on management to ensure the health and producvity of Corbo ewes and lambs. “We flush a small number of ewes, ensuring that only the best are selected for breeding” Adrian comments. Aer flushing Adrian sends the ewes to grass at a local dairy farm for a period before being brought back to the farm approximately 3 to 4 weeks before lambing. During this me, the ewes are closely monitored and fed a specially formulated diet for at least six weeks prior to lambing to ensure opmal nutrion and health. Adrian believes nutrion in preparaon for lambing and the early post lambing period is key and informs us that in addion to an opmal diet ewes are provided with lick buckets for 12 weeks, ensuring they have consistent access to essenal minerals and nutrients. “Once lambing begins, all colostrum is tested” says Adrian, and any ewes with a colostrum level below 20 are promptly removed to ensure the best start for the lambs. Adrian is of the opinion that “this aenon to detail in every step of the process helps us maintain a high standard of welfare and performance, seng the stage for strong, healthy lambs and producve ewes”, which not only make the grade within commercial circles but also in the pedigree market demand.

Lambing me is always an intense period on the farm, and it typically kicks off around the 14th of February for the Corbo Flock. “That week, I prey much zone out from the rest of the world—it's all about the ewes and lambs” says Adrian. “I'm with them 24 hours a day, making sure everything runs smoothly and that the lambs arrive safely. My dad, in his late 70s, is my main help. As soon as the first lamb hits the ground, it's like a switch flips in him—he's moving faster than a man in his 20s again, full of energy and ready to jump into acon. It's hard work, but there's a sense of achievement that makes it all worth it”, Adrian remarks.

“To ensure the best possible start for our lambs, we priorise a low-stress, carefully managed rearing system” says Adrian. At birth, lambs are kept in small pens for the first seven days, supporng maternal bonding and providing a seling in period for the newborn lambs before going to grass. “Aer this inial period, they are split into two batches—ewe lambs and ram lambs—to beer manage their specific needs” advises Adrian. From around three weeks of age, ewe lambs are moved outside, where they can begin grazing and develop strong immune systems. Meanwhile, the ram lambs are kept outside during the day but brought in at night for the first six weeks to provide them with shelter and protecon. Creep feeding is introduced at 12 weeks, to support and promote opmal growth and development. Lambs are gradually weaned between 14 to 16 weeks, carefully managing the transion to minimise stress, ensuring opmal growth is maintained to protect future producvity

Show and Sale season soon comes round for Adrian and he highlights how preparing sheep for shows and sales involves a meculous grooming process at the Corbo Flock to ensure the sheep look their best in the ring. “Both lambs and gimmers are carefully dipped and washed before any show or sale to remove dirt and grease, giving them a fresh, clean appearance. Aer their wash, each sheep is sprayed individually, oen two or three mes, to achieve the perfect coat colour and shine” Adrian divulges. The process is essenal to enhance the natural characteriscs of the breed with spraying carried out with precision, ensuring the lambs and gimmers look vibrant and healthy so a strong impression is made on judges and buyers alike. “Aenon to detail in this preparaon process ensures that our sheep are presented at their very best, showcasing their quality and maximising their market appeal” claims Adrian.

Adrian advises us that his breeding pracces focus on maintaining consistency and quality which are extremely important when managing a small flock. He prefers to keep his ewes uniform in type—strong, well-set on their legs, with solid tops and “just that bit of flash that gives them standout appeal”. This consistency ensures the Corbo Flock produces lambs with desirable traits year aer year. To connually improve and move forward with fresh genecs, Adrian makes it a point to purchase a top-quality ram each year, bringing in new bloodlines, enhancing the overall health and vigour of the flock while keeping the genec pool diverse. Adrian states, “By carefully selecng breeding stock and introducing new genecs annually, I can ensure that the flock stays strong, producve, and capable of meeng the demands of both the show ring and the marketplace”

Texels Smart Choice for Corbo Pedigree & Commercial Trade

Commercial trade is Adrian's primary focus and the number one source of sales, both at home and at livestock markets. Apart from a few select lambs each year that go to pedigree flocks, the majority of the Corbo lambs are bred and raised for the commercial market. “We take great pride in producing lambs with excellent skins, strong tops, and good conformaon, ensuring they are well-set on their legs. These traits make them highly sought aer by commercial buyers, as they not only perform well in terms of growth and carcass quality but also offer ease of management for farmers looking for robust, high-yielding stock.” The focus on quality and consistency of the lambs ensures that commercial trade remains strong and profitable year aer year for Adrian.

Adrian divulges one of his "secrets" to successful lamb rearing is keeping the tup lambs moving between fields every 7 days. This pracce helps to ensure the lambs have access to fresh grazing and reduces the risk of parasites building up in the pasture. “An old wise man once told me, "Don't let them hear the church bell twice in the same field," a piece of advice that stuck with me over the years” comments Adrian. “It's a simple but powerful reminder to keep lambs rotang through different areas, prevenng overgrazing and promong healthy pasture management. By following this rhythm, we maintain the quality of both the pasture and the lambs, helping them grow strong and healthy while minimising stress on the land”.

Some of the most memorable achievements in the Corbo farming journey have been topping Lanark on two consecuve years with two exceponal gimmers. “In 2021, we sold a gimmer for an impressive £13,000, and the following year, in 2022, another gimmer topped the sale at £9,000. Both were sold to two outstanding homes—Scholars and Auldhouseburn—which made the success even more rewarding, knowing they were going to such respected breeders. These milestones stand out not only for the incredible prices but also for the recognion they brought, validang the hard work and careful breeding pracces we've put in over the years. It's moments like these that remind you why you put in the effort to breed and raise top-quality stock, and they remain a proud highlight in our flock's history” “2025 has undoubtedly been my best year to date, with remarkable achievements both in the show ring and in the sales ring”. The Flock won the overall Naonal Championship in Armagh in June 2025 with a stunning ewe lamb, followed by the sale of a gimmer for £7,000 at the Summer Select Online Sale, going to Jonny Cubi's Drumcon flock. “But the highlight of the year came in August, when I achieved my highest-ever sale price of £20,000 for Corbo Ice Baby, a 10k son of Forkins Hawkeye. Along with this, I also achieved the second-highest average for my pen of four lambs, showcasing the consistency and quality of the stock I'm producing.

These top prices and achievements have been incredibly rewarding and a true testament to the hard work and careful breeding that goes into developing these exceponal animals” says Adrian.

Looking ahead, Adrian's main aim is to connue breeding top-quality Texels that stand out for their strength, conformaon, and market appeal. Adrian is commied to refining and improving Flock genecs, focusing on producing animals that excel in both the show and sale rings. In the long-term Adrian is keen to eventually secure the tle of Lanark Champion Ram—an ambion that has driven much of his breeding strategy over the years. Adrian comments that “While I'm proud of the achievements so far, I believe there's always room to push the boundaries and raise the standard even higher. The future will be about keeping the momentum going, selecng the best stock, and working toward that ulmate dream of producing a Lanark champion that embodies the very best of the Texel breed”

Texel Breeder's Brave

Northern Ireland Texel Breeder's braved connuous torrenal rain to hold their annual Naonal Show at Armagh County Show back in June. Despite the weather Texel Breeders turned out in large numbers with a record number of entries of Texels on exhibit. The Club wish to thank members for turning out with huge gratude to Judge Alan Blackwood Auldhouseburn Flock for judging the compeon and to Galloway & MacLeod Ltd for their generous sponsorship.

Judging took place under difficult condions with Mr Blackwood choosing his first place Aged Ram from Roger Strawbridge's Tamnamoney pen. Joint owned, Ballynahone Foreman, HBR2201773, is a Garngour Emerald son out of a Scotsman Avicii dam. Claiming first place in the Aged Ewe class and also presented the Galloway & Macleod Special Prize for the Best Aged Ewe was Alastair Gault's Forkins exhibit. GAF2303693, is a Charben Fantasc daughter out of a Lakeview Dirty Dancer sired dam. Taking the top spot in the Gimmer line-up was Jonny Cubi's Drumcon entry, CWH2401794, a Strathbogie Gypsy King daughter out of an Auldhouseburn Corky dam. Mr Blackwood connued to brave the elements, choosing his first place shearling ram from the O'Hare Family's exhibits. Not on his first oung, Ballykeel Holy Bejoly, OHP2400811 has kept up his winning streak. He is a son of New View Electrifying, a Sportsmans Double Diamond son and out of a Hilltop Ewe sired by Knock Crackerjack. In the Texel Young Breeder's Class it was Jack Walmsley's turn to take the red rosee with his White Water Farm ewe lamb, WXX2500603, a Haymount Fancy That daughter out of an Import dam by Garngour Fly Half II.

Mr Blackwood chose his first place February Born Ram Lamb and later Galloway & MacLeod Male Champion from John Trimble's Curley pen. This lamb, TYC2501627, is a Forkins Hawkeye son, sired by 100K Strathbogie Gypsy King and out of a New View Electrifying sired dam. The Galloway & MacLeod Male Reserve Champion was also from the same class, earlier standing second place, this me from Marn McConville's Glenhone pen. MNV2500539 is a 28K Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants son and out of a Coniston Equinox sired ewe. In the March Born Ram Lamb Class it was Young Breeder Marn McConville's turn for first place with MNV2500536, a Rhaeadr First Choice son out of a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur sired ewe. Mr Blackwood choose his first place February Born Ewe Lamb and Galloway & MacLeod Female and Overall Champion from Adrian Ligge's Corbo pen. This ewe lamb, LIG2500934, is a Forkins Hawkeye daughter and out of a Hexel Fan Club dam. Mr Blackwood took his pick from Mark Priestley's Seaforde exhibits for his Galloway & MacLeod Female and Overall Reserve Champion. She was his first choice from the March Born Ewe Lamb Class, PRQ2503056, a Drumbreddan Hard Ass daughter out of a Knap Ewe by Sportsmans Cannon Ball.

Naonal Show Results

Shearling Ewe

Shearling Ram Class

Texel Young Breeder's Class

J Trimble

Ram Lamb Feb Born

Ram

Ewe

Ewe Lamb March Born

of Three

Male Champion:

J Trimble Feb Born Ram TYC2501627

Male Reserve Champion: M McConville Feb Born Ram Lamb MNV2500539

Female Champion: A Ligge Feb Born Ewe Lamb LIG2500934

Female Reserve Champion: M Priestley

March Born Ewe Lamb PRQ2503056

Overall Galloway & MacLeod Ltd Champion: Adrian Ligge Feb Born Ewe Lamb Corbo Flock LIG2500934

Overall Galloway & MacLeod Ltd Reserve Champion: Mark Priestley March Born Ewe Lamb Seaforde Flock PRQ2503056

The Club looks forward to holding the event again this year on Saturday 13th June at Armagh Show. Judge will be Harry Wilkinson, Arkle Flock with sponsorship kindly provided by Galloway & MacLeod and Provita.

