COOLCRAN AND LISGLASS CALVES LEAD THE WAY AT NI SIMMENTAL CALF SHOW

COOLCRAN AND LISGLASS CALVES LEAD THE WAY AT NI SIMMENTAL CALF SHOW

  • Coolcran Maximus Wins Senior Champion
  • Lisglass Nightingale Lifts Junior Championship

A fantastic display of Simmental cattle was the general ringside consensus at the second staging of the Four Breed Calf Show held in Dungannon Farmers Market on Saturday 26th November 2022. Judging of the Simmental classes was in the very capable hands of Neil McIlwaine of the well-known Corrick Herd, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone.  Sponsor of the Simmental section was Ann Kennedy from Centra Ballinderry Catering Service.

First Prize Winner and Senior Champion, Coolcran Maximus from S & P McDonald.
Shane McDonald pictures alongside sponsor Ann Kennedy

Winning the Senior Championship was Coolcran Maximus from Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, Co. Fermanagh with Coolcran Maximus. This September 2021 born calf is by the 10,000gns sire Wolfstar Elusive and is out of the Ashland Brandy daughter Coolcran Lady Erin, the Reserve Female Champion at Balmoral Show in 2015.  Commenting on his Senior Champion, Neil Mcilwaine said: “This is an excellent example of a clean, modern Simmental bull. He has great locomotion with excellent width, topline, and squareness of his plates. Just a very well-balanced bull with fantastic length.”  Earlier this summer, Coolcran Maximus won the Male Championship and Reserve Junior Championship at the NI Simmental National Show at Armagh County Show.

Junior Champion, Lisglass Nightingale from Leslie & chris Weatherup. Chris pictured alongside sponsor, Ann Kennedy

Lifting the Junior Championship was Lisglass Nightingale from Leslie and Chris Weatherup, Ballyclare, Co Antrim.  January 2022 born, Lisglass Nightingale is by Omorga Jaguar, a Mullynock Gallant sired bull, and is out of the homebred Lisglass Gypsy, a Kilbride Farm Bantry daughter.  Of his Junior Champion, Neil Mcilwaine said: “This is a well grown, very stylish heifer with an excellent top line and plates. Again, she has great locomotion and really oozes femininity.”   

Reserve Senior Champion, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st

Taking the Reserve Senior Champion was Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st M14 from WD & JD Hazelton, Dungannon Co Tyrone. October 2021 born, this heifer is by Auchorachan Hercules 16, and is out of Ranfurly Lady Diana 33rd.  Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st is another calf to have featured at the NI Simmental National Show and where she won her class for junior heifers born between September and December 2021.

Reserve Junior Champion, Haystar Diamond 2 from G Hays & Son

Back to the juniors and it was Haystar Diamond 2 from G Hays & Son, Lisburn, Co Antrim that won the Reserve Junior Championship.  January 2022 born this calf is by Kilbride Farm Delboy and is out of Raceview Her Royal Diamond.  Earlier this year, Haystar Diamond 2 won class two of the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Virtual Show and from a class of 63 heifers from all round the UK.

Drumbulcan Nathan from Kenneth Stubbs
Scribby Farms Nelson from Keith Nelson. Young Harvey Nelson pictured alongside his Dad.
Drumnagarner Nikki from Eamon McCloskey. Pictured is Eamon & family and sponsor Ann Kennedy
Prize Winning Pairs from the Drumbulcan herd of Kenneth Stubbs. Pictured are Kenneth’s daughters Zara Clarke and Alice Bradley
First prize winning Junior Young Handler, Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, Co Antrim
First prize winning, Senior Young Handler, Thomas McAlister from Dungannon, Co Tyrone
Judge Neil McIlwaine from the Corrick Herd, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone.

