Press release
Minister McConalogue launches the Irish Show Association’s ‘Breeder’s Choice’ Class
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD has launched the 2024 ‘Breeder’s Choice’ Class at the Teagasc Beef 2024 open day in Grange, Co Meath.
The prize fund for the 2024 Breeders Choice Class is €50,000 and is part of a five year investment of €250,000 in the Irish agricultural showing scene by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister said,
“I’m delighted to be here with the Irish Shows Association at the launch of the 2024 ‘Breeder’s Choice’ class and to be in a position to support these classes. It demonstrates my and Government’s continued commitment of support to rural Ireland and our farming communities. The show network has an important role in the social cohesion and success of so many agri and rural communities.
This class, administered by the Irish Shows Association (ISA), is aimed at showcasing the best of beef breeding heifers. The ‘Breeder’s Choice’ class is open to four and five star breeding heifers in two separate classes – traditional breeds and continental breeds. Pedigree as well as commercial heifers are eligible for the classes. Over the course of the summer, more than 60 shows will benefit from this class.
The requirement for four and five star in-calf or maiden heifers aligns to the aims of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCBP) to increase the number of these heifers in the suckler herd. Four and five star animals in the suckler herd can bring greater milk as well as overall efficiency to beef animals.
The Minister added,
“It is appropriate that the launch takes place at Beef 2024 open day which has the theme of ‘Securing your Future’ and where we have high performing suckler herds on display for all to see. These are surrounded by the latest technologies to assist farmers to play their part in addressing the environmental challenges of water quality, climate mitigation and biodiversity. The Breeders Choice also links to the National Genotyping Programme which I launched last year. This is a collaborative initiative between government, industry and farmers enabling Ireland to take the first step in achieving a fully genotyped national herd and places us firmly at the forefront when it comes to national sustainability efforts.”
ENDS
Notes To Editors:
The class is administered by the Irish Shows Association (ISA) Agricultural Shows Ireland Irish Shows Association Agri Show Events Agricultural Show
Payment of €50,000 per annum for Breeders Choice class for Agricultural Shows for 5 years. Payment commenced in 2022.