An Angus producer group/farmer discussion was held recently on the farm of James Grace, Mooncoin, Co Waterford. The speakers were the host farmer James Grace, Ciaran Conway Devenish Nutrition and Paul Nolan Dawn Meats Grannagh.

James runs a calf to beef system on his own suckler herd with a pedigree registered Angus bull running with the herd and also buys in dairy cross Angus calves.   All cattle are finished off grass and the farm supplies  the Dawn Meats Grannagh with certified Angus beef.

 James gave an in-depth account of his grassland management strategy

The cornerstone of James successful enterprise is based on excellent grass management highlighting the following points

• Farm is stocked at 2.2 lu/ha
• Achieving grass growth of 15 tonnes DM/ha/year
• Rotational grazing using paddocks is used. Max of 5 days in any one paddock
• James is a Knowledge Transfer discussion group member participating in regular farm walks as well as grass measuring regularly on his own farm

Ciaran Conway Devenish Nutrition spoke about the importance of soil fertility and in particular emphasized;

• The rich biodiversity of soil.
• The relationships between nutrients, in particular the ratio of calcium to magnesium in the soil, and how we as farmers can influence them for the better and save significant amounts of fertilizer.

Paul Nolan, Dawn Meats Grannagh , addressed the issue of dirty cattle impacting on both the cost and market for hides, Paul brought along an example of a dirty hide to emphasize the issue.

One of the points raised in ensuing discussion was the quality of some of the calves coming from dairy herds and the impact this has on the profitability of the finished cattle.

ICBF are launching a new Dairy /Beef index which may be of assistance in identifying more profitable progeny.

We at Angus Beef Ireland would encourage farmers purchasing calves or cattle intended for the certified Angus scheme to purchase animals from trusted and reliable sources.

When registering home bred calves the correct breed should be assigned and if possible, include the sire details.

We would like to thank James for hosting this event, Paul Nolan and team at Dawn Grannagh

The Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association are pleased to announce its premier sale of bulls and heifers taking place in Carrick-On-Shannon on Saturday, November 10th. Over 30 lots will be on offer,  with many four and five star cattle and easy calving bloodlines from the best-known herds in the country going under the hammer. Entries are now being taken, and for more information please contact the Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association office on 071 9632099 or email irishaberdeenangus@eircom.net as soon as possible.

2017 Supreme Male Champion, Liss Bobby S653.

2017 Supreme Female Champion, Drumbeera Lady Thatcher T226.

There was a great turn out stock for one of the last events of 2018 in the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association diary.  Show judge for the day was Mr. Noel Hooke of the Beech Hill Aberdeen-Angus Herd from Hillsborough, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Speaking after the conclusion of the judging, Mr. Hooke commented that he ‘was blown away with the incredibly high standard of cattle presented for judging throughout the day’. He also added that he had chosen to award prizes only to stock that were reflective of the commercial realities of the Aberdeen-Angus breed. Finally, he commented that both champions were exceptional animals and were very worthy winners, especially in the face of such tough and high quality opposition.

Results of the classes hereunder:

Class Results:

Junior Stockperson (open to boys and girls aged 14 years and under)

1st: Avril Crowe, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

2nd: Zara Sheahan, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

3rd: Fiona Mulligan, Dromod, Co. Leitrim

4th: Paul Bohan, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

Senior Stockperson (open to boys and girls aged 14 – 18 years)

1st: Conor Craig, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford

2nd: John Smyth, Oldcastle, Co. Meath

3rd: Stephen Crowe, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

4th: Jack Cronin, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Bull born between 01.09.2017 – 31.10.2017

1st: Thomas Mulligan’s Clooncarne Pellet by Beryl Jamey

2nd: John & Kate Tait’s Westellen Duke T826 by Bova Lord Bonanza N266

3rd: John Brady’s Lisnafanna Rich Doug T038 by Drumcrow Joker

4th: Cathal Duignan’s Laheens Prince Of Eslin by Rawburn Jagger Eric R094

5th: Albert & Jennifer DeCogan’s Mogeely Jerry T544 by Wedderlie Oscalade R250

Bull born between 01.11.2017 – 31.12.2017

1st: Michael Reynolds’ Bohey Paschal by Westellen Diego M734

2nd: Martin Garvey’s Liscolvin Porter by Steil Knockranny 248

3rd: Joe Kelly’s Glostermin Lord Harrison T021 by Friarstown Ideal Pete K202

4th: John McEnroe’s Liss Marol T742 by Liss Darl R561

Bull born between 01.01.2018 – 15.02.2018

1st: Anthony Scanlon’s Ownemore Relter by Bunlahy Kojak (Champion Bull Calf)

2nd: Michael & Barry Smith’s Lawsons Ford Evaluator U410 by Friarstown Evolver N274

3rd: Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Rocket by Ardrossan Admiral A2

