Royal Highland Show 21st June to 24th June 2018

Royal Highland Show 21st June to 24th June 2018

Blackford Galaxy 15, Best Bull, Breeder of the Best Bull, Overall Champion and 1st place Bull, born on or before 31.12.15

Judges Report, John Dykes

I was greatly honoured to be invited by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society and the Simmental Society to judge the classes at the Royal Highland Show. To be invited by one’s peers to place their entries at such a prestigious event is a great vote of confidence to any livestock breeder. 

At the time of writing this report, our herd is in the process of being prepared for dispersal, but this in no way reduces my enthusiasm for the breed or confidence in a very exciting and progressive future for Simmentals and their breeders. After thirty-one years of involvement with this breed at all levels, placing the cattle at the Highland Show is indeed the icing on the cake. 

As a breeder of commercial cattle for over fifty years, I have always been very conscious of the qualities that lead to ease of management and profitability. I hope that my placings of the many quality cattle paraded before me went some way to bear this out. 

As always at the ‘Highland’, the eleven classes led off with the youngest female class, yearling heifers. There were nine heifers forward with the eventual first place going to Frank Gwynne’s Chestermann Empire Stella. A very stylish young heifer who moved really well and has the potential to grow into a very impressive cow. Second was the Green’s Corskie Inita and third was Richard McCulloch’s Overhill House India. 

The next age class was well supported with thirteen of the sixteen entries forward. The winner of this class was Jimmy McMillan’s Sterling FCUK Impuls – a very long, clean, whole coloured heifer with lots of style and beautifully shown. Perhaps not quite perfect behind but nevertheless a worthy winner. Second was Heather Duff’s Pitmudie Florin 2nd and third was Jim & Patricia Goldie’s Newbiemains Impressive. 

The July to December 2016 class was again well supported with twelve entries forward. The Green’s Corskie Herlande came out top in this strong class, A very sound, good moving heifer who went on to be Best Junior Female and eventually Best Junior Animal of the breed. Second and Reserve Junior Female was Gerald Smith’s Drumsleed Hilight. She also followed the first prize winner through to become Reserve Overall Junior Champion. Third in the class was Michael Durno’s Auchorachan Letta H1. 

The class for heifers born between 1st January and end of June 2016 was slightly smaller but of a very high standard. The eventual winner of a very close-run decision was Heather Duff’s Pitmudie Havana, beating Jimmy & Vikki Wood’s Popes Rhona. Havana showed more breed character through her head and front end and went on to be Female Champion and Reserve Overall in a very strong female section. Third in this class to these two impressive animals was Corskie Harp from the Greens. 

Heifers born in 2015 was a strong class with the older animals nursing calves. The winner was Gerald Smith’s Drumsleed Gretel. A well grown heifer with a tidy udder, making a good job of rearing her calf. Second was Andy Wilson’s Cairnview Tilly 4th. Not quite as strong as the first prize winner but correct in every way and rearing a classy calf very well. This combination went on to win the prize for the Best Cow & Calf, judged as a pair. Third in the class was a younger heifer from Richard McCulloch, Overhill House Giggle. 

The junior cow class had only three forward with Woodhall Erica in first place. A well grown dark coloured young cow from Richard McCulloch, nursing a good calf. A cow who will have a great future when she matures. Second was Gerald Smith’s Drumsleed Farina and third was Tom Henderson’s Annick Trixibelle 15th

The senior cow class was the smallest in the female section with only two forward but was won by the very impressive Sterling Petra’s Cairo. This seven-year old cow was nursing a well reared calf but is starting to show signs of age in her locomotion. She went on to be Reserve Female Champion. Second was Dargill Cassie, also seven years old and in her working clothes, nursing a bull calf very well. 

The bull classes were not quite so well supported as the females. The junior class of bulls had seven forward out of thirteen entries and was won by Corskie Infinity, a yearling bull from the Greens. A very free moving and growthy bull with all the right attributes to be a good herd sire. Second was Frank Gwynne’s Chestermann Imran and third was Skerrington Iceman from the Goldies. 

Intermediate bulls was a little better filled class with twelve forward, to be led by Blackford Iolair. A red and white bull with exceptionally good fleshing and thickness throughout who went on to win the Interbreed Beefbreeder/Breedplan championship the following day. Second was Heather Duff’s Pitmudie Inverurie and third was Gerald Smith’s Drumsleed Iceman. 

The first senior bull class had only two entries forward and was won by Camus Harold, a two-year old bull from the Woods. Very well fleshed, plenty of width and a great mover. Second was Overhill House Hercules from Richard McCulloch. 

The last class of aged bulls only had two, but they were very impressive. Winner of the class was Blackford Galaxy from Michael Barlow. On his second visit to Ingliston under new ownership, he surpassed last year’s successes and went on to win the Male Championship and the Overall Breed Champion. He is a big bull carrying a lot of condition but still moved actively and freely. The second bull was Richard McCulloch’s Curaheen Drifter, an extremely thick, well fleshed bull also but did not move so freely as the first. 

After placing all the seventy-two animals in the classes it was very satisfying to have all the first prize winners line up in a very pleasing show of top-class cattle. Blackford Galaxy making an outstanding Overall Champion with Pitmudie Havana a very worth Reserve. 

