Great entry at Carrick winter fair

This year’s Carrick winter fair, on Sunday 30 November and Monday 1 December, has attracted an entry of 360 animals in 33 classes. Commercial cattle have been entered from 21 of the 26 counties of Ireland.

Organised by the Midland & Western Livestock Improvement Society, this 10th annual fatstock show and sale in Carrick-on-Shannon is a celebration of all that is best in cattle breeding and showing.

Judging will begin with the young stockperson class at noon on Sunday and then two rings will be used for judging for the afternoon. The committee is deeply indebted to loyal sponsors.

The cattle will be offered for sale on the Monday. Catalogues and details are available from the secretary 086-3883112 or email midland

andwestern@gmail.com.

Hereford calf show

2014 has been the best year for Hereford cattle in memory, long-time Irish Hereford Breed Society secretary Larry Feeney told the Irish Farmers Journal this week.

To round off this vintage year, the first ever National Hereford Calf Show takes place this Saturday 22 November at Tullamore Mart.

The event has attracted an entry of 82 young bulls and heifers. The show starts at 10.30am, with a class for young handlers. This will be followed by eight calf classes.

Andrew Hughes from Britain will be judge at this novel event.

Munster breeders sale success

Last Saturday’s Munster Cattle Breeders Society sale in Golden Vale Marts Centre in Kilmallock had an entry of 64 animals across several breeds.

Biggest sellers were the Angus bulls, 23 of which sold from €1,500 to €2,000 a head.

One year to 18-month-old Angus heifers made from €1,000 to €1,800.

In-calf Hereford cows made from €1,200 to €1,400 each. 2014-born pedigree Holstein heifers sold from €650 to €800 each.

Texel DVD

The Northern Ireland Texel Club has assembled a DVD entitled Texel Breeders Year to mark the 40th anniversary of the British Texel Society.

It features flock management, lambing, showing, nutrition, plus a story on the record-breaking NI Texel ram which recently made 85,000 gns sterling.

Proceeds from the £15 DVD will be distributed to the NI Children’s Hospice charity.