BACKMUIR WINS 2024 SCOTTISH SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW, AND TURRIFF OVERALL INTERBREED CHAMPIONSHIP, WITH ANNICK GINGER’S LUCIA!

BACKMUIR WINS 2024 SCOTTISH SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW, AND TURRIFF OVERALL INTERBREED CHAMPIONSHIP, WITH ANNICK GINGER’S LUCIA!

  • Annick Ginger’s Lucia Wins Simmental Overall Supreme and Individual Interbreed
  • Corskie Puma 23 (P) Wins Overall Simmental Junior, and Junior Interbreed
  • Simmental Pairs and Group of Three Win Reserve Interbreed Titles
  • Pitgaveny win Male Championship
  • Pitmudie take Junior Female Championship

The rain stopped and the sun came out to shine on a fantastic 2024 Simmental Scottish National Show held within Turriff Show, The Haughs, on Monday 5th August. At what was the largest Simmental entry in the summer show year to date, the quality through the classes, both male and female, held the attention of what was a large ringside crowd and huge online audience.

Overall Champion Annick Ginger’s Lucia

After some three and a half hours of judging it proved to be another trophy laden day for Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire, who won the Simmental Overall Supreme Championship with Annick Ginger’s Lucia, before moving on in the afternoon to win Turriff’s  Overall Individual Interbreed Championship.  This 2020 born cow, in calf to Backmuir King, was shown with her bull calf Backmuir Pompeii at foot, sired by Backmuir Marksman. Presiding over this year’s Simmental classes was Dorothy Moffatt of the noted and long-standing Innerwick herd at Dunbar, East Lothian, whilst the well-known Drew Hyslop, Girvan, Ayrshire, was the man in the middle for the Individual Interbreed.

Bred by the late Lachlan Quarm, Holehouse Farm, By Irvine, Ayrshire, Annick Ginger’s Lucia was bought at the Annick herd’s Dispersal Sale in September 2022 for 16,000gns, and in a summer that had seen her place Reserve Supreme Champion, to the Backmuir herd, at the Royal Highland.  Since joining the Backmuir herd, Annick Ginger’s Lucia has just continued to blossom and enjoy a glittering show career.  The Overall Simmental Supreme Championship has been won in back to back years at the Royal Highland, and this summer Annick Ginger’s Lucia became the first Simmental to win the Overall Individual Interbreed at the Highland since 1995.   The titles at Turriff saw Annick Ginger’s Lucia do Scotland’s 2024 Simmental ‘golden double’ of Championship & Interbreed at both the Highland, and the Simmental Scottish National/Turriff Show.  A truly fantastic achievement!

Judge Dorothy Moffat

Commenting on her Overall Champion, Dorothy Moffatt said:  “My Champion is a perfect young Simmental cow who is very feminine, full of character, and a great example of the breed.  She’s long and fleshy, very correct, and rearing a really good big bull calf as well.  She’s got all of the attributes I was looking for and is a very strong Champion animal in what was such a super show of Simmentals.”    Speaking more generally Dororthy Moffatt went on to say: “I’d like to congratulate the Simmental exhibitors for the tremendous cattle they brough out today which also made it hugely enjoyable, and at the same time challenging, for me to judge.  The standard was so high through both the bulls and females and deep into all of the classes.  The breed really keeps progressing and with the animals today of such quality, and with so much potential, you can see why there’s such a growing momentum for Simmental cattle.”

So to the Champions, and this latest win sealed another fantastic summer, and the second time in three years that the Backmuir herd has won the double of Overall Simmental Championship at both the Highland and Scottish National, with Islavale Lullaby winning both titles in 2022.  Of this latest win at Turriff, Reece Simmers said:  “We’re really thrilled and delighted to win here and also with the year Annick Ginger’s Lucia has had.  We said at the Highland that she’s just matured and continued to improve and she’s had to as the competition has just been so strong. I think today is the highest quality show of Simmentals that we’ve competed in to date and it was a real spectacle for everybody watching.  It’s been a great year and we’re very honoured to have won these prestigious titles.”

By way of summary, on the day Annick Ginger’s Lucia won the Simmental Overall, Female, and Senior Female titles before picking up the Individual Interbreed Title, and taking Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs with Islavale Kristoff from Pitgaveny Farms.  In a further footnote, Backmuir also won the Simmental Championship at last year’s Turriff Show with Brandane Lulu.

With some real heavyweight shoot outs right from the get-go, Annick Ginger’s Lucia firstly won a class of six Senior Female Cows and where the rising seven year old Corskie Illusion EX93 from WJ&J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers placed second.  In the previous week this cow, by Auchorachan Farmer 14, and out of  Corskie Champagne EX91had been Simmental Champion, Champion of Champions, and featured in the winning Interbreed Pairs, and Group of Three at the Black Isle Show.  The Black Isle marked this cow’s first show outing since she was Junior Female Champion at the 2019 Royal Highland.