I would just like to conclude by thanking and congratulating all the exhibitors for presenting such a fine show of cattle on a day when the weather was perfect for the event. Also, a big thank you to the directors, stewards and Scottish Simmental Club who, as always, excelled in their organisation of the judging, the welcome and the hospitality extended to Kate and myself on what will always be a memorable day. 

Thank you. 

Pitmudie Havana, Best Female, Reserve Overall Champion, Best Animal Bred by Exhibitor & 1st Place Female born on or between 01.01.16 and 30.06.16
Camus Harold 16, Best Junior Bull, Reserve Bull, Best Animal of Opposite Sex to the Junior Champion and 1st place Bull, born on or between 01.01.16 and 31.12.16
Sterling Petra’s Cairo, Reserve Female Champion and 1st Place Female, born on or before 31.12.12, in milk or certified in calf at time of Show
DATE: 21st June to 24th June 2018JUDGE: Mr J Dykes
CLASS & POSITIONNAME OF ANIMALSIREDAMEXHIBITOR
Best Bull, Breeder of Best Bull & Overall ChampionBLACKFORD GALAXY 15CURLIEU KNIGHTBLACKFORD AEROMR M A BARLOW
Best Female, Reserve Overall Champion & Best Animal Bred by ExhibitorPITMUDIE HAVANACORSKIE ELDER 13DRUMSLEED CARINA 11HEATHER DUFF
Best Junior Bull, Reserve Bull & Best Animal of Opposite Sex to the Junior ChampionCAMUS HAROLD 16KILBRIDE FARM NEWRYCAMUS EASTERM/S J H & V G WOOD
Reserve Female ChampionSTERLING PETRA’S CAIRODOVEFIELDS GALLANTSTERLING DOLORES PETRAMR & MRS P B & J A BORLASE
Best Cow with Calf at foot, judged as a pairCAIRNVIEW TILLY 4THWESTVIEW ELMO 13CAIRNVIEW TILLYMR A J WILSON
CAIRNVIEW ISMAN 17WOODHALL FERRARI 14CAIRNVIEW TILLY 4THMR A J WILSON
Best Junior Female & Best Junior AnimalCORSKIE HERLANDEBEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11CORSKIE ROLANDEMR WJ & J GREEN
Reserve Junior Female & Reserve Junior AnimalDRUMSLEED HILIGHT 16GRANGEWOOD WILLIAMDRUMSLEED EVITA 13MR G W SMITH
Reserve Junior BullCORSKIE INFINITY 17BEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11CORSKIE FOURTH STARMR WJ & J GREEN
Female, born on or after 01.04.171. CHESTERMANN EMPIRE STELLASTERLING EMPIRE 13CHESTERMANN RINGLEADER STELLAMESSRS N & N GWYNNE
2. CORSKIE INITAAULTMORE FRANCO 14CORSKIE ANITAMR WJ & J GREEN
3. OVERHILL HOUSE INDIACURAHEEN DRIFTERWOODHALL CLAUDIARICHARD MCCULLOCH
4. GARMOUTH DUMANDY’S ISABELLABEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11STERLING VERITY’S DUMANDYLAURA GREEN
5. NEWBIEMAINS IRISWOODHALL FANTASTIC 14NEWBIEMAINS FUCHSIAJIM & PATRICIA GOLDIE
6. STRATHISLA INDIA’S TWIGGYISLAVALE DONALD 12STRATHISLA ABBEY’S TWIGGYSTRATHISLA FARMS
Female, born between 01.01.17 & 31.03.171. STERLING FCUK IMPULSSTERLING GINO 15STERLING CANDY’S F.C.U.KMR J MCMILLAN
2. PITMUDIE FLORIN 2NDCAIRNORRIE FERRARI 14PITMUDIE FLORINHEATHER DUFF
3. NEWBIEMAINS IMPRESSIVEWOODHALL FANTASTIC 14NEWBIEMAINS EMPRESSJIM & PATRICIA GOLDIE
4. AUCHORACHAN HILLY 6KILBRIDE FARM DELBOY 12AUCHORACHAN WENDYD & R DURNO & SONS
5. DENIZES CADETTE 35THBOSAHAN DYNAMO 12DENIZES CADETTE 28THMR M A BARLOW
6. POPES NELLYS ILIASWINGLETREE EMPOROR 13POPES NELLYS DAZZLERM/S J H & V G WOOD
Female, born on or between 01.07.16 and 31.12.161. CORSKIE HERLANDEBEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11CORSKIE ROLANDEMR WJ & J GREEN
2. DRUMSLEED HILIGHT 16GRANGEWOOD WILLIAMDRUMSLEED EVITA 13MR G W SMITH
3. AUCHORACHAN LETTA H1TEAM FERGUS 14AUCHORACHAN DYNASTYD & R DURNO & SONS
4. CORSKIE HERBBEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11CORSKIE DILLMR WJ & J GREEN
5. KENNOX ALICE’S HELENADIRNANEAN BRADLEY 10ANNICK TARA’S ALICEMR DAVID CRAIG
6. PITMUDIE HELENAOVERHILL HOUSE ERAGON 13NEWBIEMAINS EXCLUSIVEHEATHER DUFF
Female, born on or between 01.01.16 and 30.06.161. PITMUDIE HAVANACORSKIE ELDER 13DRUMSLEED CARINA 11HEATHER DUFF
2. POPES RHONAKILBRIDE FARM COMBER 11SKERRINGTON RHONA 21STM/S J H & V G WOOD
3. CORSKIE HARPCELTIC ROCKCORSKIE ELECTRAMR WJ & J GREEN
