by Iain | Jul 23, 2015 | Uncategorised

PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL DNA SAMPLES FOR THE BULLS YOU ARE ENTERING FOR STIRLING OCTOBER ARE SENT TO THE OFFICE BY NO LATER THAN THE 14TH AUGUST OR LATE FEES WILL BE APPLIED.

HERD HEALTH DECLARATIONS MUST ALSO BE SENT TO THE OFFICE BY NO LATER THAN THE 14TH AUGUST.

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