Hamish Sclater describes NI Angus herds as “simply outstanding”

By Libby Clarke

The Northern Bank/Aberdeen Angus Herds Competition results are hot off the press, with judge Hamish Sclater describing the entry as “simply outstanding right across the board.”

There was stiff competition in all of the categories, and in particular the Large Herds section, which was won by the Woodvale prefix of Alywn and Carol Armour, Dromara. This herd is no stranger to success having won this award in previous years, and having scooped a Supreme Championship at a recent Perth Bull Sale.

Carol and Alwyn Armour with Ian Craig (sponsor) and judge Hamish Sclater

Travelling from Denhead of Dunlugas, Turriff, to place the herds was Hamish Sclater who farms the Deveron herd of blacks in partnership with his wife Margaret. “When judging this competition I was looking for uniformity throughout a herd, and I found this in my winner in each of the categories. The females showed without doubt that they were hard working, milky cows with the ability to rear a superior calf. What I am particularly impressed with are the strong cow families in many of the herd’s I have visited.”

Nicola and Lisa Martin with Ian Craig

Lifting the Medium Herd title was the Lislola prefix of Desmond Martin, Saintfield. This herd was established just three years ago, and has quickly established itself as one of the best featuring regularly at the top of the line at local shows. Ian Craig, Agricultural Banking Manager for the Northern Bank was on hand to present the award for this section to Desmond’s daughters Nicola and Lisa who are very much involved with the Lislola herd and enjoy helping at shows and sales.

Florence Campbell winner of the small herd section with Ian Craig

Hitting the headlines in the Small Herds category was the Lister herd of Bob and Florence Campbell, Seaforde. The Campbell’s have a lifetime of experience when it comes to Angus cattle, and have sold many females as foundations for new herds.

Margaret Buchanan’s Sess herd based in Augher, Co Tyrone, enjoyed a remarkable evening laying claim to an array of awards during the prize-giving held at Temple Golf Club.

Margaret Buchanan with Hamish Sclater and Ian Craig

The highly sought after “Best Cow Family” award was presented to Margaret for her outstanding Erica family, from which her entire herd comprises. She also picked up the Richhill trophy for the “Best Calf” with her May ‘09 “Sess Escape”. The final award for the Sess herd was 3rd place in the Medium Herd section.

Jacqueline Martin presenting the Lislola trophy to May Jack

The coveted award for “Best Stock Bull” was presented to Jim and May Jack, Strule, who received many favourable comments from the judge for their herd sire “Lana Black Transformer”.

Plans are now well in hand for the Annual BBQ and Charity night to be held on Friday Evening 28th August at Dungannon Rugby Club. Tickets are available on request by contacting Alan Morrison 07811447812 or Robin Lamb 07745289428.

2009 Northern Bank Herds Competition Results:

Large Herd

1st    Alwyn Armour – Woodvale

2nd    Neville Forsythe – Coltrim
3rd    Jim Jack – Strule

Medium Herd

1st     Desmond Martin – Lislola

2nd    Noel Booth – Elagh

3rd    John & Ann Henning – Drumcorn

Small Herd

1st    Robert Campbell – Lister

2nd    Sam Matchett – Birches

3rd    Margaret Buchanan – Sess

Best Cow Family

Margaret Buchanan – “Erica”

Best Stock Bull

Jim Jack – “Lana Black Transformer”

Best Calf

Margaret Buchanan – “Sess Escape”