2022 Four Breeds Calf Show Simmental Results

Class Results;

Senior Bull Class (Born 01/09/21 – 31/12/21)

1st Coolcran Maximus 21 from S & P McDonald

2nd Craigy Magic 21 from William Dodd

Senior Heifer Class (Born 01/09/21 – 31/12/21)

1st Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st M14 from WD & JD Hazelton

2nd Craigy Beatrice M3 from William Dodd

3rd Lisglass Moneypenny from Leslie & Chris Weatherup

Junior Bull Class (Born 01/01/22 – 31/03/22)

1st Drumbulcan Nathan 22 from Kenneth Stubbs

2nd Kilmore Nickel from Chris Traynor

3rd Drumbulcan Nelson from Kenneth Stubbs

4th Craigy Notorious 22 from William Dodd

Junior Heifer Class (01/01/22 – 31/03/22)

1st Lisglass Nightingale from Leslie and Christopher Weatherup

2nd Haystar Diamond 2 from G Hays & Sons

3rd Drumbulcan Nala from Kenneth Stubbs

4th Breaghey Nadine from Andrew Clarke

5th Breaghey Vida N-435 from Andrew Clarke

6th Rehall Nougat from W & K Stubbs

Junior Bull Class (Born on or after 01/04/22)

1st Scribby Farms Nelson from Keith Nelson

2nd Haystar Noble from G Hays & Sons

Junior Heifer Class (Born on or after 01/04/22)

1st Drumagarner Nikki from E McCloskey

2nd Ashland Lucy Nora from Pat Kelly

3rd Rehall Nancy from W & K Stubbs

4th Belragh Natalya Ginger from Joseph Muldon
5th Craigy Jessica from William Dodd
6th Scribby Farms Nightingale from Keith Nelson

Simmental Pairs

1st Kenneth Stubbs (Drumbulcan)

2nd W & K Stubbs (Rehall)

3rd Andrew Clarke (Breaghey)

4th William Dodd (Craigy)

5th William Dodd (Craigy)

Senior Young Handlers

1st Thomas McAllister

2nd Grace Elwood

3rd Jason Little   

Junior Young Handlers

1st Rhys Rodgers

2nd Caitlin McGartland

3rd Patrick McCloskey

The NI Simmental Club would like to congratulate and thank all exhibitors who turned out stock for Saturdays event, and which resulted in a fantastic display of Simmental cattle. Also special thanks to our Sponsor Ann Kennedy from Centra Ballinderry Catering Service, our Judge Neil Mcilwaine, our ring stewards, to Dungannon Farmers Market, and to David Porter from Mullagh photography.

CHRIS WEATHERUP, LISGLASS, THE ‘MAN IN THE MIDDLE’ AT THE SIMMENTAL NEXT GENERATION II SHOW & SALE, CARLISLE, DECEMBER 2ND

CHRIS WEATHERUP, LISGLASS, THE ‘MAN IN THE MIDDLE’ AT THE SIMMENTAL NEXT GENERATION II SHOW & SALE, CARLISLE, DECEMBER 2ND

The much anticipated second staging of the Simmental Next Generation Sale of Females & Weaned Calves is fast approaching and will take place this year on Friday 2nd December 2022, at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

Hitting the ground running, the inaugural Next Generation Sale proved to be a tremendous success with served and maiden heifers averaging £4400, and weaned bull calves averaging over £6000 with a lead price of 16,000gns. Moreover, the sale attracted a fantastic show of Simmental cattle full of style, quality, and with a depth of bloodlines.

With 66 entries catalogued this year, the British Simmental Cattle Society is delighted to announce that the pre-sale show judge is Chris Weatherup, Ballyclare, Co Antrim who, along with his father Leslie, runs 35 breeding females with the noted Lisglass Simmental pedigree herd. The Weatherups also run 60 breeding Texel cross ewes and 150 store lambs on their 130 acre holding.

Chris Weatherup, Lisglass herd, and this year’s judge at the Simmental Next Generation II Sale

The Lisglass herd, established in 1989, has certainly made its mark in the Simmental breed. A list of achievements would include exhibiting a hat-trick of Balmoral Supreme Champions, breeding the ‘Simmental Champion of Europe’ in the shape of Lisglass Goldstar (shown by Gordon Clarke), and holding the Northern Ireland home sale Simmental top price record of £25,000 for the bull Lisglass Kirk.