4. POPES PRINCESS HETTIEKILBRIDE FARM COMBER 11POPES PRINCESS CLEOM/S J H & V G WOOD
5. STRATHISLA HERMES’S LUCYDELLFIELD BRIGADIER 10BLAIR LUCYSTRATHISLA FARMS
6. DEERHURST HATTI 16STERLING COTSWOLD 11DEERHURST EUNICEMR & MRS P B & J A BORLASE
Female, having calved before 3 years of age or due to calve before 3 years of age, in milk or in calf, born in 20151. DRUMSLEED GRETEL 15HAYSTAR CRACKER 11DRUMSLEED BUTTERSCOTCHMR G W SMITH
2. CAIRNVIEW TILLY 4THWESTVIEW ELMO 13CAIRNVIEW TILLYMR A J WILSON
3. OVERHILL HOUSE GIGGLECURAHEEN DRIFTERWOODHALL EFFIERICHARD MCCULLOCH
4. NEWBIEMAINS GOLDIES BABEBLACKFORD ALBATROSS 09NEWBIEMAINS DREAM IN A FIELDJIM & PATRICIA GOLDIE
5. OVERHILL HOUSE GOOSEYBLACKFORD BEN MHOR 10WOODHALL EDITHRICHARD MCCULLOCH
Female, born in 2013 or 2014, in milk or certified in calf at time of Show1. WOODHALL ERICARACEVIEW ALL-STAR KKWOODHALL APRICOT 9RICHARD MCCULLOCH
2. DRUMSLEED FARINA 14CLONAGH BUCKAROONEY TRUELYBOARS HEAD KARINA 2NDMR G W SMITH
3. ANNICK TRIXIBELLE 15THANNICK CLAYMORE 11ANNICK TRIXI-BELLE 8THMR T A & E HENDERSON
Female, born on or before 31.12.12, in milk or certified in calf at time of Show1. STERLING PETRA’S CAIRODOVEFIELDS GALLANTSTERLING DOLORES PETRAMR & MRS P B & J A BORLASE
2. DARGILL CASSIEBOSWELL WARRIORBLACKFORD NESSIEJ C MCLAREN & PARTNERS
Bull, born on or after 01.04.171. CORSKIE INFINITY 17BEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11CORSKIE FOURTH STARMR WJ & J GREEN
2. CHESTERMANN IMRAN 17BLACKFORD RINGLEADERCHESTERMANN HALE BOPP NELLFRANK GWYNNE
3. SKERRINGTON ICEMAN 17SOWENNA ARISTROCRAT 09 9SKERRINGTON RHONA 32NDJIM & PATRICIA GOLDIE
4. COXHILL INIS 17LOPEMEDE GREGG 15TEAM KASEY 19JAMES MCKAY WIGHTMAN
5. DARGILL INROCK 17KILBRIDE FARM DOUBLEACTION 12PORTLOGAN BONNIEJ C MCLAREN & PARTNERS
6. SPRINGFIELD INVADER 17SHILOH FREEDOMSPRINGFIELD GOLDIEGAVIN BROWN
Bull, born on or between 01.01.17 and 31.03.171. BLACKFORD IOLAIR 17KILBRIDE FARM DOUBLEACTION 12BLACKFORD WAXWINGMR W G MACPHERSON (A FIRM)
2. PITMUDIE INVERURIE 17CORSKIE ELDER 13NEWBIEMAINS ELIZABETHHEATHER DUFF
3. DRUMSLEED ICEMAN 17HAYSTAR CRACKER 11DRUMSLEED CASSIEMR G W SMITH
4. GARMOUTH ICEMAN 17DIRNANEAN BRADLEY 10CORSKIE CLOVERLAURA GREEN
5. MANOR PARK IRVINE 17KILBRIDE FARM BERRATOFT 10MANOR PARK ALLANAHMR D C HOULDEY
6. CHESTERMANN IFAN 17STERLING EMPIRE 13CHESTERMANN RINGLEADER LULU 2FRANK GWYNNE
Bull, born on or between 01.01.16 and 31.12.161. CAMUS HAROLD 16KILBRIDE FARM NEWRYCAMUS EASTERM/S J H & V G WOOD
2. OVERHILL HOUSE HERCULES 16CURAHEEN DRIFTERWOODHALL ERICARICHARD MCCULLOCH
Bull, born on or before 31.12.151. BLACKFORD GALAXY 15CURLIEU KNIGHTBLACKFORD AEROMR M A BARLOW
2. CURAHEEN DRIFTERCURAHEEN WARRIOR (ET)CURAHEEN VIARICHARD MCCULLOCH
Best Group consisting of one Bull and two Females, all the property of one Exhibitor1. POPES RHONAKILBRIDE FARM COMBER 11SKERRINGTON RHONA 21STM/S J H & V G WOOD
1. CAMUS HAROLD 16KILBRIDE FARM NEWRYCAMUS EASTERM/S J H & V G WOOD
1. POPES PRINCESS HETTIEKILBRIDE FARM COMBER 11POPES PRINCESS CLEOM/S J H & V G WOOD
Group of Three Animals, by the same sire, any age or sex1. CORSKIE HERBBEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11CORSKIE DILLMR WJ & J GREEN
1. CORSKIE INFINITY 17BEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11CORSKIE FOURTH STARMR WJ & J GREEN
1. CORSKIE HERLANDEBEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11CORSKIE ROLANDEMR WJ & J GREEN
Interbreed – Beef Recorded Bull (Continental), born on or after 01.01.161. BLACKFORD IOLAIR 17KILBRIDE FARM DOUBLEACTION 12BLACKFORD WAXWINGMR W G MACPHERSON (A FIRM)
2. CAMUS HAROLD 16KILBRIDE FARM NEWRYCAMUS EASTERM/S J H & V G WOOD
6. OVERHILL HOUSE HERCULES 16CURAHEEN DRIFTERWOODHALL ERICARICHARD MCCULLOCH
Interbreed – Beef Breeder Continental ChampionBLACKFORD IOLAIR 17KILBRIDE FARM DOUBLEACTION 12BLACKFORD WAXWINGMR W G MACPHERSON (A FIRM)
Simmental bulls to a top  of 3,100gns at Ballymena

