The breeding season is on the horizon and for farmers looking to source a Hereford bull this spring, they’ll have the perfect opportunity on Saturday (March 27).
Describing the bulls on offer this coming Saturday, a spokesperson for the Irish Hereford Breed Society (IHBS) stated there will be “top-quality” bulls up for grabs.
With the sale being fully online, the IHBS has decided to open a digital viewing platform for breeders to showcase their bulls live, at irishhereford.com.
The full sale catalogue is also available on the same website or, by contacting the IHBS office on (044) 93 48855 or [email protected].
High-Index bulls
Taking a look at the figures of the bulls catalogued, there are certainly plenty of high-index bulls available for farmers who are interested in these breeding values. All bulls are genotyped and sire verified.
Sale statistics:
- 80% of bulls entered for the sale are either 4 or 5 star bulls;
- 79% of bulls have a carcass weight value above the breed average;
- 76% of bulls have a beef value above the breed average;
- 71% of bulls have a Dairy-Beef Index (DBI) above the breed average;
- 65% of bulls have a gestation length less than the breed average;
- 65% of bulls have a conformation score better than the breed average.
For northern buyers who are interested in purchasing, each bull is going to be export tested and will be eligible to leave on the day. Many of the bulls are also fertility tested.
Incentives for buyers
There is an enticing incentive for purchasers at the upcoming premier sale, with the Irish Hereford Prime sponsoring €250 towards any bull sold for €3,000 or more on Saturday.
Speaking about this sponsorship, the Irish Hereford Cattle Society stated:
“This is a huge boost to breeders selling their bulls but also a great incentive for buyers to secure their next top Hereford sire.
“It is invaluable to have the support of Irish Hereford Prime at this time and even more so since regular selling conditions have been prohibited for now.”
Image source: Irish Hereford Breed Society
Further information for buyers
Buyers are permitted in the lairage for viewing by appointment only. The showing will take place from 10:00am to 12:30pm. Potential buyers wishing to view bulls pre-sale should contact Tullamore Mart in advance on 057-932 1196 and report to the front office on the day.
The sales rings are closed to the public. Bidding is only available online via the Livestock-Live app.
More upcoming Hereford sales this spring
For buyers who are unable to attend Saturday’s sale in Tullamore, there are still plenty of opportunities to secure a Hereford bull this spring, with sales being held at later dates in Carrick-on-Shannon, Nenagh, Bandon and Kilmallock Marts.
Upcoming Hereford sales:
- Carrick-on-Shannon: Saturday – April 3;
- Nenagh: Saturday – April 10;
- Bandon: Thursday – April 15;
- Kilmallock: Friday – April 16;
- Nenagh: Saturday – May 15.
The Irish Hereford Prime has also decided to sponsor €200 towards the top five highest-priced bulls in the Nenagh, Bandon, Kilmallock sales. The entry numbers and catalogues will be available two-to-three weeks prior to each sale.