Holstein herds inspection competition announced

Holstein Northern Ireland has announced details of its annual Herds Inspection Competition generously sponsored by Ulster Bank.
Launching Holstein NI's annual herds inspection competition are sponsors Martin Convery and Connor McNeill, Ulster Bank; with junior section judge David Perry, Ahoghill; and club chairman Tommy Henry. Picture: Julie HazeltonLaunching Holstein NI's annual herds inspection competition are sponsors Martin Convery and Connor McNeill, Ulster Bank; with junior section judge David Perry, Ahoghill; and club chairman Tommy Henry. Picture: Julie Hazelton
Launching Holstein NI's annual herds inspection competition are sponsors Martin Convery and Connor McNeill, Ulster Bank; with junior section judge David Perry, Ahoghill; and club chairman Tommy Henry. Picture: Julie Hazelton

Club secretary John Martin said: “Everyone who took part in last year’s competition will automatically be re-entered unless they advise me otherwise.

“Club members who want to amend their entry or withdraw from the competition should notify me prior to the closing date on Monday 22nd May. We also look forward to welcoming entries from new members and those who haven’t participated in the competition for several years.

Ulster Bank awards will be presented to the best small, medium and large herds in the premier, senior and junior herd categories. There are also prizes for the best individual animals (in-milk heifer, junior cow, senior cow), bull progeny groups, and the best cow family groups.”

Mr Martin added: “A new production award has been introduced this year. It will be presented to the best cow that has produced a minimum of 70 tonnes of milk. The judge will take into account the age of the animal, total milk produced, and overall conformation.

“A few changes were implemented in 2016, and I would urge members to consult the entry form and schedule for a copy of the competition’s updated rules.”

Holstein NI chairman Tommy Henry added: ”This competition is growing from strength-to-strength and we are indebted to Ulster Bank for its continued commitment.”

Due to the level of entries a second judge was introduced in 2009 to inspect herds in the junior section of the competition. More recently the club’s committee has opted to recruit a third judge for the senior section to ensure the prompt and efficient judging of the competition.

The junior herds will be judged during the week commencing Monday, May 29th by David Perry from the Killane Herd in Ahoghill.

Entries in the senior section of the competition will come under the expert eye of Dessie Dunleavy from Drogheda. Judging is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 5th.

The premier section of the 2017 herds inspection competition will be judged by Richard Pilkington from the noted Aintree Herd, Shordley Hall, Wrexham.

Mr Martin concluded: “The winner of the award for the best overall herd will go forward to represent Northern Ireland in Holstein UK’s National Premier Pedigree Herd Competition.”

The entry fee is £20 per herd, and bull progeny and cow family groups can be entered at an additional cost of £10 each. All herds must be officially milk recorded.

Entry forms are available from the Holstein NI office, contact Jennifer on 028 8772 7728.

Alternatively, text or telephone club secretary John Martin on mobile 07711 041128.

The closing date for entries is Monday, May 22nd.

Awards will be presented at the Holstein Celebration visit to Jim and Nicholas McCann’s Simlahill Herd on Wednesday, June 28th at 1.00pm.

All entrants competing in this year’s Herds Inspection Competition will receive one complimentary ticket for the Holstein Celebration Gala Dinner on Thursday, June 29th.

The venue is the Galgorm Resort and Spa near Ballymena, commencing at 7.30pm.

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