The commercial cattle section is a major element within the Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show. Having faced some challenging times over the past 26 years, the commercial cattle section has grown from strength to strength. Furthermore, over the last 10 years it shows very healthy growth, with a massive prize fund of €20,300.

This year sees further improvements with a relocation of the commercial rings to stage alongside the Hereford and Belgian Blue rings. It also sees a number of new additions to the commercial class programme, one of the biggest being the Blonde d’Aquitaine golden heifer competition. This competition took place at Ossory Show in 2017.

Other prize

As well as prize money, the winner of this class will get their heifer bought off them by the Irish Blonde d’Aquitaine Cattle Society for €3,000. The golden heifer will then be awarded as the top prize for the society’s raffle which takes place annually at the National Ploughing Championships.

Head of the commercial section at Tullamore Michael Dolan said: “We aim to reflect and inform farmers of the changes in the beef industry, while meeting consumer demands in both the national and international market over the last number of years. We have a number of show classes for factory animals, incorporating factory classes for Dawn Meats, Kepak and Moyvalley Meats.

“The livestock breeders in Ireland and beyond regard a win in Tullamore Show as the pinnacle of success. This can be an emotional achievement for any breeder and it makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“The event this year will feature a very full schedule of classes comprising of 10 calf classes, 13 senior cattle classes, two young handler classes and the crème de la crème of the commercial cattle section, the gold and silver medal for both the calf and senior champion and reserve champion of the show.”