First ever showing of Fleckvieh breed class at Tullamore Show
The first ever cattle showing of a Fleckvieh class at the Tullamore and FBD National Livestock Show took place this year.
This is the second ever showing of a Fleckvieh breed class at an Irish agricultural show, with the first taking place at Emerald Expo in Co. Cavan earlier this year.
Agriland spoke to Gerard Brickley who is the sole importer of Austrian Fleckvieh semen into Ireland. He said: "Fleckviehs have been in the country and growing for the last eight or nine years now.
"And it has gotten to the point where there's a club set up now to promote the breed, with about 80 active breeders at the moment with animals registered."
The Fleckvieh showing category at the Tullamore Show had three classes:
- Pedigree Fleckvieh Heifer Calf born after January 1, 2025;
- Pedigree Fleckvieh Maiden Heifer born after January 1, 2024;
- Pedigree Fleckvieh Cow in Milk.
There was also a Fleckvieh class in the Young Handlers category with entries in the 12 and under age group and the 13-18 age group.
Reinhard Pfleger from Austria was enlisted to judge the competition as Austria is where the breed originates.
Pfleger is the managing director of Fleckvieh Austria and oversees all of the herd books in the country. He has judged all over the world, with the Tullamore Show being his 10th international judging engagement.
There were eight entries in the cow class, seven entries in the yearling heifer class, and three entries in the calf class.
A spokesperson for Tullamore Show said: "We had good entries which was very good for new classes. Although due to unforeseen circumstances i.e., disease restrictions, the entries on the day were a little lower.
"It takes a year or two for any new section to get up and running. Reinhard Pfleger was delighted to be in Tullamore and praised all of the exhibitors and the quality of their animals and the efforts they went to in their first time showing.
"He spoke about the many attributes of the Fleckvieh cattle as a dual purpose breed known for their impressive milk solids while also producing good beef carcass."
Pfleger presented the winning cow with an ornate genuine Austrian Cow Bell as a perpetual trophy to return in 2026 for next year's Champion Cow.
This year's Champion Cow was owned by Peter Cooke from Bawnlea, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