It was very much the commercial value of the Simmental breed that drew the family into pedigree breeding and with Chris’s father Leslie starting out by farming store heifers which were mostly Simmental cross. Commenting Chris said: “Dad was so pleased with the way they performed in their growth and ability to finish that he decided to purchase two pedigree Simmental heifers at Automart Portadown. Over the years the pedigree herd has grown and we’ve looked to invest in the future of the herd with some top female lines being purchased at production and dispersal sales”.

Speaking on his general breeding philosophy Chris went on to say: “Our aim is to breed modern, easy fleshing, structurally sound, docile Simmental cattle with good milking ability. They must have plenty of length and growth to meet the demands of today’s market. We use a combination of a stock bull and AI, and our stock bulls over the years have included Blackford Explosion, Omorga Prince, Raceview Stanley, Dermotstown Delboy and currently Omorga Jaguar. The bulls we use have to be correct with good locomotion, and have style and presence with good breed character”.

“We want to breed Simmentals that go on and perform well and which brings repeat customers both commercially and pedigree. Of course it’s a bonus on top if you can breed that one that is a little bit ‘special’ and catches the eye. In the commercial sector, it’s a proven fact that Simmental is the leading continental beef breed for age at slaughter. I think there is a huge potential for choosing modern Simmental bulls when you are getting the advantages of high growth rates for age, and with super weights and carcases. It’s all about efficiency and performance giving increased profit”.

Speaking of the job ahead at Carlisle, Chris said: “The Next Gen Sale has all the potential to be a year on year showcase event for British Simmental providing quality, performance, and genetics for existing and new breeders. In judging the females come December I’ll be looking for cattle with femininity, length, growth, good mobility, and just carrying that ring presence, style and breed character. It’s a sale that offers something for everyone and I’m delighted to have been asked to judge and am really looking forward to it.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The provisional timetable for the Next Generation II Sale is as follows:

Inspection: Thursday 1 December 3pm – 5pm

Preview: Thursday 1 December 5pm – 7pm

Show: Friday 2 December 9:30am

Sale: Friday 2 December 11:30am

The online catalogue of entries is now available @ http://abri.une.edu.au/online/cgi-bin/i4.dll?1=3E373E37…

Please keep an eye on the Society’s Facebook page from here for further updates and previews of the Simmental Next Generation II Sale of Females & Weaned Calves due to be held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday 2nd December.

NORMAN ROBSON ELECTED AS THE 27TH PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH SIMMENTAL CATTLE SOCIETY

NORMAN ROBSON ELECTED AS THE 27TH PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH SIMMENTAL CATTLE SOCIETY

Northern Irish Simmental breeder Norman Robson of Doagh, Ballyclare, Co Antrim, has been announced as the new President of the British Simmental Cattle Society. Mr Robson who was elected following the Society’s recent AGM held in Stirling, takes over the reins from Stewart Stronach, Maisley, Keith, following the completion of Mr. Stronach’s two-year term of office.

Steeped in Simmental history, Norman Robson becomes the third member of the Robson family to serve as BSCS President with his father Billy being President in 1985-1986, and 1999-2000; and his brother Michael holding the office between 2011-2012. Norman and his wife Jill, a native of Scotland, have two children. Charlotte 21 is a fourth-year medical student in Edinburgh, whilst son Angus 19, is in his second year of an agricultural degree at Queens University, Belfast.

Operating as a family partnership, Kilbride Farm is a traditional mixed farm and with a 300-sow birth to bacon single site pig unit being a backbone, and alongside the pedigree Simmentals.

The Kilbride Farm Simmental herd, now consisting of 90-100 Simmental cows, is one of the most recognisable names in the pedigree beef sector, with a highlight reel track record of selling bulls and Simmental genetics through home and Society Sales to pedigree breeders and commercial producers in the UK and to international markets. The herd was established in 1971 with four heifers from the first importation into Northern Ireland. From the farm growing cereals, carrying a suckler herd and a sheep enterprise, the land-based operations consolidated into a pedigree Simmental herd only as the Robsons recognised the performance, fertility, docility and profitability that the breed was giving them.

