This week sees the launch of a new publication from the Irish Farmers Journal, the Irish Pedigree Breeder. This publication looks at the pedigree beef, dairy and sheep industries in a little more depth.

It covers important topics such as the feeding of the show animal, the cost of getting a bull to breeding, up and coming AI bulls, changing stars and how embryo transfer can rapidly improve genetic progress, to name a few. It stands as a must-have for all pedigree and commercial breeders.

Few commercial farmers realise the importance of a strong pedigree sector for the future success of their enterprises.

Be it dairy, beef or sheep, pedigree breeders stand as the prime source of new genetics for the commercial farmer. With so much dependence on the pedigree breeder, it is crucial that they keep up with the industry’s most up-to-date information and new technologies.

Showing industry

The showing industry is one of the biggest parts of pedigree breeding in Ireland, counting massively towards the marketability of one’s animals when it comes to the sales ring. This new publication also incudes a comprehensive across-breed review looking at the highs and lows experienced in both the show and sale rings in 2016.

In this first edition of what is hoped to be an annual publication, we pay particular attention to our biggest export market, the UK. Along with looking at its biggest shows from Balmoral to the Royal Welsh and everything in between, we also delve into some of its top herds, looking at the impact they have on Irish genetics and vice-versa.

The magazine is available this Friday 20 January at all good newsagents in Ireland or order it online at www.farmersjournal.ie/store.