Gimmers

Owen and Liam Donhoe's Derryvore flock took the top call of 5500gns in the gimmers at the Northern Ireland Naonal Texel Sale, Ballymena 2025 which saw an average of £1503.08 for 20 sold.

Topping the sale was XOD2401622, a Mullan Game Changer daughter out of a Garngourbred dam by Procters Chumba Wumba. Buying this one were Messrs Grant.

Next best at 2400gns was one from Ciaran McAuley, Capecastle, with a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur daughter, UCC2400223. She's out of a Larkhill-bred dam by Mullan Captain. This one sold to C Magill.

Then came one from Philip Dodds' Tullybrannigan flock, DOD2400710. Sired by Corbo Golden Boy and out of an Auldhouseburn Eye Catcher, she sold at 2000gns with a top 10% texelplus index, she was knocked down Darragh Niland.

One at 1800gns came next, with this being a gimmer from Charlie Fyffe's Botera flock. This was FGY2401959, a Hexel Dallas daughter out of a dam by Craighead Eyecatcher. She found a new home with Ashley Crothers.

And a pair then traded at 1500gns, the first of which was from Andrew Fyffe's Fairywater flock, FAO2401935. Out of a dam by Plasucha All Star, she's by Teiglum Godfather and was the pick of Andrew Follis, Greenogue.

The second at this level was from Alastair Gault's Forkins pen, GAF2404049. Sired by the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King, she's out of a dam by Sportsmans Dare Devil and was taken by Andrew Armstrong.

Average; 20 gimmers £1503.08

(J A McClelland and Son).

A new Ballymena Naonal record for a ram lamb, a sale record average and a 90% clearance were the standout features of the Northern Ireland Naonal Texel Sale, which topped at 32,000gns for Eugene Branagan's Largy I Show Speed.

The sale topper is a son of the 170,000gns Knap Grumpy and is out of a dam by 42,000gns Mullan Amigo. Subject to a fierce and rapid bidding bale, this one was knocked down to Messrs Dunne for the Kilduff flock, Eire.

Second best of the 235 ram lambs sold was a 22,000gns call for another lamb heading out of the province, Cathal Harkin's The Rock Icon This son of the 70,000gns 2024 Lanark topper Hexel High Voltage is out of a Harestone Fast N Furious daughter and has seen sisters sell at 2800gns already this year. Buying him was Alan Blackwood for the Auldhouseburn flock, Ayrshire.

Following along at 20,000gns was the best of the day from Adrian Ligge's Corbo flock, Corbo Ice Baby. He's by the 10,000gns 2024 Ballymena topper, Forkins Hawkeye, and is out of a dam by Hexel Fan Club. Taking him home was Jonny Cubi, Drumcon.

Another southern Irish buyer was in acon next, paying 13,000gns for another from Cathal Harkin's pen, the appropriately named The Rock Ireland. This is anotuyer by Hexel High Voltage and is a full ET brother to the 22,000gns Icon. He sold to John Greene, Larahurl.

And making 10,000gns was Blackstown Incredible Hulk from Messrs Wilson and Moses. He's sired by Forkins Hotshot and is out of a Botera Fee Fee-sired dam. Selling with a top 25% texelplus index, he found a new home with Messrs McRoberts.

Not far behind at 9000gns was another from Adrian Ligge, Corbo Irish Rover. Another by the 10,000gns Forkins Hawkeye, he's out of a dam by Hartside All Star which is dam of females to 13,000gns. He sold to James Wilkinson for the Ballygroogan flock.

The Wilson and Moses partnership was back in the money next, taking 7500gns for Blackstown Iron Man. He's by Mullan Hit The Diff and out of a dam by Knock Classic. Taking him home were Robin and Tomos Ellis for the Eglur and Kauri flocks, Wales.

Not far behind at 6500gns was Forkins Iconic from Alastair Gault. Sired by the privately purchased Douganhill Gangster, he's out of a Charben Fantasc daughter and sold with a top 5% index when bought by Brian Hanthorn, Mullan.

A brace then traded at 6000gns, with the first being James Wilkinson's Ballygroogan Impeccable, a Forkins Hawkeye son out of a dam by Alderview Explosive which is a full sisters to the 3600gns Ballygroogan First Class. He was knocked down to Michael Bird for the Dunlever flock, Co Meath.

The other to make this money was Alan Glendinning's Lylehill In Your Dreams. This one is by Sportsmans Grand Slam and out of a dam by the 65,000gns Garngour Crasman. He headed away with Stewart Ferris, Bellefield.

