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.
