Top class Suffolks heading for Ballymena this weekend
The Suffolk Sheep Society NI Branch will hold their Premier Export Show & Sale on Saturday 18th July at Ballymena Livestock Mart with a top class show and sale of Pedigree Suffolk Ewe Lambs, Shearling Ewes, Shearling Rams and Ram Lambs with 218 top class sheep forward from over 55 breeders available to meet the needs of Pedigree and Commercial Flock owners alike.
Commenting on the forthcoming sale NI Branch Chairman Lesley Liggett said “The NI Branch Premier Export Show & Sale on the 18th July gives the commercial farmer and breeders the first opportunity to select from the top pick of NI Suffolk Breeders ram lambs.
Looking at the catalogue, ram lambs included for sale are sired by some of the breeds top rams namely;
200,000gns Salopian Solid Gold, 75,000gns Cairnton Chaos, 42,000gns Islandmoyle Spartacus, 40,000gns Limestone King of Diamonds, 38,000gns Pyeston Phoenix, 33,000gns Castleisle A Kingsman, 30,000gns Castlewood Cassanova, 24,000gns Limestone Juggernaut, 20,000gns Annakisha Bright Eye, 20,000gns Tullywinney Trend Setter, 19,000gns Birness the Gladiator, 15,000gns Ballynacannon Bentley, 15,000gns Claragh Cobra, 13,000gns Malinhead Cannonball, 13,000gns Malinhead Del Boy, 12,000gns Cherrylea Dark Destroyer, 11,000gns Limestone Dream Maker, 11,000gns Benedyglen Masterpieceto name a few of those represented.
The outlook for the Suffolk breed in Northern Ireland is the envy of many other Branches and Clubs throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe. With so many enthusiastic young breeders this is why Northern Ireland Suffolks are at the forefront of the market and NI breeders have led the way in sourcing the best genetics the breed has to offer and ultimately producing top quality lambs with proven characteristics of superior growth, rate early maturity and excellent conformation giving commercial customers a healthy return in tight times.
Rodney Brown, representing lead sponsors Danske Bank, said: “The Premier Sale continues to be a key date in the calendar for Suffolk breeders across Northern Ireland, bringing together pedigree and commercial producers and showcasing the quality of the breed. As the opening pedigree Suffolk sale of 2026, it provides an important early platform for breeders and should help set a positive tone for the season ahead.
“Danske Bank is pleased to continue its support for this important event and for the wider agricultural community. The sheep sector plays a vital role in rural life and farm businesses across Northern Ireland, and we are proud to stand alongside breeders as they prepare for another successful sale. We wish all exhibitors every success in the show and sale ring, and continued success with their breeding programmes and businesses in the year ahead.”
Judging by Mike Black of the renowned Collessie Flock, Fife, Scotland gets underway at 9am on Saturday 18th July with the sale commencing at 1pm.
All sheep will be eligible for immediate export to Southern Ireland, UK & Europe on the day of the sale. Transport will be available.
Online bidding available through Marteye. To get registered or approved log on to ballymena.martye.ie or contact Ballymena Livestock Mart Office PH: + 44 28 25633470
Catalogues can be viewed online at www.suffolksheep.org or further details can be obtained by contacting Secretary Orla Butler on + 44 7841117252.