Glebefarm Tuptastic Online Sale

Northern Ireland breeders Alfie and Elaine Shaw are offering 26 rams - eight two-shears and 18 shearlings – at an online sale. Running from 22nd to 24th August, the Harrison & Hetherington online sale follows on from the Co Tyrone farms' first online offering from their Glebefarm flock. "Triple M" tups — meaty, milky, mothers The Glebefarm breeding programme is built on strong maternal traits, summed up by the family as "Triple M" which stands for meaty, milky, mothers. The Shaws see their Cheviot tups as an ideal commercial crossing option for any breed looking to bring milkiness, mothering ability and hardiness into a flock, with Glebefarm ewes regularly scanning 175-180% and lambing with minimal intervention. All tups are fertility guaranteed and grown on grass, reflecting the low-input, forage-based system the flock is run on, and it is those commercial credentials that last year's buyers say are carrying through to their own farms. Proven potential At this year's Balmoral Show, progeny by Glebefarm Excel took first place in the ewe lamb class, while a ram lamb by Glebefarm Extra Special stood second, early confirmation that last year's crop is delivering at pedigree level as well as commercially. On the ground, the reports have been equally encouraging. Glebefarm Eye Opener, which was lot 5 in last year's sale, scanned 188% across 60 ewes for his new owner, who declared himself "delighted with him, and still as fit as the day he went in." Another Glebefarm tup successfully covered more than 130 ewes. Glebefarm Epic, last year's lot 4, was bought entirely off photographs and videos, his purchaser never having seen the sheep in the flesh before bidding. He has since proven himself commercially, and his owner commented that he would confidently buy that way again. Viewings days this Friday from 2pm. Sat & Sun from 12 noon 32 Tobermesson Road, Dungannon