Over the years the Kilbride Farm herd has attained a mighty seven Supreme Championships at the Perth and Stirling Sales and whilst regularly attaining five figure prices. The majority of bulls in a typical year are sold privately off farm to buyers in the UK and Ireland. Kilbride Farm genetics have been exported in the early years to North America, Australia and New Zealand whilst more recently it has been ‘coals to Newcastle’, with the herd exporting semen and stock back to the breed’s homeland countries of Austria and Switzerland. The Kilbride Farm has always aimed to grow fleshy cattle with a moderate mature weight, and with stock bulls used to add uniformity. Over recent years the herd has introduced the polled gene with 70-80% of the cows now carrying polled genetics whilst retaining Kilbride Farm’s traditional qualities.

Commenting, Norman Robson said: “It is a huge honour and a privilege to be elected as the 27th President of the British Simmental Cattle Society, and to be the sixth breeder from Northern Ireland to hold this office. With a motivated membership and Council, I hope to lead a Society that offers value and assistance through practical breeding tools to all breeders, and positively promotes British Simmental to every industry level. Over the last two years we have seen some record sale averages for the Simmental breed, some successful new fixtures, and an increase in pedigree registrations. It is very much a further aim that we can continue to build on this base and to grow the reach of the breed into all areas of the UK.”

Continuing, Mr Robson went on to say: “The Society will look to build on the performance benefits the Simmental breed offers all types of farming systems. No other breed has the flexibility of the Simmental, from crossing on a Luing type cow on the hill, to high output lowland suckler herds, and as a crossing sire onto the dairy herd. As breeders if we can collectively continue to provide the genetics for a profitable, sustainable forward beef industry, I feel there is a bright future for British Simmental.”

Following his election, one of Norman Robson’s first Simmental fixtures as Society President will be the second staging of the Next Generation Sale of Simmental Females and Weaned Calves at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday December 2nd where there are three Kilbride Farm entries amongst the 66 head entered.

CORRICK MAJOR MARCHES TO 4800GNS TOP PRICE AT THE AUTUMN NORTHERN IRELAND SIMMENTAL CLUB SALE

CORRICK MAJOR MARCHES TO 4800GNS TOP PRICE AT THE AUTUMN NORTHERN IRELAND SIMMENTAL CLUB SALE

Solid trade driven by commercial demand.

The Autumn Northern Ireland Simmental Club sale took place on Friday 21 October at Dungannon Mart, where five bulls sold, all going to commercial homes, to a top price of 4,800gns and an average of £3,003.

Corrick Major – 4,800gns Top Price & Reserve Male Champion

Top of the lots at 4,800gns was the Reserve Male Champion Corrick Major from Cecil and Scott Mcilwaine, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone, whose 20-cow pedigree herd was established in 1979. Corrick Major, is a June 2021 born lad sired by Seafort Gill, who also sired the herds March Dungannon Male Champion Corrick Laird, and the 8,000gns Corrick Logic, sold at Stirling in February this year. In total, Seafort Gill’s five Corrick sons sold to date have averaged £4851.20 apiece. Bred out of Corrick Heidi, who goes back to the 12,000gns Kilbride Farm Bantry, Major was purchased by F Watson, who runs a 150 strong suckler operation in Kircubbin, Co Down. Commenting on his purchase Mr Watson said “I was delighted to secure Major, for me he ticked all of the boxes. A good balanced bull from front to back, he carried himself very well. We breed all our own replacements and finish all our other calves for beef and the Simmental is the perfect breed to produce good mothers and as a terminal sire”.

