Ulster Ayrshire Cattle Club Show and Sale

The Ulster Ayrshire Cattle Club Show and Sale took place on Friday, 1st May at Ballymena Livestock Market, attracting a strong entry of quality stock from many of Northern Ireland’s top herds.

Trade remained good throughout the day, reflecting continued demand for Ayrshire cattle, with prices peaking at 2550gns for milking animals and calves selling to a top of 900gns.

Linda Campbell (chairperson), Alan McCaw (judge) and Martin King (Kirkinriola herd, overall champion with Kirkinriola Heck Joy 2)

placeholder image — Linda Campbell (chairperson), Alan McCaw (judge) and Martin King (Kirkinriola herd, overall champion with Kirkinriola Heck Joy 2)

Achieving the highest price of the day was Burnview Clover 44, an impressive second calver yielding 37 litres. She was bred and exhibited by George and Ian Currie of the Burnview herd, Randalstown.

Proceedings began with the pre-sale show, judged by club member Alan McCaw of the Dunkeerin prefix, Coleraine. Mr McCaw awarded the Championship title to Kirkinriola Heck Joy 2, exhibited by the King Family, Ballymena. This freshly calved heifer, producing 35 litres, impressed with her balance and dairy strength and went on to sell for 2300gns.

Alan McCaw (judge), John Suffern (Ravenhill, overall reserve champion with Ravenhill Showstar Ethel 33) and Linda Campbell (chairperson)

The Reserve Champion was awarded to the first-prize cow, Ravenhill Showstar Ethel 33, shown by John Suffern, Crumlin. This homebred second calver is from a line of VG and EX cows which later made 2400gns in the sale ring.

There was also keen interest in young stock, particularly a consignment of six-month-old calves from the Grove Herd. Grove Rosie 138 led this section, making 900gns, closely followed by Grove Rosie 139, which sold for 800gns. These prices highlight continued confidence in the Ayrshire breed among buyers, making the future of the breed look promising.

The Ulster Ayrshire Cattle Club extends sincere thanks to all consignors for presenting such a high standard of cattle, to Alan McCaw for his time and expertise in judging, and to the team at Ballymena Market for hosting the event.

Looking ahead, attention now turns to the upcoming Balmoral Show, the first show of the season. Ayrshire judging will commence at 10am and the judge this year is Jane Steel, Lomond herd. Club members look forward to reporting on the results and wish all exhibitors every success in the show ring.