Reserve Supreme Championship, and Reserve Female Overall Delfur Nifty

Lifting the Reserve Supreme Championship, and Reserve Female Overall title at Turriff was the prolific heifer Delfur Nifty from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour, and shown by herd manager Garry Patterson.  November 2022 born heifer, Delfur Nifty is by Ballymoney Larry, a Saltire Impressive son, and is out of Delfur Joyful, an Islavale Cassius daughter.  This heifer is another multi title winner and who cornered a little bit of breed history this year when she became the first Simmental to win the Overall Junior Interbreed at the Royal Highland.  At the same show she featured in the Reserve Interbreed Pair, and also in the Reserve Interbreed Team of Four. Of her Scottish Simmental National Reserve Overall, Dorothy Moffatt commented: “This is a very sweet young heifer who will grow into a great cow. She has length, width, is very good on her legs, and has plenty of eye-catching style.”   Delfur Nifty has been racking up prizes, titles, and interbreeds since last year as a calf and including such as Simmental Youngstock Show at Borderway Agri Expo; LiveScot; Stars of the Future; and from their through to this summer.

Male Champion Islavale Kristoff

Kicking off the day as the rain cleared was the fantastic sight of five senior bulls in the first class, and it was from here that the day’s Male Champion appeared in the shape of Islavale Kristoff 19 EX92 from Pitgaveny Farm, Elgin, Moray and shown by Pitgaveny herd manager Geoff Anderson.   By Corskie Highlander 16 EX93, and out of Islavale Ethel EX91, this April 2019 bull bred by WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith, was purchased for 14,000gns at Stirling in October 2020.  Of her Male Champion the judge Dorothy Moffatt said:  “This is a big, strong, powerful Simmental bull with tremendous width and depth, and all the qualities to be a top stock sire.”  Later in the afternoon, Islavale Kristoff 19 EX92 teamed up with Annick Ginger’s Lucia to win the Reserve Interbreed Pairs. The Pitgaveny herd comprises of some 180 Simmental cows, with 15 pedigrees within that number.

Reserve Male Champion Backmuir King

Placing second in this class and following through to be Reserve Male Champion was another from the Backmuir team and in the form of the homebred Backmuir King.  This upstanding five-year-old bull is by Islavale Hamilton and is out of Starline Olivia 27th.  Again with a little track record behind him, Backmuir King was the Male Champion at last year’s Royal Highland Show, the herd’s top award to date for a homebred animal, and with his first progeny at Stirling already selling to the five figure mark in October 2023.

Overall Junior, Junior Male, and Reserve Overall Male Corskie Puma

It seems to have been a summer of ‘Simmental doubles’ and another one was confirmed when Corskie Puma 23 (P), from the Green family, won a hatful of Simmental titles including Overall Junior, Junior Male, and Reserve Overall Male.  This classy young January 2023 born bull  is by Rathnashan Kellogg’s (ET) (P) EX94, and is out of Corskie Kit, an Auchorachan Farmer daughter.  In his first show outing, at this year’s Royal Highland, he also won the Reserve Male Championship, and Junior Male Championship titles.  At the aforementioned Black Isle Show last week, this bull was Male Champion and part of the Greens Interbreed winning team of three, whilst at Turriff Show he rounded off his day by winning the Junior Interbreed title!  Corskie Puma 23 (P) will now be aimed at the Stirling October Bull Sale and will be joined there by his stablemate Corskie Power, a Rathnashan Magnum son, who was second in his class to the Overall Reserve Junior, at the Scottish National.

Junior Female Champion, Pitmudie Primrose

 

Reserve Overall Junior Champion, and Reserve Junior Male Champion Pitmudie Princeton

Another shining light was the top team of cattle from the Pitmudie herd of Heather Duff, Pitmudie Farm, Menmuir, By Brechin.  On the day Pitmudie cattle won the Junior Female Championship, the Reserve Junior Male, Reserve Overall Junior Championship, and the Pairs!  Taking the Junior Female Championship was the April 2023 born Pitmudie Primrose.  This heifer is by the stock bull Hiltonstown Irish 17 and is out Pitmudie Irish Moss who herself is a twin out of a Delfur female.  Standing as Reserve Overall Junior Champion, and Reserve Junior Male Champion was the stylish young bull Pitmudie Princeton.  Also April 2023 born, Pitmudie Princeton is another by Hiltonstown Irish 17, and is out of Pitmudie Babe from the noted Manor Park Babe line.  At this year’s Royal Highland Show, this  ‘correct young bull with muscle, length, breed character, and good on his legs’, won the Reserve Beefbreeder Interbreed title.  Commenting generally, Heather Duff said: “We are delighted to win these titles and given the standard within the classes which were a terrific advert for the breed.  At home there are now 50 breeding females in the Pitmudie herd.  The stock bulls are breeding well within and we’re pleased with the general progress and development of the herd.”  The sire of these two animals, Hiltonstown Irish 17, was purchased at Stirling in October 2018 for 8500gns.  In one of the last classes of the day, Pitmudie Princeton 23 teamed up with the March 2023 born Pitmudie Pitcairn, a Springfield Legacy son, to win the Simmental Pairs class.  Both of these Pitmudie bulls will now be heading to the Stirling Bull sale in October.

Reserve Junior Female Champion Corskie P-Enna

Standing in the Reserve Junior Female Champion position was another from the prolific Corskie team and this time the first prize winner Corskie P-enna.  January 2023 born, Corskie P-enna is by Rathnashan Kellogg’s (ET) (P) EX94, the same sire as the herd’s Junior Champion, and is out of Corskie Iam-enna, a Dirnanean Bradley 10 EX93 daughter. Rounding off another top day, the Corskie herd also won the Simmental Group of Three, with the team comprising of Corskie Puma (P); Corskie Illusion; and Corskie P-enna.