Dressogue Mario – 2,500gns Supreme & Male Champion

The pre-sale show judge Paul McArdle travelled from Co Monaghan, Eire, where his Broomfield Simmental herd is based. His pick for the Supreme and Male Champion, Dressogue Mario, was next in the trade stakes, and the first of a trio of bulls to be knocked down for 2,500gns. The May 2021 born Mario, is out of the 8,000gns Delfur Decider-sired Dressogue Gloria and by the herd sire Clonagh Fifty Shades who has bred over 70 sons and daughters into the Dressogue herd since his purchase in 2015. Bred and exhibited by Seamus O’Kane, Mario is the first Dungannon champion for the 35 cow Dressogue herd based in Omagh, Co Tyrone, and on only his third visit to the sale. Most of the family’s sales from their closed herd are made from the farm gate to repeat customers. E McMenamin, Kesh, Co Fermanagh, was the man with his hand in the air as the hammer went down.

Judge Paul McArdle, Co Monaghan, Eire

Matching the 2,500gns price tag was Phillip Robb’s 19-month-old bull Slieve Croob Magnificent, from Ballynahinch, Co Down. Sired by the homebred Slieve Croob Juggernaut, his dam is Kilbride Farm Fanni 54h, a third time calving daughter of the 7,000gns Stirling Reserve Senior Champion Corskie Damario. Mark Fawcett, of the Rushlin Simmental herd, Gortadrehid, Co Fermanagh was the lucky purchaser and commenting on his purchase Mr Fawcett said, “I was really pleased to secure Magnificent, as I need a durable bull to work on my hill farm. We have a 20 head Simmental cross suckler herd which we run alongside our Marina and Caravan park and I was looking for a bull which is going to get the job done without me having to watch over him”.

Cladymore Mr Muscle – 2,500gs Junior Champion

The other bull to secure 2,500gns, was Cladymore Mr Muscle, who had been tapped out as the Junior Champion and first in his class in the presale show. Offered for sale by AW Reaney and Sons, Mowhan, Co Armagh, and purchased by Thomas Hall, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, he is the eighth calf to be bred out of the Ashland Brandy daughter Cladymore Edel, and with the popular AI bull Auchorachan Hercules being the sire of this August 2021 born bull.

The final bull sold was the blue ticket winner Camus Macduff, who was purchased by Edgar Cumins, Lisburn, Co Antrim, for 2,000gns. A 17-month-old, who was offered for sale by Mr J Campbell, Strabane, Co Tyrone, Macduff is by the 8,500gns Islavale Cracker, and is out of Camus Imprint, who goes back to the Eire bred Ex92-rated Dermotstown Delboy, the Balmoral Champion in 2014 and 2015.

Corrick Luma – 3,700gns Reserve Female Champion

There were seven quality Simmental females on offer and with five sold to average £2,772. The top priced at 3,700gns was Corrick Luma, the Reserve Female Champion from Cecil and Scott Mcilwaine, who had also secured the top price in the bull section. Luma is a September 2020 born daughter of the 2013 Ploughing bull champion Curaheen Dickens and Corrick Francis 14, who goes back to the Roscommon Premier Show junior bull champion Carbery Carribbean. She was purchased by Ian MaGill, who takes her back to join his Ballyrolly Simmental herd in Newtownards, Co Down.

Just behind at 3,600gns was D McElmurry’s 23-month-old heifer Wellbray Diana Kim, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, who caught the eye of Chris Traynor of the Kilmore Simmental herd, Armagh, Co Armagh, when she placed second in her class earlier in the day. The popular AI bull Samark Superman is the sire here, and Kim is bred out of the first calving Raceview K Diana Kim, who is a daughter of the prolific AI bull Kilbride Farm Newry, who has bred over 1200 progeny into the national herd.

Two lots then went on to sell for 2,000gns a piece. The first being the Dressogue Maisie, a blue ticket winner bought forward for sale by Seamus O’Kane, Omagh, Co Tyrone. Sired by the 11,000gns Islavale Invincible, her Dam is Dressogue Irish Lady, who goes back to the Eire bred Clonagh Fifty Shades. Edward Henry, Newtownards, Co Down, was the purchaser of this March 2021 born heifer.

