Simmental entries sought for Dungannon sale

Entry forms are available from the auctioneers for the pedigree section of the sale, while the club is also seeking entries to fulfill the demand for quality commercial heifers and cows.

The closing date for entries is Friday 5th February.

All entries must be tested and vaccinated for BVD. The pedigree bulls and females on offer will be veterinary inspected prior to the sale, and sold under the auspices of the National Beef Association.

The pre-sale show is generously sponsored by Animax, with judging commencing at 10.30am, followed by the sale at 1.00pm.

The commercial female sale, sponsored by Millburn Concrete, Cookstown, will take place immediately after the pedigree auction.

The Simmental is noted for its dual purpose characteristics, producing milky, fertile cows with great temperament and natural mothering ability; while its terminal genetics produce excellent growth rates and superior carcases.

Club chairman Richard Rodgers said: “In recent years suckler herd owners and beef finishers have realised that Simmental cattle offer a competitive edge when it comes to profitability. It’s a ‘true’ dual purpose breed suitable for a range of systems.

“Simmental progeny can be easily finished on low input systems, with cows capable of rearing a calf on milk reducing the need for expensive concentrates. The breed also boasts high growth rates and can achieve daily live weight gains in excess of 2kgs per day in intensive finishing systems.”

Richard Rodgers continued: “As a breed club we have recognised the demand for cross-bred Simmental females, and introduced a commercial element to our three annual sales across the country.

“Over the past few years we have witnessed an unprecedented demand for commercial females, with bidders willing to pay premium prices for good quality heifers and cows. At last year’s spring sale in Dungannon commercial heifers sold to £775 over weight.

“Maiden heifers ranged from 325kgs to 595kgs and peaked at £1,270, £1,250 and £1,160. In-calf heifers reached a ceiling of £,1380, £1,280 and £1,240.

“Demand outweighs supply and as a result we want to attract a larger number of quality commercial Simmental-bred cattle for our spring show and sale.”

Pedigree entries should be returned to the auctioneers on or before Friday 5th February.

Anyone interested in entering animals for the commercial section of the sale should contact Nigel Glasgow on mobile: 07711 747009, or Robin Boyd on mobile: 07799 346784.

Commercial females will be on-farm inspected prior to the sale.