Overall Championship Line Up

Scottish National Simmental Show, within Turriff Show – Monday 5th August, 2024

Judge: Mrs Dorothy Moffat, Innerwick Herd, Dunbar

Class 1 Senior Bull born before 31st December 2022
1st Pitgaveny Farms Islavale Kristoff 19
2nd R & A Simmers Backmuir King 19
3rd D & R Durno Coose Nelson (P)
4th Declan Whyte Newton House Ninja 22

Class 2 Junior Male Bull born between 1st January 2023 and 31st March 2023
1st W J & J Green Corskie Puma 23 (P)
2nd R & A Simmers Backmuir Pegasus 23
3rd Heather Duff Pitmudie Pitcairn 23
4th J C MacIver Coltfield Peter 23

Class 3 Junior Male Bull born between 1st April 2023 and 31st July 2023
1st Heather Duff Pitmudie Princeton 23
2nd W J & J Green Corskie Power 23
3rd R & A Simmers Backmuir Pluto 23
4th Gavin Brown Springfield Pelle 23

Class 4 Junior Male Bull born between 1st August 2023 and 31st December 2023
1st W J & J Green Corskie Plasma 23
2nd W J & J Green Corskie Pepsi 23
3rd Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop Panache 23

Corskie Plasma

Class 5 Senior Female Cow born on or before 31st July 2021
1st R & A Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
2nd W J & J Green Corskie Illusion
3rd J C MacIver Coltfield Katie
4th R & A Simmers Brandane Lu Lu

Class 7 Senior Female Heifer born between 1st April 2022 and 31st December 2022
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty
2nd Laura Green Garmouth Fame’s Nicole
3rd R & A Simmers Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso
4th Ryan Smith Overhill House Neva

Class 8 Junior Female Heifer born between 1st January 2023 and 31st March 2023
1st W J & J Green Corskie P-Enna
2nd Heather Duff Pitmudie Pandora (P)
3rd R & A Simmers Backmuir Ginger’s Paprika (P)
4th Pitgaveny Farms Pitgaveny Pepsi

Class 9 Junior Female Heifer born between 1st April 2023 and 31st July 2023
1st Heather Duff Pitmudie Primrose
2nd W J & J Green Corskie Private Eyes
3rd Heather Duff Pitmudie Paloma

Class 10 Junior Female Heifer born between 1st August 2023 and 31st December 2023
1st J C MacIver Coltfield Perfect
2nd Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop Faye’s Poppet
3rd W J & J Green Corskie Pastel
4th Gavin Brown Springfield Pippa

Coltfield Perfect

Class 11 Calf born after 1st January 2024
1st R & A Simmers Backmuir Lu Lu’s Rosalu

Backmuir Lu Lu’s Rosalu

Class 12 Pairs – Any two animals owned by the same exhibitor
1st Heather Duff
2nd R & A Simmers

Overall Champion
Annick Ginger’s Lucia R & A Simmers
Reserve Overall Champion
Delfur Nifty Delfur Farms

Male Champion
Islavale Kristoff 19 Pitgaveny Farms
Reserve Male Champion
Backmuir King 19 R & A Simmers

Female Champion
Annick Ginger’s Lucia R & A Simmers
Reserve Female Champion
Delfur Nifty Delfur Farms

Junior Male Champion
Corskie Puma23 (P) W J & J Green
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Pitmudie Princeton 23 Heather Duff

Junior Female Champion
Pitmudie Primrose Heather Duff
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Corskie P-Enna W J & J Green

Overall Junior Champion
Corskie Puma 23 (P) W J & J Green
Reserve Overall Junior Champion
Pitmudie Princeton 23 Heather Duff

 

‘HISTORY MAKER’ BALLINALARE FARM NIKITA WINS  2024 NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW

‘HISTORY MAKER’ BALLINALARE FARM NIKITA WINS 2024 NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW

  • Ballinalare Farm Nikita wins Overall Reserve Individual Interbreed
  • Ranfurly Principal P12 Wins Overall Reserve, Male Champion & Junior Champion, and the Beef Stakes Interbreed
  • Dermody Princess 2 takes Simmental Reserve Female Championship
  • Coolcran Pharaoh 23 wins Simmental Reserve Male Championship

 The all-conquering heifer Ballinalare Farm Nikita, from Joe & Alan Wilson, Dorans Hill, Newry, Co Down, continued her trophy laden show career when winning the 2024 NI Simmental National Show, held within the Randox Antrim Show, at Shanes Castle, Randalstown Road on Saturday 27th July.

Ballinalare Farm Nikita Overall Supreme & Female Champion

This latest win for the February 2022 born heifer saw her retain her NI Simmental National Show title that she won last year, and followed on from her win at the 2024 RUAS Balmoral Show in May, which was also a defence of that title.  This double-double is thought to be a first for a Simmental in Northern Ireland.

Ballinalare Farm Nikita, who is sired by the 14,000gns Saltire Impressive is out of Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa whose Granddam is a full sister of the noted Ballinalare Farm Nightrider.

