Aberdeen-Angus breeders go back to their roots
A number of high profile Aberdeen-Angus breeders have decided to re-introduce older bloodlines within their herds.
This source of genetics previously helped develop the core attributes of the bred.
A case in point is the commitment of the Wallace family, owners of the renowned Baronagh herd, to take this very step.
It was a point discussed at the recent open day hosted by the family on their farm, located close to the town of Garvagh in Co. Derry.
The event was held to jointly celebrate Baronagh’s 50th anniversary and its selection as the 2026 Large Herd of the Year by the Northern Ireland Aberdeen-Angus Club.
Stephen Wallace said: “We have decided to include top bloodlines within the current in order to re-enforce those traits that reflect all that is good about the Aberdeen-Angus bred.
“Our aim is to produce cattle that are well shaped, have excellent growth potential, and can secure high levels of grazed grass and silage.”
Making this happen has been the availability of semen stocks retained by the family over many years.
However, the most obvious physical manifestation of this commitment has been the Wallace family’s recent acquisition of the senior stock bull: Easton Greys Everest.
He is almost 10 years-of-age.
Wallace said: “Age is no impediment to breeding quality.
"Longevity is, in fact, an attribute to be fully recognised within any herd development plan.
Our oldest breeding cow is 15 years-of age. But this is still 20 years short of the cow that set the current Aberdeen-Angus age record.
“She was still producing calves up to 35 years-of-age.”
There are currently 100 breeding cows in the Baronagh herd.
“We have calved 77 animals up to this point in 2026, losing only three calves in the process,” Stephen explained.
“I think that’s a pretty good record."
He added that all of their plans are centred on making the best use of grass.
"There are 270 animals in the herd at the present time.
"Our projected compound usage figure for the year will come in at around 80t.”
Open day
There was a large turnout for the open day, with visitors from all corners of Ireland making their way to the Wallace farm.
They included former Aberdeen-Angus Society president: Alan Cheney, from Co. Fermanagh.
He was accompanied by former Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association of Ireland president, John McEnroe, from Co. Meath.
Both confirmed the continuing demand for Aberdeen-Angus genetics.
Cheney believes the cattle are "totally suited" to dairy beef production systems.
He added: “As a consequence, Aberdeen-Angus cross dropped calves going through the sale ring are currently making up to £600 per head.
“This is equivalent to an addition five pence per litre for dairy farmers. This is real money.
“The other factor kicking-in is the fact that consumers recognise Aberdeen-Angus beef as a high quality product that will never disappoint.
“All the supermarkets realise this fact, which is why they continue to promote Aberdeen-Angus beef so strongly.”
John McEnroe agrees.
He said: “Demand for Aberdeen-Angus breeding stock has never been stronger with large numbers of bulls continuously acquired by dairy farmers.
“For the most part, bull prices are set by the tone of the milk price at any particular time.”
