A big thank you to the Northern Ireland Simmental Club for inviting me to judge their National Show, the weather came with me! To start with we had a cow doing what they do best with a superb calf at foot. A young cow with plenty of character that moved well, and not overdone, Ranfurly Weikel 18th H2 later became Female Champion and Reserve Overall.
Moving onto the Senior Heifer class, maybe not the strongest of classes but two super heifers both turned out very professionally with Newbiemains Intrepid exhibited by Jonathan Henderson taking the first prize.
The Intermediate Heifer class presented four outstanding heifers, with first place going to Ranfurly Weikel 23rd. I couldn’t help but feel while I was judging that she was very similar in type to the cow with the calf at foot in the first class. She actually turned out to be her full sister and later became Reserve Female Champion.
The Junior Heifer class had six completely different type of heifers. I had to go with Cleenagh Jessica on the day as she really was at 12 O’Clock for a junior heifer. I did also like the second placed heifer Slievenagh Jewel who must have been giving quite a bit of age away and without a doubt her day will come. The next Junior Heifer class was well represented with Coolcran Lady Jasmine being the clear winner.
Overall I thought the females were of the highest quality and would not look out of place in any show in the UK.
The first Junior Bull class was won by Ranfurly Jameson. He had presence, style, locomotion and was exceptionally well turned. He later became Breed Champion and went on to Champion of Champions at the show. It was a strong class with exceptionally well turned out young bulls.
The next Junior Bull class was a lot easier to judge with only three bulls forward, and three completely different types altogether. I went with Derrycallaghan Jackpot, he was a bull with natural style and width.
The last Junior Bull was the big growth bull Coolcran Jameson, Again a strong class, Coolcran Jameson was a big bull for his age who moved well with plenty of width and style.
The best bull calf went to Breaghey Kingdom. This was a super calf and later went on to achieve Reserve Male Champion. The only way I could justify this was lining up the first prize Junior bulls. To judge a calf against young bulls I always feel you need to value the animal as if you were buying them.
The Northern Ireland Club can be immensely proud of the standard and quality of cattle forward and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Good luck to all members and exhibitors with your future shows.
It was a great honour and privilege to judge the 151st Balmoral Show. I would like to thank the committee of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for inviting me. The weather was excellent, and this was a bonus for the exhibitors and spectators alike.
Due to the show being held early in the season and many part-time breeders the number of cattle forward was relatively small, but credit to the exhibitors, the quality was of a high standard.
With just two exhibits in the cow class, first place went to Ballinalare Farm Chanel followed by Guhard Dorothy. These were two useful cows.
As there was a single entry in the senior heifer class first place went to Ballinalare Farm Ivory. In the intermediate heifer class, pole position was held by Ranfurly Weikel 23rd followed by Breaghey Leading Lady and claiming the third ticket was Lisglass Isla. In the Junior Heifer class Cleenagh Jessica claimed first place followed closely in second place by Roscultan Jemina. These were two super heifers which should mature into excellent cows. In third position was another decent heifer namely Bannhill Farm Jinx.
With no entries in the Senior bull class the Junior Male section was led by Ranfurly Jameson J2 18, an outstanding young bull with tremendous power and scale. In second place was Bridgewater Farm Jed, this was another smart young bull with good potential followed by Bridgewater Farm Jenson from the same farm. Finally, in fourth place was Lisglass Jasper. The bulls in this class were all a credit to their breeders.
My Male and Overall Champion was undisputedly Ranfurly Jameson J2 18 and claimed reserve spot in the Interbreed Beef Recorder class. Reserve Male and Reserve Overall went to the Bridgewater herd with Bridgewater Farm Jed. Female Champion was Ranfurly Weikel 23rd I11 with Cleenagh Jessica in reserve position.
Finally, I would like to commend the exhibitors for presenting an excellent display of cattle and extend my sincere thanks to all the Stewards for carrying out their duties in a professional manner.
When asked to judge your own breed at a show it is and will always remain an honour and something you never forget.
When that request is to Judge a ROYAL SHOW your hopes and expectations move to another level.
Although honoured and grateful to be asked to Judge the ROYAL WELSH SHOW my hopes of having large numbers of quality cattle paraded with classes being contested by 6 or more in each class, all looking to receive the red card never materialized with only 2 members from Wales (2 animals), 1 member from Scotland (1 animal), 1 member from England (5 animals) attending bringing an overall total of 8 animals to contest all of the classes.
As a society I think the time has arrived when we along with others provide money to members to help cover entry costs/time, especially if we want to be seen promoting our breed at certain large shows to try and halt this downward trend of animals forward.
