Young Texel enthusiasts to gather in Northern Ireland

THIS year’s Texel Five Nat-

ions Event will see young Texel enthusiasts from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland gather in the Province, giving them the opportunity to enjoy one of the breed’s most successful regions.

Taking place from Friday, June 30, to Sunday, July 2, the weekend will include flock and farm visits as well as social activities.

The first day will include two farm visits, the first being to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute at Hillsborough, with topics in-cluding an overview of AFBI’s sheep R&D programme as well as methane mitigation research and virtual fence research.

Next on the agenda will be a visit to the Forkins and Cherryvale flocks of the Gault family, including a barbeque and two competitions, including stock judging.

This will be followed by an evening in Belfast.

Following that on the second day is a visit to the Millars flock of Martin and Cyril Millar, with a chance to see both the Texel flock and the family’s pedigree Holstein herd.

Second up on the Saturday will be a trip to the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway on the Northern Irish coast.

There than follows a visit to

James Alexander’s multi-faceted livestock enterprise, which in-

cludes both pedigree and com-

mercial sheep and beef enter-prises.

There will then be another evening in Belfast for attendees to socialise further and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Northern Ireland’s capital city. And on the Sunday the group will enjoy some socialising in Belfast, before attendees head home.

Texel Sheep Society YDP co-ordinator Ailish Ross said the weekend would be one not to be missed with some top class stock on view as well as a mix of social activities.

“Previous Five Nations events have given young people the opportunity to learn, socialise and build relationships with fellow Texel enthusiasts from across the UK and Ireland and this year’s event will be no different.”

Young breeders wanting to attend the Five Nations Weekend can find more information and book their place at www.texel.uk/ydp

The Texel Sheep Society’s YDP committee is grateful for the generous support of the event sponsors, including AB Europe, Ballymena Mart, Smyths Daleside and the Texel Sheep Society, and their commitment to the future of the Texel breed and the wider sheep industry.