The commercial cattle competitions have long been a favourite attraction, for both spectators and competitors at Tullamore Show. This year is no different with record entries amounting to 330. The 330 entries will be competing across 28 classes including 12 calf classes and 12 senior classes. The massive number of classes share a prize fund of over €20,000 for commercial cattle.

In 2017, the show committee have made more improvements in the commercial section, with a relocation of the commercial rings alongside the pedigree rings.

They have also added some new classes in the commercial section including ‘Best Charolais Society cross heifer or bullock with no more than two permanent teeth’, the ‘Dawn Meat traditional beef animal weighing up to 750kg’ and classes for Charolais-cross calves, male and female.

All the calf classes are determined by weight and breed, proving this section to be showing the top commercial calves in the country.

We must not forget the young stars of the future, as they compete in the young stockperson classes, ranging from ages 12-16 years and 17-26 years.

The livestock breeders in Ireland and beyond regard a win in Tullamore Show as the pinnacle of success. In 2016, the show had six new exhibitors win their first ever red rosette at the show. This can be an emotional achievement for any breeder and it makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Highlights

Head of commercial cattle at Tullamore Show Michael Dolan said “We aim to reflect and inform farmers of the changes in the beef industry while meeting consumer demand in both the national and international markets over the last number of years.

“Highlights of the section include the Moyvalley Meats €2,000 commercial factory bullock, Kepak Championship for the best factory animal of the future and the Dawn Meats €2,000 factory heifer championship.”

Michael recalls excellent entries in classes last year, and is delighted to see such an increase again in 2017 for commercial classes.

“Entries are strong across all classes, especially the Charolais X heifer and bullock classes along with very high entries in the three meat factories championships and in the calf and senior classes.”

Busy day ahead

Michael adds: “The large entries of animals will ensure judges will have a busy day selecting the prize winners from all the classes, and spectators watching on with anticipation for their placings.”

The excitement concludes with the announcement of the AIB National Livestock Show Commercial Champion for both calf and senior cattle, which sees first prize winners of the day competing for the much sought after coveted gold and silver medals, rosettes and sashes.