ON Sunday, August 14, the Six Counties NI Dexter Group will be holding its annual herd visit, to be hosted by Loughside Farm in Ballycarry, County Antrim, between 2pm and 5pm.
Loughside Farm, which is run by Mervyn and Rachael Garrett, were one of the farming families to feature on this year’s UTV’s Rare Breed. They have a herd of over 70 Dexters, 60 crossbred ewes and have now started a small herd of Irish Moiled cattle.
Having sold their Farm Quality Assured grass-fed Dexter beef through a local butcher for the past four years, Rachael and Mervyn have recently started selling their beef directly from the farm by doing weekly deliveries in the local and surrounding areas.
They are also regulars on the show scene and have won a number of awards with their Dexters and Irish Moiled cattle.
A farm walk will allow attendees to see the main herd of breeding cows, resident stock bull and finishing steers. Following the farm walk there will be a barbecue with Loughside’s own Dexter bur-
gers and sausages, followed by desserts consisting of home baked buns and cakes.
Although the event is free to attend, the group is asking for a donation towards local charity Hope House Ireland, which pro-
vides free accommodation to
cancer patients and their car-ers at any time during or on completion of their treatment, for a short time of quiet rest and recuperation.
This is an ideal opportunity to find out more about the Dexter breed, learn about breeding, selling beef or simply learn about how local beef is produced. It is a great way to socialise with other breeders and have a bit of craic.
The event will take place at 17 Island Road Lower, Ballycarry, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 9HB, between 2pm and 5pm.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