Breaghey Vida-M420 – 2,000gns Reserve Supreme & Female Champion Female

The Reserve Supreme and Female champion and 19-month-old Breaghey Vida-M420, was the other heifer to be knocked down at 2,000gns. Bred and exhibited by Andrew Clarke, Tynan, Co Armagh, she was snapped up by Connor Wilkinson, Lisburn, Co Antrim, to join his Killultagh Simmental herd. She is out of the Breaghey Vida 1, who goes back to the aforementioned Dermotstown Delboy, and  sired by Omorga Regan.

Selling for 1,900gns and completing the Simmental lots was Rehall Majesty, a heifers calf bred out of the 8,000gns Delfur Decider-sired Rehall Kerry. Sired by Rehall Karl, the July 2021 born Majesty, who stood third in her class, was presented by W and K Stubbs, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh and purchased by P Woods, Collone, Co Armagh.

BRITISH SIMMENTAL PEDIGREE REGISTRATIONS & NOTIFICATIONS SURGE TO AN INCREASE OF 15% ON THE YEAR

BRITISH SIMMENTAL PEDIGREE REGISTRATIONS & NOTIFICATIONS SURGE TO AN INCREASE OF 15% ON THE YEAR

Official Simmental Society Sales in the Year Gross £2,003,927

A strong year of performance for British Simmental has seen pedigree registrations and birth notifications surge with an increase of 15% in the year to an overall total of 7,388, up by 960. The figures released by the British Simmental Cattle Society are for the pedigree registration year of 1st July 2021 to 30th June 2022.

Sitting alongside these figures is a similarly strong performance at the point of both commercial and pedigree sales and which has seen Official Society Pedigree Sales in the same period nudge through the £2Million mark to gross £2,003,927. In the course of the year the Simmental breed enjoyed some record sale averages and clearances, most notably at Stirling in February when 89 pedigree bulls sold to a new breed record average mark of £6,835. In a new sale fixture introduced to ‘grow the reach of the breed’, the Next Generation Sale of Females & Weaned Calves at Carlisle in December saw a top price of 16,000gns, with heifer averages of £4,396, and bull calf averages of £6,174.

In the year, pedigree registrations increased by 13.5%, with birth notifications enjoying a 19.8% increase and this overall surge for the Simmental breed was warmly welcomed by the Society’s President Stewart Stronach, Maisley, Keith, Banffshire, who said: “Simmental females are naturally efficient, healthy, easy to manage, and just full of milk. Adding value to any cross, they are maternal mainstays of the commercial suckler herd, can calve at two years old, and can wean calves at 50% of their bodyweight at 200 days.”

“In 2021 AHDB confirmed Simmental as being the leading continental beef breed for age at slaughter, and this couples with Simmental sired progeny being fast growing, with terrific weight for age and leaving a high yielding, profitable carcase. These are the natural attributes and efficiencies of the modern British Simmental that are driving demand, forging a profitable commercial future in an industry with a higher cost base, and meeting the ‘green’ challenges of reducing beef productions carbon footprint.”

“We welcome these improved registration and sale figures, and collectively our focus will be to continue to work hard and provide commercial beef producers with future fit, profitable dual purpose Simmental genetics.”

The next pedigree sale under the Society’s auspices will be the much-anticipated Dispersal Sale of the noted Annick Simmental Herd, Holehouse Farm, Irvine, held on behalf of the late Lachlan Quarm, at United Auctions Stirling on Saturday 10th September.

‘ONCE IN A LIFETIME’ ASHLAND HEIFER WINS 2022 NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW

‘ONCE IN A LIFETIME’ ASHLAND HEIFER WINS 2022 NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW

‘A superb heifer and the type of animal that every pedigree herd owner aspires to breed’, is how Scottish judge and BSCS President Stewart Stronach described Ashland Topaz Lopez, the Supreme Overall Champion at the NI National Simmental Show held within the Armagh County Show on Saturday 11th June.

