Farmers involved in breeding cattle strive to produce the perfect animal. What is the perfect animal, you may ask? Well, perfection is something that is almost impossible to achieve, but given the success that the Raceview Simmentals have had over the years, who better to talk too about breeding the ‘perfect animal’ than Peter O’Connell who has had huge success at cattle shows at both national and international level.
Peter comes from a strong farming background, and has had a keen interest in breeding cattle for many, many years.
“I grew up beside a farm which was owned by a neighbour of ours, and I developed an interest in breeding cattle from a very young age. I’ve always had a passion for it,” said Peter.
In 1988, having purchased his first pedigree heifer for £1,000, the Raceview Herd was established with the aim of producing quality animals.
Peter always had the mantra of buying quality animals with the aim of producing quality animals.
“When purchasing breeding stock, we purchased from established breeding lines, regardless of the cost. In the selection of sires, we have always chosen bulls that have been both proven in quality and in the show ring.
“With this in mind, we decided to show our cattle and over the years we have gone from strength to strength. In order to maintain quality within the herd, a strict culling policy is enforced. Any animal that does not reach our standards is culled.”
Peter and his wife Marion entered cattle in their first show in Kanturk and from the word go, they had success, which led to more cattle being bought.
In 1999, the birth of Raceview King was to change their lives for good as he became one of the most successful bulls ever produced in this country.
“Raceview King became our stock bull and was so until he died. Since his introduction to the herd, all of our champions have been descendants of him. The morning he was born I was in awe of him. At 12 months, he was 790 kilos. I actually rang a neighbour Michael O’Keeffe to come and verify his age as no one would have believed it.
“His progeny to date have amassed in the region of 40 national titles along with many accolades across the British Isles. His daughters and sons are continuing on his legacy. Omorga Samson, a son of Raceview King still holds the record price of £20,000.”
The majority of Peter and Marion’s cattle are simmentals, a breed which has grown considerably in Ireland since it was first introduced in 1971.
Since then the breed has gone from strength to strength as pedigree breeders look to drive the breed forward. Now there are on average 2,500 pedigree registrations per year.
“The Irish Simmental have a very good shape, but still hold their maternal qualities to leave the breed as one of the most sought after commercial dams.”
Irish simmentals are now exported all over the world with the beefing qualities attracting interest from many countries.
Honesty is the best policy for Peter as he won’t sell an animal just for the sake of selling it as he takes pride in his work.
“I won’t sell on anything that I feel is not up to standard. I’m not in this game for the financial benefits; it is all about the pride for us. I get more satisfaction out of selling and animal on to someone and for them to have success with it than winning awards, which don’t get me wrong is nice, but selling an animal knowing that it will do well is great.
“We have had great success over the years and if we can continue that, we will be happy. We have had many highlights over the years from when I bought my first heifer, to the birth of Raceview King, who has become renowned all over the world for the offspring it has produced.”
Peter and Marion have had success in the Simmental championships, interbreed with the likes of Raceview Matilda Stella, Raceview Barnett, Raceview Doc, Raceview Grace and Nicolette Beauty to name just a few, having huge success over the years.
Peter admits that he is delighted with the way things have gone since he first set up the herd all those year ago.
“Like I said I’m passionate about breeding and it’s something that I always wanted to do. I could never have envisaged the amount of success that we have had and myself and Marion love what we are doing.
“We have the support of our three kids Stephen, Jenny and Karen and it is great to see them develop. We had faith in this and I’m glad that we pushed ahead and went for it.”
Contact Details:
Raceview Simmentals
Knoppogue,
Mallow,
Co Cork
Tel: 00353 2222055
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 4 No 9, November/December 2016
