Over the next five years, the Minister has announced that €250,000 will be invested in the grassroots showing sector with the rollout of a new class aimed at showcasing the best beef breeding heifers. The new class will be administered by the Irish Show Association (ISA).

The “Breeder’s Choice” class will be open to four- & five-star breeding heifers in two separate classes: traditional breeds & 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 the new class.

The requirement for four & five-star in-calf or maiden heifers aligns with the aims of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) & the incoming Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCBP) in the next CAP to increase the number of these heifers in the suckler herd. Four & five-star animals in the suckler herd can bring greater milk as well as overall efficiency to beef animals.

Commenting on the major investment in the show sector, Minister McConalogue said:

“The show network is the backbone of so many agricultural & rural communities. The show season is upon us, and the excitement of getting an animal ready for your local show is hard to beat. What is even more exciting is taking home a yellow, red, or blue rosette. These are the marks of what makes a good animal a great animal."

“I’m delighted to work with the ISA on this exciting, multi-year, & long-term investment. This is a commitment from me  & my department to the show sector, to the quality of breeding cattle, & to rural Ireland as a whole. I am looking forward to seeing the heifers & their owners in the new breeder’s class at shows across the country. It is also a commitment from the government to continue to support rural Ireland in any way we can."

Jim Harrison, secretary of the ISA, welcomed the announcement by the minister. “We are delighted to have partnered with the Minister & the Department on this exciting new initiative, which will see a major investment made in our network of shows. It gives farmers, breeders, & handlers great confidence in the show circuit going forward with this initial five-year investment in the Breeder’s Choice class. I now urge all farmers & handlers to get their quality four- and five-star heifers out & into their local show this summer to avail of this exciting new showing class.”

RULES & CONDITIONS

1. The competition will be run at every show that has cattle classes.

2. This competition is open to all Continental / Traditional Genotype 4* or 5* heifers suitable to make a Suckler Cow.

3. Heifers may be in-calf or maiden. All heifers must be between 12 and 24 months of age on the date of the show.

4. Each heifer can attend up to five shows. If a heifer enters more than five shows, she will automatically be disqualified.

4. All heifers must be haltered trained and led by a competent adult.

5. The foregoing rules should be read in conjunction with ISA General Rules.

Entry Fee: To Show: €15

Shows Hosting Breeder's Choice Classes for 2024