In recent years, Belgian Blue cattle have made a major comeback on the commercial cattle scene, achieving premium prices and topping marts throughout the country. Those who stuck with the breed have been rewarded in spades this autumn, as prices for weanlings hit an all-time high.
One man who did stick with the Blues and plans on doing so into the future is Edward Thompson from Errill in Co Laois.
“I began farming after leaving Gurteen Agricultural College in 1980, working alongside my father and brother, Robert,” Edward said.
“Robert now manages his own nearby holding while remaining heavily involved in decision-making on the home farm.
“My father has since passed, but my son, Richard – currently in his final year of agricultural science in UCD – contributes significantly to both the livestock enterprise and the associated agricultural contracting service we run.
“The contracting business initially shaped the calving pattern and remains a part of the farm’s diversified income streams,” he said.
Farm size
The farm is made up of approximately 275 acres, of which 168 acres are owned and the remainder rented. The main enterprise is a weanling system, primarily targeting the export market.
According to Edward: “This system tends to deliver a stronger return, particularly for the Belgian Blue-type weanlings, which we sell through local marts or, as was the case this year, via an on-farm sale.”
At present, the Thompsons run around 65 autumn-calving cows and 15 spring-calving cows. The autumn-calving system was adopted to align with the workload demands of the contracting business.
“Even as the business evolved, the system was retained due to its ability to produce calves that reach optimal weights for export markets during peak demand periods, achieved with minimal reliance on excessive concentrate feeding,” Edward said.
Edward Thompson and his son Richard with Irish Belgian Blue Cattle Society secretary Sean Sherman among their suckler herd at Borraghaun, Erril, Co Laois. \Odhran Ducie
Breeding and genetics
The herd features a mixed breed composition, with a notable presence of Blonde d’Aquitaine cows (Robert has been running a Blonde bull for several years). Many of his daughters have been retained due to their docility, milk production and calving ease, resulting in a mix of Blue and Blonde crosses.
“Occasionally, when the need or opportunity arises, we source replacements from other farms or marts,” Edward added.
Artificial insemination (AI) is used across the herd and bulls brought in to clean up, as getting cows back in calf is top priority for the Thompsons.
“We use heat detection patches, which have proven to be a great help in identifying cows in heat,” said Edward.
The herd participates in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) with cows yielding excellent results year on year. Typical Belgian Blue sires used within the herd are Top Side Out There, Persan de Petit Rosiere, Rollie van de Steenakker, New Red and Hong Wang, to name a few. As is the case all around the country, this year has been particularly strong for weanling prices, with bull weanlings averaging €6.10/kg at an average weight of 416kg, sold in July.
Having spotted a place in the market for top-quality heifers, this year Edward will host an online sale of in-spec breeding heifers.
The online timed auction will take place from 4-7 November through the MartEye platform. These heifers can be viewed at the upcoming open day.
A typical Belgian Blue cross cow and calf on Edward Thompson's suckler farm at Borraghaun, Erril, Co Laois. \Odhran Ducie
Open day
In conjunction with the sale, the Irish Belgian Blue Society will host an open day on the farm on Wednesday 5 November 2025, R32W8DV, at 6.30pm.
According to Sean Sherman, secretary of the society: “The aim of the evening is to showcase how Belgian Blue genetics fit into commercial reality.”
What people can expect to see is a suckler-to-weanling system, mostly autumn calving, using a range of Belgian Blue AI sires. Attendees will be given a tour of the housing facilities and farm yard layout.
Farm safety demonstrations will take place with particular emphasis on animal handling, presented by Jim Dockery.
A number of AI companies will be in attendance to discuss up-to-date genetics focusing on profitability on sucker systems.
As well as this, a demonstration will be given on preparing animals for the show ring.
Finally, the results of a carcase competition held in conjunction with Dawn Meats will be revealed at the event, which should make for a really informative and interesting event.
Edward added: “We hope to show how quality can be produced simply and successfully on an ordinary Irish farm. I would also like to acknowledge the help and support of many people over the years.”
