Clare Co-operative Marts has, once again this year, partnered with Dovea Genetics and Munster AI for its €35,000 suckler breeding initiative.
The scheme promotes the purchase of 5-star terminal beef breed bulls and the use of 5-star terminal beef breed straws for use in the suckler herd.
Speaking to That’s Farming, Martin McNamara, General Manager at Clare Marts, said: “The aim of the scheme is to maintain and improve the quality of weanlings and stores produced in Clare and surrounding catchment area.”
“Suckling has been pivotal to the rural development in county Clare and we believe this can continue by the continuance of the production of quality stock, which are sought after by live shippers and farmers alike, for both bull and steer beef and ‘U’ grade heifer beef. “
“Despite the turmoil of 2019, weanling prices held exceptionally strong for the year, with average prices of bulls back €13/hd and heifers up €7/hd on 2018 and we believe this is due to the quality produced.”
Over the course of the 3-year programme, up to €90,000 will have been invested by the parties involved. “We must complement our farmers for being so proactive in embracing the scheme and reaping the rewards for the continued production of quality stock and long that this may continue,” McNamara concluded.
