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This year’s Newry Show exceeded all expectations with fantastic crowds and a tremendous entry of livestock being the order of the day.
Judging in the cattle rings continued through until late in the afternoon, such were the number of animals involved.
The man given the challenge of judging the beef inter-breed champion classes was David Connolly, from Ballynahinch in Co Down.
He said that he was looking for animals that would improve the breeding merit of any herd. And there’s no doubt that his champion of the day ticks this box and then some.
The animal in question is a 28-month old heifer, bred and exhibited by the Crawford family from Co Fermanagh. Adding to her attraction is the fact that Rathkeeland Tendresse is in calf.
David Connolly commented “She is breed perfect, has tremendous presence in the ring and great locomotion. In addition, she has tremendous conformation and really fills the eye.”
Tendresse has been catching the eye of judges for the past two years. The heifer had a tremendous career as a calf and has carried this momentum into 2024 with excellent performances at Balmoral and Lurgan Shows.
Meanwhile, in the dairy judging rings, it was a Jersey cow in milk that carried the day. Potterswalls Bontino Dawn calved for the fifth time three months ago.
She was bred and exhibited by the Fleming family, from Seaforde in Co Down. During her last lactation, the cow gave 9,200L of milk at 6.2% fat and 4.7% protein.
“This is her first outing of the year,” confirmed Ashley Fleming.
“The cow is now in full milk and we are delighted with the progress that she has made since her last calving.”
Leiza Montgomery, from Comber in Co Down, judged the dairy classes at Newry Show 2024. She described her champion as an excellent example of the Jersey breed, adding “She has tremendous dairy presence and looked really well in the ring. And the fact that the cow has had five calves can’t be overlooked. Breeding longevity is a tremendous trait in any dairy cow.”
Meanwhile, competition was equally competitive in the sheep rings at Newry 2024. Stephen Fee, from Tempo in Co Fermanagh, judged the inter-breed classes at the event.
His champion was a truly eye-catching Texel ewe lamb, bred and exhibited by Martin McConville, from Rathfriland in Co Down.
Born on February 28th this year, the animal in question had previously won the sheep inter-breed championship at Saintfield Show.
Stephen Fee commented “The lamb has everything: tremendous breed character and excellent conformation.
“In addition, she has tremendous balance and movement. The lamb caught my eye as soon as she was brought into the ring.”
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Embrace FARM held its 11th Annual Ecumenical Remembrance Service in the Most Holy Rosary Church in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois earlier this month. It's a chance for farm families to remember loved ones lost within their community. Over the past decade, this service has become an important event, honouring those who have died suddenly and providing comfort for their families. The service was also live streamed on www.embracefarm.com
As with other years, the Embrace FARM team called on farm families to submit names of their loved ones who have died so that they can be remembered in the service. This year almost 350 people’s names were featured in the roll call.
Over the past ten years, the service has become a pinnacle event in the farming community. It acknowledges the suffering of those who have survived farm accidents and provides a place for farm families to remember loved ones who have died suddenly.
Norma Rohan, Co-Founder of Embrace FARM, commented on the importance of the service. “Our community has faced unimaginable loss, and our Remembrance Service offers a shared space for people who have had a similar experience to gather together to remember and heal. Each name read aloud represents a cherished life and a family forever changed. Our commitment is to ensure that no one walks this path alone. Since our first Remembrance Service in 2014, our services also now include support groups, events, and our Encircle Programme.”
If you or anyone you know needs support, please contact on 057-8510555 or 085-7709966 or email info@embracefarm.com
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The Farm Safety Foundation leads a nationwide ‘Yellow Wellies’ campaign across the UK to raise awareness of the risks associated with farming. In its tenth anniversary year, the charity is calling on all those involved in agriculture to take concrete actions to improve attitudes to safe farming.
Speaking of the launch of Farm Safety Week this week, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “Unfortunately, there are still avoidable deaths occurring on farms in Northern Ireland and the industry’s poor safety record has been slow to show improvement. There have been seven fatalities in the last 12 months, including the tragic death over the past weekend. We all recognise that farming and the high-quality food it produces is of tremendous importance to the local economy. We must also recognise the importance of every single individual involved in the sector and do what we can to help them go about their work without risk of serious harm or injury.
