Carrick-on-Shannon will host “the cream of Irish Angus cattle”, with the society’s elite show & sale taking place on Saturday, December 11th.
According to the society, the sale has attracted the “top genetics available” over the past few years.
The upcoming sale promises “more of the same”, with 75 bulls and 46 heifers catalogued.
Irish Angus sale
A spokesperson for the society told That’s Farming:
“The demand for Angus commercial cattle is at an all-time high. Most mart managers are highlighting that demand for both stores and finished Angus cattle is far outweighing supply.”
“Prices of up to €2.50/kg and above are now freely available for such lots. Last Friday, at Ballymote Mart, Angus-cross heifers weighing 515kgs at 17 months of age made €1,350 (€2.62/kg).”
“This trend is replicated right across all marts showing the positivity at which commercial customers are viewing Angus cattle both heifers and bullocks.”
“The factory demand for finished Angus steers and heifers continues on an upward spiral, resulting in finished Angus cattle leaving good margins for finishers.”
“Many finishers now realise that quality Angus animals are the most profitable when compared to other breeds.”
Dairy farmers see positives of using Angus
The spokesperson highlighted that dairy farmers continue to see the benefits of using Angus sires on their herd, with easy calving and short gestation long recognised as “key” traits.
“The requirement to get cows into milk production as quickly as possible has never been more important, and Angus delivers in this regard.”
“Dairy farmers currently using Angus as their beef sire have the added advantage of having a strong market for their calves.”
“Calf sales last spring reported very strong demand for Angus bull and heifer calves, with prices matching this demand.”
“Dairy farmers, who are retaining their calves and taking them to beef, are also seeing the rewards as they are finishing their progeny quicker with fewer inputs and getting premium returns.”
“The reality is if you are not using Angus, you are competing against farmers who are. Many dairy farmers see December as the ideal time to make the investment of buying an Angus bull and have him ready to go next spring.”
Angus increasing in popularity with suckler farmers
The spokesperson said the “recent lift” in commercial Angus demand and prices around the sales rings has resulted in many suckler farmers switching their attention towards Angus.
“The ability of the Angus calf to arrive unassisted and mature early with fewer costs is leading to this renewed interest in Angus as overall profitability is key.”
“Lower cost production and the ability to be slaughtered at younger ages will become even more important factors as the climate change measures filter through.”
“Angus animals are very well placed to meet the challenges of the sector going forward,” the spokesperson added.
Pre-sale show
A pre-sale show will take place on Saturday morning starting at 9.00 am. Judging this year will be John Farrell from the Dillon Irish Angus Herd based outside Lanesboro in Co. Roscommon.
“Connolly’s Red Mills has kindly sponsored the show. The Irish Angus Cattle Society wish to thank Connolly’s Red Mills for their continued association with this elite show & sale.”
The Irish Angus Society is also making several premiums available to the purchasers:
- The highest-priced bull and heifer at €400 each;
- Buyers of animals at €3,000 or over will go into a draw for two additional €400 premiums: one for bull buyers and one for heifer buyers.
Virtual bidding, online showcase and catalogue
This sale at Carrick-on-Shannon will commence at 12 sharp on Saturday, December 11th.
Online bidding is also available through LS. The society has asked those interested in bidding virtually to contact Midland & Western on 086-3883112 for approval.
You can view a catalogue for this line-up of bulls and heifers on the Irish Angus Cattle Society’s website. Alternatively, you can contact the office on 071 96 20253.
There is also a special feature on the society website containing photos and videos of many lots for sale.
Assistance
Commenting on the upcoming sale, Peadar Glennon of the Irish Angus Cattle Society acknowledged exhibitors’ hard work and dedication in getting animals ready for this sale.
He is confident that the quality on offer will “be on par if not surpass previous years”.
Glennon stressed that he is “more than happy” to assist any potential customer with any query they may have.
He will help arrange transport for animals purchased at this sale if contacted in advance.
Any potential customers can contact the Irish Angus Office on 071 96 20253 for further information.
