2008 Annual Dinner

BLUES EXPORT EXPERTISE PRAISED

British Blue Cattle Breeders in Northern Ireland have been praised for their expertise in exporting stock and semen to the Irish Republic and mainland Europe.

Addressing the NI Blue Cattle Breeders Club annual dinner Society President Alan Cleland said as Blue Tongue Disease made long established markets in other parts of the UK more difficult members had reacted swiftly.

“Thus the market for Blue genetics in the Irish Republic has been dramatically expanded by breeders in Northern Ireland. Breeders, who also play a full part in the British Blue Cattle Society’s drive to win market share elsewhere in the greatly expanded EU.”

A positive note continued by guest of honour Trevor Boyd from Pfizer Animal Health, who congratulated breeders on helping make the beef sector more competitive. “The British Blue, which you so professionally promote, plays a major role in boosting the percentage of beef cattle finishing at higher grades.”

Trevor also noted that the NI Blue Cattle Club attracted a huge number of the younger generation to functions.

A sentiment echoed by President Alan Cleland, who said events such as the calf show at Moira, the herd competition, bull and heifer derbys were first rate.

It was also noted that Northern Ireland had produced three British Blue Cattle Breeders Society Presidents, Conn Williamson, Anne Morrison MBE and Alan Cleland. Indeed not only was the current president an Ulsterman, but so was the chairman Jim Sloan, who was putting a huge effort into this unpaid, time consuming task.

ZARA TAKES SHOW HERD AWARD

Bushmills breeder Zara Chestnutt continued her outstanding run of success by winning the 2008 Thompsons Show Herd of the Year Championship at the NI British Blue Cattle Breeders Club dinner dance in Antrim.

The runner up in this high profile event sponsored by feed compounders Thompsons was the Knockagh Herd of Jim Ervine and family at Newtownabbey.

British Blue Cattle Society Chairman Jim Sloan, front right, from Kilkeel at the NI Blue Cattle Breeders’ Club dinner dance with current Society President Alan Cleland, Downpatrick, rear left, and past presidents Conn Williamson, Crumlin and Anne Morrison MBE, Armoy. Though only 4% of total UK land area NI has played a key role in British Blue cattle breeding nationwide.

Faces of our farming future as the younger generation gather to enjoy the NI British Blue Cattle Club dinner dance.

Another Chestnutt of Bushmills success as David Chestnutt, centre, collects the Thompsons British Blue Show Exhibitor of the Year Award on behalf of his sister Zara. Making the presented was NI Blue Club secretary Harold McKee of Kilkeel accompanied by his wife Maura. The Thompsons Exhibitor of the Year Award is based on points won at shows the length and breadth of Ulster in 2008.

Pretty in pink! Maria McKee, left, presents the Thompsons Show Exhibitor of the Year reserve award to Jennifer Ervine watched by husband Harold McKee, secretary, NI Blue Cattle Breeders Club.

Delighted you can join us! NI Blue Cattle Breeders Club chairman Jim Ervine, left, welcomes guest of honour Trevor Boyd from Pfizer Animal Health and his wife Barbara to the Blues annual dinner dance at Antrim.

Ladies with style and good taste at the NI Blue Cattle Breeders Club annual dinner dance in Antrim were, from left, Jennifer Ervine, Carolyn Agnew, Laura Ervine and Maura McKee.

NI Blue Club chairman Jim Ervine and wife Jennifer welcome Moira and Thomas Hamill to the premier beef breed’s annual dinner dance.

Ready for a sixsome reel at the Blue cattle Club dinner dance were, from left, William and Valerie Heatherington, Sixmilecross, Les McCarthy and Louise Annett of Kilkeel with Samuel and Annabel Cleland of Downpatrick.

Strictly modern! Young folk ready to dance the night away at the NI Blue Club dinner dance.

Honoured guests Ivan and Jean Porter, centre, are welcomed to the NI Blue Cattle Club dinner dance by Harold McKee, left, secretary, and vice chairman Robert Johnston, right. As Osmonds Animal Health manager Ivan has generously supported British Blue events such as the bull derby final at Castlewellan Show.

Assisted by Robert Johnston YFC flower arranging award winner Julie Simpson, left, presents a bouquet to guest Barbara Boyd at the NI Blue Cattle Club dinner dance.

Happy birthday to Carolyn Agnew, left, from Laura Ervine during the Blue Cattle Club dinner dance where Heather Montgomery, right, of Ballymoney gave a most moving violin recital. Heather is of course the daughter of pioneering Blue breeders Jack and Anne Morrison.

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