Council toasts Sauvignon’s
dominance in Limousin breeding
14th June
2007
Report courtesy of The Impartial Reporter
Chairman of Fermanagh District Council,
Councillor John O'Kane, presenting the Crawford
Family with the Council Coat of Arms for their
achievements. Pictured are (left to right, back
row)
Councillor John O'Kane, Raymond Crawford, Agriculture
Minister Michelle Gildernew, Stephen Crawford,
(front row) Ena Crawford, Elizabeth Rodgers and
Herbie Crawford.
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There was one noticeable absentee from a reception
given by the Chairman of Fermanagh District Council
for the Crawford Brothers from Maguiresbridge,
following their success in Paris. It was Sauvignon,
the French bred Limousin bull which triumphed on
French soil to beat the best in his native country.
The bull which weighs 1.7 tonnes and which is
kept at the Cogent stud in England has catapulted
the Fermanagh breeders into the highest level of
pedigree breeding in the world. Not only did they
win in Paris, but have also helped pioneer the
first sexed semen from their pedigree Limousin
animals.
But the bull has not been allowed to return to
Northern Ireland because of disease control regulations.
Among the guests attending the function in the
Townhall in Enniskillen was the Agriculture Minister,
Michelle Gildernrew.
Council Chairman, John O’Kane, said he
was delighted to hear of the tremendous success
of Crawford Brothers. Sauvignon was judged the
best out of 110 pedigree animals in Paris. Mr O’Kane
said that the success means that their agriculture
sector in Fermanagh can compete against the best
in the world, beating France in their own backyard.
He praised the Crawford family for their tremendous
achievement.
Raymond Crawford, speaking on behalf of the family,
said that for them to stand as guests of honour
at the civic reception was a great honour and something
which they never dreamt of.
He recalled how in April of 2006, his father,
Herbie and brother, Stephen came across Sauvignon.
The bull was brought over to England where Paul
Walker looked after him. He became the first Limousin
bull to produce sexed semen and by the end of this
year, semen will be in 10 countries worldwide.
The Crawfords also became the first breeders to
have a trade stand at the show in Paris.
Raymond then told a story how Sauvignon has helped
the tourism sector in Fermanagh. An Australian
farming couple on holiday in Ireland last week,
travelled to Fermanagh to meet Raymond to buy semen
for use on his herd back home.
Raymond also highlighted the difficulties associated
with taking the bull to France, where he was required
to spend 30 days on a French farm before allowed
back into England. Even their route taken has to
ensure that they did not travel through a blue
tongue restricted area.
“Our family have attended many shows but
never had as much success as in Paris and they
were the first breeders from the UK to exhibit,” he
commented. To mark this Belleek Pottery donated
a special limited piece which the family presented
to the Show organisers.
Raymond said however that he and Stephen did not
get to where they are today without the help and
support of their parents, Herbie and Ena. A bouquet
of flowers was presented to Mrs. Crawford.
Raymon shows Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernrew
the prize won in Paris for the European Limousin
Champion Bull.
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Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew who attended
the reception also in her role as M.P. for Fermanagh
and South Tyrone, said she was so proud that Fermanagh
could produce the calibre of farmers such as the
Crawfords who are among the leaders of industry.
She also said it was great to see younger people
having success in agriculture.
“We need more Stephens and Raymonds in agriculture,” she
said, noting that they lose young people from the
industry week by week. She said they needed to
make agriculture more attractive. She wished the
family every success in the future. “I think
it’s fitting to have this
reception and honour the achievements. You are
the future of the industry,” she said.
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