The Highland/English National clearly don’t need the same kind of input, however clearly the Welsh and possibly Balmoral along with other more local well-known venues could be looked at as requiring special support.
The animals forward were of great credit to their owners who had taken the time and trouble to attend, especially those from England and Scotland as without these numbers we would have been in a terrible position.
It would be wrong of me to start a report without highlighting the outstanding animal on the day from the Borlase family, Sacombe Dandelion-Oma who I placed Female and Overall Champion and who then went on to become the Supreme Interbreed Champion of the ROYAL WELSH SHOW, from such a low number of animals forward the Simmental breed/members had still managed to present/receive the top award and my/our thanks must go to the Borlase family for supporting our breed and hope they continue with Jimmy bringing their cattle out as only he can.
The young bull class had the most entered (4) with the red card going to Sacombe Joker (F) a very nice well-balanced bull closely followed by the two Welsh members entries from the Jones/Davies families.
There was only one animal in the 2017 Heifer Class: –
Overhill House Ice Maiden from the McCulloch family.
There were 2 animals in the 2018 Heifer Class: –
1st Perrywood Jasmine (Miss B Borlase)
2nd Sacombe Jenna-Laube (Mr & Mrs P.B and J.A Borlase)
Initially although disappointed with regards numbers forward, this changed in the afternoon, where we were all excited especially yours truly to see our Champion going on to receive the top Interbreed honours.
Well done and thank you to those of you who attended/paraded animals and provided a welcome for everyone on the members stand.
Firstly I would like to thank RHASS for their kind invitation to judge the 2019 Simmental classes at the Royal Highland Show. It was a great honour and privilege and definitely one off the bucket list. It was a cool, dry and blustery day, so good conditions for showing cattle. As I waited in the ring for the first class I can honestly say I had butterflies in my stomach, excited with anticipation for what the morning ahead had in store for me!
There were 12 heifers in the first class which all looked stunning entering the ring. I placed the youngest heifer 1st from Michael Barlow, Ashland Lucy Jezebel, a long heifer with great style. 2nd was Pitmudie Jamaica who was of a similar type to the 1st place heifer. 3rd went to Sacombe Hawaii Jessica, a different style of heifer carrying more flesh. Cairnveiw Rea took 4th, another good heifer with a great top.
The second class kept up the standard and my first pick was Frank Gwynne’s Brandane J-Lo, a very correct heifer with length, power and great locomotion. Standing next to her in 2nd was Corskie Joanna, another good female however was carrying more condition and not the same power as my 1st place. 3rd was Garmouth Glory’s Jessica from Laura Beattie, 4th came from Richard McCulloch with Overhill House Joon and Perrywood Jasmine was 5th.
The next class of females, born between July and the end of December 2017 presented me with an easy first, Corskie Illusion, who I thought at this stage would probably go further on the day. In 2nd was a really fleshy heifer from Heather Duff, Pitmudie Irish Mist, followed closely in 3rd place by Overhill House Ice Maiden. 4th went to a very well presented Newbiemains Isla.
The fourth class of heifers was very well supported with 9 animals forward. There was an obvious first in this class, Sterling’s FUCK Implus, from Reece and Andrew Simmers. A very eye catching animal, with an abundance of breed character, very fleshy but moving well round the ring. 2nd was Garmouth Dumandy Isabella, 3rd Pitmudie Florin 2nd, 4th Corskie Inita and Jim and Patricia Goldie collected the 5th and 6th rosettes.
I found the next class extremely hard to judge, comparing in calf heifers and heifers with a calf at foot is always a difficult task I find. After some serious deliberation I placed 1st a very sweet and milky heifer from Michael Durno in the form of Auchorachan Letta H1 . She was working very hard and making a grand job of her little heifer calf. 2nd and 3rd went to the Green family from Corskie with Corskie Herb and Corskie Harp . Harry Houldey took 4th with Clonagh Honey Cream.
There was only one entry in the next class, Cairnview Tilly 4th, she walked round the ring, moving very well and with a great calf at foot.
The oldest cow class, born before 2013 only had one animal forward also, Corskie Disco. She immediately owned the ring with her twin calves. At 7 years old her locomotion was excellent moving gracefully with impressive style and breed character. I was looking forward to how she would stand up later in the day and thinking she was going to be hard to beat.
The junior female championship was next on the list to judge and I was very pleased with my 1st prize junior heifers as the returned to the ring. The Junior Female Championship went to Corskie Illusion, she had tremendous length, width and locomotion, a great cow in the making. Reserve went to Newbiemains I’m a Gem.
The Overall Female Championship was next and the powerful, elegant Corskie Disco was an easy winner with Sterling’s FUCK Implus from the Simmers boys an obvious reserve.
