The Sheep Ireland ram sale is set to return to Kilkenny Mart on Saturday, August 22, with more than 450 high genetic merit rams set to be on offer on the day.

The sale is set to bring together 5-star performance-recorded and gnomically evaluated rams from 17 different breeds.

The annual event has earned a reputation as a key date in the sheep farming calendar for flock owners looking to source a ram.

The sale features rams suitable for both commercial sheep farmers looking to improve flock productivity as well as pedigree breeders showcasing the best genetics in the country.

Every ram entered in the sale must meet a series of standards designed to ensure buyers can purchase their ram with confidence.

All rams entered in the sale must be:

5-star on either the Replacement or Terminal Index;
Genomically tested through Sheep Ireland;
Fully DNA parentage verified;
Carry an approved scrapie (1-2-3) type.

In addition, all animals must pass a rigorous physical inspection, while participating flocks must achieve a minimum Data Quality Index (DQI) of 85% and be genetically linked. All rams will be Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) approved.

These criteria ensure that the rams presented for sale "are among the highest genetically and accurately evaluated available in Ireland", according to Sheep Ireland.

Farmers hoping to buy a ram on the day will have access to a range of breeds including:

Charollais;
Texel;
Suffolk;
Belclare;
Vendeen;
Lleyn;
Beltex;
Hampshire Down;
Rouge de l'Ouest;
Dutch Spotted;
Easy Care;
Dorset Horn and Poll;
Blue Texel;
Bluefaced Leicester;
Galway;
Jacob;
Ile de France.

Buyers will have plenty of choices for selecting genetics suited to their flock's breeding objectives.

Role of 5-star genetics

For sheep farmers, few decisions have a greater long-term impact than ram selection.

A ram contributes half of the genetic makeup of every lamb born in a flock, making it one of the most powerful tools for driving improvement.

High genetic merit rams can help deliver gains in traits that directly affect profitability, including lamb growth, carcass conformation, litter size, maternal performance and lamb survival.

Unlike many management interventions, genetic improvement is permanent, with benefits passed from one generation to the next.

Three rings and online bidding

To handle the large number of entries, the sale will operate across three rings running simultaneously, ensuring a smooth and efficient sale.

For those unable to travel, online bidding will be available through MartBids, but farmers are reminded to register in advance.

Click here to view to the sale catalogue.