The Pedigree Cattle Breeders Council (PCBC) of Ireland, which represents all breed societies, is set to host a showing and grooming workshop for all on the Saturday of the June bank holiday.

The workshop will include all aspects of pedigree breeding including selection, animal health, feeding, halter making/breaking, clipping/grooming, showing, health and safety and more.

All breeds will have some stock present and the clipping, grooming and presentation aspects of the workshop will be focused on specific breeds.

While the day is open to everybody, the council has tried to put particular focus on equipping young people with the skills to deliver maximum impact at shows during the summer.

The event is being run with the support of GAIN Animal Nutrition, Alltech Ireland and Merial Animal health. GAIN Animal Nutrition will also be launching a resource booklet on the day for all participants packed with useful information, hot tips and details of their new pedigree and show cattle Champions’ Choice feed range. The booklet will no doubt help participants get the best from their livestock in the show ring and the sales ring and will be a useful reference for years to come.

The workshop takes place at Tullamore’s GVM mart on Saturday 3 June between 10:30am and 5pm.

Timetable

10.00pm to 10.30am: Arrival and registration.

10.30pm to 11.00am: Selecting and judging show cattle – using four exhibits.

11.00pm to 11.45am: Health programme for pedigree and show cattle, viruses, parasites both internal and external.

12.00pm to 12.50pm: Nutrition and management of pedigree cattle for shows and sales.

12.50pm to 1.10pm: Health and safety around livestock.

1.10pm to 2.00pm: Lunch break.

2pm to 2.30 pm: Halter making in the ring or on breakout.

2.30pm to 3.30pm: Clipping and grooming in five breakout groups.

Attendees can focus on the breed(s) of most interest to them.

3.50pm to 4.15pm: Self-presentation – boy and girl from each breed, dress code etc.

4.15pm to 4-45pm: Showmanship – ring presentation, showing skills and ring etiquette.

4.45pm to 5.00pm: Final questions/raffle etc.

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