Then came a pair at 5500gms, the first of which was Maineview Instructor from Andrew Kennedy. This Oberstown Hercules son is out of a Forkins-bred dam by Mullan Extra Special. He sold in a two way split to Marn and Cyril Millar and Dennis Taylor, Millars and Ballynacannon, respecvely

Second at this price was Andrew Follis' 'Greenogue Im Your Man, a Mellor Vale Déjà vu son out of a dam by Craighead Eyecatcher and was shared three ways by Marn Cromie, Murray Anne and Messrs Garrivan for the Tullyear, Milestonehill and Ballydesland flocks, respecvely

And two also sold for 5000gns. First to take this call was Stewart Ferris' reserve champion from the pre-sale show, Bellefield Im The Boy, a Connemara Hilltop son out of a dam by Haddo Floyd. This on was again split, this me by Marn and Cyril Millar, Millars and Philip Dodds, Tullybrannagan.

At the same money was Marn McConville's champion from the pre-sale show, Glenhone Issac. He's by Rhaeadr First Choice and out of a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur daughter and sold to Cahir McAuley, Larkhill.

A 4800gns sale came next for Jonny Cubi's Drumcon I See Stars, a son of the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond and out of a dam by the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King and sold to Sam McAuley, with a half share retained.

And at 4200gns was Seaforde I Do from Mark Priestley, Sired by Drumcon Head of State and out of a dam by Procters El Presidente, he headed away with Marn McConville, Glenhone.

Top Ram LambAverages

Prefix

Largy

Corbo

TheRock

Blackstown

Glenhone

Lylehill

Curley

Seaforde

Millburn

Forkins

Shearling Rams

Number Sold Three Four Seven Six Four Eight Five Four Five Five

Average £13,020

£8767

£6750

£3876

£2651

£2533

£2499

£2441

£2331

£2299

John Watson's Duvarren Houston saw li off in the shearling ram trade at the Northern Ireland Naonal Sale, Ballymena, taking the day's top call of 4800gns on a trade which recorded a 96% clearance and an average of £1961.46 for the 72 sold.

Next in line at 4000gns was Gareth Tumelty's best of the day, Aideshill Hedgehunter. Sired by the 23,000gns Peacehay Ya Belter, he's out of a dam by Scrogtonhead Class Act and sold to John Watson, Duvarren.

Brian and William McAllister then took 3600gns for their leader, Artnagullion Highflyer. He's a son of Blackadder Doddie and out of a dam by Midlock Yohann and was bought by Karl O'Mullan.

Then making 3400gns was another from John Watson, Duvarren Hugh Jazz, a Mount Prospect Efrain son out of a dam by Duvarren Colorado. He was the pick of Gary Logue.

And the same buyer then paid 3000gns for another from the same home, Duvarren Haka He's by the homebred Duvarren Colorado and out of a dam by Blackstown Yule.

and Helen Tweed then took the same money for their best, Ballycoose Homer. He's by Incheoch Fibonacci and out of a dam by Fearn Dusautor. Selling with a top 5% index he was taken by Danny Creer, Coolingel.

Gareth Tumelty then sold a pair at 2800gns, this first of which was Aideshill Hugo D, a son of Scrogtonhead Class Act and out of a dam by Aideshill Crackerjack. He headed home with W and I Hanna.

Meanwhile, the second of these was Aideshill Hole In One. This son of Peacehay Ya Belter is out of an Aideshill Crackerjack daughter and sold to McIrath Farms.

Another 2800gns bid came for one from Brian and William McAllister, Artnagullion Honeymonster. This is a by Blackadder Doddie and out of a dam by Midlock Yohann and found a new home with R J Mowbray.

A final 2800gns sale was made for Philip Dodds' best, Straidarran Hakka. He's by Seaforde Gentleman Jack and out of a dam by Sportamsn Cannon Ball. Selling with a top 10% index he was taken by Messrs Bruce.

72

(J A McClelland and Son).

Philip Whyte, Club Chairman presents a cheque for £500 to Kim Lamb, NI Rena UK Co-ordinator. Also pictured are Rena UK Volunteers. The money will support the Charity research in searching for a cure for inherited sight loss.

The Young Breeder's Texel Young Handlers will be held again this year. There will be 2 categories to the compeon with a junior class for aged 13years and under and a 14-18 age group class. Entries will be collected on the day. Pictured are last year's winners. See you all on 13th May 2026!

Prefix

Duvarren

Aideshill

Tamnamoney

Artnagullion

Ballycoose

Ballydesland

Corbally

Milestonehill

Springwell

Ballyrussel

Club Sales Round-Up

Dungannon

Andrew Kennedy, Maineview Flock made the distance with both the judges and buyers for the pre-sale champion rosee and the top price of the day at 800gns. Maineview Ironman, KMR2502792(E1) is a Drumcon Head of State son out of a Mullan Extra Special sired dam. The Maineview also sold penmates Inmate, KMR2502780(E1) another Head of State son for 680gns and Illustator, KMR250768(E1) again a Head of State son for 700gns. Philip Dodds Reserve Champion, Tullybrannigan Iggy, DOD2500853(E2), a Straidarran Hakka son out of a Douganhill Desperado daughter went on to sell for 680gns. Brian Hanthorn & Family's Mullan pen took the same money for Mullan I Spy, HBN2503266(1) a Drumderg Hitman son out of a Plasucha Folklore daughter and 700gns for his penmate Mullan Ice Ice Baby, HBN2503291(e2) another Hitman son out of a Kildowney Evo sired dam.