“I am fully supportive of the good work undertaken by the Farm Safety Foundation and our local Farm Safety Partnership to increase farm safety awareness. However there is no room for complacency and I urge all those who live and work on farms to think about their safety and the safety of others. Stop and think SAFE about the main hazards on farm - Slurry, Animals, Falls and Equipment.”
The objectives of Farm Safety Week 2024 are:
To drive improvements in the health and wellbeing of those living and working in the sector;
To encourage those living and working in farming to take concrete actions to improve their attitudes to farming safely in the UK and Ireland;
To highlight, not only the excessive numbers suffering fatal injuries and accidents on UK & Ireland farms but the dangers of ignoring near misses at work;
To signpost farmers and farm workers to the resources available to help improve farm safety; and
To shine a light on Farm Safety Heroes who are working to drive a positive change in the industry.
Further information and useful resources on farm safety can be found at www.hseni.gov.uk
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There was a strong demand for Simmental females with prices reaching a ceiling of 8,000gns and six lots selling for export to GB and ROI at the 4th joint production sale from the noted Ballinalare Farm and Ranfurly herds.
The sale took place at Rathfriland Farmers’ Co-op and attracted strong interest from breeders throughout the UK and Ireland.
Star of the catalogue was the multi-award-winning show heifer Ballinalare Farm Nikita, a February 2022 Saltire Impressive daughter bred from Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa. She has enjoyed overwhelming success in the showring, winning Balmoral Show and National Show supreme champion two years in succession, as well as a number of interbreed honours. Bidding reached 10,000gns which fell short of the Wilson family’s expectations and she returned home unsold.
Leading the sale at 8,000gns was the much-admired show heifer Ranfurly Weikel 52nd from David and Jonny Hazelton’s 20-cow herd at Dungannon, County Tyrone. This fifteen-month-old heifer was sired by the home-bred Auchorachan ACDC son, Ranfurly Limelight – reserve intermediate champion at Stirling in October 2022 and sold for 16,000gns. Her dam Ranfurly Weikel 18th is by Raceview King and was female and reserve supreme champion at the NI Simmental Club’s National Show in 2019.
Ranfurly Weikel 52nd is bred from three generations of EX cows. She was junior champion at the Four Breeds Calf Show in 2023; reserve junior champion at Balmoral in May 2024 and a first prize winner at the National Show, held in Antrim. This heifer came under the hammer of guest auctioneer David Lowry, selling to John Warnock’s Templefyn Herd based at Carrowdore in County Down.
Two heifers shared the day’s second highest bid of 6,000gns. First to sell was the January 2022 born in-calf heifer Ranfurly Weikel 47th. Sired by Samark Superman, she was bred from the Raceview King daughter, Ranfurly Weikel 33rd VG87 – a maternal sister to Auchorachan ACDC and the 15,000gns Ranfurly Formula One - supreme champion at Stirling in October 2015. In-calf to Clonagh Tiger Gallant and due in February 2025, she sold to the Bowhill Herd owned by David Smith and Rachael Reid from Low Bowhill Farm, Newmiln, Ayrshire.
Also selling at 6,000gns was the November 2022 born Ranfurly Stella 15th ET, a Woodhall Ferrari daughter, bred from Raceview Fancywinty 652 ET EX93. She sold to pedigree breeder John Byrne from Ballinaskeagh, Banbridge.
Her full sister, Ranfurly Stella 16 ET, born in February 2023, sold to James Mullan’s Carrowcladagh Herd in Garvagh for 5,200gns.
These ET heifers are maternal sisters Ranfurly Stella 12th who was reserve supreme champion at Balmoral Show in 2022; and Ranfurly Stella 13th sold at the Next Gen sale in Carlisle for 5,000gns. Maternal brothers, Ranfurly Jackpot sold at Stirling in February 2020 for 9,000gns; while her full ET brother Ranfurly Nunez sold privately to the Fairhurst Herd.
The April 2023 heifer Ranfurly Weikel 51 attracted a bid of 5,000gns, selling to John Moore’s Omorga Herd at Beragh, County Tyrone. She was sired by the Team Celtic son, Ranfurly Masterpiece – sold at Stirling last year for 6,200gns. Her dam is the Raceview King daughter, Ranfurly Weikel 23rd VG86, reserve female champion at the 2019 National Show.
Leading Joe Wilson’s Ballinalare Farm line-up at 4,900gns was the January 2023 born Ballinalare Farm Polly. Sired by the Carnkern Titan son, Curaheen Wakeman, she is out of Ballinalare Farm Ladybird, who is a daughter of the herd’s 10,000gns stock bull Denizes Fantastic. Buyers were Messrs P and R Murtagh from Newry.