Judge for the day was Jim Goldie of the noted Newbiemains herd at Annan, Dumfries and who commented on his Champion: “This heifer is just naturally very wide. She has power and is in good condition, and is very feminine with it.  Just a terrific representative of the Simmental breed.”   Later in the day Ballinalare Farm Nikita, who is in-calf to Omorga Murray,  placed Overall Reserve in the Individual Interbreed judged by John Finlay, Blackcraigs, Castle Douglas.

Judge Jim Goldie

Speaking afterwards a delighted Joe Wilson said:  “Ballinalare Farm Nikita is just a special heifer but we could never have imagined winning both the RUAS Balmoral and NI Simmental National titles in consecutive years.  It’s a great honour to have done so and against such a high standard of animals.”

On 7th September the Ballinalare herd is having an export sale at Rathfriland with around 25 head for sale including full embryo siblings to Ballinalare Farm Nikita, and also to the 28,000gns Banhill Farm Masterpiece.  Also selling on the same day will be 20 breeding females, including fifteen heifers, from the Ranfurly herd of David and Jonny Hazelton, Cohannon House, Dungannon.  With more than a little symmetry therefore it was the Ranfurly herd who took the Reserve Overall, Male, and Junior Championship titles with their young bull Ranfurly Principal P12 who will also feature in the sale in September.

Ranfurly Principal Reserve Overall, Male Champion, Junior Champion

Entirely homebred, Ranfurly Principal 12 23 is an AI calf by Ranfurly Limelight L11 20, who was sold for 16,000gns at Stirling in February 2022, and is out of the Raceview King daughter Ranfurly Weikel 13th EH17 EX90. Further progeny from Ranfurly Limelight L11 20 will also be for sale in September.  Ranfurly Principal 12 arrived at Antrim with a good show pedigree behind him having stood second in his class to the Male Champion at the 2024 RUAS Balmoral Show, and having been Male Champion and Reserve Supreme at Omagh Show.  Of this April 2023 born calf the judge Jim Goldie said:  “This is a really stylish calf, again with natural width, shape and conformation.  He’s a modern bull that will continue to improve and develop and with a good future ahead of him.”  Later in the show Ranfurly Principal 12 powered on to win the Pedigree Beef Bull Stakes for all pedigree bulls in show, born on or after 1st January 2023, and judged by Raymond Irvine, Banffshire.

Dermody Princess 2 Reserve Female Champion

Standing Reserve Female Champion to the Overall Supreme was another stylish heifer in the shape of Dermody Princess 2 from JL & CJ Weatherup, Ballyclare, Co Antrim.  Bred by Mr N Jagoe, this September 2002 heifer by Saltire Impressive and out of Dermody Kandy, a Glebedale Tyson daughter, was purchased by the Weatherups at Roscommon for €9200.  In May this year Dermody Princess 2 stood Reserve Female Champion at the 2024 RUAS Balmoral Show and again to Ballinalare Farm Nikita.  She was AI’d some six weeks ago to Raceview King and will now go out to grass within the herd’s 35 breeding females.   Commenting on his Reserve Female the judge said:  This is a lovely stretchy, deep ribbed heifer with a tremendous body.  I have no doubt she will continue to develop and go on and make a first class breeding female.”

Coolcran Pharaoh Reserve Male Champion & Overall Reserve Junior

Taking the Reserve Male Championship and Overall Reserve Junior Championship was the stylish October 2023 born Coolcran Pharaoh 23 from Shane & Paul McDonald, Coolcran, Tempo, Co Fermanagh.  This calf is by Islavale Miami, and is out of Coolcran Cinderella’s Gucci, an Ashland Brandy daughter, who shares the same maternal line as the 26,000gns Coolcran Heidi’s Noreen.  Of his Reserve Male Champion Jim Goldie said:  This young bull had a really nice length and stretch to him and had a super, breedy head. Well proportioned, with good feet and legs, he walked extremely well and has every potential to go on to make a pedigree bull.”  Enjoying a strong show Pharaoh’s stablemate, and class winner, Coolcran Peroni won the Bull Performance for the bull, born on or after 1st January 2023, scoring highest points combining Self Replacing Index and Physical Attributes.  July 2023 born, Coolcran Peroni is also by Islavale Miami, and is out of the Carnkern Titan daughter Ranfurly Weikel 38th L5 (ET), who was purchased at the Ranfurly Production Sale herd in 2020.  Coolcran Peroni has a Self-Replacing Index of +128 putting him in the breed’s top 5%, and with a Maternal (Milk) figure of +14, a breed top 1% figure for this trait.  Both Pharaoh and Peroni are from the first crop of calves by the herd stock bull Islavale Miami 21 purchased privately in the summer of 2022.

Coolcran Precious Royalbeauty Heifer Performance Winner

For good measure Coolcran Precious Royal Beauty then won the heifer performance recorded class, awarded to the heifer, born on or after 1st January 2022, scoring the highest points combining Self Replacing Index and physical attributes. September 2023 born this heifer is by Coolcran Maximus 21, who is now the stock bull within Heather Duff’s Pitmudie herd in Scotland, and is out of Raceview Farah Royal (ET).

