'Rare and Traditional Breeds' show all set for midlands

Mount Briscoe Organic Farm is ready to host its inaugural Mount Briscoe Rare and Traditional Breeds Show on Sunday, July 30, near Daingean, Co. Offaly.

The event aims to exhibit and promote Ireland’s native and traditional breeds in livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs. Another objective of the show is to raise awareness about endangered heritage breeds.

According to the show organisers, many of the country’s traditional livestock breeds have been replaced with “improved” breeds in modern agriculture – resulting in a “massive loss” in genetic diversity. Additionally, about one domesticated livestock breed every month becomes extinct.

The Department of Agriculture lists the following as anywhere between ‘endangered’ and ‘minority’: Kerry, Irish Moiled (Maol) and Dexter cattle; the Irish Draught horse; the Connemara pony; the Kerry Bog Pony; and Galway sheep.

The show presents an opportunity for members, breeders, farmers, fans, and sponsors of livestock organisations to advocate for the conservation of heritage breeds in agriculture.

Breed classes for the show include: Registered Irish Draught and Registered Connemara Ponies; Irish Moiled, Shorthorn and Hereford cattle; and Suffolk, Jacob and Galway sheep. Online entries close on July 25, but interested parties are advised to get their submissions in as soon as possible.

In addition, there will be a range of breeds, including the Kerry Bog Pony, Dromineen, Dexter, Old Irish Goat and Hampshire Down sheep on display at the show. The schedule is available to download from the Mount Briscoe website.

Another key attraction on the day will be the range of workshops and talks set to be offered, including ‘Show Prep’ – how to prepare your heifer/cow/bull for show, from halter training to grooming.

There will also be discussions on the origins of breeds, attributes and conformation. Young handler classes across all breeds will be available, along with talks or workshops on topics such as how to make butter, weaving, and planting heritage variety apple trees.

Admission on the day will be €10 for adults, €5 for teenagers and children go free. Parking for the day is free too.

Mount Briscoe is a family-run organic farm which breeds Hereford sucklers, Irish Moiled cattle and Irish Draught horses. The farm obtained full symbol status in 1988 from the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA).