Irish Angus Project Ends

Posted on : November 11, 2020

On the 10^th November the SGS Angus Girls said a permanent goodbye to their five angus calves. Named Ash, Midnight, Blair, Cheddar and Ermi, the calves – now yearlings – left Harte’s Farm for ABP Clones where they were slaughtered. The calves were reared over the last 14 months by Jonathan and Rebecca Harte with help from the rest of the Harte family. This was the final part of the Certified Irish Angus competition which began two years ago when the girls were in TY. Although the girls were sad to see  the calves go, they nevertheless now have an opportunity to reflect on the experience and what they achieved. Over the last 14 months they learned what it takes to rear an Irish Angus calf. This included how to weigh the calves, dose them, feed them and even wash them! The girls also learned how to grade the calves and record their fat scores. They now really appreciate the care and attention farmers give to their animals. Emma and Rosie even learned how to drive a tractor!  Now the girls are to submit a final report on the endeavour and the overall winners of the project will be announced later in the year. Good luck to the team in this, the final leg of the competition. The whole experience was a once-in-a-lifetime one and the girls want to thank Jonathan Harte for taking such good care of the calves and for helping the “Cow Girls” learn so much about the job. Thanks also to Charles and the Certified Irish Angus Group who provided this amazing opportunity, to ABP Clones for all their help and to Jimmy Waters for all his encouragement and help. But, thanks most of all to their teacher Miss Higgins, who gave a huge amount of guidance and encouragement to the girls and without whom they could not have achieved so much.