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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Over 40 lots for Walter Brennan’s 15th annual in-calf heifer sale at Balla Mart

On the back of years of continuous success, Walter Brennan’s 15th annual sale will return to Aurivo Balla Mart this Friday, November 18th, 2022, at 7 pm.

43 in-calf commercial suckler-bred females and a cow-heifer and calf pair – which include a range of Limousin-crosses (black and red types), Belgian Blue-crosses, Simmental-crosses, and roan-type females – are catalogued for the sale at the west of Ireland-based mart.

Heifers are in-calf to Limousin bulls, including:

  • Elderberry Galahad – EBY;
  • Lodge Hamlet;
  • Loyal;
  • Ivor;
  • The farm’s proven five-star Limousin stockbull, an Ivor (LM2014) son.
Walter Brennan’s in-calf heifer sale

The Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co Mayo farmer told That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane:

“We have a wide range of four and five-star females, which have been served from late February onwards. They will be calving from an average range of circa 24-38 months.”

“I am overwhelmed by the sale’s response over the years and even the interest our forthcoming sale has generated in the last two days alone. We have new and returning customers, which range from local suckler farmers to those further afield from Co. Donegal to Clare; they are vital to our success.”

“Moreover, there has been northern interest in recent years. Export testing can be arranged through Balla Mart to Northern Ireland to accommodate those customers.”

“Our customers purchase the heifers to breed superior weanlings – which are of export and/or show potential standard – that go on to attain premium prices. When selecting heifers for the sale, I focus on feminine traits; so they must look like a cow.”

“I would not touch a heifer that would be anyways masculine or rough. I favour a cow maker that is fit for purpose with maternal traits, a docile nature, width and not overly muscled, but is well-conformed, being an R+ or U grade type.”

“In that case, you can let the bull do the rest to produce E grade progeny if you so wish. Also, the number one factor for me is that they calf easily for the buyer and that they rear their calf to a satisfactory standard,” he concluded.

Viewing and bidding

You can view lots on-farm by appointment only tomorrow (Thursday, November 17th, 2022) – contact Walter Brennan at 086-8185612.

Viewing in Balla Mart from 5 pm on Friday before the sale commences at 7 pm with online and ringside bidding.

Contact the mart in advance of the sale to approve your online bidding application.

You can view an online catalogue with photos (by Chloe Goggins Photography) and details for lots.

Boyne Valley Meats is sponsoring a €200 lucks’ penny for the highest-priced heifer on the night.

Photos:

All images by Chloe Goggins Photography

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