Simmental bulls to a top of 3,100gns at Ballymena

Ballymena Mart was the venue for the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club’s evening show and sale of pedigree and commercial livestock.

Bulls reached a ceiling of 3,100gns, while pedigree females sold to a top of 2,200gns. In the commercial section cows with calf at foot peaked at £1,300 twice, and maiden heifers sold to a top of £1,200 twice.

Topping bull trade at 3,100gns was the reserve male and reserve supreme champion Drumlone Inmate TSI +77 SRI+89 bred and exhibited by Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw. This fifteen-month-old Carnkern Titan son was bred from the Raceview King daughter Corbally A1 Kate, and is a full brother to Drumlone Fabulous, sold at Stirling in February 2016 for 10,000gns. Buyer was pedigree breeder Kenneth Stubbs from the Drumbulcan Herd in Irvinestown.

Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw, exhibited the reserve male and reserve supreme champion Drumlone Inmate sold for a top price of 3,100gns at the NI Simmental Club's evening show and sale in Ballymena.

Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw, exhibited the reserve male and reserve supreme champion Drumlone Inmate sold for a top price of 3,100gns at the NI Simmental Club’s evening show and sale in Ballymena.

Judge James Alexander from Randalstown awarded the male and supreme overall championship ribbons to the February 2017 Shacon Invincible TSI+91 SRI+91. Bred by Brian Dooher, Donemana, he was sired by Kilbride Farm Delboy, and is out of the Anatrim Bodybuilder daughter Celtic Eve – one of six cows in the herd, founded in 2011. In the breed’s top 5% for eye muscle area +5.5, he sold for 2,200gns to Eric Connor from Maghera.

Male and supreme overall Simmental champion was Shacon Invincible bred by Brian Dooher, Donemana, and exhibited by Ritchie Devine.

Male and supreme overall Simmental champion was Shacon Invincible bred by Brian Dooher, Donemana, and exhibited by Ritchie Devine.

James Alexander commented” The champion is a long powerful bull with good bone and breed characteristics. The reserve champion is another good bull, long and correct, and slightly lighter boned.”

James Alexander from Randalstown judged the NI Simmental Club's evening show and sale in Ballymena Mart.

James Alexander from Randalstown judged the NI Simmental Club’s evening show and sale in Ballymena Mart.

Four lots came under the hammer at 2,000gns each.

First to go was the February 2017 Cladymore Invincible TSI+50 SRI+56 from Archie Reaney’s herd in Markethill. This third prize winner was sired by Hillcrest Valentine, and is bred from the Omorga Murray daughter Ballinlare Farm Favourite Lady. Buyers were H and S Griffin, Portglenone.

Kilbride Farm Warren was behind the breeding of the February 2017 Cleenagh Ivory TSI+91 SRI+108 bred by Adrian Richardson, Maguiresbridge. This fifth prize winner was bred from Cleenagh Eyeful – a daughter of the 12,000gns Stirling champion Drumlone Anchor.

Next best at 2,000gns was the first prize winning Hiltonstown Ike ET TSI+80 SRI+94 bred by Richard Rodgers, Portglenone. Born in March 2017, he is by the 2014 and 2015 Balmoral Show breed champion Dermotstown Delboy, and is out of a home-bred dam by Woodhall Premier.

Also selling at 2,000gns was the fourth placed Kilbride Farm Idris TSI+56 SRI+43 from the Robson family at Doagh. Sired by stock bull Corskie Damario, he is out of the Cairnview Snazzy daughter Kilbride Farm Fanni 40E – full sister to the 12,000gns Kilbride Farm Bantry.

Pedigree females peaked at 2,200gns, paid to Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, who offered an unled draft from their 35-cow Lisglass Herd. Leading the offering was the October 2016 Lisglass Hope, a daughter of herd sire Dermotstown Delboy. She is out of a home-bred Woodhall Premier dam.

The female champion Castlemount Angela 2nd came under the hammer at 1,850gns for Duncan McDowell from Newtownards.  This thirteen-month-old heifer was sired by Kilbride Farm Bantry, and is out of a Slievenagh-bred dam from the 12,000gns Dovefields Gallant.

Richard McKeown exhibited the female champion Castlemount Angela 2nd on behalf of Duncan McDowell, Newtownards. Addiing his congratulations is Neill Acheson, Animax, sponsor.