Hosted by the Northern Ireland Simmental Breeder’s Club, the NI Simmental National Show was also a part of the programme of events attended by British Simmental Young Members as part of a weekend that saw them have a National Stockjudging at the Kilbride farm herd of WH Robson & Sons, plus herd visits to the Ballinalare herd of Joe & Alan Wilson, Dorans Hill, Newry, Co Down, and the Hiltonstown herd of Richard & Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, Co Antrim.

NI Simmental National Show at Antrim Show, July 27th, 2024
Judge: Jim Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan

 Class 67 – Cow or Heifer in milk or in calf, kindly sponsored by Animax
1st          Mr WD & JD Hazelton – Ranfurly Lady Diana 41 M14 – S: Auchorachan Hercules 16 D: Ranfurly Lady Diana 33

Class 68 – Senior heifer, born between 1st January 2022 & 30th June 2022, kindly sponsored by Animax
1st          Mr J & Mr A Wilson – Ballinalare Farm Nikita – S: Saltire Impressive 17 D: Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa

Class 68 Ballinalare Farm Nikita

Class 69 – Intermediate heifer, born between 1st July 2022 & 31st December 2022, kindly   sponsored by Countryside Services
1st          J & C Weatherup – Dermody Princess 2 – S: Saltire Impressive 17 D: Dermody Kandy
2nd          J Glasgow – Bridgewater Farm Evie 5 – S: Auchorachan Hercules 16 D: Bridgewater Farm Evie 2
3rd          J Glasgow – Raceview PCH Vivkim ET – S: Coose Jericho (P) D: Raceview Chantelle Vivian
4th          R & R Rodgers – Hiltonstown Nadia – S: Raceview King Bat K 019 D: Hiltonstown Topaz

Class 69 Dermody Princess 2

Class 70 – Junior heifer, born between 1st January 2023 & 30th April 2023, kindly sponsored by Yara
1st          A Clarke – Breaghey Class P477 – S: Omorga Horton 16 D: Breaghey Class I286
2nd          M & E McCloskey – Drumagarner RVH Escelina – S: Dermotstown Delboy D: Drumagarner Helen
3rd          J & C Weatherup – Lisglass Primrose – S: Saltire Impressive 17 D: Lisglass Kit-Kat
4th          A Clarke – Breaghey Vida – P504 – S: Kilbride Farm Marvel 21 D: Breaghey Vida K362

Class 70 Breaghey Class P477

Class 71 – Junior heifer, born between 1st May 2023 & 31st August 2023, kindly sponsored by Noel Kilpatrick Financial Services
1st          W & J Hazelton – Ranfurly Weikel 52 P18 23 – S: Ranfurly Limelight L11 20 D: Ranfurly Weikel 18 H2
2nd          W Dodd – Craigy Violet P9 – S: Keeldrum Gambler 15 D: Craigy Violet L4
3rd          W Dodd – Craigy Beatrice P10 – S: Keeldrum Gambler 15 D: Craigy Beatrice H1 (P)
4th          R & R Rodgers – Hiltonstown Posh S: Hiltonstown Lachlan 20 D: Hiltonstown Angel 2

Class 71 Ranfurly Weikel 52 P18 23

Class 72 – Junior heifer, born between 1st September 2023 & 31st December 2023, kindly sponsored by T Met.
1st          H Stubbs & A Burleigh – Derrycallaghan Polly – S: Manor Park Hansome 16 D: Derrycallaghan Hotpants
2nd          H Stubbs & A Burleigh – Derrycallaghan Primrose – S: Manor Park Hansome 16 D: Derrycallaghan Kalmaty-Jane
3rd          J & C Weatherup – Lisglass Panache S: Omorga Volvo D: Lisglass Kerry
4th          S McDonald – Coolcran Precious Royalbeauty – S:Coolcran Maximus 21 D: Raceview Farah Royal ET

Class 72 Derrycallaghan Polly

Class 74 – Heifer performance recorded class – Awarded to the heifer scoring the highest points combining Self Replacing Index and physical attributes.  Heifers which are born on or after 1 January 2022 are eligible.  Kindly sponsored by ABP.
1st          Coolcran Precious Royal Beauty            134 points
2nd          Breaghey Vide P504                                131 points
3rd          Breaghey Class P477                               102 points
4th          Ranfurly Weikel 52 P18                           96 points                                         

FEMALE CHAMPIONSHIP
Female Champion                      – Ballinalare Farm Nikita
Reserve Female Champion    – Dermody Princess 2

Class 76 – Junior bull, born between 1st January 2023 and 30th April 2023, kindly sponsored by Biocell
1st          W & J Hazelton – Ranfurly Principal P12 23 – S: Ranfurly Limelight L11 20 D: Ranfurly Weikel 13
2nd          C & S McIlwaine – Corrick Patriot 23 – S: Curaheen Drifter – D: Corrick Cherry

Class 76 Ranfurly Principal

Class 77 – Junior bull born between 1st May 2023 & 31st August 2023. kindly sponsored by Millburn Concrete
1st          S McDonald – Coolcran Peroni – S: Islavale Miami 21 D: Ranfurly Weikel 38th L5
2nd          W Dodd – Craigy Prime 23 – S:Seafront Gill – D:Craigy Jessica L9
3rd          M Cunning – Pointfarms Panther 23 – S:Hiltonstown Lancelot – D:Pointfarms Margo
4th          M & E McCloskey – Drumagarner Peter 23 – S: Dermotstown Delboy D: Drumagarner Shannon
5th          M Cunning – Pointfarms Premier 23 – S: Hiltonstown Lancelot 20 D: Pointfarms Kelly
6th          W & G Nelson – Drumacritten Peter 23 – S:Auchorachan Hercules D: Drumacritten Jackie

