A GREAT YEAR FOR CHAROLAIS 04 Jan 2012

In the commercial world demand for Charolais weanlings was at an all time high with bulls 250-450 freely making €2.25-€3.00/kg  and heifers making almost the same price per kg. Whilst exporters were often unable to compete with Irish farmers for Charolais weanlings, they were still clearly their breed of preference.

EXPORT OPPORTUNITY

The diversity of the Charolais breed opens many doors from the high priced Italian feedlots to the cold fields of Russia.   A new export market has opened up to Russia for Charolais heifers.  Spearheaded by Michael Maxwell, Livestock Exporter from Castlerea, Co. Roscommon it is expected that the first consignment will leave Ireland early in February 2012.  This first export is for maiden heifers, 320 kgs upwards and in the age range of 10 to 22 months.   It is hoped that a second consignment which will include in calf heifers will take place in late Spring.   Anyone interested should telephone Michael Maxwell on 086 0632402.

CHAROLAIS GOLD

A new initiative, still very much in its infancy is the creation of a Charolais Gold label in conjunction with Dawn Meats.  Dawn Meats having been a major exporter to Germany in the 1980s decided to re-enter this market in the past eighteen months and to focus on the premium end of the market at butcher counter level.   The goal is to establish in Europe an Irish Charolais meat brand of the highest quality that will gain a premium that can be potentially shared with producers that are required to produce quality Charolais beef of the required specification.

Showcased at the Anuga Food Fair in Cologne, the initial targeted market for the Charolais Gold brand is through a leading German retail group and progress reports to date are that the brand is performing ahead of expectations.  In December another two shops were added and as more and more Germans taste Charolais Gold for themselves Dawn Meats are very positive for increased market share in 2012.

SPRING SALES commence on the last Saturday, (28^th) January in Tullamore and in 2012 the Spring Premier is moved forward to Saturday, 25^th February.  Two sales are scheduled for the month of March; Saturday 24^th in Tullamore and Saturday 31^st in Athenry.  Two sales will also be held in April; Monday, 16^th in Balla, Co. Mayo and Saturday, 28^th in Tullamore.

The final spring sale takes place in Tullamore on Saturday 26^th May.

To assist purchasers the Society’s Deferred Payment Scheme for bulls operates at all Society sales.  Intending users of the scheme must contact the Charolais office prior to the sale.  The total purchase cost of the bull, including mart commission and insurance cover for the first year is broken up into 3 payments the first on the day of the sale, the second on the following December and the third and final on December 12 months.

To give further assurance to purchasers, in addition to BVD testing and fertility insurance all bulls must meet a minimum scrotal circumference for their age.