NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club Report

NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club

Report by Conrad Fegan - Chairman

2020 started off with Northern Irish breeders heading across the water to the Stirling bull sale. Leading the Northern Ireland prices at 9,000gns was Ranfurly Jackpot bred by David and Jonny Hazelton, Dungannon. Next best at 6,200gns was Kilbride Farm Jules bred by Billy Robson and Sons from Doagh, Ballyclare. Six bulls bred by the Robson family averaged £4,550 each.

The Spring Sale in Stirling also proved memorable for Nigel Glasgow, Cookstown, who claimed the Junior Championship ribbons with Bridgewater Farm Jazzman. He came under the hammer at 6,000gns.

Fermanagh breeders Harold Stubbs, and grandson Alan Burleigh, also had a terrific day in the pre-sale show claiming the Reserve Junior Championship with Derrycallaghan Jasper who went on to sell for 3,000gns.

Unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic was responsible for the cancellation of the Club’s scheduled shows and sales and provincial agricultural shows.

However, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s virtual show took the internet by storm. It was an absolute credit to the Society with the ten classes attracting 745 entries from 161 breeders. NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club members excelled in the competition, which is testimony to the quality of cattle and the high standard of stockmanship. Well done to everyone who took part, and congratulations to the prize winners!

In mid-July two local herds made history by exporting 11 cattle to pedigree breeders in Switzerland and Germany. The Omorga Herd owned by Harry and John Moore, Beragh, sold two bulls and six heifers; while Richard Rodgers, Portglenone, sold one bull and two heifers from his Hiltonstown Herd.

Early September saw the third production sale from the Ranfurly and Ballinlare Farm herds. Taking the top price of 7,000gns was Ranfurly Beauty 13th from David and Jonny Hazelton. Topping Joe and Alan Wilson’s consignment at 4,900gns was Bannhill Farm Jinx. The Ranfurly herd sold 18 heifers to average £4,243, while the Ballinlare Farm offering averaged £2,615 for 25 lots. Congratulations to both herds on another successful sale.

October finally brought a sale for our breeders at Dungannon. Although there was a small entry of bulls, there was a steady trade and the sale average increased £516 on the previous year. The club is indebted to Bimeda for its generous sponsorship.

Topping the autumn sale at 3,500gns was Wellbray Kingbee bred by David McElmurry, Pomeroy. The second highest price of 3,000gns went to Drumacritten Kyle bred by Willie and George Nelson, Rosslea. The Nelson family also realised 2,400gns for Drumacritten Ken.

In early December NI Simmental Club stalwart Billy Robson OBE, and sons Michael and Norman, announced another ‘export first’ with the sale of 32 embryos from their noted Kilbride Farm Herd going to the Knox Farms Herd in Australia.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish fellow Simmental breeders and their families a safe, happy and prosperous 2021. I hope things will be back to normal very soon. Take care and stay safe.

Ranfurly Jackpot 9000gns

Kilbride Farm Jules 6200gns