‘Red’ shades it in Angus sales

ABERDEEN Angus breeding has been practiced in the Lisduff Herd at Virginia, Co Cavan for nearly three quarters of a century where “red” has become the new shade of sale price leaders.

“They are still small in number nationally, when compared to the popular black Angus, but growing in popularity among breeders,” says herd owner Leo McEnroe, third generation Angus breeder on the farm at Maghera, Virginia.

“The advantage is they are very good milkers crossed with red genes, for example Limousin or Simmental, you will get red animals that make outstanding mothers for the suckler herd,” he adds.

Lisduff Red Pepper R368 became the price topper at last year’s production sale of bulls when the 18-month-old bull was eventually knocked down at €8,000 to Dovea Genetics.

Another red Aberdeen angus bull, Lisduff Red Pat P278, sold for the day’s next highest price at €5,500 which indicated the level of demand which the “reds” attracted.

The fifth annual production sale of bulls from the herd will be held at Thurles Mart on Wednesday, April 25 with 10 “red” Aberdeen angus bulls among the entry of 42 bulls, varying from 11 months to two-years-old, on offer from the herd.

Breeding angus on the farm goes back to the 1940s with his father, Bartle McEnroe, having made a big input to developing the bloodlines which the herd is now reaping the benefit of.

All bulls being offered are vaccinated for IBR, BVD, Lepto and Tribovax 10, and semen tested prior to the sale with star ratings to suit dairy, suckler and pedigree herds.

“At Lisduff we strive towards keeping the traditional traits to the fore in the angus herd which has been working for our family for the last 70 years,” says Leo.