This year, on the beef side, the Irish Shorthorn Society will focus on high replacement index animals for the suckler beef herd. The stand will have a selection of high-index pedigree animals from the show circuit, along with a selection of commercial crosses on display.

On the milking side, the society will focus on having a selection of high-yielding milking Shorthorn cows with power and fertility – cows that last. Copies of the recently launched milking journal will also be available at the stand.

The society’s annual draw is on Thursday afternoon and this year you can win a five-star replacement index heifer for just €2. The society will also display its range of hoodies and fleeces for all ages.

Sales

The breed’s autumn pedigree beef sales will take place in Ennis Mart on 7 October, Castlerea Mart on 21 October, Blessington Mart on 28 October and the society premier sale will be held in Roscommon Mart on 11 November.

For the first time, there will be a number of commercial Shorthorn sales this autumn, starting in Ennis Mart 14 September, Castleisland Mart on 27 September, Killmallock Mart on 2 October, Kingscourt Mart on 14 October and Kanturk Mart on 7 November.

The society will also be running a special offer for people who wish to join the society over the three days. While carrying on from 2017’s success, the society will launch its 2018 Beef Shorthorn semen project.

The stand will have information on the Shorthorn Beef Scheme launched last year, with representatives from the Shorthorn marketing company available to chat to anyone interested in joining the new scheme.

Council members from the Shorthorn society will also be on the stand each day to answer all queries.

This year, the Shorthorn society will be at stand number 443, block 1, row 20.