Clare Marts has announced its bull premium and AI scheme, which is operated in conjunction with Dovea Genetics and Munster AI, will continue in 2020.

The scheme promotes the purchase of five-star terminally-bred beef stock bulls and the use of five-star terminal beef breed straws in suckler herds.

This in turn is aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of weanlings produced in Co Clare and the surrounding catchment area.

Clare Marts operates sale centres in Ennis, Kilfenora, Kilrush and Scariff and manager Martin McNamara says the production of top-quality suckler-bred stock is the backbone of farming in these areas.

He said: “Suckling has been pivotal to the rural development in Co Clare and we believe this can continue by the continuance of the production of quality stock which are sought after by live shippers and farmers alike, for both bull and steer beef and U grade heifer beef.

“Despite the turmoil of 2019, weanling prices held exceptionally strong for the year, with average prices of bulls back by just €13/head, while heifers increased €7/head on 2018 and we believe this is due to the quality produced.”

Martin says that over the course of the three-year programme, up to €90,000 will be invested by the stakeholders in this initiative: “We must compliment our farmers for being so proactive in embracing the scheme and reaping the rewards for the continued production of quality stock and long that this may continue.”