Over 70 pedigree-registered Aubrac cattle are set to be offered for sale at GVM Tullamore Mart, Co. Offaly, this Saturday, May 3.

The Irish Aubrac Cattle Society's pedigree sale will feature pedigree breeding bulls, weanling heifers, maiden heifers, and in-calf heifers, with over 50 lots catalogued for the sale.

All animals on offer in the sale will be penned by 10:00a.m., with the sale set to kick off at midday. Online bidding will also be available through LSL Auctions.

Speaking to Agriland ahead of the sale, the chairperson of the Irish Aubrac Cattle Society, James Donnellan, said: “Whether you are looking for a bull or a heifer to meet the requirements of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) or you're a dairy farmer looking for a bull to 'mop up' for the breeding season, you will do no better than Aubrac - the top breed for the Dairy Beef Index (DBI)."

All cattle are pre-sale inspected and the society chairperson emphasised that online bidding is available for those who cannot travel on the day. He also reminded farmers to register with GVM Tullamore Mart before the sale.

Also taking place in conjunction with the society sale is the dispersal of the Glenford Pedigree Aubrac Herd owned by PJ and Kelly McGrath.

The herd, which is being dispersed due to a change in farming enterprise, bred its first Aubracs in 2011 using French imports.

The Glenford Pedigree Aubrac Herd has achieved notable success at agricultural shows since its foundation and only last year, won the overall supreme Aubrac champion title at the 2024 Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show.

Progressive Genetics and Munster Bovine have sponsored a €100 voucher for the buyer of the top-priced animal in the Glenford Herd dispersal.

The upcoming society sale follows the success of last October's premier show and sale, where a new joint society sale record price of €5,000 was set by two stock bulls.

According to the cattle breed society, the Aubrac breed is known for its hardiness, docility, ease of calving, high meat-to-bone ratio, efficient feed conversion, high-carcass quality, and versatility.The breed hails from the rugged mountains of Southern France, where survival in harsh conditions has shaped them into "one of the most resilient and versatile breeds around".Originally used for milk and draft, the breed has retained its milking ability and placid temperament, adding to its natural beefing ability, hardiness, and low production costs, making it a complete suckler cow.

The Irish Aubrac Cattle Society was formed in 1998 and now has over 200 members.