Large numbers of visitors from Donegal are expected to attend the upcoming Sheep NI event, taking place in Co. Derry, according to the National Sheep Association’s (NSA’s) Edward Adamson.

He said: “The event will be hosted by the McFarlane family on Tuesday, July 1. They farm close to Dungiven in Co. Derry. The location will particularly suit visitors from Donegal.”

Adamson made these comments while judging the ile de France classes at this year’s Saintfield Show.

He also sits on Northern Ireland’s Sheep Taskforce, the members of which will meet with policy representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) at Dungiven.

Adamson said: “The need to secure bespoke support measures for the sheep sector is a priority.

“The bottom line is that of securing economic parity with the sheep sector in the Republic of Ireland, which currently receives specific sectoral support equivalent to â‚Ĵ25 per ewe.”

Support options in this regard that are available to Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir and his DAERA officials focus on two key principles.

These are: the full recognition of sheep grazing systems within Northern Ireland’s new environmental schemes; and the inclusion of sheep with the north’s ruminant genetics’ programme.

Adamson explained; “Research carried out in Scotland confirms that the removal of sheep from upland areas impacts significantly on wildlife populations.

“There is also a strong association between sheep recording and genetic assessment.

“If specific support measures are not made available for sheep then the industry will start to fall behind relative to other sectors.”

According to the NSA representative, breeding ewe numbers in Northern Ireland have fallen by approximately 4% over the past 12 months.

He fully recognises the pressures on flock owners, particularly during the spring months when ewes are lambing.

He said: “It wasn’t so bad this year, because the weather was so favourable. But this was the exception rather than the rule.”

Sheep NI

The NSA representative emphasised the need for sheep prices to be maintained at realistic levels.

“Lamb is an expensive meat to produce and consumers must be prepared to pay for it accordingly,” Adamson added.

“The upcoming Dungiven event will allow visitors on the day to gauge how new technologies can impact positively on the sheep sector during the period ahead.

“The McFarlane farm is the perfect location for the event. It has hosted numerous charity fund raisers in the past and can accommodate large numbers of visitors.”

DONEGAL NSA SHEEP NI