Newsletter June 2022
Farm Walks with French AI Technician
The farm walks in April, which included presentations from the French AI Technician, Patrice Fabre, ICBF representatives, along with demos on preparation and halter training for shows/sales proved a great success, with many breeders turning out. Patrice, in his report following the walks, noted that Irish breeders are looking to breed larger, more muscular Aubracs in comparison to their French counterparts. He urged caution, stressing the dangers of increased calving difficulty, and reduced fertility, milk ability and hardiness. For those that were unable to attend one of the walks, a Video presentation will be available shortly of Martin Bermingham’s farm walk.
AI
There has been a big increase in the usage of the French AI straws among our breeders. At present we have 737 straws available to breeders. To cover the rising costs the price per straw has been increased to €25. Exceptions are: Heritier €30, Dauphin €35, Otto (polled, sexed) €70. Other sexed semen €40. There will be no more reduction for higher numbers purchased. Updated indexes on new French AI bulls: Ocean is easy calving but Oxford is not recommended on heifers for the time being.
Hall of Fame Awards to Derry and Sean O’Driscoll
Congratulations to Derry and Sean O’Driscoll on receiving their Hall of Fame awards a the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone on May 1, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the development of the Aubrac breed in Ireland.
RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards
Congratulations to Kilkenny breeder, Tommy Quinlan on receiving the Beef Herd Index Award at the Annual RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards recently.
€2900 Tops at Spring Sale
The Aubrac Society’s Spring Pedigree Sale generated solid prices for breeding stock in Tullamore Mart, on May 7. The top prices for bulls ranged from €2,500 to €2,900 with the top price paid for a 24-month-old bull, ‘De Butleir Phoenix’ sired by ‘Balinclea Myles’ and sold by Francis Butler of Streete, Co. Westmeath. Top prices for heifers were around the €2,000 mark with the highest price of €2,050 paid for a 13-month-old heifer, ‘Coolskeogh Rosalie’ sired by ‘Cloonmore Niall’ and sold by John Nolan of Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan. A few Aubrac cows with calves afoot were also sold including €2,500 paid for a cow sired by ‘Finnoe Harry’ with a heifer calf afoot sold by Francis Donohoe of Collinstown, Co. Westmeath.
Genomic Testing
Ensure all animals are genomic tested well in advance of selling, whether male or female.
We would encourage all our Aubrac breeders to contact Gearoid Slattery in ICBF 023 8820228 to put their names forward to DNA/genomic test all your animals at birth so that mistakes can be avoided in parentage verification. We have several breeders that have serious issues with animals that has failed genomic test and these animals have a number of progeny on the ground. The breeder is responsible for all data related to an animal and the cost will be associated to breeder, so please avoid this and genomic all animals.
We would advise all buyers to make sure the animals that you are purchasing is parentage verified first.
Also, for those buying in stock, always verify that the covering sire is parentage verified if buying females in calf or running with the bull. It is easy to forget that one.
New Website
Finally, our new website is up and running. If you have not already done so, have a look and give us your feedback. It has still the same address: www.aubrac.ie
Send us on any nice pics or suitable articles for adding to the website.
There is a members log on section. Please register on this, which will allow you to advertise, or converse with other breeders.
Show Season
Aubracs will be exhibited at the following Shows:
Bannow and Rathangan Show: July 14
Tinahely Show: Aug. 01
Tullamore Show: Aug. 14
Iverk Show: Aug. 27
At the Tullamore Show we will be having a Young handler Class, and it would be great to have a good few participants. Contact Tom Slye for more information 087/2534136
National Ploughing Championships
The Aubrac Society will have a stand at this year’s Ploughing on Sept. 20-22. In conjunction with the event, we will hold a draw for a Pedigree Aubrac Heifer. Have you a suitable heifer? If so, contact the office. She will need to be halter trained.
Annual General Meeting
This year’s AGM will be held in August/September. Any suggestions for the AGM, where, what to do etc.. If any member would like to accommodate the AGM, please let us know and a member of the council will visit your farm to discuss.
New Members
Our Society continues to grow. 240 Active members New Members; 2020 = 29
2021 = 35 2022 = 14 (to-date)