An AI technician for Progressive Genetics, Tom Gannon, established his Irish Moiled herd under the Sandyhill prefix near Charlestown in the west of Ireland fifteen years ago.
He acquired his foundation female, a two-year-old heifer, Swanthorpe Hula Hoop, from Elizabeth Miller, Hampshire, England, in 2006.
The female line of the Hula Hoop heifer that he purchased can be traced back to the full-bred Glenbrook Irish Moiled lines.
The Glenbrook herd, which was based in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, was one of only two pedigree Irish Moiled herds remaining worldwide in 1978.
All the animals in the Sandyhill herd exclusively descend from this original Hula Hoop heifer that he purchased, and all the animals are descendants from AI sires. The Sandyhill herd currently consists of fourteen breeding females.
Irish Moiled herd
All of Tom’s Irish Moiled cows calve unassisted. Furthermore, they have good maternal characteristics and go back in-calf with ease.
Cattle are out all-year-round are and only brought in to calve. “Once I see the calf sucking, then it is back out to the field they go,” he explained.
Using 100% AI gives Tom the advantage of using the best terminal genetics available.
Choosing bulls with figures showing good carcase weights, ease of calving, good docility crossed with his already maternal cow, which has plenty of milk, gives him a superb grass-based finishing animal, which is what his farming system is all about and why the Moilies fit in so perfectly.
Magnificent Moilie Online Sale
This is the first time he will offer females for sale from the Sandyhill herd of Irish Moiled cattle.
Tom is new to selling cattle online. However, he feels the Irish Moiled Cattle Society has provided a great opportunity by enabling him to enter and sell his cattle online through auctioneers, H & H.
This gives his stock a global audience without having to leave the farm until he sells them.
The Sandyhill herd has put forward two quality in-calf heifers for sale in the Magnificent Moilie online sale.
Firstly, Sandyhill Mona, lot number 4, is by the AI sire, Macmann Bullagh-Bos, out of a Pennielea Perseus cow. She was AI’d on 15/02/2021 to Ravelglen Rocky.
“She is springing nicely and is an easily handled typically coloured heifer,” he remarked.
Secondly, Sandyhill Anna, lot number 6, is by the AI sire, Gortluchra Shamey-Boy, out of Newbridge Darragh cow.
She was AI’d on 25/01/2021 to Macmann Croker. “She is a lovely, rich conker, typically coloured heifer and is also easily handled,” Gannon said.
More information
The Magnificent Moilie Online Sale will take place from noon on Thursday, October 14th to Saturday, October 26th through auctioneers, Harrison & Hetherington, Carlisle.
Visit their website or see the Irish Moiled Cattle Society’s website/Facebook page.
“It is important to register before the online sale with Harrison & Hetherington to enable you to bid,” a society spokesperson stressed in a statement.
Read more suckler farmer profiles.