Richard McKeown exhibited the female champion Castlemount Angela 2nd on behalf of Duncan McDowell, Newtownards. Addiing his congratulations is Neill Acheson, Animax, sponsor.

Mr McDowell also realised 1,800gns for the seven-year-old cow Drumagarner Cute. Sired by Barnattin Wally, she is out of a dam by Lisglass Python. Included in the price was her March born Kilbride Farm Escalop bull calf Castlemount Jetliner.

In the commercial section, cow and calf outfits sold to £1,300 twice, and £1,200 twice, paid to Frank Cunning from Glarryford.

Maiden heifers peaked at £1,200, paid to Nigel Glasgow and Malcolm Thom, both from Cookstown. Other leading prices include £1,180 and £1,100 twice.

The NI Simmental Club is indebted to its sponsors, Animax and Connon General Merchants, for their generous continued support.

NI Simmental Cattle Breeders' Club chairman Conrad Fegan, centre, is pictured with sponsors of the evening show and salein Ballymena, John Connon, Connon General Merchants; and Neill Acheson, Animax.

NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club chairman Conrad Fegan, centre, is pictured with sponsors of the evening show and salein Ballymena, John Connon, Connon General Merchants; and Neill Acheson, Animax.

Results from the judging ring:

Bull, born between 15/09/16 and 22/12/16 – 1, Ian Davidson, Stewartstown Harry by Dripsey Super King; 2, Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Harvester by Kilbride Farm Delboy; 3, Kenneth Stubbs, Drumbulcan Heartbeat by Drumacritten Callum.

Bull, born between  02/01/17 and 22/01/17 – 1, Kenneth Stubbs, Drumbulcan Ivor by Drumacritten Callum; 2, Andrew Clarke, Breaghey Ironman by Breaghey Diamond; 3, Joe Campbell, Camus Icon by Curaheen Apostle.

Bull, born between 05/02/17 and 20/02/17 – 1, male and supreme champion, Brian Dooher, Shacon Invincible by Kilbride Farm Delboy; 2, reserve male and reserve supreme champion, Kenneth Veitch, Drumlone Inmate by Carnkern Titan; 3, Archie Reaney and Sons, Cladymore Invincible by Hillcrest Valentine.

Bull, born between 04/03/17 and 20/04/17 – 1, Richard Rodgers, Hiltonstown Ike by Dermotstown Delboy; 2, Adrian Richardson, Cleenagh Idle by Kilbride Farm Warren; 3, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Icon by Dermotstown Delboy.

Reserve female champion was Jason Whitcroft's Whitdrum Lady Delilah. Included is sponsor Neill Acheson, Animax.

Reserve female champion was Jason Whitcroft’s Whitdrum Lady Delilah. Included is sponsor Neill Acheson, Animax.

Pedigree Simmental heifer is top prize in charity raffle

Pedigree Simmental heifer is top prize in charity raffle

The NI Simmental Cattle Breeders' Club is supporting Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. Launching the club's charity raffle are, from left: Conrad Fegan, chairman; Kenneth and Avril Stubbs, Irvinestown, who have donated an in-calf pedigree heifer; Gary Wilson, AANI area fund raising manager for Fermanagh and Tyrone; and Robin Boyd, president, British Simmental Cattle Society.

The NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club is supporting Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. Launching the club’s charity raffle are, from left: Conrad Fegan, chairman; Kenneth and Avril Stubbs, Irvinestown, who have donated an in-calf pedigree heifer; Gary Wilson, AANI area fund raising manager for Fermanagh and Tyrone; and Robin Boyd, president, British Simmental Cattle Society.

THE Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club is organising a charity raffle in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

First prize is an in-calf pedigree Simmental heifer generously donated by Kenneth and Avril Stubbs and Family from Irvinestown, County Fermanagh.

The September 2016 Drumbulcan Honeybee was sired by the Clonagh Tiger Gallant son, Drumacritten Callum, and is out of the home-bred Omorga Baldwin daughter Drumbulcan Errin.

The 20-cow Drumbulcan prefix was founded by Kenneth Stubbs in 1976. He said:” We are delighted that Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is the Simmental Club’s chosen charity for 2018.

“Last year we lost our very dear friend Thelma Gorman in a tragic farming accident. She was a stalwart of the club and a great ambassador for the Simmental breed. Living in a rural community we are fully aware of the vital service that Air Ambulance Northern Ireland provides, and we are pleased to donate Drumbulcan Honeybee or £2,000, as first prize in the charity raffle.”

Club chairman Conard Fegan thanked the Stubbs family for their generous donation. “Thelma Gorman was a highly esteemed Simmental breeder, and a long-standing committee member and former club chairman. In memory of Thelma, the proceeds from this year’s BBQ, auction and raffle will be donated to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. “

Tickets are priced at £5 each or three for £10. The winning ticket will be drawn at the club’s annual BBQ in Dungannon Rugby Club on Friday 10th August.

Drumbulcan Honeybee will be visiting a number of the Provincial agricultural shows over the next few months – Armagh, Omagh, Castlewellan, Clogher Valley and Fermanagh County Show. Tickets will be on sale at these events and are also available from NI Simmental Club committee members.

Conrad Fegan added:” Our raffle features a number of great prizes, and we are indebted to the various local businesses for their generosity.”