Shearling rams connued to be in demand with the judges 2nd place exhibit from Eugene Branagan, Largy Flock coming in close behind the sale leaders at 1400gns. Largy Harry Gato, ELL2403861(E2) is a Teglium Goliath son out of a Knock Yardsman sired dam. Next in line for the cash was Messrs Sean and Josophine Burns with Longbeech Hansome, BEJ2402183(1). This Glenhone First Trust son out of a Milestonehill Ahab daughter stood 3rd in the Judges line-up and changed hands for 1350gns. Keeping the trade going at 4 figures was Mark Irwin's favourite, Donaghmore Hilight, IGD2400684(2).

This April born Alderview General son out of a Curley Empire daughter sold for 1300gns. Giving the Donaghmore pen a good sale average Mr Irwin's sold this sheeps penmate, a Curley Empire son out of a homebred dam for 1200gns. Selling for the same money was Judge Troy Watson's Fane Valley Champion, Milestonehill Holestone, ALL2402274(E1). He is a Lakeview Goliath son out of a Plasucha All Rounder ewe.

Up on last year's average, Shearling Ram trade had consistently excellent trade averaging 1057.50gns for 20 sold and a clearance rate of 91%.

Leading the way in the Ram Lamb sales was the judge's 2nd place from John Trimble's Curley consignment. This Forkins Hawkeye son, TYC2501611(E2) and out of a Sportsmans Benchmark daughter sold for 1400gns. Coming in next for the money was the 1st place Ram Lamb and Fane Valley Reserve Champion from Philip Dodds, Tullybrannigan Flock. He is a Straidarran Hakka son, DOD2500871(E1), out of a Haymount Earth Wind and Fire dam and moves home for 1150gns. Keeping the Ram Lamb sales into 4 figures was Eugene Branagan's Largy exhibit which claimed 4th place in the judge's line-up. This Knap Grumpy son, ELL2504307(E2) out of a Mullan Amigo ewe sold for 1050gns. Coming in close behind at 1000gns was a Milestonehill exhibit from Murray Anne, a Ballydesland Eddie son, ALL2502390(E1) out of a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur daughter.

Ram Lambs averaged 711gns for 32 sold which was up on last year's average and a clearance rate of 73%.

Armoy

Shearling Ram Class with Mr Boyd choosing his first place exhibit from Roger Strawbridge's Tamnamoney pen. This shearling later went on to take the Steele Farm Reserve Champion. Tamnamoney Harry, SRY2402985(E2) is a Strathbogie Gypsy King son out of a Sportsmans Dare Devil daughter and sold at 1860gns, the second highest price of the evening.

Leading the way in the sale ring was Murray Anne's 3rd place exhibit, a Ballydesland Eddie son out of a Craig Douglas Buster dam, ALL2402327 who sold for 1900gns. The buyers returned to Roger Strawbridge's Tamnamoney pen for the their next favourite, another Gypsy King, SRY2403027, and again out of a Dare Devil ewe, selling for 1540gns. Shearling Rams sales had good consistent trade averaging 1210gns for 24 sold and a clearance rate of 89%.

Taking the top two leading prices in the lamb trade was father and son team Alastair and Jack Gault. Son Jack claimed the leader with his 3rd place exhibit in the judging with Cherryvale Iceman, GCN2504565(E1), a Strathbogie Gypsy King son and out of a Sportsmans Dare Devil sired dam sold for 1280gns. Alastair Gault's Steele Farm Supplies Champion sold for 1200gns, Forkins Ireland, GAF2504420(E2), also a Gypsy King son and from a Dare Devil mother. Kim Coleman was next in line for the buyers with her 5th place ram lamb exhibit, Brague Istabraq, MRB2502692(2). He is a Drumderg Hotmail son out of a Kiltariff Bastareaud sired dam and sold for 1080gns. Again ram lamb trade was consistent with 61 lambs sold averaging 716gns and a clearance rate of 87%.

Club Sales Round-Up

Enniskillen

Andrew Follis, Greenogue Flock claimed the top spot for a Shearling Ram both in the Shearling Ram line-up and the top priced Shearling Ram for Greenogue Hitman. This Teiglum Goldstar son out of a Sportsmans Cannonball ewe sold for 1340gns. Judge Graham Rodgers 3rd place exhibit from Marcus Johnston, Killarbran Flock was next to catch the buyers' eye at 1200gns. Killarbran Hotshot is a Seaforde Egypan Warrior out of a Sportsmans Deal Breaker sired dam. It was Mr Rodgers 2nd place Shearling Ram from Craig Cowan, with Owenskerry Hulk, who was the next favourite, a Garvetagh Hill Falcon son out of a Teiglum Cinnamon daughter, selling at 1000gns.

Leading the way in the Ram Lambs was Alistair Breen's Drumderg Farmcare Reserve Champion, a homebred Haribo son out of a Mullan Eureka daughter, this lamb saw the hammer drop at 2080gns. Marcus Johnston's Killarbran exhibit, Killarbran Istanbul, a March born Sadlerhead Fury son out of a Sportsmans Cnnaon Ball dam was the next top price selling at 1500gns. Geoffrey Cathcart came in close behind at 1400gns for his Drumderg Gypsy King son out of a Lakeview Dirty Dancer sired dam, Carnview Invictus. Ram Lambs were in demand with 41% reaching 4 figure sums. The sale saw a total of 41 pedigree Texel sheep through the sale ring. Averages saw Shearling Rams reach 1072gns for 5 sold; Ram Lambs 987gns for 31 sold and Shearling ewes 635gns for 4.

