The Old Glenort herd of pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cattle belonging to James Porter, Lisburn, was the host this year for yet another highly successful Aberdeen-Angus Youth Development Programme National Final.
The event, which moves location each year across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, saw 31 finalists aged between 8 and 24 years old, compete in a number of competitions including stock judging, ring craft, cattle dressing and for the senior category a panel interview. Points from these sections were then attributed to a final score for overall junior, intermediate and senior winners.
Leading the senior section was 24-year old Duncan Morrison. This is the second time Duncan has qualified for the final having attended three training workshops. Duncan is currently stockman with the Glenbervie Angus herd in Aberdeenshire and prior to that was a stockman within a Simmental herd. Having been part of the World Congress team that went out to New Zealand last year, Duncan plans to head back to New Zealand to learn more and apply some of those techniques to farming operations in Scotland.
“The YDP has given me many opportunities to meet new people and make valuable contacts, as well as develop my skills and knowledge. It’s been a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in beef cattle production,” commented Duncan.
Then in the intermediate section, the top spot went to 18-year old Millie Hendy from Gloucestershire. Millie has just taken a job as a procurement officer with Bristol-based meat processors and exporters Alex Jarrett Ltd, but has also had experience showing beef cattle of various breeds at summer and winter shows with great success with noted herds.
Meanwhile, in the junior section, it was 14-year old Connor Craig, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. Who was flying the flag for the Irish participants. No stranger to winning form, Connor won the All Ireland young stockperson award this year, as well as won the junior section at the All Ireland Angus Show in Mohill.
