The Irish Angus Producer Group’s stand at this year’s National Ploughing Championships will celebrate 50 years of the Irish Angus Cattle Society, along with the fact that Irish Angus is now the biggest pedigree breed in the country.
The stand will feature a display of elite Irish Angus cattle, exhibits from secondary school students taking part in the Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition and appearances from leading broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan and the Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee, among others.
The group has a jam-packed schedule for the 3-day event. On the Tuesday afternoon (September 19), 19 senior Chinese government officials, hosted by Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will visit the group’s stand.
Later on at 4:00pm on Tuesday, Minister McEntee will join with secondary school Agricultural Science students to officially launch the 2018 Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday evening (September 20) at 5:00pm, RTE Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan will be joined by Anna May McHugh to present the current Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition finalist schools – from counties Galway, Meath, Cork, Limerick and Roscommon – with five Irish Angus cross calves each.
The groups will bring these animals home following the National Ploughing Championships and raise them through to slaughter over the next 18 months.
The five schools will display the details of their individual projects on the Irish Angus Producer Group stand over the three days of the event.
- Glenamaddy Community School, Galway, which will undertake a project to highlight to farmers the importance of mental health and well-being;
- Ashbourne Community School, Meath, which will explore the viability of Dairy Cross Angus Beef production;
- Davis College, Cork, which will highlight the versatility of Certified Irish Angus Beef for consumers;
- Laurel Hill Secondary School, Limerick, which will undertake a project to create consumer awareness about the importance of the Irish agricultural industry and the role of farmers; and
- Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, which will explore the importance of planning production on farms.
In addition, 25 of Ireland’s top Irish Angus cattle, including the champions from the Irish Angus All-Ireland competition at Strokestown Show and the Irish Angus Championship at Iverk Show will be on display.
The owners and breeders of these cattle – along with the Irish Angus Producer Group and their processing partners, ABP and Kepak – will be on hand to offer advice and tips to farmers on the merits of Irish Angus and details of the guaranteed premium available to Irish Angus farmers.
The group’s stand will be located at Block 1, Row 17, Stand 368.