Second prize is a 43” LG Full HD LED TV; third prize is one-night B&B for two at the award winning Galgorm Resort and Spa near Ballymena; fourth prize is an SFS Plastic one ton portable meal bin; and fifth prize is a hand-crafted wooden farm set from Millwood Crafts.

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides a helicopter emergency medical service, and responds to seriously ill or injured patients, seven days a week, for twelve hours a day.

From its base near Lisburn, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland can reach any part of the Province in approximately twenty-five minutes. Its primary role is to deliver advanced critical care, benefitting those whose lives are at serious risk following significant injury or trauma, by bringing urgent medical assistance directly to the patient at the scene.

Gary Wilson, AANI area fundraising manager for Fermanagh and Tyrone said: “We are delighted that the Stubbs Family and the NI Simmental Club are raising funds to support the work of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.”

“Since its launch in July 2017 Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has been tasked over 300 times to every County in Northern Ireland. To ensure the service is sustained we need to raise £2 million annually, so public support is crucial.”

Balmoral – Royal Ulster Show 16th May to 19th May 2018

Balmoral – Royal Ulster Show 16th May to 19th May 2018

Judges Report, Bridget Borlase

Ranfurly Impeccable I4 17, Male Champion, Junior Champion & Overall Champion. Best exhibit bred in NI and 1st Place Bull, born on or after 01.01.17

Firstly, I would like to thank the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge the Simmental classes at their 150th Centenary Show, it was a great honour and a privilege for me to do so. 

I was on my first visit to Balmoral Show and I have to say I was most impressed by their showground and their fantastic new cattle building and judging rings where the cattle were presented to me on a bright and beautiful day. 

Numbers were not high but still the Simmental exhibitors should be applauded for putting forward some quality youngstock before me which were a credit to our breed and all well presented. 

We kicked off the day with the Junior heifer class for heifers born in 2017.   Top of the line was Cleenagh Ivy, a very sweet heifer with real presence and femininity, she was very eye catching and had drawn me to her as soon as she came into the ring.  Following her was another heifer with real style which was Whitdrum Lady Della, she was giving away quite a bit of age and just carrying enough cover for her age but a worthy runner up.   Cleenagh Ivy and Whitdrum Lady Della went on to be my Female and Reserve Female Champion respectively.  The other two heifers in the class will go on to do a good job, just lacking the style of the first two heifers.    

The second class of the day was for heifers born from 1st July 2016 to 31st December 2016 and we had six strong entries forward.   Leading the way for me in this class was Lisglass Helena with her stablemate Lisglass Honey in 2nd and Cloone Hilda in 3rd.   There was little to split my first and second placed heifers both very fleshy with plenty of style about them.   Lisglass Helena just won through on locomotion and length over Lisglass Honey and Cloone Hilda was again a sweet heifer but just lacked the scale of my first two.    

Onto the senior heifer class for heifers born from 1st January 2016 to 30th June 2016 where we had three entries.  My clear winner in this class was Ranfurly Weikel 18th H2, a big powerful heifer, she has great length and scale to her and handled herself very well.   Castlemount Modesty 3 took 2nd place and Lummin Hattie was 3rd.  Both my second and third prize heifers were good examples of the breed but were just overpowered on the day by the 1st placed heifer. 

Male entries were disappointing, and we had just one class of yearling bulls.   However, my winner of this class, Ranfurly Impeccable 17 lived up to his name and definitely stole the show, going on to be Male and Overall Champion and following that with Interbreed Champion Performance recorded bull.   A very well grown bull for his age, he has great style and presence about him as well as great length and clean lines, truly a credit to his breeders. Lisglass Impressor 17 stood second and followed on for Reserve Male Champion.  He was also a strong bull for his age but just lacking the sheer scale of the winner with Woodford Iceberg 17 in a very creditable 3rd place. 

My Overall Champion had to be Ranfurly Impeccable 17, as I said earlier, a bull with real power and class and an easy winner on the day.   Following him was my Female Champion, the very sweet and correct Cleenagh Ivy who is a young heifer with a bright future. 

In conclusion I would like to thank all the exhibitors for an excellent show of young cattle they put in front of me as well as my ring stewards and the Northern Ireland Simmental Club and the Royal Ulster Show Society for the wonderful hospitality shown to me. 