Next best at 4,600gns and also selling to John Byrne from Banbridge, was the April 2023 Ranfurly Beauty 18th. This one is by the Team Celtic son, Ranfurly Klinker – sold privately to the Boyerstown in ROI and widely available through AI. Her dam, Ranfurly Beauty 10th EX90, is a Samark Superman daughter bred from Ranfurly Beauty 8th ET.
The October 2022 Ranfurly Kleeb 47th sold for 4,300gns to the Dodd family, William, Jane, Jamie and Lewis, for their Craigy Herd at Saintfield. Sired by Curaheen Bandit, she is bred from the Whitemire King Kong daughter, Ranfurly Kleeb 32nd EX92 – who will be twelve-years-old in November and has reared 12 calves, including three sets of twins.
Next best at 4,200gns was Ranfurly Weikel 50th, a March 2023 Ranfurly Limelight daughter, bred from Ranfurly Weikel 33rd VG87. She sold for export to online bidder Simon Powell, owner of the Burlane Herd based at Shrewsbury in Shropshire.
Also selling at 4,200gns was Joe Wilson’s Ballinalare Farm Paris ET. Born in November 2023, she is by Kilbride Farm Bantry and bred from Ballinalare Farm Evita – a daughter of the 20,000gns Perth champion, Auchorachan Wizard. This heifer is a full sister to the 28,000gns Stirling supreme champion and NI-record price bull Ballinalare Farm Masterpiece. Buyers were David Smith and Rachael Reid for their Bowhill Herd.
Pat Kelly, and son Frank, from the Ashland Herd in Tempo, County Fermanagh, paid 4,100gns to secure the eight-month-old Ranfurly Weikel 53rd ET. Sired by Salisbury Challenger, she is bred from the noted South Park King Kong Weikel 2nd EX93.
Next best at 4,000gns was Ballinalare Farm Princess, a February 2023 born heifer by the 11,000 Euro Roscommon junior champion, Bighill Magic. She was the first daughter to be offered for sale from the 11,500 Euros Lissadell Krystal Special. Buyers were Kieran and Delia Fitzpatrick, owners of the Birtrees Herd based at Rathfriland, County Down.
The Ranfurly Herd offered two seventeen-month-old bulls for sale. First into the ring was Ranfurly Principal who won a number of championship awards during the show season, including the interbreed beef honours at Clogher Show. This one is by Ranfurly Limelight and bred from the Raceview King daughter, Ranfurly Weikel 13th EX90. He failed to meet his reserve and is destined for Stirling in October.
The home-bred Ranfurly Limelight was also behind the breeding of Ranfurly Powerhouse who came under the hammer at 4,000gns, selling to Cameron and Rachel Jackson for their Future Livestock Herd at Galston in Ayrshire.
Averages: Ballinalare Farm: 2 heifers with calf at foot £3,412 and 19 in-calf and maiden heifers £2,990. Ranfurly: 2 in-calf heifers £4,515 and 12 maiden heifers £4,646.
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The future of sustainable farming took centre stage at the Logan Hall, Balmoral Park, recently with 28 school teams from across Northern Ireland competing in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Exhibition including two local schools - Markethill High School and St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen. The exhibition displays included topics from regenerative farming practices and environmental stewardship to the intersection of farming with politics.
The 91 Yr.11 pupils taking part were trying to impress a panel of judges about their suitability to win a place on the ABP Angus Youth finalist programme. The teams that are selected will then be awarded their own mini herds of Angus cross calves, courtesy of ABP and Certified Irish Angus. The teenagers will be tasked with rearing their calves sustainably under the expert guidance of a CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) mentor.
At the end of the year-long programme, finalists will sell their fully reared cattle to ABP, keeping the proceeds as a reward for their hard work. Additionally, one stand-out team will earn a £1,000 cash prize for their school or club. This will be awarded on the basis of how they complete research projects as well as on how they manage their animals on-farm. During the finalist programme, the pupils receive communication skills training and participate in an international study tour to broaden their perspective on the industry.
Praising this year’s semi-finalists George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland said, “I want to extend my congratulations to all the teachers and pupils on their impressive displays today. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is an opportunity for teenagers to get involved in agriculture and food production. Every team today demonstrated a clear passion for the future of our industry and it’s inspiring to see that interest represented here by young people from every county in Northern Ireland.”
