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19 Jan 2026
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19 Jan 2026
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Over 70 pedigree registered Aubrac cattle will come under the hammer at GVM Group Tullamore Mart, on this Saturday, May 3.
The Irish Aubrac Cattle Society’s highly anticipated pedigree sale will feature over 50 lots catalogued, including pedigree breeding bulls, weanling heifers, maiden heifers and in-calf heifers.
All animals are to be penned by 10am, with the sale, also being hosted on LSL Auctions, due to commence at 12 noon.
Additionally, 20 lots will be offered for sale from PJ and Kelly McGrath, Co Wicklow who will hold a dispersal of Glenford pedigree Aubracs, due to a change in farming enterprise.
The McGraths, who began breeding Aubracs in 2011 using French imports, have achieved notable success at agricultural shows, most recently winning the overall supreme Aubrac champion title at last year’s Tullamore Show.
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Progressive Genetics and Munster Bovine have sponsored a €100 voucher for the top-priced animal in the Glenford herd dispersal.
According to the society’s chairman, James Donnellan: “This makes the breed a fabulous option for both suckler and dairy farmers. Aubracs are excellent for ease at calving and are a very docile breed. But the real place where Aubrac rewards farmers is at the factory, with the final prices achieved.”
“Whether you are looking for a bull, or a heifer to meet the requirements of SCEP, don't miss the Aubrac Sale in Tullamore, as all cattle are eligible, and they make excellent sucklers.”
“Alternatively, if you are a dairy farmer looking for a bull to 'mop up' for the breeding season, you will do no better than Aubrac. The top breed for the Dairy Beef Index.”
“All cattle are pre-inspected. And don't forget, if you cannot travel on the day, there is online bidding available.”
“You can view and bid online on LSL Auctions, but you must contact Tullamore Mart before the sale to register. They can be contacted at +353 57 932 1196. Do not leave it until the last day."
The upcoming society sale follows the success of last October's premier show and sale, where a new joint society sale record price of €5,000 was set by two stock bulls. Maiden heifers sold for up to €4,100 on the day.
On average, bull prices were up by €840 per head compared to the previous year, while the maiden heifer average rose by €220 per head.
Out of 43 pre-selected lots presented for sale by 13 herds, only one animal failed to meet its reserve, reflecting strong demand for pedigree Aubracs.
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The breed is known for its hardiness, docility, ease of calving, high meat-to-bone ratio, efficient feed conversion, high-carcass quality and versatility.
The breed hails from the rugged mountains of southern France, where survival in harsh conditions has shaped them into one of the most resilient and versatile breeds around.
Originally used for milk and draft, it has retained milking ability and placid temperament, adding to its natural beefing ability, hardiness, and low production costs, making it a complete suckler cow.
As a suckler cow, the Aubrac offers the advantages of a pedigree animal (generations of selection, consistency of production, and higher sale value of progeny), coupled with hardiness and maternal qualities, that allow cows to run in the same manner as a commercial herd.
Bulls finished in Ireland have consistently graded U and E, and the breed’s meat-to-bone ratio is exceptionally high and is in great demand with butchers.
As a bull for crossing on commercial and dairy herds, the breed has proven itself: producing easily born calves that finish well for the males and make excellent replacement heifers for the females. An excellent feed conversion allows the animals to finish quickly at any age and with a quality carcass.
The breed offers the ultimate combination of efficiency, profitability, and ease of management.
The society, formed in 1998, now counts over 200 members.
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