A selection of pedigree Angus and pedigree polled Hereford cattle are set for sale in Appelbe’s first online production sale.
The renowned Cork-based herd – owned by the Appelbe family – is offering a consignment of genotyped cattle for sale in conjunction with MartEye from 1 pm on Friday, July 8th, to 7 pm on July 11th, 2022.
Appelbe’s sale
The fixed-timed auction includes:
- 10 Angus females;
- 3 Angus bulls;
- 2 polled Hereford heifers;
- 2 polled Hereford bulls;
- 2 Angus embryos.
According to the breeders, prospective purchasers can view lots on-farm by appointment before the sale.
Pedigree Angus and polled Herefords
John Appelbe runs the pedigree Angus and polled Hereford herd in West Cork with his wife Solvig and three children: Erik, Alice, and Arthur and the assistance of his sister, Beatrice.
The tradition traces its roots back to his great grandfather, Henry Appelbe, who purchased the farm at Carrigroe and bred and showed pedigree cattle.
John told That’s Farming editor Catherina Cunnane about the farm’s strong association with family farming and pedigree cattle breeding:
“The first Clonakilty Show was held in 1901, and Henry Appelbe showed pedigree cattle at it. Unfortunately, Henry was killed in an accident at Lisavaird in 1926, and the farm had to be sold and divided between his three sons and widow.”
“My grandfather, Alan Appelbe, bought the farm at the auction and went on the breed and show pedigree cattle also.”
“My father, Frank Appelbe, and my mother, Elizabeth, took over the farm from Alan and had much success breeding and showing pedigree Angus and horned Hereford cattle.”
“They even exported pedigree Angus as far away as Texas in America. These cattle bred extremely well in America, and the customers in America wanted to come back and buy more from Frank and Elizabeth.”
“However, unfortunately, the American government stopped the export of bovine animals from Europe after the BSE crisis.”
Success
John returned home to farm 22 years ago and has carried on the tradition of breeding and exhibiting pedigree cattle.
During this time, the herd has exported pedigree cattle throughout Europe and secured prestigious silverware, including:
- 4 Overall All-Ireland champion titles in the Angus breed;
5 RDS Champion Of Champion titles (3 for Angus and 2 for Herefords); - 3 Aldi All-Ireland bull calf championships;
- 3 Hereford National Championships;
- An array of prizes at local agricultural shows – Including Cork County beef bull championships at Skibbereen Show.
A selection of lots the herd has put forward for sale in its upcoming auction:
See the catalogue.