Conor Craig is the third generation to take the helm of the Millbawn Aberdeen-Angus herd, one of the oldest registered herd prefixes in Ireland. Founded over 100 years ago by Conor’s grandfather, the late John Bogan, the Millbawn herd is run by Conor alongside his parents Martina and Gerry and his aunt Amanda Bogan.
The herd was established with the purchase of pedigree females from the Rathcor Aberdeen-Angus herd owned by the O’ Reilly family from Co Longford. In recent years, notable additions to the Millbawn herd have included Drumboy Hilda, Cregogue Elisha J294 and Duncanziemere Jody M020. The Craig family now run a 10-cow pedigree Aberdeen-Angus herd as well as a commercial Limousin x Charolais suckler herd along with a small pedigree Shorthorn herd on a 70-acre farm in Coolarty, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. Even with the mix of contenintal and native breeds, it’s the purebred Angus which take centre stage.
The Craig/Bogan families are regular exhibitors on the summer show circuit and recent show successes have included two first prize wins at last year’s National Livestock Show at Tullamore, first prize and reserve female championship at the 2014 National Calf Show with Millbawn Lady Letitia as well as multiple breed championships already in 2016 with their young heifer calf Millbawn Laura R218.
Conor’s love of all things show-related began at an early age under the guidance and support of his parents but in particular his aunt Amanda. His first taste of success in the show ring came from winning numerous multi-breed young handler classes at local shows each summer. However, he credits the Aberdeen-Angus Youth Development Programme for enhancing and developing his own show ring ability.
“I competed in his first Youth Development Programme back in 2014 where I ended up winning the overall junior title at the event which took place at the home of the Old Glenort herd in Antrim. One year later, I came through as overall intermediate winner at the finals held at the Rosemead herd in Surrey, England, despite being the youngest finalist in the entire intermediate section.”
Conor always excelled at the ring craft element of exhibiting cattle but explains that the Youth Development Programme is about far more than just showing cattle. “As well as my showing skills, the programme has really helped develop my stock-judging knowledge, particularly in regards to the reason giving after judging and the correct way to describe the strengths and weaknesses of a particular animal.” He also has a newfound appreciation of the finer points of the Aberdeen-Angus breed, particularly the importance of a good head on a beast – something he is now keenly aware of in his own herd.
Practical tips
Conor also picked up several practical show preparation tips at the workshops, for example the quick-release knot in the halter-making exhibition, which he puts into practice on show day himself. He also particularly enjoyed the variety of informative workshops that took place at the finals weekend, finding the farm safety workshop particularly beneficial.
“All abilities and ages are catered for at the workshops. They don’t require prior showing experience but it is certainly a major advantage if you are hoping to qualify for the annual finals,” he adds.
Conor explains that the trainers are really friendly and helpful and encourages all youngsters with even a passing interest in cattle to consider attending a workshop in their area. “Anyone looking to learn more about showing and handling beef cattle should attend a workshop. Keep an open mind and get stuck into every task on offer and you will undoubtedly pick up lots of skills and ideas. Even the most seasoned of young handlers will come away with a new perspective on the whole cattle showing process.”
Social aspect
Aside from all the show tips, practical training, clipping, grooming and presentation tutorials, one of the biggest strengths of the programme in Conor’s opinion is meeting lots of like-minded young people with an interest in pedigree cattle. “The social aspect of the programme goes far beyond the individual workshops as most of the young people taking part meet at the various agricultural shows in their area and so it’s a superb way of making friends with other young breeders in your locality,” he says.
While this year Conor is focusing on his own showing schedule and won’t be taking part in the competition side of the programme himself, he will take on the role of assistant trainer at the Irish Youth Development workshop taking place at the Broomstreet herd, Mohill, Co Leitrim, in July where he’ll be passing on his own top tips to the next generation of young handlers.
Bright future
With such phenomenal success under his belt to date, the future is certainly bright for this 15-year-old Aberdeen-Angus enthusiast. Although Conor’s top priority presently is to continue to develop the Millbawn Angus herd, he also has an eye on competing in the senior section of the Youth Development Programme once he turns 18 in a few years’ time. No doubt he’ll be one to watch in that category too.
Workshops
The dates for the 2016 Youth development programme workshops in Ireland are as follows:
Liss House, Oldcastle, Co Meath, Republic of Ireland. By kind permission of John McEnroe and Family Date: 24 July 2016. Time: 11am Broomstreet, Mohill, Co Leitrim, Republic of Ireland. By kind permission of Mack Crowe and Kathryn Bradshaw. Date: 29th July 2016 Time: 11am Lime Tree Farm, Richill, Co Armagh, Northern Ireland BT61 9QJ. By kind permission of Robin Lamb and Family. Date: 6 August 2016. Time 10.30amAnyone looking for more information can contact coordinator Gayle Bersey on 0779277789 or email gayle@bersey.fslie.co.uk
Conor Craig is the third generation to take the helm of the Millbawn Aberdeen-Angus herd, one of the oldest registered herd prefixes in Ireland. Founded over 100 years ago by Conor’s grandfather, the late John Bogan, the Millbawn herd is run by Conor alongside his parents Martina and Gerry and his aunt Amanda Bogan.
