Charolais breed takes centre stage at global conference in Ireland

Hundreds of pedigee Charolais breeders representing the breed worldwide are expected to attend the 2019 World Charolais Technical Congress, which is being hosted in Ireland from August 4-12.

The outline of the schedule for the major event for the breed and valuable showcase for the quality of Charolais on Irish farms has been announced.

Irish Charolais Society President Kevin Maguire, who holds the international World Presidency for 2019 as recognition of the awarding of the hosting of the Technical Conference to Ireland, says that the society is honoured to have the opportunity to show the tremendous progress of the Charolais breed in Ireland, which is now on par with the breed in any part of the world.

The international delegates will arrive in this country on Sunday, August 4 and over the following week will visit some of the best known herds in the country, culminating with their attendance at the National Livestock Show at Tullamore on Sunday, August 11.

The week-long itinerary for delegates will include visits to:

* The Skidoo Pedigree Charolais herd in Swords, Co Dublin, one of Ireland's oldest and most recognised Pedigree Charolais herds.

* The Teagasc Grange Research Centre in Co Meath, for an overview of beef production in Ireland, the role Charolais plays within it, and an insight into research trials currently being undertaken in Grange.

* The Kepak Feedlot in Clonee, Co Meath, for an overview and explanation of the beef industry in Ireland, the current grading system and the performance of Charolais cattle going to slaughter.

* The Performance Testing Centre at Tully, Co Kildare for an update on current research being undertaken at the centre and a review of trials carried out there.

* On Thursday the Charolais Technical Conference will be held in the Lyrath Hotel, Co Kilkenny. The topic of the conference will be "Genomics" and will include presentations from various personnel involved in the cattle breeding industry in Ireland. Each country will have the opportunity to make a presentation on the topic of Genomics.

* That evening they visit the Knockmahon Pedigree and Commercial Charolais herd in Castlewarren, Co Kilkenny, and complete the day with a barbeque and barn dance on the farm.

* On Friday they visit the famous Coolmore Stud, Fethard, Co Tipperary, followed by a tour of Tullamore Distillery and the Irish Charolais Society Gala Dinner in Athlone.

* The following day delegates will visit the newly established Bostonia Pedigree and Commercial Charolais Herd at Enniscrone, Co Sligo.

* The final day's highlight will be the Charolais Show at Tullamore.

Indo Farming