Moving onto the first of the male classes, where I feel more at home judging, there were 7 bulls forward. The red ticket in this class went to Lynfield Joseph, a long well grown bull who moved well. 2nd went to the Smith family from Drumsleed in the form of Drumsleed Jura and 3rd to Nick and Nadia Gwynne with Chestermann Jimmy.
The bull class aged between January and March 2018 had a large entry on 9. Greencap Jaeger was my pick, a long dark red bull showing great style and potential. 2nd went to a real muscle machine, Cargill JJ from D C McLaren & Partners followed by Chestermann Jupiter in 3rd and a close 4th for Drumsleed Jaeger.
The senior bull class had two entries, both Denizes Hamish and Drumsleed Hivy showed great breed character however it was Hivy that took the red rosette on the day as he carried himself well, moved effortlessly around the ring with an outstanding presence.
My Junior Male Champion went to Greencap Jaeger from Colin Inglis. A very eye catching bull in the ring and I remember thinking he should go on to become a future pedigree stock bull. Jaeger also went onto become the Overall Junior Champion, with the reserve going to Corskie Illusion. Both great examples of the Simmental breed, Illusion a modern and well-rounded heifer however Jaeger just had more style and show character on the day.
Drumsleed Hivy returned to the ring to compete against Greencap jaeger for the Overall Male Championship. I really liked Colin’s young bull but the sheer power of Hivy made him my worthy Champion.
I was very happy as my male and female champions entered the ring for the final time. Two tremendous animals which had left me with a very hard decision to make. But the gracefulness of Corskie Disco had won me over, she was a stunning cow and a true matriarch of the breed and I was delighted to award her and the Green family the RHS 2019 Championship. Sterling’s FCUK Impuls took the reserve Champion, a heifer who I’m sure will have plenty of success at shows in the future!
As I reflect on my judging, I’d like to take the opportunity to say how very proud I am to be part of the Simmental breed. I was very impressed by the presentation and quality of the animals paraded in front of me and I would like to congratulate every exhibitor for taking part and showcasing the breed for all to see.
DATE: 20th June to 23rd June 2019
JUDGE: Mr S Stronach
CLASS & POSITION
NAME OF ANIMAL
SIRE
DAM
EXHIBITOR
Best Female, Best Animal Bred by Exhibitor, Best Cow with Calf at Foot (judged as a pair) & Overall Champion
Judge praises quality of Simmental’s at NI National Show
By Julie Hazelton
A tremendous show with an incredible standard of livestock was how British Simmental Cattle Society president Michael Barlow described the breed’s inaugural NI National Show.
Mr Barlow from the noted Denizes Herd based in Lancashire, said he thoroughly enjoyed judging the event, held in conjunction with the 179th Omagh Show.
More than 50 entries from herds across the Province competed for a share of the £4,000 prize fund.
NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club chairman Conard Fegan congratulated the exhibitors on a great show, and thanked principal sponsor Danske Bank, and the numerous agricultural and local businesses for their generous support. “It’s fantastic to see such a great turnout of cattle, and we were overwhelmed by the number of spectators in attendance.”
Stealing the show was the much-admired junior bull Ranfurly Jameson bred by breed stalwart David Hazelton from Dungannon. This eighteen-month-old entry caught the eye of Michael Barlow to secure the junior, male and supreme overall championship awards. He also claimed the DANI Rosebowl for the best performance recorded bull.
Sired by the noted Raceview King, this bull is out of the home-bred Carnkern Titan daughter Ranfurly Weikel 17th. He also secured the breed’s junior, male and supreme championship ribbons at Balmoral Show in May.
Michael Barlow commented: “The overall champion is a fine example of the Simmental breed. He has great conformation, good legs and feet, and oozes breed character.”
It turned out to be a red-letter day for David and Jonny Hazelton, who won five first prize rosettes and a string of championship sashes and trophies. Their haul of plaudits included the reserve supreme championship, and the female and reserve female titles. The Ranfurly Herd – established more than 40 years ago – won the prize for the exhibitor gaining the most points at the show.
Claiming the female and reserve supreme championship awards was the three-year-old cow Ranfurly Weikel 18th VG87, shown with her January born Cleenagh Flasher heifer calf at foot.
Sired by Raceview King, Ranfurly Weikel 18th VG87, is bred from the Hillcrest Champion daughter Ranfurly Weikel 11th EX90. She was Simmental champion at Lurgan Show, and reserve champion at Armagh Show.
Her full sister Ranfurly Weikel 23rd secured the reserve female championship. This two-year-old heifer was female champion at Balmoral.