Class 77 Coolcran Peroni

Class 78 Junior bull born between 1st September 2023 & 31st December 2023, kindly sponsored by Provita
 1st         S McDonald – Coolcran Pharaoh S: Islavale Miami D: Coolcran Cinderellas Gucci
2nd          C & S McIwaine – Corrick Presley 23 S: Seafront Gill D: Corrick Matilda
3rd          W Dodd – Craigy Paddington 23 S: Saltire Impressive 17 D: Craigy Jessica K2

Class 78 Coolcran Pharaoh

 Class 80 – DANI Rosebowl Bull Performance Award – Awarded to the bull scoring highest points combining Self Replacing Index and Physical Attributes, Bulls which are born on or after 1st January 2023 are eligible, Kindly sponsored by George Hamilton Machinery
1st          Coolcran Peroni              163 points
2nd          Coolcran Pharaoh          144 points
3rd          Corrick Presley               141 points

MALE CHAMPIONSHIP
Kindly sponsored by Danske Bank

Male Champion                           Ranfurly Principal P12
Reserve Male Champion          Coolcran Pharaoh
Beef Stakes                                    Ranfurly Principal P12

Junior Championship, kindly sponsored by Danske Bank
Champion                                    Ranfurly Principal P12
Reserve Junior Champion        Coolcran Pharaoh

 Overall Championship, kindly sponsored by Danske Bank
Overall Champion                       Ballinalare Farm Nikita
Reserve Overall Champion     Ranfurly Principal P12

Overall Reserve Interbreed    Ballinalare Farm Nikita

Class 81 Pair of animals, property of exhibitor kindly sponsored by L&B Estate Agents
1st          Ranfurly – W & J Hazelton
2nd          Derrycallaghan – A Burleigh
3rd          Drumagarner – E McCloskey

Ranfurly Winning Pair of Animals

Class 82 Group of 3 property of one exhibitor.  Kindly sponsored by Irwin Feeds
1st          Craigy
2nd          Ranfurly
3rd          Lisglass

Craigy Herd Winning Group of Three

 Class 83 – Young Handler aged 8-12 years old on show day – Kindly sponsored by Thompson.
1st          Lewis Dodd
2nd          Timothy Rainey
3rd          Danny Clarke

Class 83 Lewis Dodd Young Handler 8-12 years

 Class 84 Young Handler aged 13-18 years old on show day –Kindly sponsored by Fanevalley
1st          Jamie Dodd
2nd          Rhys Rodgers

Class 84 Jamie Dodd Young Handler 13-18 years

Female & Res Female with Show Sponsors

CADE FIFI’S NALA WINS 2024 SIMMENTAL ENGLISH NATIONAL AND OVERALL INTERBREED SUPREME AT THE ROYAL LANCASHIRE SHOW!

CADE FIFI’S NALA WINS 2024 SIMMENTAL ENGLISH NATIONAL AND OVERALL INTERBREED SUPREME AT THE ROYAL LANCASHIRE SHOW!

Cade Fifi’s Nala also wins Interbreed Continental Champion
Simmentals win Team of Four Interbreed

The outstanding September 2022 born heifer Cade Fifi’s Nala lit up the 2024 Royal Lancashire Show for breeders Paul & Sharrie Cade, Paddock Farm, Buckden, Peterborough, when taking the Overall Supreme Championship at the 2024 Simmental English National Show, before moving on to win the Overall Individual Interbreed Championship of the Royal Lancashire Show, held at Salesbury Hall, Ribchester on 19th – 21st July.

Overall Interbreed and Overall Simmental Champion Cade Fifi’s Nala

With eleven classes having been judged in the allocated ring on Saturday morning, the Simmental first and second prize winners then moved to the show’s main ring to ‘wow’ the big crowds as they paraded, and as the Championship judging played out. Judge for the day was Stewart Stronach of the highly noted Islavale Herd, Berryleys Farm, Keith, and he duly gave the Championship tap to Cade Fifi’s Nala who was expertly shown by the Cade’s daughter, Erin.

Speaking afterwards, Stewart Stronach said of his Champion: “This is just a tremendous heifer. Good in all the right places, she moves well, is easy fleshing, deep in the hip, wide and square, and has real show presence. She’s very much a modern Simmental with no extremes or hard muscling, and will go on to make a beautiful cow.”

Judge Stewart Stronach

Very much backing this judgement up on the show’s closing day, Cade Fifi’s Nala went on to win the Individual Continental Interbreed Championship, before taking the show’s blue riband award when winning the Individual Interbreed Overall Supreme title.  For good measure, and a little extra icing on the cake, Cade Fifi’s Nala then joined up with the bull Popes Premier from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Preston; and Denizes Melody 52nd, and Denizes Melody 53rd from the Wacton Herd of RE & SHW Steggles, Honingham, Norfolk, to win the Team of Four Interbreed.  Judging the interbreeds was the well-known Mary Reynolds, Hampshire.

