To promote the Blonde cattle bred in Ireland, the Irish Blonde Cattle Society will hold a competition for commercial breeders who think their stock are up scratch.
According to the Chairman of the Society, John O’Halloron, the competition builds on the success of last year’s competition, which seen over 40 breeders battle it out for top honours.
The Tipperary-based breeder said the competition is open to any suckler farmer that is using a pedigree Blonde bull or Blonde AI as long as they have more than 10 Blonde calves born since September 2015.
The competition which takes place next month is said to be very competitive and judging will begin in early July with the overall title being awarded at the end of July.
The competition will be a great chance for breeders to promote their herds.
Farmers entering the competition must first win one of three regional qualification rounds in either Munster, Leinster or Connacht/Ulster and the winner of each regional final will compete for the title of Champion herd.
Last year a number of cattle from the competition were selected and displayed at the National Ploughing Championships, with many selling for over €2,000 over the three-day event.
Click here to see commercial Blonde calves from last year’s competition:
Speaking about the Blonde breed, O’Halloran said that they are easy calving and make top prices in marts around the country.
He also said that they are suitable for a wide range of markets, include the domestic beef and weanling export markets.
The breed also produces top quality tasty beef, he said, along with lean and well muscled carcasses.
For entries please email [email protected] or contact John on 086 8334810 Micheal on 086 375 3959 or Philip on 086 0743931.