Charles Smith, General Manager of the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, added: “ABP and the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group are committed to developing the next generation of the industry. The Youth Challenge is making a tangible impact not only within the schools but also their wider community.”
The event also celebrated the achievements of the outgoing Class of 2023 finalists with special guest, Martin McKendry, DAERA’s Acting Head of Food, Farming & Rural Affairs presenting the awards to the overall winning school team from Aughnacloy College. Dromore High School were runner’s up in the competition and Sarah Gilchrist from St. Colmcille’s High School in Crossgar won the award for ‘outstanding contribution by an individual’.
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With an increase in callouts this year, Air Ambulance NI’s Agribusiness Group is urging the agricultural community to rally behind the charity and help keep the air ambulance in operation. The group, which is made up of agricultural enthusiasts and advocates, has been actively fundraising and raising awareness for the charity since 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the group Rathfriland farmer Barclay Bell a trustee of Air Ambulance, explains, “The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service has seen an increase on call outs this year from last year – 63 more individuals and families in need of urgent medical care. Our charity depends on public support to raise £2.5 million annually to ensure we can continue to be there when people need us most. This life-saving service is a vital resource for farmers and rural communities, where access to medical services can be challenging. The air ambulance helps to address this by saving lives, protecting brains, and preserving limbs.”
Mr Bell is past President of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and actively involved with several other farming organisations.
Continuing he said, “There are lots of ways to support: Air Ambulance NI will be attending RUAS Winter Fair on 12 December and will be one of the benefiting causes for the Armagh Livingstone Tractor Run on 28th December 2024. We also encourage the rural community to reach out to their local agri representative or to the charity office on 028 9262 2677 to offer support”.
In addition to Barclay, the agri group representatives include:
Raymond Bready was born and bred on a small family farm on the Newry side of Rathfriland, Raymond started working in the animal feed industry in 1985 with Boyce Bros, Banbridge after leaving school and continues to work as a Key Accounts Manager for John Thompson and Sons, to this present day.
As well as being a dad and partner, his other passion in life is on the end of a microphone. This started in the mid 90’s at Mossvale Riding Club and then progressed to Eventing Ireland. This led on to Raymond commentating at many International events including European championships here in Ireland, Scotland and Slovakia. In recent years, Raymond is more likely to be found at Omagh, Castlewellan and Balmoral Shows where he is determined to use his voice to promote everything that is good about the Agri food industry here in Northern Ireland.
Speaking about his reasons for supporting the service, Raymond explains, “I appreciate the importance of this service for everyone, and particularly for those involved in equestrian sector. As many know, I have just completed one of life’s all time challenges, a skydive! It was a wonderful experience and I hope others will consider what they can do to help keep our air ambulance flying. Whether it is challenging yourself to take the plunge, a corporate donation at Christmas or simply to become a member by setting up a direct debit, your contribution will make a big difference.”
Aurelie Moralis from Castlewellan qualified as a vet in Belgium in 2002 and subsequently moved to Northern Ireland where she worked as a farm animal practitioner in Co. Down for 12 years. She wasn’t from a farming background but was always drawn to the country and thoroughly enjoyed the everyday challenges of farm animal practice.
In 2014, Aurelie moved to Zoetis- a global leader in the animal health pharmaceutical industry- and took on the role of Veterinary Consultant for Northern Ireland. She has since joined the Irish Livestock Team as their Marketing and Technical Manager for the Ruminant Portfolio.
Always wanting to do more for the farming and veterinary community, Aurelie joined the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) as a Council Member and served as their President in 2019.
Speaking about her reasons for joining the group, Aurelie explained, “I am passionate about being part of the Agribusiness Air Ambulance NI fundraising group. As a vet, a mother, living on the farm and a keen hillwalker, I am very aware of the everyday dangers we are exposed to. When accidents happen on a farm, whether it is with livestock, or machinery, time is often of the essence, which is why we must keep the Air Ambulance flying.
James Speers From Markethill James is a former President of the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), active member of the Collone YFC, Ambassador for The Prince’s Countryside Fund, farmer and former Farm Quality Assurance Inspector.
James got involved with Air Ambulance NI when he got elected as YFCU President in 2017. Here he committed his two-year term as president to raise money for the charity and was extremely pleased that the YFCU members throughout NI supported him greatly and provided ongoing support. James then hosted his own barn dance in September 2018 on his home farm that attracted over 1200 people dancing the night away to Richie Remo. Total raised from his tenure as president and donated to Air Ambulance NI was £33,723.75. “For me Air Ambulance NI is a lifesaving service that helps everyone across Northern Ireland. It’s important that we all remember our Air Ambulance from time to time, if everyone does a little to help, that helps save lives.”
The very first call out of Air Ambulance was to a farming incident and farming and agricultural incidents account for up to 11% of call outs. This includes accidents involving farm machinery, slurry or cattle. Unfortunately, on average, there is a farming call every week.
Other ways to support include organising a tractor run or coffee morning, quiz or collection. The charity also encourages individuals to become a member by registering a monthly direct debit as a Club Member – you can do that here: https://airambulanceni.org/club-aani-membership/
Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), provides life-saving care to critically ill and injured patients across the region. With an average of two callouts per day, the service is often the critical difference between life and death. For more information on how you can support this essential service, please visit www.airambulanceni.org
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MP Dáire Hughes has called for the British government's plan to cut inheritance tax relief for farmers to be reversed. From April 2026, inheritance tax relief for business and for agricultural assets is to be capped at £1m, with a new reduced rate of 20% being charged above that (rather than the standard inheritance tax rate of 40%). The tax was announced in the Labour Party's first budget and would be payable in instalments over 10 years interest free.
The Newry and Armagh representative was speaking after meeting with farmers’ representatives in Westminster this morning, 20 November. Yesterday thousands of farmers came together to oppose the proposed changes.
Mr Hughes said: “The British government’s decision to announce changes to inheritance tax for farmers has caused a great deal of concern about what this will mean for the future viability of their farms.
“Last night, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and other ministers stood shoulder to shoulder with thousands of farmers in opposition to the British government's plan.
“Family farms are the backbone of our agriculture sector and rural economies in the north, and the ability to pass down a family farm from one generation to the next must be protected."
The MP concluded “I relayed to members of the Ulster Farmers’ Union this morning that Sinn Féin will continue to press the British government to reverse this decision and to ensure family farms can continue to play their role in our thriving farming industry.”
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Slieve Gullion Councillor Oonagh Magennis had said that bovine TB continues to have a devastating impact on local farmers but believes that cross-party support for a recent Assembly motion on tackling bovine tuberculosis is a welcome development.
Cllr Magennis said “I welcome cross-party support for Sinn Féin’s motion in the Assembly to highlight the devastating impact that bovine TB has on our farming families, rural communities, and the wider agricultural economy. Just within the last twelve months 20,000 cattle have been culled.
“By working with the other parties we can ensure that a common sense approach is implemented to eradicate this disease, protect livelihoods, and support the future of our agricultural industry”.
The Slieve Gullion Councillor concluded “I will continue to stand with our farmers and work to ensure rural communities can continue to thrive.”
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Pupils from Markethill High School and St Joseph's High School, Crossmaglen have been selected as finalists for the 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.
Along with pupils from Enniskillen Royal Grammar School and Lecale Trinity Grammar School, Downpatrick the local schools beat competition from 24 other teams across Northern Ireland and will now embark on a year long journey exploring sustainable beef production.
George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP congratulated the finalists: “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge inspires young people to innovate, learn, and develop practical skills that are vital to the future of beef farming. This competition also showcases the diverse career paths and opportunities available in the agrifood sector. We look forward to seeing how these talented teams bring their projects to life and develop ideas to tackle the challenges facing our industry.”
As finalists, each team will rear their own mini-herd of Angus-cross calves provided by ABP in partnership with the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group. Over the coming year, these young farmers will gain hands-on experience in sustainable beef farming, supported by expert guidance from a CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) mentor.
The challenge will see the teenagers delving into themes critical to modern beef farming, including sustainability, innovation, and supply chain efficiency. Each team will champion a sustainability-focused project, researching and promoting its importance within their schools, communities, and the wider agri-food industry.
Throughout the year, their performance will be evaluated, with the team delivering the most impactful project earning an additional £1,000 for their school or affiliated club.
Beyond practical farming experience, the finalists will benefit from training and travel opportunities, offering insights into ABP’s global operations and the broader agribusiness landscape. They will also receive a financial reward when their calves are sold to ABP next year, ensuring they experience every stage of the beef supply chain from farm to fork.
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