The Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus Club has announced the winners of its 2026 Herd Competition, generously sponsored by Countryside Services.
This year’s judge was former breed society president Angus Stovold, owner of the noted Rosemead Herd based at Lydling Farm, near Godalming in Surrey.
Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, held in conjunction with the club’s annual Open Day, hosted by the Wallace family’s Baronagh Herd, Mr Stovold said: “Thanks to the Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus Club for inviting me to judge it’s annual herd competition. It has been a privilege.
“I have been in Northern Ireland a few times and I’ve always saw really good cattle. I’ve spent five enjoyable days travelling across the Province, and from start to finish I have visited consistently good herds with tremendous cows. Credit to all the breeders who took part in the competition. Congratulations!”
Mr Stovold added: “It was fantastic to see so many cows with great heads, good conformation and excellent Aberdeen Angus breed character.
“I was looking for consistency across individual herds, and as a full-time farmer I want to see Aberdeen Angus animals that are productive. I like to see stock bulls that are stamping authority on the herd, and there are definitely a number of herds with bulls that are doing a great job.”
Results for the 2026 competition include:
Specials
NI Aberdeen Angus Club Cup for the best cow family: Mark Clements, Black Charm Family.
Richhill Cup for the best overall calf: Robin Lamb, Richhill Rosanna C971.
Lisola Cup for the best stock bull: Robin Lamb, Luddenmore Van Dyck.
Woodvale Cup for the best futurity heifer: Andrew Fletcher, Rathmoss Pages A056.
Trophy for the best newcomer: Lucy Rodgers, Dromara (Mosside)
Classes
Small Herd: 1, Robin and James Irvine, Whitecross (Ballymoyer): 2, Adrian and Graeme Parke, Strabane (Coolermoney); 3 (joint), Brendan and Connie Kearney, Portglenone (Finkiltagh); Gordon and Rachel Elliott, Derrygonnelly (Minran).
Medium Herd: 1, Samantha Allen and Allen Shortt, Strabane (Crew); 2, Andrew Fletcher, Lisburn (Rathmoss); 3, Robert and Keith Sufferin, Maghera (Tamneymullan).
Large Herd: 1, Victor, Stephen and Rachel Wallace, Garvagh (Baronagh); 2, Robin Lamb, Richhill (Richhill); 3, Ivan Forsythe, Moneymore (Coltrim).
Best stock bull: 1, Robin Lamb, Luddenmore Van Dyck; 2, Daniel and Noel Willis, Portadown (Greenacres), Netherton Mr McLaren X983; 3, Samantha Allen and Allen Shortt, Newhouse Eric X945.
Best cow family group: 1, Mark Clements, Ballyronan (Clementhill), Black Charm family; 2, Victor, Stephen and Rachel Wallace, Joan family; 3, Iain Colville, Comber (Glen Cowie), Anna family.
Best male calf: 1, James Mallon, Swatragh, Knockoneill Joxer C861 by Cheeklaw Edgar R515; 2, Adrian and Graeme Parke, Strabane, Coolermoney Fletcher C587 by Rawburn Ernan W110; 3, Victor, Stephen and Rachel Wallace, Baronagh Desert Storm C131 by Brailes Black Bruce Y233.
Best female calf: 1, Robin Lamb, Richhill Rosanna C971 by Luddenmore Van Dyck; 2, Noel and Daniel Willis, Greenacres Annie C113 ET by SAV Brave 8320; 3, Samantha Allen and Allen Shortt, Crew Blackbird C861 by Newhouse Eric X945.
Futurity heifer: 1, Andrew Fletcher, Rathmoss Pages A056 by Keirsbeath Karma S539; 2, Robert and Keith Sufferin, Tamneymullan Millie A741 by Richhill Matrix W632; 3, Robin and James Irvine, Ballymoyer Princess A554 by Rawburn Electric Storm X604.