Swatragh

Buyers competed for strong Texel Shearling Rams, which peaked at 2050gns twice for Joseph Muldoon, Carnteel Flock, Aughnacloy These full brothers, Hawkeye JZM2402248(E2) and Hardman JZM2402239(E1) are Mellor Vale Déjà vu sons out of a dam sired by Kildowney Evo. Carnteel Hardman stood 6th in the judges line up in the pre-sale show

Coming in close behind was Roger Strawbridge with the Farmware Reserve Champion, Tamnamoney Houston, SRY2402989(E2), a Douganhill Gangster son out of a Sportsmans Dare Devil daughter, selling for 2000gns. The McKinney Brothers were next to cash in at 1950gns. Heathmount Hannibal, MHR2401965(1) is a Lakeview Fearless son out of a Deveronvale Brave One dam and stood 2nd in the Shearling Ram Class. Shearling Rams averaged 1266gns for 22 sold with 68% reaching 4 figure sums.

The judge's Farmware champion was the buyers pick of the ram lambs. Lylehill Indigo, GAX2500607(E1) from Alan Glendinning is a Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants son out of a Procters Chumba Wumba dam which changed hands for 1350gns. This dam is also the mother of 4.8K Lylehill Gunshot. Mr Glendinning also took the same money for this lambs penmate, Lylehill Imauell, GAX2500531(E1), a Hexel Geronimo son and out of a Garngour Crasmans daughter who sired 16K Hit and Run. Marn and Cyril Millar's Millars exhibit was also popular with the buyers , selling again for 1350gns. Millars Iron Man, VMG2503292(E2), is a Tamnamoney Hawkstone son out of a Hexel Diamond Joe sired dam. Ram lambs averaged 827gns for 54 sold.

Hilltown

Claiming Judge Marn McConville's top spot in the Shearling Ram class and the buyers favourite at 1000gns in the sale ring was Sean and Josephine Burns Longbeech exhibit. Longbeech Hawk, BEJ2402218(1), a Glenhone First Trust son out of a Deveronvale Aershock sired dam.

. Iain and William MacRoberts were next to catch the buyers eye with Magherally Hammy, RMI2401046(2), a Deveronvale Dio son out of a Knock Yardsman daughter, selling at 950gns. Donaghmore Hawkeye, IGD2400671(2), a Curley Empire son out of a homebred dam by Crusader, from Mark Irwin was next to cash in close behind at 900gns.Shearling Rams averaged 821gns for 7 sold.

The buyers interest were focused on the Ballei pen of John McPolin with his Ram Lamb, Ballei Iceberg, PLN2501019(2), a Sadlerhead Fury son out of a Garngour Crasman leading the sale at 1600gns. The much admired Fane Valley Reserve Champion from young breeder Charlie Trimble, Cherrylea Flock was next in demand, selling Cherrylea I'm The Man, TCX2501683(E2), a Forkins Hawkeye son out of a Garngour Challenger ewe for 1250gns. Keeping the prices on a high note, Michael Cunningham Aughnacullion 5th place exhibit changed hands for 1200gns. Aughnacullion Impressive, CUN2507361(2) is a Teiglium Firecracker son out of a Fordafourie Amalert daughter. Ram Lambs sold to average 738gns for 46 sold.

Overall sale clearance was 82% for 53 sold.

Co Antrim

James Muldoon Carnteel Flock claimed the buyers' aenon with his 1st place and Tulliven Growvite Champion selling Carnteel Hammer the Hammer, JZM2402245, a Mullan Forever son out of a Sportsmans Cannon Ball sired dam for 2100gns. Coming in close behind for the buyers choice was Ballycoose Headstart, TQB2400906(E2), from Fraser & Helen Tweeds consignment. This Harestone Eldorado son out of a Knap You're The Man daughter sold for 1900gns. Next for the cash was Aideshill Hickory Dickory, TGA2401229(2) from Gareth Tumelty. This strong shearling stood 6th in the judge's line-up, a Caron Dynamite son out of a Brackenridge Cancun daughter and changed hands for 1600gns.

Taking the sale to a high note at 3000gns was a Ram Lamb from Brian Hanthorn & Family with their sub lot Mullan Impact, HBN2503328(1). He is a Drumderg Hitman son out of a Kildowney Evo sired ewe, the favourite ewe in the flock and from the same bloodlines as Captain Jack. He joins the Ballyrussell Flock owned by Mary Clarke, Comber Co Down.

Club Sales Round-Up

Aaron Myles Reserve Champion was the next favourite ram lamb with buyers' bidding to 1700gns for Jonny Cubi's Drumcon exhibit. Drumcon Iniesta, CWH2501993(E1), is a Sportsmans Double Diamond son out of a Glenside Forever II daughter. Dam was purchased for 10,000gns from Usk Vale, with thislambs GDam the 45,000gns Cowal ewe. JWilson & J&A Moses were also in the spotlight in the sale ring, with Blackstown IOU, WWB2502410(2), a Forkins Hotshot son out of a Knock Classic sired dam selling to 1500gns. Also selling for the same money was Lylehill Ice Baby, GAX2500535(E1) from Alan Glendinning and the judge's 6th place exhibit from James Campbell, Tirnageeragh Icup, NJC2501156(2). Lylehill Ice baby is a Drumderg Hitman son out of a Sportsmans Cannon Ball daughter Tirnageeragh Icup is a Cherryvale Highclass son out of a Alderview Explosive sired ewe.

