Longford Breeder Shines at Irish Aubrac Cattle Sale

A notable triumph unfolded at the Irish Aubrac Cattle Society’s pre-selected show and sale held at Tullamore Mart, Co Offaly, on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, as renowned Co Longford breeder Michael Hanlon showcased his exceptional Ashbrook herd. With celebrated pedigree bulls and in-calf heifers on offer, the event proved to be a significant landmark for both Hanlon and the breeding community at large.

A Day of Success in Tullamore

Michael Hanlon entered the ring with four carefully selected lots from his award-winning Ashbrook herd. His first entry, Ashbrook Turner, immediately established a high standard. Catalogued as lot number 6, Turner garnered second place in his class for pedigree bulls during a hotly contested pre-sale show, judged by Seamus Nagle, a respected farmer from Co Clare. The March 2023-born bull, a son of Dauphin and a home-bred Bayon 2 daughter, sold for €4,500, marking a strong start to the day.

Following Ashbrook Turner, the next highlight in Hanlon’s offering was lot 12, Ashbrook Roma, which was sold for €3,000. This April 2021-born heifer, an Ashbrook Oscar daughter, is currently in-calf to Heritier and is expected to calve in mid-November, adding to her appeal for buyers looking for strong pedigree lines.

Lot 15, Ashbrook Sweet, born in March 2022, also drew attention, securing a price of €2,800. This heifer, another Dauphin daughter, is anticipated to calve in early April 2025 to the AI Aubrac bull, Johnstown Prince. Lot 18, Savannah, a similarly bred entry and also due to calve in late March 2025, mirrored this price point at €2,800.

Record-setting Prices and Buyer Demand

The sale overall witnessed impressive results, with two bulls fetching €5,000. The event also saw record prices in the heifer categories: the top maiden heifer sold for €4,100, the highest-priced in-calf heifer at €4,000, and the top-priced weanling heifer at €1,750. Compared to the previous year, 2023 returns reflected a significant surge, showing an average price increase of €840 per head for bulls and €485 for weanling heifers.

With 43 pre-selected lots from thirteen herds, only one lot was left unsold, signaling robust demand for high-quality livestock. “We had an excellent sale with record prices for bulls and an almost 100% clearance overall,” said James Donnellan, Chairperson of the Irish Aubrac Cattle Society. “There was great demand from a range of buyers. Thanks to everybody who supported the sale, and we wish the best of luck to all who purchased.”

The Legacy of the Ashbrook Herd

The history of the Ashbrook herd speaks to a commitment to excellence in breeding. Established in 2005, the herd began with the import of two elite females from France and the acquisition of additional top-tier females at Irish sales. Hanlon’s breeding program is uniquely positioned, utilizing 100% artificial insemination (AI) with top genetics from France, including notable bulls like Dolby, Capitain, Roussel, Heritier, and Dauphin.

This careful breeding selection combined with a strict culling process has resulted in a lineup of exceptional quality bulls that have reached customers across nearly every county in Ireland, many of whom return for repeat purchases due to the calves’ quality and ease of calving. Bulls are typically sold directly from the farm, with premier sales reserved for showcasing the pinnacle of the breeding program.

Understanding the Aubrac Breed

The Aubrac breed, originating from the rugged mountainous regions of Southern France, is celebrated for its adaptability and robustness. Historically utilized for both milk production and draught work, the breed has evolved to retain its milking capabilities while enhancing beef production attributes. Known for hardiness and low production costs, Aubrac cows exemplify the characteristics of premium suckler cows, with generations of selection contributing to impressive consistency in production and higher market values for progeny.

As Hanlon continues to push the boundaries of breeding within the Aubrac community, his achievements reflect not only on his personal endeavors but also on the innovative strategies and tireless efforts within the landscape of Irish cattle farming.

As the industry looks ahead, the success of Saturday’s sale highlights the ongoing demand for quality livestock and the promise of continued growth within the breeding sector. Interested buyers, farmers, and livestock enthusiasts are encouraged to connect, share insights, and offer commentary on the trends and successes within cattle breeding. Your thoughts matter in shaping the future of this vibrant industry.

For more information on the Aubrac breed and to stay updated on future events, visit www.aubrac.ie.