The herd was established with the purchase of pedigree females from the Rathcor Aberdeen-Angus herd owned by the O’ Reilly family from Co Longford. In recent years, notable additions to the Millbawn herd have included Drumboy Hilda, Cregogue Elisha J294 and Duncanziemere Jody M020. The Craig family now run a 10-cow pedigree Aberdeen-Angus herd as well as a commercial Limousin x Charolais suckler herd along with a small pedigree Shorthorn herd on a 70-acre farm in Coolarty, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. Even with the mix of contenintal and native breeds, it’s the purebred Angus which take centre stage.
The Craig/Bogan families are regular exhibitors on the summer show circuit and recent show successes have included two first prize wins at last year’s National Livestock Show at Tullamore, first prize and reserve female championship at the 2014 National Calf Show with Millbawn Lady Letitia as well as multiple breed championships already in 2016 with their young heifer calf Millbawn Laura R218.
Conor’s love of all things show-related began at an early age under the guidance and support of his parents but in particular his aunt Amanda. His first taste of success in the show ring came from winning numerous multi-breed young handler classes at local shows each summer. However, he credits the Aberdeen-Angus Youth Development Programme for enhancing and developing his own show ring ability.
“I competed in his first Youth Development Programme back in 2014 where I ended up winning the overall junior title at the event which took place at the home of the Old Glenort herd in Antrim. One year later, I came through as overall intermediate winner at the finals held at the Rosemead herd in Surrey, England, despite being the youngest finalist in the entire intermediate section.”
Conor always excelled at the ring craft element of exhibiting cattle but explains that the Youth Development Programme is about far more than just showing cattle. “As well as my showing skills, the programme has really helped develop my stock-judging knowledge, particularly in regards to the reason giving after judging and the correct way to describe the strengths and weaknesses of a particular animal.” He also has a newfound appreciation of the finer points of the Aberdeen-Angus breed, particularly the importance of a good head on a beast – something he is now keenly aware of in his own herd.
Practical tips
Conor also picked up several practical show preparation tips at the workshops, for example the quick-release knot in the halter-making exhibition, which he puts into practice on show day himself. He also particularly enjoyed the variety of informative workshops that took place at the finals weekend, finding the farm safety workshop particularly beneficial.
“All abilities and ages are catered for at the workshops. They don’t require prior showing experience but it is certainly a major advantage if you are hoping to qualify for the annual finals,” he adds.
Conor explains that the trainers are really friendly and helpful and encourages all youngsters with even a passing interest in cattle to consider attending a workshop in their area. “Anyone looking to learn more about showing and handling beef cattle should attend a workshop. Keep an open mind and get stuck into every task on offer and you will undoubtedly pick up lots of skills and ideas. Even the most seasoned of young handlers will come away with a new perspective on the whole cattle showing process.”
Social aspect
Aside from all the show tips, practical training, clipping, grooming and presentation tutorials, one of the biggest strengths of the programme in Conor’s opinion is meeting lots of like-minded young people with an interest in pedigree cattle. “The social aspect of the programme goes far beyond the individual workshops as most of the young people taking part meet at the various agricultural shows in their area and so it’s a superb way of making friends with other young breeders in your locality,” he says.
While this year Conor is focusing on his own showing schedule and won’t be taking part in the competition side of the programme himself, he will take on the role of assistant trainer at the Irish Youth Development workshop taking place at the Broomstreet herd, Mohill, Co Leitrim, in July where he’ll be passing on his own top tips to the next generation of young handlers.
Bright future
With such phenomenal success under his belt to date, the future is certainly bright for this 15-year-old Aberdeen-Angus enthusiast. Although Conor’s top priority presently is to continue to develop the Millbawn Angus herd, he also has an eye on competing in the senior section of the Youth Development Programme once he turns 18 in a few years’ time. No doubt he’ll be one to watch in that category too.
Workshops
The dates for the 2016 Youth development programme workshops in Ireland are as follows:
Liss House, Oldcastle, Co Meath, Republic of Ireland. By kind permission of John McEnroe and Family Date: 24 July 2016. Time: 11am Broomstreet, Mohill, Co Leitrim, Republic of Ireland. By kind permission of Mack Crowe and Kathryn Bradshaw. Date: 29th July 2016 Time: 11am Lime Tree Farm, Richill, Co Armagh, Northern Ireland BT61 9QJ. By kind permission of Robin Lamb and Family. Date: 6 August 2016. Time 10.30amAnyone looking for more information can contact coordinator Gayle Bersey on 0779277789 or email gayle@bersey.fslie.co.uk
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