Heifers on the Thompsons’ farm for the upcoming online sale. \Odhran Ducie
In recent years, Belgian Blue cattle have made a major comeback on the commercial cattle scene, achieving premium prices and topping marts throughout the country. Those who stuck with the breed have been rewarded in spades this autumn, as prices for weanlings hit an all-time high.
One man who did stick with the Blues and plans on doing so into the future is Edward Thompson from Errill in Co Laois.
“I began farming after leaving Gurteen Agricultural College in 1980, working alongside my father and brother, Robert,” Edward said.
“Robert now manages his own nearby holding while remaining heavily involved in decision-making on the home farm.
“My father has since passed, but my son, Richard – currently in his final year of agricultural science in UCD – contributes significantly to both the livestock enterprise and the associated agricultural contracting service we run.
“The contracting business initially shaped the calving pattern and remains a part of the farm’s diversified income streams,” he said.
Farm size
The farm is made up of approximately 275 acres, of which 168 acres are owned and the remainder rented. The main enterprise is a weanling system, primarily targeting the export market.
According to Edward: “This system tends to deliver a stronger return, particularly for the Belgian Blue-type weanlings, which we sell through local marts or, as was the case this year, via an on-farm sale.”
At present, the Thompsons run around 65 autumn-calving cows and 15 spring-calving cows. The autumn-calving system was adopted to align with the workload demands of the contracting business.
“Even as the business evolved, the system was retained due to its ability to produce calves that reach optimal weights for export markets during peak demand periods, achieved with minimal reliance on excessive concentrate feeding,” Edward said.
Edward Thompson and his son Richard with Irish Belgian Blue Cattle Society secretary Sean Sherman among their suckler herd at Borraghaun, Erril, Co Laois. \Odhran Ducie
Breeding and genetics
The herd features a mixed breed composition, with a notable presence of Blonde d’Aquitaine cows (Robert has been running a Blonde bull for several years). Many of his daughters have been retained due to their docility, milk production and calving ease, resulting in a mix of Blue and Blonde crosses.
“Occasionally, when the need or opportunity arises, we source replacements from other farms or marts,” Edward added.
Artificial insemination (AI) is used across the herd and bulls brought in to clean up, as getting cows back in calf is top priority for the Thompsons.
“We use heat detection patches, which have proven to be a great help in identifying cows in heat,” said Edward.
The herd participates in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) with cows yielding excellent results year on year. Typical Belgian Blue sires used within the herd are Top Side Out There, Persan de Petit Rosiere, Rollie van de Steenakker, New Red and Hong Wang, to name a few. As is the case all around the country, this year has been particularly strong for weanling prices, with bull weanlings averaging €6.10/kg at an average weight of 416kg, sold in July.
Having spotted a place in the market for top-quality heifers, this year Edward will host an online sale of in-spec breeding heifers.
The online timed auction will take place from 4-7 November through the MartEye platform. These heifers can be viewed at the upcoming open day.
A typical Belgian Blue cross cow and calf on Edward Thompson's suckler farm at Borraghaun, Erril, Co Laois. \Odhran Ducie
Open day
In conjunction with the sale, the Irish Belgian Blue Society will host an open day on the farm on Wednesday 5 November 2025, R32W8DV, at 6.30pm.
According to Sean Sherman, secretary of the society: “The aim of the evening is to showcase how Belgian Blue genetics fit into commercial reality.”
What people can expect to see is a suckler-to-weanling system, mostly autumn calving, using a range of Belgian Blue AI sires. Attendees will be given a tour of the housing facilities and farm yard layout.
Farm safety demonstrations will take place with particular emphasis on animal handling, presented by Jim Dockery.
A number of AI companies will be in attendance to discuss up-to-date genetics focusing on profitability on sucker systems.
As well as this, a demonstration will be given on preparing animals for the show ring.
Finally, the results of a carcase competition held in conjunction with Dawn Meats will be revealed at the event, which should make for a really informative and interesting event.
Edward added: “We hope to show how quality can be produced simply and successfully on an ordinary Irish farm. I would also like to acknowledge the help and support of many people over the years.”
Heifers on the Thompsons’ farm for the upcoming online sale. \Odhran Ducie
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