Dreki from Hrifla farm (above) and Mávur from Mávahlíð farm are the winners of the annual sheep breeding awards. The choice rams were awarded the coveted prizes for “best breeding ram” and “best lamb father” respectively. While many of Mávur’s offspring have been lucky enough to inherit his snow-white woollen coat, Dreki boasts over 855 female and 340 male offspring around the country.
The prizes, awarded by Iceland’s sheep breeding centres, were presented to the rams’ owners at a sheep farming conference held in Reykjavík on March 1. Breeding centres around Iceland provide farmers with choice rams for hire to mate with their ewes. If their ewes are not fond of travel, farmers can also choose breeding rams from a registry and have their sperm delivered.
“Mávur’s parents mothers trace their origins to the powerful herd that has been in Mávahlíð for decades,” the jury’s comment reads. “Mávur has been in use for two winters at the centres and both years has been among the rams farmers most want to use. Mávur’s offspring is extremely uniform and combine good build, moderate fat, and good looks extremely well. Very many of them have inherited the pure white and rich wool of their father.”
Dreki, whose name means Dragon in Icelandic, is not the first of his line to be awarded for his contribution to breeding: his father Grábotni and maternal grandfather Borði are both prize-winners. “[Dreki] was immediately well-received by farmers across the country and has always been among the most-used breeding centre rams for the four winters he has served,” the jury’s comment states. “Dreki’s offspring are always well-developed, with a long torso and thick back muscles, good thighs and moderate fat.” The jury adds: “Derki’s daughters are more than moderately fertile but their strength lies particularly in great milk.” Two of Dreki’s sons are also sought-after in breeding centres around the country.
Hopefully Dreki and Mávur are enjoying their status to the fullest, as rams can only receive each honour once.
