Using the Limousin as a terminal sire over Holstein females to improve the quality and value of the progeny is providing a win win scenario for the Gould family, Grange Farm, Bomere Heath near Shrewsbury. Having milked cows all their lives, the family of Mick and Jean Gould, son Mick and wife Katherine, were looking to a new venture to future proof the business which they run along with three members of staff. The small herd of just 15 pedigree Limousin females plus young stock runs alongside 750 Holstein milkers and young stock. “We believe the Limousin is the top beef breed to produce beef from dairy and suckler herds as they produce easy calving sires and they maximise the more expensive cuts of beef and for lean forequarter beef. The breed has excellent growth rates and food conversion figures,” said Mick, adding that the dairy will always remain the family’s primary focus.
Aughalion Prince, which sold for the top price of €14,000. \ Alfie Shaw
The Irish Limousin Cattle Society moved its early spring premier sale to Elphin Mart from the regular Roscrea location this year to entice more Northern Ireland buyers to the sale and it worked out well, with 22% (eight) of all bulls sold heading north.
A further six bulls headed to mainland Britain, meaning almost 38% of bulls sold were exported.
One of the bulls heading across the water is the sale leader Aughalion Prince ET, which sold for €14,000.
Top-priced bull Aughalion Prince on sale day with Patrick Clerkin and Elanor Reilly. \ Alfie Shaw
March 16, 2021, 10:45 am
The Irish Limousin Cattle Society (ILCS) started its society sales on a high note on Saturday (March 13).
It was new territory for the society auction, with the ILCS decision to host this year’s premier sale at Elphin Mart, rather than the more familiar sale rings of Roscrea Mart.
Going by Saturday’s sale, the move did not have a negative impact on the trade – with some strong prices recorded for bulls in what was a strange atmosphere due to no customers being allowed to bid at ringside.
Customers were allocated viewing times prior to the sale and had to judge what bull to buy during a limited time-slot, as they had to vacate the mart prior to the sale beginning.