Frank Kelly, Tempo, exhibted Ashland Topaz Lopez, the female and supreme overall champion at the NI National Simmental Show, held at the 175th Armagh County Show. Picture: Mullagh Photography

Born in September 2020 Ashland Topaz Lopez was bred by Pat Kelly, and son Frank, from Tempo, County Fermanagh. She is a daughter of the 14,000gns Saltire Impressive, and is bred from the Ashland Brandy daughter, Ashland Topaz 2nd, one of ten cows in the herd.

Stewart Stronach added: “The Female and Supreme Champion is an exceptional heifer. She is very correct, square and long, and has great breed character and ring presence. This is a once in a lifetime heifer!”

Ashland Topaz Lopez was Senior Champion at the inaugural Four-Breeds Calf Show at Dungannon last November. Her latest success comes hot on the heels of winning the Simmental Championship, Beef Performance Heifer Interbreed Championship, and the Reserve Interbreed honours at Balmoral Show in May.

Stewart Stronach, who runs the 160-cow Islavale Herd alongside a 40-cow commercial enterprise, said it was a great honour to judge the NI National Show.

“It has been an amazing show, with quality entries in all classes. I have really enjoyed judging, and I’d like to thank the exhibitors for putting on such a great show. One of the highlights for me was the pairs class. Seven top-quality pairs filled the ring, and it was a tremendous spectacle. The Simmental breed is definitely in good hands in Northern Ireland!”

Principal sponsors Mark Forsythe and Rodney Brown, Danske Bank, and Scottish judge Stewart Stronach, president, British Simmental Cattle Society, congratulate Frank Kelly on winning the supreme championship, and Shane McDonald, winner of the reserve championship at the NI National Show, held at Armagh.

The one-day event, held in conjunction with the 175th Armagh County Show attracted a good turnout of exhibitors and spectators from across the Province and further afield.

The Kelly family’s Ashland prefix was also behind the breeding of the Junior Champion, Reserve Female and Reserve Supreme Champion Ashland Topaz Mair. Born in January 2021, this heifer was purchased privately last autumn by brothers Shane and Paul McDonald for their Tempo-based Coolcran Herd.

Again sired by Saltire Impressive, this one is bred from the Whitemire King Kong daughter Ashland Topaz 3rd – maternal sister to the dam of the Supreme Champion. She was Junior Champion at Balmoral Show, and went on to secure the Reserve Junior Interbreed honours.

Stewart Stronach commented: “This is another very correct and stylish heifer. Similar to the Champion, there isn’t much between them.”

Shane and Paul McDonald had a memorable day at the NI National Show, also chalking up the Male Championship and Reserve Junior award with the home-bred bull Coolcran Maximus.

Coolcran Maximus, male Champion and Reserve Junior Champion

This September 2021 bull is by Wolfstar Elusive, and is bred from the Ashland Brandy daughter Coolcran Lady Erin – Reserve Female Champion at Balmoral Show in 2015.

“The is a super young bull with a lot of potential for the future. He boasts great shape and length, and is square over the plates,” added the judge.

Claiming the Reserve Male Championship was Ballinalare Farm Mack, a yearling entry bred by Joe and Alan Wilson, Rathfriland. He is by the 8,200 Euro stock bull Rabawn Ernie, and is out of a home-bred dam by the 20,000gns Stirling junior and supreme champion Auchorachan Wizard. This young bull also secured the reserve male title at Balmoral Show.

“Another wide and correct young bull. There is very little between the male champions,” concluded Stewart Stronach.

The young handlers’ classes were judged by Fiona Sutherland. The top placed junior handler was Jamie Dodd from the Craigy Herd based at Saintfield. The senior handling class was won by Thomas Mcaliser from the Ranfurly Herd in Dungannon.

Junior Handler class winner, Jamie Dodd with Judge Fiona Sutherland and Trevor Nesbitt, Fane Valley Stores; Picture: Mullagh Photography

Thomas Mcalister, Dungannon, won the senior handler class at the NI National Simmental Show. He was congratulated by judge Fiona Sutherland, Scotland; and Trevor Nesbitt, Fane Valley Stores. Picture: Mullagh Photography

NI Simmental Club Chairman Keith Nelson thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the show. “Special mention to our judges, Armagh County Show, principal sponsor Danske Bank, and the numerous agri businesses and local companies who sponsored the various classes at the show.”

