Balmoral Show is the largest agriculture event in Northern Ireland and showcases the very best of the farming industry.
We caught up with those who have travelled from near and far, to discover their experiences and thoughts about this year’s show.
Tara Williamson and Emma Allen
Tara Williamson and Emma Allen travelled from Armagh to the Balmoral Show, and took part in a range of showing classes.
“We come to the show every year. We show cattle and Emma shows sheep as well. She was in the Blue Texel Championship,” said Tara.
In 2016, Blue Texels were introduced to the show, a breed which continues to grow in popularity.
“The Blue Texel competition has been going the last three years, the championship took place on Thursday,” said Emma.
Abbey Costitch, Megan Browne and Olivia Lacey
Ballynahinch trio Abbey Costitch, Megan Browne and Olivia Lacey are regular visitors to the Balmoral show.
They reveal their favourite part of the agricultural event: “We love seeing all the different cows and sheep, we’re not from farms and are here for a day out.”
Oonagh Gildernew and Avril Stubbs
Today, Oonagh Gildernew and Avril Stubbs make their fourth appearance at the Balmoral Show. The pair are representing registered charity, Air Ambulance NI, which is a dedicated service that responds to serious trauma accidents that occur across Northern Ireland.
To raise money for the medical service, which depends on donations from the general public, and Northern Ireland’s Children Hospice, they are selling tickets to win a pedigree heifer donated by Will Short. The prize draw is sponsored by Smyths Daleside Feeds.
Alexis Kidd
Images in Wood is Alexis Kidd’s pyrography business. From Castlewellan in Co Down, Alexis creates hand-crafted wood products featuring individual hand drawn images.
“I have been doing this for over 30 years; I have nearly got the hang of it now. This is our first year at Balmoral. We didn’t know what to expect but it has been good.”
Cara McDonald and Teresa McKearney
Farm Compare is a new farm machinery price comparison website and Balmoral Show has been a great way to introduce the online business to the public.
“We are based in Middletown outside Armagh and went live last week. This is our first time at the show and it’s been very good. Yesterday was very busy with a lot of farmers, today seems to be more families.
“My husband has Limousins and he was showing, Teresa been helping us out with that and is helping on the stand too.”
Christopher Butler
Blue Leicester breeder Christopher Butler at Balmoral Show.
Blue Leicester breeder Christopher Butler from Ballyvoy in Co Antrim, was placed in a number of showing classes at this year’s Balmoral.
“I have been breeding for over ten years and this is only my second time at the show. We’ve been getting on not too bad so far, I have been placed a few times, fourth, fifth and sixth.”
Andew Gracey and Lisa Black
Andew Gracey and Lisa Black pictured at Balmoral Show.
Andrew Gracey from Ulster Wildlife, a charity which has established over 40 years ago to protect wildlife and locations in Northern Ireland, has been working in partnership with Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU).
Lisa Black is the events co-ordinator for YFCU which has a key role to play at the Balmoral show. A number of YFCU events occur across the four days including a floral art competition and ladies football.
Read more
Balmoral Show: Co Antrim breeder takes shearling pairs
Shorthorn takes beef interbreed title at Balmoral Show
Clean sweep for Hallow Holsteins in Balmoral
Results from the commercial ring at Balmoral Show
Balmoral Show is the largest agriculture event in Northern Ireland and showcases the very best of the farming industry.
We caught up with those who have travelled from near and far, to discover their experiences and thoughts about this year’s show.
Tara Williamson and Emma Allen
Tara Williamson and Emma Allen travelled from Armagh to the Balmoral Show, and took part in a range of showing classes.
“We come to the show every year. We show cattle and Emma shows sheep as well. She was in the Blue Texel Championship,” said Tara.
In 2016, Blue Texels were introduced to the show, a breed which continues to grow in popularity.
“The Blue Texel competition has been going the last three years, the championship took place on Thursday,” said Emma.
Abbey Costitch, Megan Browne and Olivia Lacey
Ballynahinch trio Abbey Costitch, Megan Browne and Olivia Lacey are regular visitors to the Balmoral show.
They reveal their favourite part of the agricultural event: “We love seeing all the different cows and sheep, we’re not from farms and are here for a day out.”
Oonagh Gildernew and Avril Stubbs
Today, Oonagh Gildernew and Avril Stubbs make their fourth appearance at the Balmoral Show. The pair are representing registered charity, Air Ambulance NI, which is a dedicated service that responds to serious trauma accidents that occur across Northern Ireland.
To raise money for the medical service, which depends on donations from the general public, and Northern Ireland’s Children Hospice, they are selling tickets to win a pedigree heifer donated by Will Short. The prize draw is sponsored by Smyths Daleside Feeds.
Alexis Kidd
Images in Wood is Alexis Kidd’s pyrography business. From Castlewellan in Co Down, Alexis creates hand-crafted wood products featuring individual hand drawn images.
“I have been doing this for over 30 years; I have nearly got the hang of it now. This is our first year at Balmoral. We didn’t know what to expect but it has been good.”
Cara McDonald and Teresa McKearney
Farm Compare is a new farm machinery price comparison website and Balmoral Show has been a great way to introduce the online business to the public.
“We are based in Middletown outside Armagh and went live last week. This is our first time at the show and it’s been very good. Yesterday was very busy with a lot of farmers, today seems to be more families.
“My husband has Limousins and he was showing, Teresa been helping us out with that and is helping on the stand too.”
Christopher Butler
Blue Leicester breeder Christopher Butler at Balmoral Show.
Blue Leicester breeder Christopher Butler from Ballyvoy in Co Antrim, was placed in a number of showing classes at this year’s Balmoral.
“I have been breeding for over ten years and this is only my second time at the show. We’ve been getting on not too bad so far, I have been placed a few times, fourth, fifth and sixth.”
Andew Gracey and Lisa Black
Andew Gracey and Lisa Black pictured at Balmoral Show.
Andrew Gracey from Ulster Wildlife, a charity which has established over 40 years ago to protect wildlife and locations in Northern Ireland, has been working in partnership with Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU).
Lisa Black is the events co-ordinator for YFCU which has a key role to play at the Balmoral show. A number of YFCU events occur across the four days including a floral art competition and ladies football.
Read more
Balmoral Show: Co Antrim breeder takes shearling pairs
Shorthorn takes beef interbreed title at Balmoral Show
Clean sweep for Hallow Holsteins in Balmoral
Results from the commercial ring at Balmoral Show
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