Lisahally

A busy ringside saw a top price of 1560gns for the Holden Agri & Fuels Ltd Champion from Adrian Ligge's Corbo Ram Lamb consignment. Corbo Im The Boy, LIG2500937(E2), a Forkins Hawkeye son out of a Alderview Explosive daughter sold to A&R Dickson & Sons Drumquin. Next in demand was the Holden Agri & Fuels Ltd Reserve Champion, another Ram Lamb from Alan Glendinning's Lylehill pen. Lylehill ICE, GAX2500613(E1) knocked down for 1310gns. He is a Hexel Geronimo son out of a Mullan Armani daughter. Buyers returned to the Corbo lamb pen again for another Hawkeye son, Corbo Into The Wind, LIG2500943(E1) out of a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur sired dam.The judges 3rd place rosee went to Joseph Muldoon's, Carnteel lamb exhibit, Carnteel Indiana, IZM2502324(E2), a Clarks Grey Goose son out of a Rhaeadr Entrepreneur daughter which sold for 1220gns. Ram lambs averaged 722gns for 35 sold.

The top shearling price went to the 1st place exhibit from Patrick Blee, Dunelm Flock for Dunelm Heisenberg, PBZ2400446(E3), a Garngour First Class son out of a Mullan Dare Devil sired dam. He topped the shearling trade at 820gns. Selling at the same price was the judge's 3rd place exhibit from Seamus McBride, Mcbride Flock for McBride Hercules, MSZ2403838(3), a Lakeview Gold Dust son out of a Quarry Eminem daughter. Michael Ward was next to catch the buyers eye with his Alnaghree son, Hercules, XMW2401531(3), a homebred General Lee son out of a ewe by Lochar Domino, selling at 700gns. Shearling Ram averaged 603gns for 8 sold.

Harvest

The sale leader was from James Boyd's Crawfordsland pen with a Shearling Ram which stood second in the presale championship Copney Lane Highlander, a Hexel Fan Club son out of an Alderview Explosive sired dam sold for 1500gns. Messrs Barclay Bell & Sons Kiltariff Flock, Murray Anne Milestonehill Flock and John Watson Duvarren Flock all came in close behindasthenextfavouritewiththebuyers. The Milestonehill exhibit, Milestone Hammy, was Mr Walmsley's 1st place and SH Coleman Reserve Champion. He is a Ballydesland Eddie son out of a Craig Douglas daughter and sold for 1250gns. The Kiltariff third place exhibit is a Seaforde Firecracker son out of a Corskie De Niro dam, while the Duvarren exhibit, Duvarren High Flyer, is a Mount Prospect Efrain son out of homebred Coloradosellingforthesamemoney

Alastair Gault's Forkins Flock took the top spot both in the judging and sale ring for a ram lamb with his SH Coleman Ltd Champion. Forkins Iceland,aForkinsHittheDiffsonoutofaProcters El Jeffe son sold for 1100gns. The Forkins pen remained in demand with Forkins Iggy, a Strathbogie Gypsy King son out of a Procters Deacon Blue daughter selling for 1020gns. Alan Glendinnings Lylehill pen also proved popular with buyerswith Lylehill Ipace, a Drumderg Hitman son out of a Sportsmans Cannon Ball daughter selling for 1050gns. Again proving popular with the buyers Mr Glendinning saw Icloud, his 2nd place exhibit and In Tow both sell for100gns.

Shearling Ram sales averaged 960gns for 15 with a clearance of 94% Ram lambs peaked at 1100gns, averaging 667gns for 52 with a clearancerateof95%.

In-Lamb Female Sale

She later claimed Mr McIlwaine's Reserve Champion tle and remains with Mr McPolins Ballei Flock. Next in Mr McIlwaine's line-up was I&W MacRoberts, Magherally Flock with his Fairywater Flashlight daughter out of a Deveronvale Dio sired dam. She comes in lamb with twins to Tullnasoo Happy Gilmore. She sold to Brian McGorrian Downpatrick for 800gns. Mr McGorrian also purchased Mr McIlwaines 3rd place gimmer from Colin Price's Loanend pen. She is a Straidarran Firecracker daughter out of a Lakeview Eldorado ewe. She changed hands for 520gns.

HoweveritwasAlastairGaultForkinswhosoldto top the Shearling Ewe market at 3700gns to Brendan McConville, Co Down She is a Douganhill Gangster daughter out of a Procters Eureka sired dam in lamb with a single to Speenogue Ignite. Also popular in the sales ring was the Tamnamoney pen of Roger Strawbridge withhisStrathbogieGypsyKingdaughteroutofa Rhaedr Edge dam in lamb with twins to Douganhill Gangster at 900gns to PV O'Neill Plumbridge. This gimmer's penmate was next in lineasasaleleaderat1600gnstothesamebuyer She is a Douganhill Gangster daughter out of a SportsmansDareDevileweandsellsinlambwith asingletoGypsyKing.

