Sheep farmers expressed concern over this year’s price of Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS)-eligible genotyped rams at the latest Teagasc sheep seminar in Co. Roscommon.
The seminar took place at the Abbey Hotel in Co. Roscommon on Thursday (January 19) and various issues relating to the new SIS were on the agenda.
Following a presentation by Teagasc Business and Technology advisor James Kelly on the scheme and what it involves, farmers raised concerns over the money they may have to spend on buying a scheme-eligible genotyped ram.
Kelly acknowledged that there was concern around the availability and price of scheme-eligible rams this year, following which many farmers asked about the best time to purchase a ram for the scheme.
Kelly asked for a show of hands from farmers on what year they picked to carry out the genotyped ram action; the majority indicated this year, others had chosen year two, while a handful had picked year three.
Rams eligible for SIS scheme
Responding to farmers’ concerns, Kelly said further information will be available in July and August when farmers are out buying these rams eligible for the scheme.
He said that Sheep Ireland has indicated there will be rams available for farmers to purchase for the scheme.
Kelly said he believes that sheep societies will be identifying the rams on offer at their sales and will display on the board whether they are SIS-eligible or not.
He said it will make a difference to the ram trade.
Kelly also believes that the Sheep Ireland ‘ram search’ will be key as it will help farmers identify scheme eligible rams.
He expects there will also be a list of ram breeders with suitable rams for sale included in the Sheep Ireland guide and directory of breeders, which is published in August each year.
Kelly advised farmers that when they are purchasing a ram for the scheme to ensure to check the ram is eligible before loading him up on the trailer.
Genotyped ram action
In relation to genotyped ram action, farmers should be aware that there are a number of key requirements for lowland and hill flocks.
If you are farming a lowland flock, the ram must be four- or five-stars on the replacement or terminal index and have a genomic evaluation with Sheep Ireland at the time of purchase.
It must also be a type one, two or three for scrapie. Genotyped rams with a four or five for scrapie will not qualify.
If you are farming a hill flock and if the ram is a hill flock breed, the ram only needs to be DNA sire-verified by Sheep Ireland and be a type one, two or three for scrapie at the time of purchase.
Alternatively, hill flock participants may purchase a four- or five-star ram on the replacement or terminal index and have a genomic evaluation with Sheep Ireland at the time of purchase.
It must also be a type one, two or three for scrapie. Genotyped rams with a four or five for scrapie will not qualify.
It is also important to note that the scheme will not begin until February 1, 2023.
Therefore, if farmers select 2023 as their year and they purchase a ram, then they will be required to purchase a ram for the SIS scheme after February 1, to comply with the scheme.