SUCKLER HERDS COMPETITION 17 Apr 2015

Objectives of the competition

1. To identify the best suckler herds in the Country using:

Charolais stock bulls,

Charolais bulls through AI and

Charolais cross breeding cows.

2. To identify Charolais bulls/genetics that are breeding well in suckler herds

What herds are eligible and what’s the prize money?

The competition is open to all suckler herds that use Charolais bulls as the main sire within their herds either through stock bulls or AI. The cows in the herd must also be predominantly Charolais cross.

The competition will be divided into two categories

1. Herds with 25 cows and under

2. Herds with 26 cows and over

The winners in both categories will each receive a €2000 voucher towards the purchase of a Charolais bull or heifer in a society sale within the next 3 years. The runners up in both categories will each receive a €1500 voucher towards the purchase of a Charolais bull or heifer in a society sale within the next 3 years.

It is envisaged that farm walks will be held on the farms of the overall winners at the end of the competition.

What do you need to do if you think your herd is eligible and wish to enter?

You must complete the entry form BELOW in which you will provide a maximum 200 word profile on your herd, as well as any other information that will benefit your herd being selected for an on farm visit. Examples of other information would be copies of farm profit monitors, photographs of stock on the farm, recent mart and factory dockets, and your most recent ICBF suckler herd reports. The more information you provide on your herd the better chance you have of been selected for an on farm visit. All information provided will be kept strictly private and confidential.

This information can then be e-mailed to Nevan Mc Kiernan at nevan.charolais@gmail.com or posted to the Irish Charolais Cattle Society, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12. The closing date for applications is the 30^th of May. If you have any queries regarding the competition you can contact Nevan Mc Kiernan on 0874137101.