Do you need to purchase a SIS-eligible ram?

Farmers are reminded to check if 2024 is the year they need to purchase a qualifying ram under the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS).

If purchasing, ensure that the ram is SIS eligible on the day of purchase using the Sheep Ireland ram search facility or the sale catalogue. Aside from scheme eligibility, the Sheep Ireland €urostar ratings provide valuable information.

A ram intended as a terminal sire with high terminal index figures should have lower lambing difficulty, and progeny that will grow faster and ultimately be ready for slaughter quicker. If you choose a high-index ram to breed replacements from, you can expect daughters with lower mortality and higher litter sizes. It is important as always to thoroughly inspect and check all the physical traits of any ram prior to purchase.

Ram sale 2024

The Sheep Ireland LambPlus Elite Multi-Breed €uroStar annual ram sale takes place on Saturday, August 24, in Tullamore Mart, Co. Offaly. Over 500 rams are expected to be on offer and all entries will be five star on the replacement and/or terminal index. They will also be genotyped, SIS eligible and have DNA parentage verified.

The above article was adapted for use on Teagasc Daily from the August Teagasc Sheep Advisory newsletter, which was edited by Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc. For more key advice, access the full publication here.

More information

Jaynell Anderson, Programme Manager with Sheep Ireland, joined a recent episode of the OviCast podcast to discuss the SIS Genotyped Ram Task. Jaynell recounted the requirements of the SIS ram task for hill and lowland flocks and how to identify eligible SIS approved rams in sales catalogues and using the ram search tool.

Listen in below: