One of Frank’s top cows Mistic Cleopatra (MUC x HGR) with her W. Fastrac (S1284) heifer calf.

 Background of the herd: The herd was started with the purchase of a heifer in 1999 and a second heifer in 2001. The herd for the most part has been homebred from there.

 Maternal Breeding: The herd has an overall replacement rating of €76 and an overall terminal rating of €114. The female young stock >12 months have an average replacement rating of €138 while the young stock <12 months have an average replacement rating of €122.

 Top Maternal Cows: One of the top cows in Frank’s herd is Mistic Cleopatra (pictured). She is 6 years old, has had 4 calves and her last calving interval was 338 days.

 Key traits of interest: The most important traits in the Mistic herd are conformation, length, calving ease, milk and docility. Frank feels strongly that the Limousin breed must not become complacent about its popularity. “We must remain focussed on retaining the key characteristic that have made the breed popular; calving ease, calf vitality, milk ability (suckler dam), while continuing to make the strides in carcass traits, growth and docility”.

 Recent Sires used: Bavardage (AGB), Wilodge Fastrac (S1284), Dolcorsllwyn Fabio (S1398), Ampertaine Elgin (S1495), Chaumeil (S1427), Dinmore Goldcrest (S1571).

 Breeder’s comment:  “In striving for quality I am rigorous about culling. I will cull underperforming cows regardless of breeding. Efficient use of grazed grass is key to the profitability of the herd. The cows must produce a quality calf year on year, and do a good job rearing them. I pride myself on marketing quality bulls that are readily saleable to the discerning suckler farmer, and occasionally (on average one a year) as pedigree stock bulls. As I have been growing the herd I generally retain all females, but my aim is to breed quality females to retain, or when offered for sale are sought after and command a premium price. The herd is accredited free of IBR, BVD and Johnes through the ILCS Limo Leader herd health programme”.

Mistic Godiva (W.Cerberus x Mas du Clos)
Mistic Godiva (W.Cerberus x Mas du Clos)
Mistic Fia (Wilodge Vantastic x Highlander)
Mistic Fia (Wilodge Vantastic x Highlander)
Mistic Delta-G (Mas du Clos x Highlander) with her bull calf by Bavardage.
Mistic Delta-G (Mas du Clos x Highlander) with her bull calf by Bavardage.