The Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships took place in Balmoral Park on Tuesday night, with prices reaching a record high of £9,200.

Although numbers ringside were greatly reduced, the livestream throughout the day for the judging and during the sale meant that thousands watched online for the third annual event.

Viewers witnessed the biggest entry of stock to date.

Setting the new record of £9,200 was a Belgian Blue heifer from the pen of Dermot Small and Blair Duffton, which stood Blue champion heifer, reserve overall champion Blue and reserve supreme champion.

Weighing in at 786kg, she was secured by John Kingham for breeding in the Tatreeta herd based in Dundalk, Co Louth.

The only animal to beat her in the show ring was the Blue steer champion. This all-black bullock, bred by A & D McCrea, weighed 758kg and sold for £6,100 (£8.05/kg).

This is the first time the family has taken the overall championship at either this or the Allams sale, having attended it for 27 years.

Securing the champion was Anthony Kitson of Kitson Butchers and Five Houses Farm shop, who was also the judge at the event.

Newest title

The newest title added to the roster was the breeding heifer championship. This was taken by well-known Northern Ireland breeder James Alexander of the Jalex herd. Sired by Blue bull D’Ovier, the 642kg heifer had set a new record sale price of £7,100 before the reserve supreme entered the ring a few lots later.

Alexander also took the prestigious housewife championship with a flashy black Limousin heifer sired by Brooklands Keith. This 570kg heifer was secured by Garry Jennings at £5,000.

In the sheep section, trade was topped with a pair of black Spotted Dutch selling for a total of £1,320.

Selected as the butcher’s champion, these were bred by Tommy Jackson, Saintfield.

Speaking after the event, chair of the show committee Libby Clarke said: “In a year that has been challenging for many sectors, the public has reconnected with their farmers as they saw first-hand during lockdown that it was them who kept the shelves filled with local produce and ensured an abundant supply of food at all times. The championships have been a tremendous success, with exhibitors showcasing the very best beef and lamb from our local farms.”

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