Balmoral, – Royal Ulster Show, 15th to 18th May 2019

Judges report, Cecil McIlwaine

It was a great honour and privilege to judge the 151^st Balmoral Show.  I would like to thank the committee of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for inviting me.  The weather was excellent, and this was a bonus for the exhibitors and spectators alike.

Due to the show being held early in the season and many part-time breeders the number of cattle forward was relatively small, but credit to the exhibitors, the quality was of a high standard.

With just two exhibits in the cow class, first place went to Ballinalare Farm Chanel followed by Guhard Dorothy.  These were two useful cows.

As there was a single entry in the senior heifer class first place went to Ballinalare Farm Ivory.  In the intermediate heifer class, pole position was held by Ranfurly Weikel 23^rd followed by Breaghey Leading Lady and claiming the third ticket was Lisglass Isla.  In the Junior Heifer class Cleenagh Jessica claimed first place followed closely in second place by Roscultan Jemina.  These were two super heifers which should mature into excellent cows. In third position was another decent heifer namely Bannhill Farm Jinx.

With no entries in the Senior bull class the Junior Male section was led by Ranfurly Jameson J2 18, an outstanding young bull with tremendous power and scale.  In second place was Bridgewater Farm Jed, this was another smart young bull with good potential followed by Bridgewater Farm Jenson from the same farm.  Finally, in fourth place was Lisglass Jasper.  The bulls in this class were all a credit to their breeders.

My Male and Overall Champion was undisputedly Ranfurly Jameson J2 18 and claimed reserve spot in the Interbreed Beef Recorder class.  Reserve Male and Reserve Overall went to the Bridgewater herd with Bridgewater Farm Jed.  Female Champion was Ranfurly Weikel 23^rd I11 with Cleenagh Jessica in reserve position.

Finally, I would like to commend the exhibitors for presenting an excellent display of cattle and extend my sincere thanks to all the Stewards for carrying out their duties in a professional manner.