BQI Elite and Superior Bull Scheme summary

Since the launch of BQI back in October 2002, providing financial assistance on the purchase of a bull has probably been the most commonly known aspect of the scheme. There have been 706 applications for financial assistance towards the purchase of bulls. 196 applications have been for elite bulls and 510 for superior bulls.

Of the elite bulls claimed on, Charolais has been the most common breed with 45 percent of all elite bulls. This is closely followed by Limousin with 41 percent of elite bulls. Simmental and Angus make up six percent and five percent respectively, with the remaining three percent of bulls being claimed on, a combination of Belgian Blue, Blonde, Hereford, South Devon and Parthenaise.

The most common place of purchase was Dungannon Farmers’ Mart, where 51 percent of bulls were purchased. The main GB marts of Perth and Carlisle account for 12 percent and 6 percent respectively. Purchasing elite bulls outside of Northern Ireland via farm to farm sales has accounted for 17 percent of bull purchases, of which 11 percent came from the Republic of Ireland. All of the Angus bulls have been imported, highlighting a lack of fully performance recorded Angus in Northern Ireland that would be in the top one percent of the breed. Of the main bull sales in the Republic, 12 percent of bulls were purchased at the main sales in Carrick on Shannon, Tully, Tullamore and Roscrea.

Of all the elite bulls purchased, 97 percent were classified as elite carcase, while the remaining three percent were classed as elite maternal bulls.

Of the superior bulls claimed on, Charolais again is the most popular breed with 41 percent of all claims, while Limousin makes up 40 percent. Simmental is the next most common breed but is significantly less than Charolais and Limousin with only seven percent of all superior bull claims. Blonde D’Aquitaine accounts for four percent, Belgian Blue three percent, Salers one percent, while the native breeds of Angus and Hereford each account for two percent of claims.

As all superior bulls can only be purchased in Northern Ireland, Dungannon Farmers’ Mart is once again the most common place of purchase. As was the case with elite bulls, 51 percent of superior bulls have been purchased through this sale venue. Farm to farm sales is also very common, with 41 percent of bulls being purchased privately. Omagh and Kilrea marts have accounted for 25 percent and eight percent respectively, while the remaining 1 percent has been purchased through marts at Ballymena and Ballymoney.

With regards to the classification of superior bulls, 56 percent are superior carcase animals, while only five percent have been classed as superior maternal animals. There is 39 percent of the bulls possessing both traits and classed as superior carcase and maternal.