The Interbreed awards reflected what was a high-quality Simmental English National Show with the judge Stewart Stronach congratulating all of the exhibitors for the standard of animals forward and noting that he had ‘seen Simmentals that I think will be some of the best in the UK today’!

Cade Fifi’s Nala is an ET calf by Sacombe Jameson and out of the noted Sterling Celia’s Fifi, who is owned in a three-way split by the Cades along with the Brandane herd of Jimmy McMillan and the Key herd of GD Key & Sons.  Sterling Celia’s Fifi, bred by Boddington Estates, by Sterling Cotswold, and out of Sterling Delores Celia, is a past winner of the English National Show having lifted the title in 2017 at the Three Counties Show.  Later that same year she was sold for 22,000gns, a then albeit briefly held Simmental female record, at the Boddington Estate Herd Dispersal Sale and to Harte Farms, Republic of Ireland. In 2021 the ‘herd consortium’ came together to buy Sterling Celia’s Fifi for 6200 Euros at the Harte’s online Dispersal Sale. The quality of Cade Fifi’s Nala suggests this was a knowledgeable and rewarding investment and Sharrie Cade was quick to thank and acknowledge Jimmy McMillan, and Simon Key for their part in ‘the journey with Sterling Celia’s Fifi’.

It was an emotional win for the Cades and from their Cade herd which was only established in 2017 and now comprises of some 25 breeding females and fifty head in all.  Commenting afterwards, Sharrie Cade said:  “It really has been quite overwhelming to win these prestigious titles against such strong competition, and it’s going to take a little time to sink in!  Fifi’s Nala is stylish, modern, easy fleshed with good growth, and most importantly for us is very correct.  She’s a very special heifer but she is typical of the type of animals that we are looking to breed.”   The wins at the Royal Lancashire Show are the highest show achievements for the herd to date but with them also having bred the bull Cade Nugget who took the Male Championship at the 2023 Simmental English National Show and also the Interbreed Male Continental Champion at the same Royal Norfolk show, for Chris & Zara Curson’s Hollybrook herd.

With a host of titles behind her this year, Cade Fifi’s Nala has been part of Simmental winning Interbreed Teams and Groups at the Royal Norfolk, was breed champion at Herts Show and Reserve Continental Interbreed, and was Reserve Supreme Simmental at Suffolk, and Royal Norfolk Shows!  Bringing two quality heifers to the show, another red ticket was secured when the January 2023 born Cade Kathleen’s Prada, also by Sacombe Jameson 18, won the fourth heifer class on the day.

Reserve Overall Champion Popes Princess Noor

Females were to the fore and taking the Reserve Overall Supreme, and Reserve Female title was Popes Princess Noor from well-known local breeders Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Preston, Lancashire. April 2022 born, Popes Princess Noor is an ET calf by the noted Team Celtic and is out of Popes Princess Hettie. This in-calf heifer (to Denizes Hamish) arrived at the Royal Lancashire having won the Simmental Supreme Championship at the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show.  Commenting, Stewart Stronach said:  “This is another tremendous Simmental heifer.  She’s full of show presence, has a beautiful head, and carried herself extremely well.” A multi title winning animal, Popes Princess Noor was the Overall Junior, and Junior Female Champion at the 2023 Simmental English National Show, and is a half sister to the all-conquering 2022 Simmental English Show Champion, Popes Princess Lumi.

The quality kept on coming and winning the Male Championship, Junior Male, and Overall Junior, was the very stylish January 2023 born Simply Peter Pan from Robert & Louise Fitton, Moss Hall Farm, Lostock, Bolton, and another from the Red Rose County of Lancashire. This calf is by Ashland Magic and is out of Derrycallaghan Kitkat (ET). Of his Male Champion Stewart Stronach said: “Again a very modern Simmental, this bull is long and clean with a great turn of hip, and carried himself extremely well. He’s a bull with all the qualities to do both jobs as a breeder’s bull, and as a high-end commercial bull.”  For the ten cow Simply herd who are ‘not regulars in the showring’, this was their highest show accolade to date and with it being the bull’s first time out.  Commenting Robert Fitton said:  “We really think this bull is the full package of looks, breeding, and figures.  His sire was bought for length, colour, and figures, and his dam is a thick set cow.  He’s clean with width and end, and no gut and carries a +9 figure for Maternal (Milk), and is +109 for Self-Replacing Index.”  In a little footnote, all of the Simply animals registered in 2023 carry the name Peter within, in tribute to Robert’s dad, so a very fitting win.

Male Champion, Junior Male and Overall Junior Champion Simply Peter Pan 23

Lifting the Reserve Male Championship was the January 2023 born bull Popes Premier 23. Sired by Popes Lethal Weapon, Popes Premier 23 was shown through last summer as a calf at foot alongside his multi title winning mum, Popes Princess Immie. Premier’s grand dam is the herd’s famous, and much decorated cow, Popes Princess Cleo. In his own, Popes Premier 23 won the Simmental Pedigree Calf Championship and National Pedigree Calf Show Interbreed, at the English Winter Fair in November 2023.  This year he won the Male Championship and Reserve Overall to his stablemate Popes Princess Noor, at the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show.

