Restructured this year with the inclusion of embryo lots, the 2025 Genetic Gems online sale of Hereford females and embryos took place from 8 to 11 August, coinciding with the National Hereford Show in Tullamore, acting as a viewing point for the 2025 crop of Genetic Gems.

Consisting of 10 maiden heifers and six consignments of embryos, prospective buyers from across the UK and mainland Europe had the opportunity to purchase some of Ireland’s elite Hereford genetics.

Boasting nearly 900 viewers and over 70 registered bidders through the MartEye platform, the sale was eagerly awaited by many.

Polled heifer

After some frantic online bidding, the top price of the sale fell to the stylish seven-month-old heifer, Keenagh Nicola 583 PP, from the herd of Edwin and Robert Jones, Keenagh, Co Longford. A daughter of Fabb 1 Northern Star, Nicola 583 PP sold for €5,300 to the Kelly family in Northern Ireland.

The first of two lots to change hands at €5,000 was Ardstewart Thelma who placed second in her class at the National Hereford Show, sired by the record-breaking Drumgoonpoll 1 Sydney. This heifer now resides in Co Cavan with Gearóid Fitzpatrick.

The second heifer to hit €5,000 hailed from the renowned Balleen Herd of Tom Brennan. Balleen Moobee 1478HH who also placed second in her class at the National Hereford Show sold to Michael Bird’s Dunlever herd in Co Meath. Born in September 2024, she is a daughter of Balleen Getway.

Cork breeder Pat Hickey was quick to snap up Gurtaleen Inchvale Caoimhe 2nd from the herd of Michael Barrett for €4,100. A daughter of Gurtaleen Inchvale Phoenix, this young heifer entered the sale with four red tickets to her name from four outings this summer.

Embryos

Topping the embryo lots were three embryos of Griananpoll 1 Orange M661 crossed with Solpoll 1 Lawman, which reached a figure of €900 per embryo. This mating had previously produced the 2023 Reserve National Bull Calf Champion for the Fitzgerald Family from Co Westmeath.

Overall, the Genetic Gems recorded a sale average of €4,383 for maiden heifers which is up on last year’s sale. The embryo lots topped out at €900, with a sale average of €690.

2026 sale

The wheels are already in motion for a bigger and better Genetic Gems online sale in 2026, offering buyers the opportunity to purchase in-calf and maiden heifers, pregnant recipients, frozen embryos and semen. The sale will take place online, coinciding with the National Livestock Show in Tullamore, running from 7-10 August.