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• Lisglass Heifer wins Senior Championship • Haystar Revolver lifts the Junior Championship Northern Ireland Simmental breeders were out in force at the fourth staging of the NI Club’s Annual Calf Show held on Saturday 30th November, at Ballymena Livestock Market....
Members travelled from throughout the Province to attend the Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club’s AGM, held at Dungannon.
Chairman Richard Rodgers welcomed everyone and introduced the guest speaker, Raymond Irvine, senior account manager with Zoetis Animal Health.
Zoetis is the world’s largest independent animal health company, and 66% of its business is attributed to livestock health.
“Flies and parasites can have a detrimental effect on animal productivity and daily liveweight gain. It is crucial to use effective parasiticides and insecticides during the grazing season. “
Mr Irvine outlined the various products manufactured by Zoetis, including Cydectin 10% LA injection which offers season-long treatment and protection against mixed infestations of gastrointestinal and respiratory nematodes and certain arthropod parasites.
Cydectin 0.5% pour on is also used to treat and control gastrointestinal roundworms and lung worm, as well as warbles and mange mites.
Spot On is a widely recognised insecticide for use on cattle and sheep; while Flectron ear tags for cattle provide effective control against numerous species of nuisance flies.
Treasurer Leslie Weatherup delivered a comprehensive breakdown of the club’s healthy financial situation.
Reflecting on the clubs activities over the last twelve months Richard Rodgers said it was an honour to have served as chairman. “Members in Northern Ireland remain at the forefront of Simmental breeding in the UK. We are also immensely proud of our young members, who once again, excelled at the national stockjudging finals. William Ferguson from Stewartstown emerged as the overall winner, and joined forces with Andrew Clarke, Tynan, to claim the under 30 team award. Alice Stubbs from Irvinestown won second place in the under 21 individual competition. “
He continued:”Another highlight of 2014 was the club’s annual charity BBQ which raised a tremendous £11,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre in Belfast. A special word of thanks to the Kelly family from Tempo who organised the raffle, and to everyone who supported our fund raising campaign.
“Finally, a big thank you to our sponsors for their generosity. Thanks also to the committee for its support, and I wish all club members success for the forthcoming show season and the year ahead.”
The election of office bearers was conducted by recently elected British Simmental Cattle Society representative Norman Robson from Doagh.
Richard Rodgers from the Hiltonstown Herd, Portglenone, was re-elected as chairman; while Matthew Cunning from the Point Farms Herd, Glarryford, was re-elected as vice chairman.
Leslie Weatherup, Lisglass Herd, Ballyclare, remains in the role of club treasurer; while Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Herd, Portglenone, retains his position as secretary.
The following members were elected to the committee: Keith Nelson, Scribby Farms Herd, Rosslea; Andrew Clarke, Breaghey Herd, Tynan; Joe Wilson, Ballinlare Farm Herd, Newry; Mrs Thelma Gorman, Woodford Herd, Armagh; David Hazelton, Ranfurly Herd, Dungannon; Chris Traynor, Kilmore Herd, Armagh; Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Herd, Cookstown; and Conrad Fegan, Knockreagh Herd, Rostrevor.
The committee also includes regional society council representatives Norman Robson, Kilbride Farm Herd, Doagh; Robert Rodgers, Hiltonstown Herd, Portglenone; and Robin Boyd.
Forthcoming club events include:
Wednesday 27th May – Evening show and sale of pedigree and commercial Simmental cattle, Ballymena Mart – show 5.00pn, sale at 7.00pm.
Saturday 6th June – Woodcraft Kitchens (Kilrea) Junior Heifer Derby, open to heifers born in 2014, Lurgan Show.
Monday 6th July – Junior stockjudging competition at Weatherup family’s Lisglass Herd, 48 Lisglass Road, Irish Hill, Ballyclare, Co Antrim – 7.30pm.
Wednesday 5th August – Final of the Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year Competition, and presentation of the Danske Bank Male and Female of the Year Awards, Enniskillen Show.
Friday 7th August – Annual charity BBQ in aid of Southern Area Hospice in Newry, at Dungannon Rugby Club – 7.30pm.
Saturday 5th September – 45th Anniversary Elite Female Show and Sale, Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.
Anyone interested in joining the Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club should contact secretary Robin Boyd on mobile: 07799 346784.
Raymond Irvine, centre, senior account manager, Zoetis Animal Health, was guest speaker at the NI Simmental Club’s AGM. He is pictured with chairman Richard Rodgers, and vice chairman Matthew Cunning. Picture: Julie aazelton
Office bearers and committee members of the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club pictured at its AGM, held at Dungannon. Picture: Julie Hazelton
Office bearers of the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club pictured at its AGM, Dungannon, from left: Robin Boyd, Portglenone, secretary; Matthew Cunning, Glarryford, vice chairman; Richard Rodgers, Portglenone, chairman; and Leslie Weatherup, Ballyclare, treasurer. Picture: Julie Hazelton
The British Simmental Cattle Society’s Northern Ireland Council members include, from left: Norman Robson, Doagh; Robin Boyd, Portglenone; and Robert Rodgers, Portglenone. Picture: Julie Hazelton
