Thumbs up to Beef Shorthorn

NI Development Weekend supported by new and young society members

Getting to grips with judging

Over 50 new and young Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society members met in August to participate in its annual Development Weekend which for the first time was staged in Northern Ireland. The event featured a series of hands-on workshops, presentations and discussions including embryo transfer, EBVs, stock-judging and showring preparation skills. 

First stop was the Gill Hall Estate, Dromore where host, James Porter introduced guests to his family’s Uppermill Beef Shorthorn herd. The following day the delegation moved on to the Glenarm Estate, Ballymena where farm manager, Bryan Wilson led a tour around his 100 cow Beef Shorthorn suckler herd.

Emma Clarke in clipping mode

Beef Student of the Year, Orla Kelly who is studying BSc (Hons) Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies, at Queen’s University Belfast, made her award-winning presentation which explored the potential effects Brexit could have on both Northern Ireland and British agriculture.

New members, Sam Bettles, Wiltshire and Janet Dunning, North Yorkshire were commended by the workshop leaders for their skills and enthusiasm and each was awarded two embryos donated by Marytn Moore of the Wenmar herd and Tommy Staunton, Caramba herd.

Eamon McCarty supervises the clipping workshop

“The Development Weekend was a huge success bringing together youngsters and breed newcomers from as far afield as Perthshire to Gloucestershire, as well as members from throughout Northern Ireland,” commented organiser, Tina Russell. “Apart from both individuals and families enjoying the social camaraderie and passion for the breed, they had two full-on days developing skills, generating new ideas and sharing experiences. Furthermore, they went home inspired to continue their involvement with Beef Shorthorn, the fastest growing native breed.”