The January 2018 Cleenagh Jessica claimed the reserve junior championship for Robert and Julie Stinson from Enniskillen. Purchased at the Cleenagh dispersal sale last year, this heifer is one of three foundation females in the Roscultan Herd.
Sired by the 2014 and 2015 Balmoral champion Dermotstown Delboy, her dam is the Bridgemount Vixon daughter Stralongford Courtney. The Stinson’s made their showring debut at Balmoral, winning the reserve junior and reserve female championships at the 151st show.
The five-month-old bull calf Breaghey Kingdom secured the reserve male championship for Andrew and Zara Clarke, Tynan, County Armagh. Sired by Omorga Regan, he is bred from the Kilbride Farm Newry daughter Breaghey Beatrice – one of 14 cows in the herd.
Results from the NI National Show include:
Cow, any age, sponsored by ABP Newry – 1, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 18th VG87 by Raceview King.
Senior heifer, born between 01/01/17 and 30/06/17, sponsored by John Thompson and Sons Ltd – 1, Jonathan Henderson, Newbiemains Intrepid by Newbiemains Golden Eye; 2, Jonathan Henderson, Drumsamney Cara’s Snowdrop by Banwy Wonderboy.
Intermediate heifer, born between 01/07/17 and 31/12/17, sponsored by Parklands Veterinary Group– 1, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 23rd by Raceview King; 2, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Isla by Ranfurly Confederate; 3, Andrew and Zara Clarke, Breaghey Leading Lady by Woodhall Everhart; 4, David Carson, Lissadell Jezebel by Curaheen Vio.
Junior heifer, born between 01/01/18 and 30/06/18, sponsored by Woodcraft Kitchens (Kilrea) – 1, Julie Stinson, Cleenagh Jessica by Dermotstown Delboy; 2, Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Jewel P by Kilbride Farm Glenhead; 3, Gareth Wilson, Rathnashan Kit Kat Cara by Kilbride Farm Comber; 4, Julie Stinson, Roscultan Jemima by Dermotstown Delboy.
Junior heifer, born between 01/07/18 and 31/12/18, sponsored by Animax – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Lady Jasmine by Omorga Murray; 2, Keith and Andrea Nelson, Scribby Farms Jelly Bean by Curaheen Dickens; 3, Keith and Andrea Nelson, Scribby Farms Judy by Curaheen Dickens; 4, Cecil and Scott McIlwaine, Corrick Jayne by Curaheen Dickens.
Heifer calf, born in 2019, sponsored by Millar Meats – 1, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 30th by Cleenagh Flasher; 2, HC Stubbs and AA Burleigh, Derrycallaghan Kalmaty Jane by Team Celtic; 3, Shane O’Neill, Drumcook Shirley by Omorga Baldwin.
Junior bull, born between 01/01/18 and 30/04/18, sponsored by T-MET – 1, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Jameson by Raceview King; 2, Keith and Andrea Nelson, Scribby Farms Jeronimo by Team Celtic; 3, HC Stubbs and AA Burleigh, Derrycallaghan Jacko by Omorga Volvo; 4, John Moore, Omorga Joel by Mullyknock Gallant.
Junior bull, born between 01/05/18 and 31/08/18, sponsored by Teemore Engineering – 1, HC Stubbs and AA Burleigh, Derrycallaghan Jackpot by Popes Laird; 2, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Joop by Dermotstown Delboy; 3, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Jasper by Mullyknock Gallant.
Junior bull, born between 01/09/18 and 31/12/18, sponsored by RS Concrete – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Jameson by Ashland Brandy; 2, Cecil and Scott McIlwaine, Corrick Judge by Curaheen Gunshot; 3, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Jazzman by Curaheen Dickens; 4, John Moore, Omorga Joshua by Dermotstown Delboy.
Bull calf, born in 2019, sponsored by Huttons Butchers – 1, Andrew and Zara Clarke, Breaghey Kingdom by Omorga Regan; 2, Peter Stratton, Glengesh Kingsman by Kilbride Farm Dragoon.
Pair, property of exhibitor, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim – 1, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 23rd and Ranfurly Jameson; 2, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Lady Jasmine and Coolcran Jameson; 3, Keith and Andrea Nelson, Scribby Farms Jellybean and Scribby Farms Judy; 4, Julie Stinson, Cleenagh Jessica and Roscultan Jemima.
Young handler, 8 to 12 years-old, sponsored by Johnston Agri – 1, Thomas McAllister; 2, Jason Little.
Young handler, 13 to 18 years-old, sponsored by Warren Kerr Agri Supplies – 1, Molly Bradley.
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