€50,000 for Breeder's Choice class aimed at showcasing the best of beef breeding heifers
Pictured at the recent Teagasc Beef2024 open day in Grange are: Edward O Riordan, Teagasc; Alan Kelly, UCD; Minister Martin Heydon; Paul Smith, Teagasc.
The 2024 Breeder's Choice class has been launched.
The prize fund for the 2024 Breeder's Choice is €50,000 and is part of a five-year investment of €250,000 in the Irish agricultural showing scene by the Department of Agriculture.
This class, administered by the Irish Shows Association (ISA), is aimed at showcasing the best of beef breeding heifers.
The class is open to four- and five-star breeding heifers in two separate classes – traditional breeds and continental breeds.
Pedigree as well as commercial heifers are eligible for the classes.
Over the course of the summer, more than 60 shows will benefit from this class.
The requirement for four- and five-star in-calf or maiden heifers aligns with the aims of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme to increase the number of these heifers in the suckler herd, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Having these animals in the suckler herd can "bring greater milk as well as overall efficiency to beef animals".
The launch of the class took place at Teagac's recent beef open day.
"It is appropriate that the launch takes place at Beef2024 open day which has the theme of ‘securing your future’ and where we have high-performing suckler herds on display for all to see," Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said.
"These are surrounded by the latest technologies to assist farmers to play their part in addressing the environmental challenges of water quality, climate mitigation and biodiversity.
"The Breeder's Choice also links to the National Genotyping Programme which I launched last year. This is a collaborative initiative between Government, industry and farmers enabling Ireland to take the first step in achieving a fully genotyped national herd and places us firmly at the forefront when it comes to national sustainability efforts.”
Mr McConalogue added that the show network has an "important role in the social cohesion and success of so many agri and rural communities".
