Natural Stockcare British Blue Herd Competition

23rd September 2013

The Northern Ireland Blue Cattle Club held their annual herd competition recently and was delighted to have Natural Stockcare Ltd as their sponsors. Entrants from all over the province were judged by the well-known cattle breeder and showman Steven OKane from Garvagh. Steven and his girlfriend Katrina covered many miles over three days to view and inspect all the competing herds.

The competition was open to club members and herds were judged in three categories: large, medium and small along with individual awards for Best Brood Cow, Best Bull, Best Heifer and Best Calf. Steven (with Katrina’s assistance) gave a superb photographic presentation of the results at the Club’s Annual BBQ.

James and Gloria Annett owners of the Snowyridge herd from Kilkeel took first in the Large Herd section and Best Overall Herd.

Oliver McCann owner of the Drumboy herd from Castlewellan took Best Brood Cow, Best Bull and first in the Medium Herd section.

Norman Hammond owner of the Annaghone herd from Stewartstown took Best Calf and first in the Small Herd section.

Ivan and Corrina Gordon owners of the Springhill Herd from Kilkeel took Best Heifer and second in the Large Herd and Reserve Best Herd Overall.

Alan Cleland owner of the Ballee from Downpatrick took second place in the Medium Herd section.

Harold McKee owner of the Blackford Herd from Kilkeel took second place in the Small Herd section.

Basil Dougherty owner of the Greenfield Herd from Kircubbin took third place in the Large Herd section.

Johnny Young owner of the Magheradroll Herd from Ballynahinch took third place in the Medium Herd section.

Jim Sloan owner of the Ballygrange Herd from Kilkeel took third place in the Small Herd section.

John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care from Coleraine kindly presented vouchers to all the prize winners. John is a Northern Ireland Natural Stockcare Distributor based at Blackhill, Coleraine and can be contacted on 028 7086 8202 or mobile 07711625568.

Steven said he was honoured to judge this competition and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and challenge.

The Club takes this opportunity to thank the sponsors Natural Stockcare Ltd for their great support, Steven for judging this prestigious competition and all the entrants for making this another successful event with congratulations to all the prize winners.

First place winners in the Large Herd section were James and Gloria Annett owners of the Snowyridge Herd, Kilkeel. Photo includes Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care, James Annett, Katrina Donaldson, Heidi McCarthy and Steven O'Kane

Best Overall Herd was Snowyridge of Kilkeel owned by James and Gloria Annett. Photo includes Leslie McCarthy, Heidi McCarthy, Louise McCarthy, James Annett, Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care, Steven O'Kane and Katrina Donaldson

Best Brood Cow winner was Oliver McCann owner of Drumboy Herd, Castlewellan. Photo includes Katrina Donaldson, judge Steven O'Kane, Oliver McCann, Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care and Denise McCann.

Best Bull winner was Oliver McCann owner of Drumboy Herd, Castlewellan. Photo includes Katrina Donaldson, Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care, Oliver McCann, Steven O'Kane and Denise McCann.

First place winner in the Medium Herd section was Oliver McCann owner of Drumboy Herd, Castlewellan. Photo includes Denise McCann, Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care, Oliver McCann, Steven O'Kane and Katrina Donaldson.

Third place winner in the Medium Herd section was Johnny Young owner of Magheradroll Herd, Ballynahinch. Photo includes David Young, Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care, Johnny Young, Steven O'Kane, Katrina Donaldson and Philip Young.

Third place winner in the Large Herd section was Basil Dougherty owner of Greenfield Herd, Kircubbin. Photo includes David Dougherty, Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton, Basil Dougherty, Steven O'Kane, Jonathan Dougherty and Katrina Donaldson

Second place winner in the Large Herd section was Alan Cleland owner of Ballee Herd, Downpatrick. Photo includes Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care, Alan Cleland, Katrina Donaldson and Steven O'Kane.

Reserve Best Overall Herd, Best Heifer and Second in the Large Herd section was Ivan and Corrina Gordon owners of the Springbank Herd, Kilkeel. Photo includes Natural Stockcare Ltd distributor John Linton of Blackhill Animal Care, Corrina Gordon, Steven O'Kane, Katrina Donaldson and Ivan Gordon.