In a surprise announcement to Simmental and Charolais breeders, Gerard and Angela Brickley are dispersing their herd on Saturday 16th November.
The sale takes place at Mountrath Mart, Co Laois and will comprise of the entire offering of Simmental and Charolais females and two stock bulls.
The Brickley name has been uniquely synonymous with Simmental breeding in Ireland for nearly 40 years, with Gerard’s father Tom first serving as President of the Society. Later, Gerard was president during a period when the World Simmental Congress was brought to Ireland. Most recently, Angela has served as Vice-President of the Society.
The Celtic Herd won most major titles before withdrawing from the Show scene a few years ago to protect the very high health status of the herd. They have supplied stock bulls to both Pedigree and Commercial herds throughout Ireland, and in the last few years have also been supplying bulls regularly to some of the top Pedigree herds in England and Scotland.
Infusions:
The Celtic Simmental herd was built primarily from Old style Austrian Dual Purpose Simmentals, but with infusions of Danish, Canadian and German genetics in recent years. 20 of the 70 plus lots on offer are now Polled. The herd has a big emphasis on milk, and some of the foundation females produced more milk than the best cows on a lot of Irish dairy farms.
All their Charolais and Simmental Females and Embryos sell. The sale certainly offers a great opportunity for both Pedigree and Commercial suckler farmers.
Health Status:
Tests: All animals are TB tested to Export Standard within 30 days of sale. Eligible females also Brucellosis tested. All animals tested free of IBR on 28th Oct ’13 and have been isolated since then.
Vaccination: All animals in herd vaccinated against BVD. All females vaccinated with IBR marker vaccine. Latest vaccinations done in Oct ’13, including all calves.
Health History: All animals in the current herd tested in 2009, free of IBR, BVD, Johnes, Salmonella, Neospora. Since then, they ceased showing cattle (with only one exception, this year). All animals entering the herd since then have been isolated for at least five weeks, and tested free of above listed diseases before being allowed to enter the herd. In addition, all animals entering the herd are treated with Penstrep to kill any possible Leptospirosis infection.
For more details and catalogues contact 0035386 8810719 or 00353 87 2609851.
(Source – Farming Life – 03/11/2013)
A bull from the Celtic Herd