4th: Adrian Parke’s Cloghogmill Eric U546 by Cloghogmill Prince Pete R255

5th: Cathal Duignan’s Laheens Reputation by Weeton Diamond Mine P444

(Champion Bull Calf)

Bull born between 16.02.2018– 31.03.2018

1st: Martin Garvey’s Liscolvin Rossie by Luddenmore Fionn G441 (Reserve Champion Bull Calf)

2nd: Tom Reynolds’ Knockadrinan Ronan by Drumgowna Norman

3rd: Matthew & Rita Goulding’s Goulding Role Model by Goulding Man O Man

4th: Martin Garvey’s Liscolvin Ros by Netherton Americano M703

5th: Michael & Barry Smith’s Lawsons Ford Real Macoy by Friarstown Evolver N274

(Reserve Champion Bull Calf)

Bull born after 01.04.2018

1st: Matthew & Rita Goulding’s Goulding Real Leather by Netherallan Peter Pershore E052

2nd: Mark Beirne’s The Grove Retriever by Rawburn Boss Hogg N630

3rd: John McEnroe’s Liss Michael U801 by Liss Darl R561

4th: Geraldine Shanley’s Aughnamona Rebel by HF Rebel 53Y

5th: Thomas Mulligan’s Clooncarne Ronan by Clooncarne Frank

Heifer born between 01.09.2017 – 31.10.2017

1st: John Mullooly’s Lavally Lady Jacqui T363 by Dillon Knight Eagle Challenger

2nd: Matthew & Rita Goulding’s Goulding P Tibbie 892 by Netherallan Peter Pershore E052

3rd: Bernard Kerins’ Kerins Perkemi by Bunlahy Kojak

4th: John & Kate Tait’s Westellen Flora T820 by Balmachie Rannai D005

5th: Thomas Mulligan’s Clooncarne Princess by Clooncarne Kyle

Heifer born between 01.11.2017 – 31.12.2017

1st: Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Aurora T238 by Netherton Mr Brazillan E377

2nd: Martin Garvey’s Liscolvin Peach by Bohey Jasper

Heifer born between 01.01.2018 – 15.02.2018

1st: Matthew & Rita Goulding’s Goulding Belinda U906 by Goulding Man O Man (Champion Heifer Calf)

2nd: Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Razzle Dazzle by Ardrossan Admiral A2

3rd: Adrian Parke’s Coolermoney Rose U773 by Netherton Figo C244

4th: Louis Byrne’s Tomriland Piella Bell U342 by Weeton Diamond Mine P444

5th: John Brady’s Lisnfanna Emily U040 by Balmachie Lord Jock R198

(Champion Heifer Calf)

Heifer born between 16.02.2018 – 31.03.2018

1st: Michael & Barry Smith’s Lawsons Ford Lady Helly U411 by Friarstown Evlover N274 (Reserve Champion Heifer Calf)

2nd: Matthew & Rita Goulding’s Goulding R Philippa 919 by Oakchurch Dirk N131

3rd: Tom Reynolds’ Knockadrinan Rita by Lisduff Dandy K895

4th: Mark Beirne’s The Grove Rona by Carrington Park Time On B7

5th: John & Kate Tait’s Westellen Myrlo U836 by Liss Darl R561

(Reserve Champion Heifer Calf)

Heifer born after 01.04.2018

1st: Tom Reynolds’ Knockadrinan Ruby by Drumgowna Norman

2nd: Thomas Mulligan’s Cloonarne Rita by Rawburn Boss Hogg N630

3rd: John McEnroe’s Liss Bilban U816 by Liss Marty P417

4th: Matthew & Rita Goulding’s Goulding Rebella Patriot by Retties JFK M195

5th: Pat & Finbarr Cahill’s Shankill Marisa U160 by Drumhill Lord Harry R635

Now that the wind has been blown out of our sails and we ploughed the lonely furrow home, it only remains for us all at Angus Beef Ireland to thank those who visited our stand at this year’s Ploughing Championships.

The weather and conditions looked promising;

The crowds arrived and stands looked well;

Then Ali rumbled in the jungle,  and not with a certified Angus steak sandwich!!!!

Results of Angus Beef Ireland charity competions.

Stock Judging winner; Patrick Murphy, Ballina, Co Mayo.

Macra na Feirme Carcass Judging winner; Eamonn Cassells, Athboy Macra na Feirme Branch, Co Meath.

Guess the carcass weight winner; Jason Mackarel, Ballybay, Co Monaghan.

Angus Beef Ireland Producer Group members draw; follow link to producer group website www.certifyangus.com . Click on login with your username and personal access code (PAC), these details were confirmed to all members by post. Winners will be listed and prizes will be posted to winning members.

A huge thank you to all our members who visited our stand at Ploughing2018.

Don’t miss your entry to the Angus Beef Ireland sponsored classes at this year’s show.