Cleenagh Ivy, Female Champion, Reserve Junior Champion, Best Heifer and Reserve Overall Champion. Reserve Best Exhibit bred in NI, and first place Heifer, born on or after 01.01.17
Lisglass Impressor 17, Reserve Male Champion and Second place Bull, born on or after 01.01.17
Whitdrum Lady Della, Reserve Female Champion, Reserve Best Heifer and 2nd place Heifer, born on or after 01.01.17
DATE: 16th May to 19th May 2018JUDGE: Miss B Borlase
CLASS & POSITIONNAME OF ANIMALSIREDAMEXHIBITOR
Male Champion, Junior Champion & Overall ChampionRANFURLY IMPECCABLE I4 17RACEVIEW KINGRANFURLY WEIKEL 3RD W2MR W D HAZELTON
Female Champion, Reserve Junior Champion & Reserve Overall ChampionCLEENAGH IVYDERMOTSTOWN DELBOYSTRALONGFORD COURTNEYMR T W ABRAHAM
Reserve Male ChampionLISGLASS IMPRESSOR 17DERMOTSTOWN DELBOYLISGLASS BRAMBLEJ L & C J WEATHERUP
Reserve Female ChampionWHITDRUM LADY DELLADERMOTSTOWN DELBOYOMORGA CRYSTALMR JASON WHITCROFT
Best Heifer, born on or after 01.01.16 and on or before 30.06.171. CLEENAGH IVYDERMOTSTOWN DELBOYSTRALONGFORD COURTNEYMR T W ABRAHAM
2. WHITDRUM LADY DELLADERMOTSTOWN DELBOYOMORGA CRYSTALMR JASON WHITCROFT
Best Exhibit Bred in NI1. RANFURLY IMPECCABLE I4 17RACEVIEW KINGRANFURLY WEIKEL 3RD W2MR W D HAZELTON
2. CLEENAGH IVYDERMOTSTOWN DELBOYSTRALONGFORD COURTNEYMR T W ABRAHAM
Heifer, born on or after 01.01.16 and on or before 30.06.161. RANFURLY WEIKEL 18TH H2RACEVIEW KINGRANFURLY WEIKEL 11TH D3MR W D HAZELTON
2. CASTLEMOUNT MODESTY 3CELTIC COMETCASTLEMOUNT MODESTYMRS MARGARET LITTLE
3. LUMMIN HATTIEAUCHORACHAN WIZARDLUMMIN DARLA IIMRS MARGARET LITTLE
Heifer, born on or after 01.07.16 and on or before 31.12.161. LISGLASS HELENADERMOTSTOWN DELBOYLISGLASS BUTTERFLYJ L & C J WEATHERUP
2. LISGLASS HONEYDERMOTSTOWN DELBOYLISGLASS DAINTY LADYJ L & C J WEATHERUP
3. CLOONE HILDAANATRIM BODYBUILDERCORLESMORE BRIDMR J N GLASGOW
4. RACEVIEW HI CHAMPTERONAHILLCREST CHAMPIONCORBALLY TRONAMR J N GLASGOW
5. BRIDGEWATER FARM FLIRTPROMISLIEVENAGH FLIRTMR J N GLASGOW
6. SEAVIEW HARRIETKILBRIDE FARM DELBOY 12KILDERA AVRILMR T W ABRAHAM
Heifer, born on or after 01.01.171. CLEENAGH IVYDERMOTSTOWN DELBOYSTRALONGFORD COURTNEYMR T W ABRAHAM
2. WHITDRUM LADY DELLADERMOTSTOWN DELBOYOMORGA CRYSTALMR JASON WHITCROFT
3. DRUMSAMNEY CARA’S SNOWDROPBANWY WONDERBOYOMORGA CARAJONATHAN HENDERSON
4. DRUMSAMNEY CLOVER’S STEFANYLOSNING IVERDRUMSAMNEY CARA’S CLOVERJONATHAN HENDERSON
Bull, born on or after 01.01.171. RANFURLY IMPECCABLE I4 17RACEVIEW KINGRANFURLY WEIKEL 3RD W2MR W D HAZELTON
2. LISGLASS IMPRESSOR 17DERMOTSTOWN DELBOYLISGLASS BRAMBLEJ L & C J WEATHERUP
3. WOODFORD ICEBERG 17DERMOTSTOWN DELBOYWOODFORD PATRICIA 3RDMR JASON WHITCROFT
Pair of Animals1. LISGLASS HELENADERMOTSTOWN DELBOYLISGLASS BUTTERFLYJ L & C J WEATHERUP
1. LISGLASS HONEYDERMOTSTOWN DELBOYLISGLASS DAINTY LADYJ L & C J WEATHERUP
2. RANFURLY IMPECCABLE I4 17RACEVIEW KINGRANFURLY WEIKEL 3RD W2MR W D HAZELTON
2. RANFURLY WEIKEL 18TH H2RACEVIEW KINGRANFURLY WEIKEL 11TH D3MR W D HAZELTON
3. BRIDGEWATER FARM FLIRTPROMISLIEVENAGH FLIRTMR J N GLASGOW
3. RACEVIEW HI CHAMPTERONAHILLCREST CHAMPIONCORBALLY TRONAMR J N GLASGOW
Ivomec Super Pairs QualifiersLISGLASS HELENADERMOTSTOWN DELBOYLISGLASS BUTTERFLYJ L & C J WEATHERUP
LISGLASS HONEYDERMOTSTOWN DELBOYLISGLASS DAINTY LADYJ L & C J WEATHERUP
Interbreed – Beef Recorded Bull, continental breed, born on or after 01.01.171. RANFURLY IMPECCABLE I4 17RACEVIEW KINGRANFURLY WEIKEL 3RD W2MR W D HAZELTON
Interbreed – Champion Inter Breed Performance BullRANFURLY IMPECCABLE I4 17RACEVIEW KINGRANFURLY WEIKEL 3RD W2MR W D HAZELTON

‘Impeccable’ win for Ranfurly  in Balmoral Simmental ring By Julie Hazelton

‘Impeccable’ win for Ranfurly in Balmoral Simmental ring By Julie Hazelton

A tremendous young bull with style and exceptional breed character was how English judge Bridget Borlase described the supreme Simmental champion at the 150th Balmoral Show.

Lifting the plaudits at the sun-drenched Balmoral Park – which has been home to the RUAS event for six years – was the sixteen-month-old Raceview King son, Ranfurly Impeccable ET from David and Jonny Hazelton’s herd in Dungannon. He also scooped the male and exhibitor-bred awards.

