Spring is normally the time of year when new life is born on farms and sales are taking place ahead of the breeding season and the flush of summer grass. This year was different, however, with the majority of spring sales called to a halt, none more so then pedigree bull sales.

We’re living in strange times, that most of us will hopefully not have to witness again in our lifetime. While not in the clear yet, we seem to be making progress with restrictions easing and plans in place.

Some marts have introduced private treaty trading and online bidding bull sales. Stock bull sales are seeing low clearance rates, however. Off-farm, sales have been busy across a number of breeds.

Breeders with a known reputation or those who have established a strong off-farm sale business in recent years are reporting a near normal year for trade. That said, thousands of bulls that were in the process of getting ready for society and mart sales had to find other alternatives.

There is probably an oversupply of young pedigree bulls offered for sale each year, a problem the current bull beef price won’t help. That said, there are still a lot of cows to go in calf.

Latest figures show increased cow numbers to go in calf with beef births rising by 20,000 in the first four months of the year, while dairy births are up over 52,000.

Many won’t think about a bull until they need them, so with that in mind, bull sales could see another surge over the coming weeks so that farmers can have that February- or March-born calf. Those not willing to invest in bulls through online sales without having seen the bull will be offered more opportunity to travel with some restrictions lifting.

In a bid to help farmers secure the right bull for the coming season, the Irish Farmers Journal has produced this Focus feature.

We outline the key things to ask when looking at bulls and the 12 steps to success with a young bull. We also talk to the breed societies to find out how their busy season has been affected and what plans they have for selling any remaining breeders’ bulls.