The Pedigree Calf Fair, held at Balmoral, was yet again another success for NI breeders, with a strong entry of Aberdeen-Angus for judge William McLaren of the Netherton herd. 

Taking the day’s senior championship was the fourteen-month-old bull Coolermoney Ronaldo R563 bred by Adrian and Graeme Parke, Strabane. Sired by Netherton Mr Brazilian, he is out of the home-bred Coolermoney Rachel.

 Claiming the reserve senior title was the September 2015 heifer Brookhall Velvet R103 from Eric and Judith McClelland’s 35-cow herd at Banbridge. Sired by Netherton Mr Rader J527, she stood first in her class at the NI Aberdeen Angus Club’s recent calf show in Dungannon.

Stealing the limelight in the junior section was the ten-month-old heifer Home Farm Ebony Stunner bred by Fintan Keown, Belleek. She is a daughter of the three-times All Ireland champion Rosemead Karona, and was reserve heifer calf champion at the breed club’s calf show a few weeks ago. 

Runner-up for the junior championship ribbons was the January 2016 Birches Passion S951 bred by the Matchett family from Portadown. This heifer is a daughter of the herd’s stock bull Carrigroe Fred.

To see more images and full class results check out the irish Aberdeen-Angus Association website story.