Directory of Sheep Breeders Published

25 July, 2003

Teagasc has published an up-to-date directory of all pure-bred sheep breeders in Ireland.

The directory contains the names of over 1,300 farmers who are members of 20 different breed societies and associations.

According to Gerry Scully, Teagasc Chief Sheep Advisor, who compiled the directory, it will be an invaluable reference for sheep farmers in sourcing pure-bred flocks of all available breeds

It shows that the Suffolk breed, with over 400 farmer listings, is the largest grouping, followed by the Charollais, with around 140 listings. There are five substantial listings of Scottish Blackface breeders, covering the hill areas of Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Mayo and Waterford. Cheviot breeders, who are members of the Wicklow Mountain Sheep Breeders association, are also a prominent listing.

The directory also contains a listing of breeders of lesser known breeds, such as the Charmoise and Berrichon de Cher while farmers producing pedigree stock of relatively new breeds, such as the Ile de France and Bleu du Maine are also included.

The directory is available free from all Teagasc offices or can be downloaded from the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie