On Saturday 5 August, the Irish Angus Youth Development Programme will be hosting a pedigree herd management skills demonstration aimed at young people at Towra Angus, Shinrone, Co Offaly.

The farm, owned and run by Jim and Tara Dockery, assisted by their six children Dylan (13), Adrian (12), Ronan (11), Jason (nine), Raymond (seven) and Rachel (five), has achieved much success since its establishment in 1996 including championship wins at both the society all-Irelands and bull calf finals in the past two years.

Now standing at 20 cows and a number of beef Shorthorns, the farm is opening its gates to all age groups to partake in what’s sure to be an informative and practical day.

The day gets under way at 12pm with a number of talks and hands-on demonstrations for different age groups, which will take place throughout the afternoon. The day will also incorporate a number of competitions such as stockjudging and guess the weight with a number of top prizes up for grabs.

The farm is located outside the village of Shinrone, Co Offaly, and will be well signposted. The Eircode for the farm is R42 A273.

For further details, contact Felicity on 087-717 5106 or email angusydp@gmail.com

The organiser’s emphasise that the day is open to everyone, no matter their age or breed preference.

Clean sweep for Ballymacan Blondes at calf championships

Castlewellan Show was the venue for this year’s Bank of Ireland NI Blonde Club calf championships, which saw large numbers entered across the sections.

The Johnston family made the trip from Clogher to Castlewellan Show worthwhile, winning the NI Club’s prestigious calf championship as well as the reserve.

Ballymacan Mary, an October 2016-born daughter of Clondown Eddie, was tapped forward from a strong lineup by experienced judge Dessie Greene who runs the Scaughmolin Herd in Co Wexford. Stablemate Ballymacan Magnificent, an August 2016-born bull calf, then went on to secure the reserve championship for the Johnston family.

Further adding to the family’s success on the day was when Ballymacan Isobel, alongside her heifer calf Mary, was tapped out as breed champion for the show.

Last year’s calf champion Gledney Keva was also out in force at the championships again this year, placing top of the line in a strong class.

The senior young handlers competition was won by Victoria Johnston who also went on to win the interbreed young handlers competition later in the day.