There has been a burst in demand for rare sheep and cattle breeds following a new scheme announced by the Department of Agriculture this year.

The new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) will pay farmers to produce calves and lambs from these rare breeds. Cattle breeds eligible for the scheme include Dexter, Kerry, Irish Moiled and Droimeann, while the Galway breed of sheep is the only sheep breed eligible.

Connemara ponies, Kerry Bog ponies and Irish Draught horses are also included in the scheme.

Having such breeds on a farm will see a farmer gain priority access to ACRES and as a result, sales of these breeds are seeing record prices.

Back in September, the Galway Sheep Breeders’ centenary sale saw prices two to three times stronger than previous years. The 50 ewe hoggets entered in the sale recorded a fine average of €351.90 per head. Prices ranged from €300 to €440.

The Irish Moiled Cattle Society has also taken in 75 new applications for membership over the last few weeks.