Chapter One Flashcards
Sheep farming is broken into 4 groups of sheep breeds, what are these groups?
28% Mountain.
18% Mountain Cross.
22% Lowland
32% Lowland Cross.
How self-sufficient is Ireland in terms of sheep meat production?
Sheep meat self sufficiency is estimated at over 330%.
What size is the average Irish flock?
106 ewes
Who are Ireland’s 2 largest export markets for sheep products?
Uk and France. 60% of total export volumes.
How much of Ireland’s sheep produce is exported annually?
60,000 tonnes.
What percentage of sheep meat is exported to UK and France?
60%
What are the names of the 4 main sheep production systems in Ireland?
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What percentage of Irish Agricultural output in 2019 was sheep?
3.6%
Sector importance of sheep
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Sheep and lamb output
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What are the two main sectors in sheep farming?
The lowland sector and the mountain/hill sector.
What are the strengths of the sheep industry?
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What are the weaknesses of the sheep industry?
What are the opportunities of the sheep industry?
What are the threats of the sheep industry?
What is the main mating month for ewes and when do they lamb?
October is the main mating month for ewes and consequently most ewes lamb in March after a 21 week gestation.
Calendar of key events in 3 types of flocks
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What are some reasons to move away from natural mid season flock?
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What are the carcass requirements for lamb markets?
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What is SBLAS?
The sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme.
It demonstrates the sustainability of Irish beef and lamb farming at individual farm level and provides constructive feedback to help them decision making aimed at improving sustainability performance.
It is a programme whereby a set of defined standards are drawn up for the production of meat and the farmer and meat processor are inspected to ensure that production is in accordance with those standards.
How many sheep were there in Ireland at the end of 2019?
3.9 million sheep.
What production is the dominant system?
Mid season lamb production.
When do prics peak?
April. Sheep prices are linked to supply and demand and are seasonal.
Who is the largest exporter of sheep meant in Europe?
Ireland.