Ranfurly Impeccable

Ranfurly Impeccable

The Ranfurly Herd is a regular exhibitor at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Show, and its last Balmoral supreme title came in 2010 when this bull’s dam, Ranfurly Weikel 3rd ET was crowned female champion and went on to secure the overall title. She was reserve junior champion and female champion in 2009 and won a record nine successive breed championship awards in the same year.

Ms Borlase, who runs 120 cows in the Sacombe and Perrywood Herds in Hertfordshire said: “This is my first time at Balmoral Show, and it’s a privilege to be part of the 150th Anniversary celebrations.

“Simmentals are lacking in numbers, but not in quality. The champion caught my eye as soon as he entered the showring. He displays the type of breed character that you don’t see these days.  This bull has everything a pedigree breeder is looking for – length, conformation, good locomotion, style and power. “

The Hazelton’s also scooped a first prize rosette in the senior heifer class with Ranfurly Weikel 18th.  Sired by Raceview King, she is bred from the 2014 Danske Bank Female of the Year Ranfurly Weikel 11th. This heifer was reserve junior and reserve female champion at Balmoral Show in 2017.

Ranfurly Weikel 18th

Ranfurly Weikel 18th

Wesley Abraham from the Magheracrigan Herd in Irvinestown claimed the reserve championship honours with the junior heifer Cleenagh Ivy. Bred by Adrian and Clive Richardson from Maguiresbirdge, this sixteen-month-old heifer was sired by the 2014 and 2015 Balmoral champion Dermotstown Delboy and is bred from Stralongford Courtney. She was female champion at the NI Simmental Club’s March show and sale in Dungannon, and was purchased by Mr Abraham for 3,000gns.

Cleenagh Ivy

Cleenagh Ivy

Bridget Borlase added:” The female and reserve overall champion is a sweet heifer. She has length, character and great ring presence. I’ve no doubt she’ll grow and mature into a really good cow.”

Claiming the day’s reserve female championship was the second placed Whitdrum Lady Della from Jason Whitcroft’s 6-cow herd in Armagh. Born in March 2017, she is by Dermotstown Delboy, and bred from Omorga Crystal. This one is a full sister to Whitdrum Vicky – winner of numerous breed championships in 2017.

Whitdrum Lady Della

Whitdrum Lady Della

“This is another smart young heifer with great ring presence,” added the judge.

Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, won the reserve male championship with the Dermotstown Delboy son Lisglass Impressor. Bred from Lisglass Bramble, his full brother sold at Stirling last year to Gordon Clark’s Broombrae Herd.

Lisglass Impressor

Lisglass Impressor

“This bull is well grown for his age but lacks the character of today’s champion. I’ve no doubt he’ll be a good bull come the autumn.”

The Weatherup duo qualified for the Ivomec Super Pair of the Year final with the September 2016 Dermotstown Delboy daughters Lisglass Helena and Lisglass Honey. They were placed first and second in the intermediate heifer class.

Lisglass Helena

Lisglass Helena

Results from the show ring:

Specials

Bobbie Dickson Perpetual Challenge Trophy, for the supreme champion: WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Impeccable ET. Reserve: Wesley Abraham, Cleenagh Ivy.

Bangor and Six Road Ends Farmers’ Union Perpetual Trophy, for the female champion: Wesley Abraham, Cleenagh Ivy. Reserve: Jason Whitcroft, Whitdrum Lady Della.

William Black Memorial Perpetual Cup, for the male champion: WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Impeccable ET. Reserve: JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Impressor.

News Letter Shield, for the junior champion: WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Impeccable ET. Reserve: Wesley Abraham, Cleenagh Ivy.

NI Simmental Club Silver Award, for the best exhibit bred in Northern Ireland: WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Impeccable ET.

Bobbie Gamble Perpetual Challenge Trophy, for the best heifer born between 01/01/15 and 30/06/15: Wesley Abraham. Cleenagh Ivy.

Qualifiers for the Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year: JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Helena and Lisglass Honey.

Classes

Heifer, born between 01/01/16 and 30/06/16 – 1, WD and J D Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 18th by Raceview King; 2, Margaret Little, Lummin Hattie by Auchorachan Wizard; 3, Margaret Little, Castlemount Modesty 3rd by Celtic Comet.

Heifer, born between 01/07/16 and 31/12/16 – 1, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Helena by Dermotstown Delboy; 2, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Honey by Dermotstown Delboy; 3, Nigel Glasgow, Cloone Hilda by Anatrim Bodybuilder.

Heifer, born on or after 01/01/17 – 1, Wesley Abraham, Cleenagh Ivy by Dermotstown Delboy; 2, Jason Whitcroft, Whitdrum Lady Della by Dermotstown Delboy; 3, Jonathan Henderson, Drumsamney Clover’s Stefany by Losning Iver.

Bull, born on or after 01/01/17 – 1, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Impeccable ET by Raceview King; 2, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Impressor by Dermotstown Delboy; 3, Jason Whitcroft, Woodford Iceberg by Dermotstown Delboy.

Pair, property of exhibitor – 1, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Helena and Lisglass Honey; 2, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Impeccable and Ranfurly Weikel 18th; 3, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Flirt and Raceview HI Champterona.