JUDGING of the Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus Club’s annual Herd Competition is set to get underway next week.
Club secretary Cathy O’Hara has confirmed that more than 30 herds have entered this year’s competition. The event is kindly sponsored by WK Powell and Sons, based at Keady, County Armagh, suppliers of top-quality animal feeds and agricultural supplies.
An array of prizes are up for grabs, including best small, medium and large herd, best stock bull, cow family, bull and heifer calf, and futurity heifer.
Judging is in the capable hands of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society’s junior vice-president Ian Watson, from the noted
Kersquarter herd near Kelso in Roxburghshire.
Cathy O’Hara said: “The herd competition is growing from strength-to-strength.
“I am delighted with the response to this year’s competition, and it is encouraging to see a number of new entrants taking part. Thanks to WK Powell and Sons for their generous sponsorship.”
The results of the club’s 2022 Herd Competition will be announced at an Open Day in County Down on Saturday, August 20.
The event, hosted by former National Beef Association UK and NI chairman Oisin Murnion and family, commences at 11am.
Pedigree Aberdeen Angus breeders and commercial suckler herd owners are welcome. The Open Day takes place at Clanmaghery Road, Tyrella, Downpatrick, BT30 8SU.
Oisin, Anne Marie and Jolene own the Glenloughan pedigree Aberdeen Angus herd, a 100-cow suckler herd, and a commercial sheep enterprise.
They farm over 700 acres, across a number of locations, the majority of which is classed as ASSI land (Area of Special Scientific Interest).
NI Aberdeen Angus Club chairman Hylda Mills said: ”Everyone is welcome! The Open Day promises to be a family-friendly and educational day out.
“There will be pedigree and commercial cattle on display, as well as a clipping demonstration and barbecue. We will also be announcing the winners of the hotly contested Herd Competition.”
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