Last week, we carried out an in-depth analysis into the number of pedigree registrations by the various breed societies in the past 10 years. The data used in the analysis was provided by the ICBF with some interpretation to reflect the potential for dual registrations within the Aberdeen Angus breed.

The headline figures showed a significant drop in the number of Charolais calves registered over the past decade with Aberdeen Angus registrations soaring. The growth in Aberdeen Angus registrations is hardly surprising given the increased demand from a rapidly growing dairy sector focused on ease of calving and short gestation. The challenge for the Aberdeen Angus societies is to meet this demand without diluting the quality of the pedigree bulls coming on to the market.

So, how should we interpret the 14% drop in Charolais registrations? Is it a positive or a negative? While some may have reacted negatively to our publication of the ICBF figures, the reality is that for both the breed and commercial farmers, it is a positive trend. More rigorous selection of pedigree animals and increased culling will lead to an improvement in the quality of Charolais bulls available to commercial farmers.

The rate of genetic improvement and the willingness to introduce new bloodlines into the breed is an area that should receive closer scrutiny across all breeds. Societies have to recognise that market demands change and that pedigree breeders must respond accordingly. A successful pedigree breeder is one who is selling progeny that meets the needs of the current market, while at the same time making breeding decisions focused on producing progeny that will meet the demands of the market in five to 10 years’ time.

The Charolais society certainly has a challenge on this front with a large proportion of pedigree animals coming on to the market today still relying on genetics from bulls born 20 years ago – mainly Doonally New (CF52) and Pirate.

Charolais breeders have to recognise that over this 20-year period, the market has changed. The demands placed on commercial farmers have become much more exact in terms of weight limits and age at slaughter. Along with this, the part-time nature of the industry has seen calving ease become much more of a focus among suckler farmers.

Meanwhile, on the maternal side, the introduction of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) has seen much closer attention paid to maternal traits – something that was long overdue in terms of ensuring that we improve the functionality of the national suckler herd.

Some would argue that this changing market – both on the terminal and maternal sides – challenges the future of the Charolais breed. However, such a statement fails to recognise the potential within the breed. Through the selection of suitable bloodlines, the Charolais breed has nothing to fear from the introduction of carcase weight limits or age penalties. We only have to look back 15 years to when EU regulations saw a market develop in Ireland for bulls and heifers slaughtered at less than 12 months. It was a market dominated by the Charolais because of their excellent conformation and fast growth rates.

So, why do we now think that Charolais animals cannot be finished under the 400-420kg weight limit? Or even under 30 months of age? The reality is that if the breed responds to what commercial farmers now require – deep, low-set bulls with good length and muscle, that are easy-calving – then it will remain the dominant terminal sire breed in the Irish suckler herd.

The role of the Charolais breed in the maternal market is less clear-cut. The dominance of the breed as a beef sire has come at the expense of maternal traits such as milk yield and calving ability. Yes, some Charolais breeders have gone against the grain and focused on maternal traits by tapping into the French gene pool, but a major shift at society level and within the judging ring will be needed if the trend towards beef traits is to be reversed.

Ultimately, the future for the Charolais breed is to play to its strengths and double down on its position as the sire of choice for commercial suckler farmers looking to drive output.

Irish Farmers Journal MartWatch figures show just how important quality and weight are to maximising value when selling weanlings. And few would argue that the Charolais is the market leader in achieving this ideal combination.