Nicole’s idea tops for Charolais promotion

A PILOT programme linking strong performers in production to promotion for the Charolais breed has been chosen as the award-winning entry in a Marketing Competition held by the breed.

Nicole McPadden (22) from Rhode, Tullamaore, Co Offaly described how she would set up a Charolais Beef Programme, similar to the Teagasc Better Farm Beef Programme that would enable farmers from all over Ireland to see what is achievable by incorporating Charolais genetics in their herd.

“It would involve six beef farmers from across Ireland, with different systems of farming, for example, calf-to-beef, weanling-to-beef etc. For taking part in the programme, each farmer would receive a financial contribution from the ICCS towards the purchase of a pedigree Charolais bull,” she said.

“These farmers would have the free advise and guidance of a nutritionist from a meal company in order to achieve the maximum performance from their cattle. The farmers would also be guaranteed a pre-negotiated price for their beef,” she added. Nicole McPadden

The competition involved a project in which candidates between 16 and 24 years old, envisaged themselves as the Marketing Manager of the Irish Charolais Cattle Society and described how they would promote the Charolais breed in Ireland.

“There was some outstanding entries from young people all over Ireland, which left the task of judging them extremely difficult,” said Nevan McKiernan, Society secretary.

Nicole will be presented with an Elite Pedigree Registered Charolais Heifer, purchased by the Irish Charolais Cattle Society at their Elite Heifer Show and Sale on November 10 in Tullamore Mart.