Reserve Male Champion Popes Premier

Back in the females and the Junior Female Champion and Reserve Junior Overall was Atlow Plume from David Donnelly, Atlow House, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.  June 2023 born this was another ‘first timer’ in the show ring.  Sired by Dermotstown King Kong (ET), Atlow Plume is out of Atlow Dora’s Jojo who goes back to Kilbride Farm Dora 34A EX94.  The Atlow Herd has secured many show Championships over the years and speaking afterwards David Donnelly said this heifer was right up there with previous breeding: “Atlow Plume is one of the best heifers we have bred since Atlow Valentine who was an Overall Simmental and Interbreed Champion at the Royal Show in the early 2000’s.”  From here the aim is that Atlow Plume will be entered, along with two other show heifers, to the Next Generation IV Simmental female Sale at Carlisle in December.

Junior Female Champion Atlow Plume

Another local breeder putting forward a mighty team of animals was MA Barlow & Sons from their noted Denizes herd.  Enjoying a fine day the herd picked up four class winners (three in the bull classes) and four second prizes.  The consistency and performance of the Denizes entries saw the herd pick up the Imex Award for the breeder winning most points across all of the classes.

Pair winners – Denizes Melody 53 & Denizes Melody 52

Group of Four

Judge Stewart Stronach with Overall Champion Cade Fifi’s Nala and Reserve Champion Popes Princess Noor with Iain Kerr from BSCSJunior Championship

Simmental English National Show
(Held within Royal Lancashire Show)
Saturday 20th July 2024

Judge: Mr Stewart Stronach, Islavale Herd, Berryleys Farm, Keith

Results
Class S1a Heifer born on or after 1st April 2023
1st J H & V G Wood                    Popes Trixies Pearl
2nd A S Leedham                       Grangewood Jewel’s Princess
3rd David Donnelly                     Atlow Pippa

Popes Trixies Pearl

 Class S2b Heifer born on or after 1st April 2023
1st David Donnelly                    Atlow Plume
2nd Barlow Brothers                 Denizes Matilda 15th
3rd Barlow Brothers                  Denizes Eunice 5th
4th Barlow Brothers                  Denizes Nelly 14th

Class S2c Heifer born on or after 1st April 2023
1st Barlow Brothers                  Denizes Matilda 16th
2nd Barlow Brothers                 Denizes Melody 58
3rd PM & R Fitton                     Simply Trixi Pixie

Denizes Matilda 16th

Class S2 Heifer, born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2023
1st PA & SM Cade                        Cade Kathleen’s Prada
2nd JH & VG Wood                      Popes Trixies Prudence
3rd R & L Storersmith                 Storersmith Puzzle
4th J H & V G Wood                     Popes Trixies Perla
5th T & J Hassall                          Fishpool Poppy

Cade Kathleen’s Prada

 Class S3 Heifer, Born on or between 1st August and 31st December 2022
1st PA & SM Cade                      Cade Fifi’s Nala
2nd RE & SHW Steggles          Denizes Melody 53
3rd RE & SHW Steggles           Denizes Melody 52
4th A S Leedham                      Grangewood Tollie’s Natalie

 Class S4 Heifer, born on or between 1st April and 31st July 2022
1st J H & V G Wood                    Popes Princess Noor
2nd A S Leedham                       Grangewood Nicole
3rd Steven White                        Tirley Bluebelle

Class S9a Bull, born on or after 1st April 2023
1st Barlow Brothers                  Denizes Predator 23
2nd J H & V G Wood                  Popes Paxton 23
3rd RE & SHW Steggles            Wacton Peroni 23
4th PM & R Fitton                     Simply Pete (Big) 23

Denizes Predator

Class S9b Bull, born on or after 1st April 2023
1st Barlow Brothers                    Denizes Passito 23 (P)
2nd Barlow Brothers                   Denizes Pablo 23
3rd Barlow Brothers                    Denizes Powerboy 23
4th Barlow Brothers                    Denizes Portobello 23

Denizes Passito

Class S9c Bull, born on or after 1st April 2023
1st Barlow Brothers                     Denizes Phantom 23
2nd Barlow Brothers                   Denizes Paparazzi 23
3rd RE & SHW Steggles               Wacton Powerhouse 23

Denizes Phantom

Class S10 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2023
1st PM & R Fitton                       Simply Peter Pan 23
2nd J H & V G Wood                   Popes Premier 23
3rd J H & V G Wood                    Popes Power 23

Class S11 Bull born in 2022
1st R & L Storersmith                Storersmith Navarone 22

Storersmith Navarone

Class S13 Pair of animals
1st RE & SHW Steggles
2nd A S Leedham
3rd JH & VG Wood
4th Barlow Brothers

S14 Group of four
1st  JH & VG Wood
2nd RE & SHW Steggles
3rd Barlow Brothers

Overall Champion
Cade Fifi’s Nala                          PA & SM Cade

Reserve Overall Champion
Popes Princess Noor                JH & VG Wood

Female Champion
Cade Fifi’s Nala                          PA & SM Cade

 Reserve Female Champion
Popes Princess Noor                JH & VG Wood

Junior Female Champion
Atlow Plume                                 David Donnelly

Male Champion
Simply Peter Pan                        PM & R Fitton

Reserve Male Champion
Popes Premier 23                      J H & V G Wood            

Champion Junior Male
Simply Peter Pan                        PM & R Fitton

Junior Champion
Simply Peter Pan                        PM & R Fitton