Annual Plum Show lines up top local livestock

The show in Plumbridge in the heart of the Sperrins is noted for the big entry of Blackface sheep and this year is no exception with big entries for the both types. There are classes for unprepared hill sections as well as open classes for both types.

The judges for the event this year are Billy Brady,North Amulree,Perthshire who will judge the South/Lanark type and David Baiillie,Calla Farm,Carnwath,Scotland who will judge the North/Perth type.

There is a new section for Swaledales this year and this will be in the capable hands of John Weherly, Ravensdale, Co.Louth to judge. He will also judge the pairs of Butchers lambs and Suffolk cross ewes and ewe lambs.

The Bluefaced Leicester, Mules and Greyface will be judged by Brendan Blaney, Co Antrim.

The Plum show is a qualifier for the show points circuit for the Bluefaced Leicester and Mule Societies.

The Plum show also hosts a highly contested cattle show with local exhibitors presenting their best cow with calf at foot. The standard of cattle here is especially high in Plumbridge as it is a noted centre for some of the best commercial calves in the country at the Autumn sales.

Noted Limousin cattle breeder David Baillie will have the task of judging this section.

The show is held in Bertie McKelvey’s field just off the Strabane road outside Plumbridge.

The cattle section judging will commence at 11am followed by the sheep section at 11.30am.