Entries: https://www.tullamoreshow.com/competitions/view-2018-class-schedule

The Foyle Food Group welcomed many of their Angus beef suppliers to an information day held in the wonderful weather last Friday, on their Carrigans farm. Under a clear blue sky and in bright sunshine farmers gathered with interest to listen to the key speakers:

Gareth Davies – Gareth Grassland Advisory Sevices.

Gary Fisher – Local Teagasc Advisor.

Joe Burke – Bord Bia, Livestaock Sector Manager.

Gareth And Gary reaffirmed the benefits of correct grassland management, enhancing soil fertility and reseeding where needed. Emphasis was placed upon the use of grazing paddocks in suckler/ beef systems, retaining records as to the number and quality of grazing’s from each field, maintaining soil fertility and the use of strong paddocks for silage depending on grass growth.

Joe gave an upbeat report on the outlook for Irish beef sales. He noted the demand for quality product such as certified Angus beef. A caution was noted, that farmers should understand that factories and therefore producers are being required to supply better quality carcasses to avail of the maximum return. Farmers should be encouraged to feed cattle to their full potential in terms of grade, weight and financial return.

Andrew Clarke of Foyle Foods thanked farmers, speakers for attending and welcomed everybody to Angus steak meal from the BBQ.

BEEF2018 @ Teagasc Grange.

The adoption of key technologies in relation to animal genetics, grassland management and herd health are the key to increasing the profitability of beef production in Ireland. This was the message from Director of Teagasc, Professor Gerry Boyle speaking at the BEEF2018 Open Day in Teagasc Grange, today, Tuesday 26^th of June. Professor Boyle said: “The beef sector faces significant challenges arising from Brexit, reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and climate change. However, key technologies, which are under the farmer’s control, can help farmers face these challenges and can have a large influence on farm profit.”

In relation to suckler beef production, key performance indicators were highlighted. These include achieving 0.95 calves weaned per cow per year, age of first calving of 24 months, a 6-week calving rate of 80% and achieving an average daily weight gain of 1.25 kilograms to weaning, in combination with excellent grazing management.

A new dairy calf to beef herd has been set up in Grange. The key performance indicators for dairy calf to beef include; keeping mortality below 3%, and achieving a weight gain of 0.8 and 0.9 kg/day during first and second season at grass. Additionally, the provision of excellent quality silage for both first and second winter will have a large impact on reducing concentrate supplementation requirement.

The huge benefit of using AI in terms of increase profitability in the sucker herd was highlighted; which included much higher levels of genetic gain; large selection of high index, high reliability sires; all now being made possible with new developments in heat detection aids.

The huge potential from increasing grass production and utilisation was highlighted in the GRASS10 village. Current grass utilisation on beef farms nationally is 5 tonnes of Dry matter per hectare. This can be easily increased to 10 t DM/ha by improving grazing farm infrastructure; correcting soil fertility, applying best grazing management practices and reseeding poor performing paddocks.

Come join Andrew, Gabriel and the Foyle Foods team along with guest speakers:

Gareth Davies – Gareth Grassland Advisory Services (Wales)

Gary Fisher – Teagasc

Joe Burke – Bord Bia

to explore the potential of finishing Angus cattle from grazed grass.

For more information:

Foyle Foods + 353 (0)74 9140608

Angus Beef Ireland are delighted to again sponsor the National Angus Calf Champioships at Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show.

Ireland’s Premier Show & Country Lifestyle Event

Save the date for the next Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show, the second Sunday in August, that is Sunday, August 12th, 2018!

Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show is Ireland’s premier agricultural event. Every year it attracts the best cattle, sheep, and equine breeders from all over the country, alongside entrants for its other 1,000 plus competitions with a total prize-fund of €175,000.

It is Ireland’s largest one-day show, averaging 60,000 visitors in recent years, with 700 Trade Stands.  

Tullamore Show Head Office, Church Street, Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland.

Angus Beef Ireland sponsored classes listed hereunder:

Class 203: Angus heifer born on/between 01.09.2016 and 31.08.2017

Class 204: Angus Junior heifer born on/between 01.09.2017 and 31.12.2017

Class 205: Angus Heifer calf born on/after  01.01.2018

Class 206: FBD National Livestock Show Junior Angus Female Championship.

Class 207: Angus bull born between 01.09.2016 and 31.08.2017.

Class 208: Angus Junior bull born between 01.09.2017 and 31.12.2017.

Class 209: Angus Bull Calf born on/after 01.01.2018.

Class 210: FBD National Livestock Show Junior Angus Male Championship.

Class 211: FBD National Livestock Show  Junior Angus Championship.

2017 AIB National Livestock Show  Junior Angus Championship.

Champion: Class 203, No. 1: Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Nancy by Cudlobe Millenium

Reserve Champion: Class, 207 No. 1: John McEnroe’s Liss Darl R561 by Te Mania Berkley B1

John Blackburn (Judge), Derek Lovell (Judge),Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Nancy by Cudlobe Millenium (Champion), John McEnroe’s Liss Darl R561 by Te Mania Berkley B1 (Reserve Champion), Lee Wilson (Judge).