Shorthorn bull champion exported to the UK

The Kelly family of Ricketstown beef Shorthorns, Rathvilly, Co Carlow, recently sold their 2014 All-Ireland champion Shorthorn bull to the UK. The 14-month-old Ricketstown Hugo was bought by the renowned Podehole beef Shorthorn herd in England, owned by Charles Sally and Harry Horrell, in a private deal. Weighing 709kg at the time of sale, he is sired by Winalot Rodney and is out of a homebred dam.

Hugo is the fourth bull from the Ricketstown herd to be exported to the UK over the past 12 months.

Aberdeen Angus chief steps down

Ron McHattie has decided to retire as chief executive of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society in the UK. Ron has held the position for the past 18 years and has decided to take early retirement due to health reasons.

Calf contest at Castleisland

The South West Limousin Club hosted a contest for the best Limousin heifer and bull calf that went through the ring at Castleisland mart on Monday. Over 900 calves were on offer and of these about 180 were Limousin crosses from dairy cows. Judged by John O’Connor, Ballybunion, the winning bull calf was exhibited by dairy farmer Denis Cronin, Scartaglen. This four-week-old calf was purchased by renowned calf buyer Christy Morrissey, Athenry, Co Galway, for €530.

Listowel-based dairy farmer Martin McElligott took home €495 for his first prize winning heifer. This month-old calf is out of a Montbeliarde cow and by an Ampertaine Commander stock bull. She was acquired by Brian McRedmond, Co Meath.

Reserve male champion at Tullamore

The reserve male champion at the Salers show and sale in Tullamore was Lisnalee Noel, sired by Corlurgan Ourson (OUR) and owned by Patrick McIntyre, Lisnalee Salers, Bailieboro, Co Cavan. Pictured above with the reserve champion is Liam McIntyre.