Mr McIlwaine returned to the Ballei pen of Mr McPolin for his Oldstone Veterinary Champion. This Haddo Fabio sired ewe lamb is out of a Sportsmans Batman sired dam sold to Stewart Ferris to join his Bellfield Flock, Co Down for 800gns. Richard Henderson sold his 2nd place ewe lamb exhibit, a Douganhill Gangster daughter out of an Auldhouseburn Fe Fi Fo Fum dam to Stephen Boyd, Garvagh for 400gns. Mr McIlwaines third place ewe lamb rosee went to AlanGlendinning'sLylehillpen. Thisprizewinner is a Drumderg Hitman daughter out of a Sportsmans Cannon Ball sired dam and moves hometojointheflockofKarlOMullanDunloyfor 580gns. Againpopularinthesaleringthebuyers pick went to Alastair Gault's Forkins pen with a Strathbogie Gypsy King daughter selling for 900gns and a Forkins Hit the Diff daughter for 1900gnsbothtoAndrewArmstrongCoTyrone. Sale of Ewe Lambs averaged 610gns for 14 while ShearlingEwesaveraging873gnsfor16.

Bluetongue Virus (BTV)

BTV is an infecous, non-contagious, vectorborne viral disease affecng wild and domesc ruminants such as sheep, goats, cale, deer, and camelids. BTV-3 was first confirmed in the UK in England on November 10, 2023. The virus is transmied mainly by bing midges, especially Culicoides obsoletus in the UK. BTV-3 outbreak in the Netherlands in 2023 caused severe clinical signs, more severe than BTV-8 outbreaks (2006-2008).

Morbidity in highly suscepble sheep can reach 100%, with mortality averaging 2-30%, and up to 70% in severe cases.

BTV-3 can also be transmied from pregnant animals to offspring. Vaccinaon is most effecve before peak midge acvity (AprilNovember) and during 3-4 year waves. Spread requires the midge vector, with midges traveling 2-8 km/day, aided by wind plumes. Movement of infected animals, germplasm, and infected midges can spread the virus. Infected midges are most acve during warmer months (>12°C). Spread in the Netherlands started centrally, following wind paerns, and dilutes over me.

Clinical signs in sheep include fever, ulcers, sores, discharge, swelling, and red skin.

Morbidity in affected areas can range from 2100% in sheep.

Suscepble Species

Mainly affects cale, sheep, goats, deer, and camelids.

Potenally viremic horses and dogs.

Transmission requires the midge vector

Seasonality and Spread

Disease peaks during warmer months due to midge acvity

Spread is vector-dependent, with wind aiding dispersal.

Animal movement and blood contaminaon

are key biosecurity concerns.

Clinical Signs and Impact

Sheep: death, lameness, breathing problems,

aboron, fetal abnormalies, sllbirths, poor ulcers, sores, discharge, swelling, and red skin.

In the Netherlands, clinical signs include fever,

Morbidity varies widely, especially in sheep.

Treatment Prompt euthanasia may be necessary for

Symptomac with poor response.

anbiocs for secondary infecons. Steroids and anhistamines have limited or concepon.

NSAIDs, supporve fluids, B vitamins, adverse effects.

severely affected animals.

NI Disease Situaon

The most recent case on 23rd January near Portavogie, was the fih confirmed infected premises in NI. This property is within the original temporary control zone established aer the first case was confirmed on our shores on 6th December 2025.

Balmoral Show have confirmed that all Cale and Sheep entries must be vaccinated against Bluetongue. Whilst Sheep only require one vaccine dose with onset of immunity aer three weeks, cale require two vaccinaons, three weeks apart with onset of immunity three weeks later

ROI Disease Situaon

Bluetongue has been detected in a sixth herd in Co. Wexford, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed. In addion, two bluetongue virus posives have been detected from post-aboron tesng of aborted bovine foetuses from herds in Counes Louth and Wicklow.

Whilst GB has not seen the severity of disease witnessed in parcular in Holland, our colleagues report reduced reproducve performance including reduced concepon rates, aborons, sll births, the birth of calves and lambs with severe, non-treatable neurological disease and increased barren (empty) cows and ewes as the main disease manifestaons.

I would envisage a similar clinical syndrome will be seen in our livestock and the recent confirmaon of two bovine aborons caused by Bluetongue is a worrying and unfortunately, ancipated occurrence.

We face uncertain mes. As we approach Spring and the end of the vector free period, there is greater risk of disease spread out with the exisng Temporary Control Zone. As I menoned during our meeng, we have one chance to prevent disease and associated export implicaons becoming an ongoing issue on our shores and I implore everyone to discuss Bluetongue with your private veterinary surgeon and consider the use of vaccinaon in disease risk migaon.

Maedi Visna

Maedia Visna affects sheep, causing pneumonia, weakness, wasng, arthris, and chronic mass. The disease is highly infecous, fatal and there is currently no cure or vaccine for the disease. Maedi Visna contributes up to 20% annual mortality in adult sheep but also causes lamb mortality

Scrapie

Scrapie is a fatal neurological disease in sheep which is highly transmissible. It causes itching, behavioral changes and incoordinaon. The disease has a long incubaon and aacks genec suscepbility types with NPS1 Type 1 (ARR/ARR) sheep the most genecally resistant to classical scrapie. The disease is a nofiable disease.