Belgian Blue X wins top carcase title

Marts: A 22-month old Belgian Blue X bullock that produced a carcase weighing over 409kgs (900lbs) and grade “E” has been judged Supreme Steer champion in the 2007 Slaney Foods Carcase Competition — which had a prize fund of €5,600.

The animal supplied by Michael Fitzpatrick, was home bred on his farm at Lower Tubberroe, Durrow, Portlaoise and attained the highest carcase weight among the winners in the contest while producing a quality E3 carcase — one of the small number of animals among the winners to attain an E grade.

The Supreme Champion Heifer was supplied by Seamus Walker, The Arches, Kilcavan, Carnew, Co Wicklow. The 21-month old Limousin X heifer produced a carcase weighing 335.4kgs (739lbs) and graded U4L.