Simmental Society involved in trials in Cumbria and Yorkshire dales.

by Iain | Jul 15, 2015 | Uncategorised

Monitoring the performance of different breeds of cattle on commons or rough grazing

The aims of which are to increase understanding of  how grazing breeding or growing cattle on a common, allotment or other rough grazing affects:

•             growth rates of the animals

•             the quality and quantity of grass available in-bye for conservation or feeding other stock

•             the rough grazing vegetation

And identify any problems with grazing rough ground or a common

We are monitoring:

•         Growth rates or condition score changes

•         Grass quality on rough ground

•         Grass quality and some growth rates on in-bye

•         Fertiliser inputs on in-bye

•         Any health problems or management issues

•         Cost/ benefit analysis

6 of the 12 farmers participating have some Simmentals or Simmental crosses in their herds.

Danske Bank support for Simmental Male and Female of the Year awards

by Iain | Jul 14, 2015 | Uncategorised

The Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club has confirmed Danske Bank’s continued sponsorship of its Male and Female of the Year competition.

Danske Bank has been sole sponsor of the prestigious competition since 1997. The winners are determined using a points system which is collated at nominated agricultural shows throughout the season.

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“Prizes mean points,” explained club chairman Richard Rodgers. “Points are awarded to individual animals, and the higher the animals accolade in the show ring, the bigger the points it earns.”

“The supreme breed champion at each show will be awarded eight points, while the reserve attains seven points. Six points will be awarded to the male and female champion at each show, while the reserve male and female award winners will secure five points each. Marks are also awarded for class placings, with four points for first prize, down to one point for fourth prize. At the final, each animal’s best five scores, out of a possible eight, will be totalled to reveal the winners.

Danske Bank presents the winners and runners-up in each category with engraved crystal awards, commemorative rosettes and cash prizes.

John Henning, head of agricultural relations at Danske Bank said:”The points system ensures keen competition amongst exhibitors, and helps to encourage entries of quality stock at local summer shows. We are delighted to offer our long-standing support to this prestigious Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club competition. “

Nominated points shows for the Danske Bank Male and Female of the  Year competition include, Balmoral, Ballymena, Lurgan, Armagh, Omagh, Castlewellan, Clogher and Enniskillen

Richard Rodgers concluded: ”This is one of the major competitions in the club’s annual calendar, and I  would like to take this opportunity to thank Danske Bank for its continued and valued sponsorship.

“The winners will be revealed, and the awards presented at Fermanagh County Show on Wednesday 5th August.

Omagh Show

by Iain | Jul 10, 2015 | Uncategorised

Large turnout at Simmental stock judging competition

by Iain | Jul 8, 2015 | Uncategorised

The 35-cow Lisglass Herd owned by the Weatherup family from Ballyclare, County Antrim, was the venue for the Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club’s annual stockjudging competition.

Almost 100 members and breed enthusiasts travelled from throughout the province to compete at the evening event.

Club chairman Richard Rodgers said he was delighted to see such a fantastic turnout, and thanked the Weatherup family – Leslie, Iris, Christopher and Laura, for their excellent hospitality.

Master judge for the evening was William Ferguson from the Sperrin View herd based at Stewartstown, County Tyrone. He was overall winner of the British Simmental Cattle Society’s national stockjudging final held at Turriff Show last year.

Following a delicious BBQ supper, club chairman Richard Rodgers announced the results of the stockjudging competition.

Junior competitor, under 21-years-old – 1, Kyle Hayes, Upper Ballinderry; and Cara Moore, Beragh.

Senior competitor, aged 21 to 30-years-old – 1, Zara Stubbs, Irvinestown; 2, Shane McDonald, Tempo.

Open Class – 1, Pat Kelly, Tempo; 2, David Hazelton, Dungannon; 3, Julie Wallace, Antrim.

The junior and senior team winners will represent Northern Ireland at the society’s national Young Members Association stockjudging finals taking place at Pembrokeshire County Show from 18th to 20th August.

Team members were congratulated by sponsor William Thompson from Bank of Ireland.

Forthcoming events in the club’s annual calendar include:

Wednesday 5th August – Final of Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year Competition, and presentation of Danske Bank Male and Female of the Year Awards, at Fermanagh County Show.

Friday 7th August – Charity BBQ and auction, in aid of Southern Area Hospice Services, Newry, at Dungannon Rugby Club – 8pm.

Saturday 5th September – 45th Anniversary Elite Female Show and Sale, Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.

SYMA – Young Members Trip 15-19 August 2015

by Iain | Jul 3, 2015 | Uncategorised

Sat 15th

Arrive at Cardiff Airport
Picked up by Coach
Travel to Brian and Kitty Raymond, Bennant Herd late afternoon for herd visit and welcome BBQ.
Then travel to Premier Inn Haverfordwest.

Sun 16th

Herd Visit to Anthony and Lesley Davies, Welston herd to include
Stockjudging 
Lunch provided.

Mon 17th

Herd visit to Mark and Emma Evans, Dewisland Herd in the morning .
Lunch followed by a Herd visit to Eirian and Delyth Lloyd, Gerawil herd in the afternoon.

Tues 18th

Pembrokeshire County show
Possible leaving BBQ in evening
(Premier Inn is within walking distance of showground and only a few miles from the local town.)

Wed 19th

Depart Hom