Blonde Pedigree Herds 2026

The Lyon Herd of Alan Carson, Cookstown took the honours in the large Herd section, and the Ballygowan Herd won the small Herd section.

Judge Harry Carson, a stalwart of the breed having been one of the first breeders of pedigree Blondes in NI back in the early 80’s passed on his congratulations to all entrants for the great quality of cattle he viewed.

Results of NI Bonde Club Pedigree Herds competition 2026;

Large Herd

Best: Lyon Blondes, Alan Carson

Reserve: Silverwood Blondes, McKnight Family

Small Herd

Best: Ballygowan Blondes, Gibson Family

Reserve: Drumnafern Blondes, Brian and Caitlin McGartland

Stock Bull

Best: Ballygowan Blondes with Hallfield Titan

Reserve: Glenville Blondes Hillhead Vincenzo

Senior Heifer

Best: Ballygowan Blondes with Victoria

Reserve: Drumraymond Blondes with Versa

Cow & Calf

Best: Ballygowan Blondes with Rita & Babs at foot

Reserve: Lyon Blondes with Octavia & Buccanear at foot

Most Promising Young Bull

Best: Moneyscalp Blondes with Archie

Reserve: Ballygowan Blondes with Angus

Group of Calves

Best: Ballygowan Blondes

Reserve: Silverwood Blondes

Special Mention

Drumraymond Blondes with Olga. An outstanding dry cow.

Judge Harry Carson was impressed with the exceptional fleshing ability and consistency of the winning herds; they are the traits that stood out on his way around Northern Ireland.

Harry commented on the large herd winners Lyon Blondes owned by Alan Carson, Cookstown: “The Lyon herd is made up of very consistent long cows with a super stock bull and great heifers coming through.”

Regarding the Small herd winners from the Gibson family: “The Ballygowan Herd has an exceptional fleshing ability across all the cows and very uniform calves with many of the standout animals picked from this herd.”

In fact he noted Ballygowan Rita is everything he likes in a beef animal, fleshy, power, plates, correct, milky too with a smashing heifer calf at foot. Harry also noted a super dry cow at Henry Griffins Drumraymond Herd. Drumraymond Olga stood out and was awarded a special prize.

The NI Club would like to thank Harry for taking the time to judge all the herds, all the herds that entered and the hosts for showing Harry around. A big thanks to Ganson for the continued sponsorship of the competition. Awards will be presented at the 45th anniversary dinner dance on the 14th of November at the Royal Hotel, Cookstown. All welcome.

Breeders are reminded that entries close for the 4 Breed Calf Show on Friday 28th October.