NI Blue Cattle Club ‘Show Herd of the Year’

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NI Blue Cattle Club ‘Show Herd of the Year’

ONE POINT BETWEEN BEST BLUE HERDS

JUST one point separated the top two herds in the NI Blue Cattle Club ‘Show Herd of the Year’ competition run over seven summer shows and sponsored by Chestnutt Animal Feeds, Stranocum.

James Chestnutt, left, Chestnutt Animal Feeds, presents the NI British Blue Show Herd of the Year award to Jim Ervine, Knockagh, Newtownabbey. Also included are, from left, Laura Ervine, club chairman Robert Johnston and runner up, by only a single point, Zara Morrison.

Announcing the results at the NI Blue Cattle Club dinner dance secretary Harold McKee revealed that with 66 points Jim Ervine, Knockagh, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim took the title a single point ahead of Zara Morrison, nee Chestnutt, of Clougher, Bushmills.

Presenting the award sponsor James Chestnutt congratulated all, who exhibited British Blues at shows across NI and praised the style of stock brought out.

NI Blue Cattle Club chairman Robert Johnston adding that those who make the effort to compete at shows play a pivotal part in promoting the ultimate terminal beef sire.

Guest speaker John Henning from the Northern Bank then reflected on a successful year for Ulster agriculture in general.

“In 2010 we enjoyed better weather at critical times of the farming calendar and better prices for all our outputs, other than beef where returns sadly still lag behind.

“This coming month UK farmers will also receive the second highest Single Farm Payment ever paid for caring for the countryside and producing the food we all enjoy.

“With a world population projected to reach nine billion by 2050, less then a generation from now, food security is at last back on the political radar.

Thankfully decision takers in London better appreciate the role of British agriculture than they have for several decades,” the upbeat banker added.

“As the UK recovers from recession the farm and food sector is no longer viewed as of peripheral importance in our national economy. Good news for NI where the farm and food sector remains by far the most important industry and our largest source of commercial employment.

“With a rising middle class in nations such as China seeking to enjoy a more western style diet, including beef, demand for the food we produce cannot, but continue to rise globally.

“Farmers always face challenges, but the opportunities are there to be seized by those with that passion for good husbandry so clearly seen in the ranks of the British Blue Cattle Society, especially in NI.

“In closing may I congratulate the NI Blue Club on their efforts not only to produce quality cattle, but for their ability to promote their breed. No wonder Blues bred in this province find willing buyers across the British Isles.”

Guests of honour at the NI British Blue Cattle Club dinner included, from left, George and Pearl Smyton, John and Ann Henning, James and Anne Calwell, Michael Taaffe and Nicola Lowthe.

Flower girls! On behalf of the NI British Blue Cattle Club Laura Ervine, right, presented Ann Henning, wife of guest speak John, with a bouquet

A proud moment for British Blue Cattle Breeders Mr and Mrs James Martin, Springhill, Newtownards as NI Club chairman Robert Johnston presents them with the BBG Johnston Crystal Trophy as winners of the 2010 Norbrook Herd of the Year competition.

NI Blue Cattle Club secretary Harold McKee, left, presents the Norbreck Genetics Calf Show Cup to Naomi Gregg accompanied by her Dad, Ernie, at the annual dinner dance in Antrim Town.

Trophy time for Corrina and Ivan Gordon, Kilkeel, at the NI Blue Club dinner as secretary Harold McKee, left, and chairmans Robert Johnson congratulate them on their successes at the Meat Joint Calf Show.

2010 proved a memorable year for Zara Morrison, nee Chestnutt, of Bushmills as she graduated, wed and enjoyed continuing success with her Clougher British Blue Herd. Lending helping hands to display just some of Zara’s trophies are NI Club chairman Robert Johnston, left, and international pedigree livestock auctioneer Michael Taaffe.

Guests Ivan Porter of Osmonds and his wife Jean, left, were welcomed to the NI Blue Cattle Club dinner by Maura and Harold McKee.

Former Society President, South Antrim entrepreneur Conn Williamson, right, and party at the Blue Cattle Club Dinner Dance.

Dining out at the Blue Cattle Club event were Thomas McKee and Stephen Gordon from Kilkeel.

The Blue belles of Ulster! Laura Ervine, left, and Lynsey Lawrence prepare to party at the NI British Blue Cattle Club dinner dance in Antrim.

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