The Droimeann Cattle Society is set to play host to three open days over the coming weeks “to raise awareness of this native Irish breed and highlight their potential as a low maintenance, medium-sized suckler cow”.
The first of the events will take place on July 29th, 2023, on the organic farms of Mike (chairman) and Tom Keane (board member), based on the Shannon Estuary in County Limerick.
This will involve a farm walk and inspection of the Droimeann herd.
The second of its open days will be held at the farm of John (board member) and Marcella O’ Halloran in Connemara, and the date, which has yet to be confirmed, looks likely to be in late August.
Meanwhile, Jurgen and Claudia (board member) Marl will open the gates of their farm in September, and at the time of writing, this date has also yet to be confirmed.
This open day will consist of a farm walk and a discussion of how Droimeann Cattle can be utilised in conservation grazing, followed by a herd viewing.
Droimeann cattle
Speaking to That’s Farming ahead of the event, Tom Hourigan, vice-chairman, and PRO of the Droimeann Cattle Society, told Catherina Cunnane:
“The open days are open to members and non-members alike with no admission fee.”
“There are approximately 60 Droimeann breeders in the country and approximately 560 cattle registered in the herdbook.”
“As a native Irish breed, it entitles the applicant to receive Tier 1 priority entry to the ACRES scheme.”
“The maximum number of livestock units that can be claimed annually for the cattle, sheep and goat breeds and the Kerry Bog Ponies is 20.
In addition, breeding females that produce a registered offspring above the basic eligibility requirements will be paid an additional payment of €75 per progeny registered up to the overall maximum payment ceiling.”
The vice-chair/PRO continued: “As a society, our aim is to continue to increase the number of pedigree breeding animals through our breeding programme.”
“The society is currently working on developing a Droimeann premium native Irish beef brand, with further details to follow in due course,” Hourigan concluded.
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