“No stone has been left unturned” in hand-selecting 55 in-calf suckler heifers for the forthcoming C&M Tumilty’s sale, which takes place at Markethill Mart on Thursday, October 26th, 2023.
The consignment comprises predominately Limousin-crosses, Belgian Blue-crosses, Charolais-crosses, and Simmental-crosses, with a number of hybrid females and two pedigree Limousins also catalogued.
All heifers are AI’d to easy-calving proven Limousin sires such as EBY – Elderberry Galahad, LM2014 – Ewdenvale Ivor, LM4184 – Loyal, and LM5443 – Brooklands Marco.
Speaking to That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane ahead of the sale, Martin Tumilty, who runs C&M Tumilty, with his father, Charlie, in Annaclone, County Down, outlined:
“We were primarily beef farmers over the years. However, with our family ethos focusing on quality and doing the thing right, we thought we could apply that to the in-calf heifer market.”
“We handpick all heifers for our sale, from all over Ireland. We purchase the right one, in ones and twos here and there.”
“Every animal has something special about them. When picking heifers for our sale, we focus heavily on ensuring they have good legs with plenty of bone, as we believe this is essential for the longevity of the cow.”
“A large number are purchased from special breeding sales in venues such as Elphin Mart. We have heifers in this sale to suit all farming enterprises.”
Sexed semen
This year, the enterprise will provide all information possible for each heifer via a sales catalogue which will be launched over the coming weeks on its Facebook page.
Martin explained that “the aim is to provide purchasers with all the information possible so they can choose the ideal replacement based, not only on the animal in front of them but her breeding, DOB, the sire of the calf, the due date and the sex of the calf”.
This year, the enterprise has notably invested in sexed semen, with 40 out of a total of 55 heifers carrying heifer calves.
“We believe by AI’ing all heifers, it gives our buyers that reassurance of a quality calf,” he added.
Heifers are due from the end of November onwards with the majority being November and December-calvers.
Heifer Details
All heifers were vaccinated for Lepto and BVD prior to insemination, according to Martin.
He continued: “Our heifers this year have power and colour in abundance with the vast majority of them between 700-900kgs.”
“All heifers are very quiet and easily managed. We have heifers in this sale to suit all farming enterprises.”
“We have kept in touch with our customers over the years and the feedback on progeny is very good which is why we have stayed with these proven bulls.”
“Lastly, we will extend a warm welcome to everyone who comes to Markethill on the night of the sale,” he concluded.
The in-calf heifer sale will take place at Markethill Mart on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, at 7pm.
Ringside bidding and also online viewing and bidding via MartEye – pre-register with the mart in advance of the sale.
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