COLERAINE-based livestock haulier and cattle breeder, Sam Milliken, collected the supreme championship honours in the commercial beef section at Balmoral Show.
His award-winning heifer, Ruffles, was shown by Claire O'Brien from County Donegal. Speaking after the judging, Sam Milliken told Farming Life that he bought the heifer at the NI Charolais Club's suckled calf sale held last year in Swatragh Mart.
"She was bred by top suckled calf producer, Sean McCloskey, from Park in County Londonderry. Her sire is Ratoary Vierra, a Charolais bull bred by Sean McGovern from Clogher in County Tyrone," explained Sam Milliken, who was delighted to receive the Royal Dublin Society Medallion for the champion heifer.
The reserve championship honours went to John Killen, and daughters, Shauna and Katrina from Crossgar, County Down. Their home-bred entries claimed two out of the four top placings. The reserve champion was Crunchie, a steer sired by a Charolais bull, and bred from a Limousin dam.
Scottish judge, Michael Durno from Auchorachan, Ballindalloch, Banffshire, described the champion as a tremendous animal. "She has great width and can carry it well."
He added: "The reserve champion is a stylish calf, and has plenty of potential for the future."
Mr Durno is no stranger to commercial cattle breeding. He produces quality calves which are shown at events in the North East of Scotland. Many of the calves he has bred have went on to win at Smithfield Show and the Scottish Winter Fair.
Results from the judging ring:
Marks and Spencer Cash Award, for the supreme champion: Sam Milliken. Reserve: John Killen.
RDS Medallion Plaque, for the champion beef heifer: Sam Milliken.
RDS Medallion Plaque, for the champion beef steer: John Killen.
Beef heifer, weighing under 490 kilos - 1, John Killen, Crossgar, Little Princess (Belgian Blue); 2, John McSorley and Sons, Beragh, Omagh, Black Beauty (Limousin); 3, James Alexander, Randalstown, Blue Belle (Belgian Blue).
Beef heifer, weighing over 490 kilos - 1, Sam Milliken, Coleraine, Ruffles (Charolais); 2, Rodgers Family, Ballynahinch, Toots ; 3, William McAllister, Kells, Chumba Wumba (Limousin).
Beef steer, weighing under 470 kilos - 1, Alan Farlow, Garvagh, Hillview Charlie; 2, John Killen, Black Magic (Belgian Blue); 3, H McAlister, Aghadowey, Sporty.
Beef steer, weighing over 470 kilos - 1, John Killen, Crunchie (Charolais); 2, George Hagarty, County Longford, Bullock; 3, James Alexander.
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