The South of Ireland Suffolk Sheep Society is once again looking forward to attending the National Ploughing Championships 2023.

For the second year in a row, the Suffolk stand will be in its prominent position in the National Sheep Breeders Association pavilion.

The pavilion is always a huge draw to anyone interested in sheep, with many breeds exhibiting live sheep.

The society feels that it offers a unique opportunity for the public to view some of the many ovine breeds being farmed in Ireland and allows societies in turn to interact with the public and showcase the best of their breeds.

Visitors thronged the Suffolk stand at Ploughing 2022 with many entering the guess-the-weight-of-the-lambs competition.

This year’s competition is once again being generously sponsored by Mayo Healthcare and there will be prizes up for grabs for the winners.

The society feels that it is extremely important to showcase the quality of the Suffolk as a breed, and given the popularity of the Suffolk cross ewe as a replacement there will be some top-class examples of these females on the stand.

The commercial trade for the pedigree Suffolk ram was on fire at the premier sale in Blessington recently, with 70% of rams sold heading into the commercial sector, highlighting the confidence held by commercial farmers in the Suffolk ram.

A spokesperson for the society said: “The Ploughing is always a great social occasion and offers the opportunity to reacquaint with old friends and speak to prospective new breeders, as well as introducing the Suffolk breed to those not familiar with the breed at all.

Anyone interested in learning more about the breed or in joining the society is most welcome to visit the stand over the course of the Ploughing.

“We look forward to making many more new friends in 2023.”