Results from the judging ring…

SPECIALS

Supreme Overall Champion: Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez. Reserve: Shane and Paul McDonald: Ashland Topaz Mair.

Female Champion: Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez. Reserve: Shane and Paul McDonald: Ashland Topaz Mair.

Male Champion: Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus. Reserve: Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Mack.

Junior Champion: Shane and Paul McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair. Reserve: Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus.

DANI Rosebowl, for the best performance recorded bull: Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus.

Premier Exhibitor, sponsored by Moocall: Shane and Paul McDonald.

CLASSES

Cow, any age, sponsored by Biocell Agri Ltd – 1, Gavin Hayes and Sons, Corbally Goddess by Hillcrest Champion.

Senior heifer, born between 01/01/20 and 30/06/20, sponsored by Thompsons – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Ladybird by Denizes Fantastic; 2, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Lizabel by Denizes Fantastic.

Intermediate heifer, born between 01/07/20 and 31/12/20, sponsored by ABP Food Group – 1, Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez by Saltire Impressive; 2, David and Jonny Hazelton, Ranfurly Stella 12th by Whitemire King Kong; 3, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Lollipop by Dermotstown Delboy; 4th Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Lucky Lady by Denizes Hamish.

Junior heifer, born between 01/01/21 and 30/03/21, sponsored by Noel Kilpatrick Financial Services – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair by Saltire Impressive; 2, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Marigold by Omorga Jaguar; 3, Brian O’Hare, Clonguish Nova by Raceview King; 4, Keith Nelson, Scribby Farms Matilda by Dermotstown Delboy.

Junior heifer, born between 01/05/21 and 31/08/21, sponsored by Yara Fertilisers – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Medusa by Ballinalare Farm Galaxy; 2, Keith Nelson, Scribby Farms Molly by Atlow Dixon; 3, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Majesty 2nd by Kilbride Farm Bantry; 4, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Moneypenny 2nd by Denizes Fantastic.

Junior heifer, born between 01/09/21 and 31/12/21, sponsored by T-Met – 1, David and Jonny Hazelton, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st by Auchorachan Hercules; 2, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Mystic Royal Beauty by Islavale Echo 2; 3, Mrs E O’Neill, Drumcoote Sasha by Curaheen Drifter.

Junior bull, born between 01/01/21 and 30/04/21, sponsored by Animax – 1, Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Martin by Saltire Impressive; 2, William Dodd, Craigy Max by Longbeach Darius.

Junior bull, born between 01/05/21 and 31/08/21, sponsored by George Hamilton Machinery – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Mack by Rabawn Ernie; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Magnificent; 3, Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Mick by Saltire Impressive; 4, Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Mark by Saltire Impressive.

Junior bull, born between 01/09/21 and 31/12/21, sponsored by Irwins Feed – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus by Wolfstar Elusive; 2, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Major by Saltire Impressive; 3, Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Mr Magic by Denizes Hamish; 4, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Maximus by Saltire Impressive.

Bull calf, born in 2022, sponsored by British Simmental Cattle Society – 1, Mark Cutler, Gortdonaghy Norman by Anatrim Bodybuilder; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Nevada by Mullyknock Gallant.

Pair, property of exhibitor, sponsored by Countyside Services – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair and Coolcran Maximus; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Magnificent and Hiltonstown McGregor; 3, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Majesty 2nd and Ballinalare Farm Medusa; 4, Keith Nelson, Scribby Farms Matilda and Scribby Farms Molly.

YOUNG HANDLERS

Young handler, aged 8 to 12 years-old, sponsored by Fane Valley Stores – 1, Jamie Dodd; 2, Rhys Rodgers; 3, Phelim O’Rourke; 4, Joseph McKearney.

Young handler, aged 13 to 18 years-old, sponsored by Fane Valley Stores – 1, Thomas McAlister; 2, Erin Nelson.