Judges reveal some of the secrets to find winning exhibits

Editorial Department • Published 29 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Judges from across the British Isles sampled some of the Clogher Valley hospitality on Tuesday evening as a reception was held to mark the official opening of the Augher Co-op Agri-Food Hall.

As part of the Clogher Valley Show, the Food Hall is a showcase for local and regional food companies to display their products before a large audience of people attending the event.

The Clogher Valley Show is now one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in Ireland and the pre-show reception is now an established tradition to welcome the judges and guests. Guests included officials and members of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, representatives of the Irish Shows Association and the Northern Ireland Shows Association, local Show representatives and many others representing various aspects of the agricultural industry.

Among those attending was Mr.David Leggat, Executive Chairman of United Auctions, who hold the renowned Perth Bull Sales. He was judging the Interbreed Cattle classes yesterday(Wednesday).

Now with a new auction centre near Stirling, the business continues to attract livestock breeders from many countries but Mr. Leggat says the participation by breeders from the west of the Province has been significant particularly in recent years.

"Its fantastic to be invited here and I'm looking forward to the event. The quality of stock from here is very good.

"I have had huge support from Ireland as buyers and more recently as sellers of animals and some of the leading prices have been taken by cattle from this area. For an event like this show, the important aspect is benchmarking the breeding, which acts as a catalyst in improving the breeds and performance," he said.

There was also high praise for stock from this region by another Scottish judge, Herbie Kennedy form Dumfries. Originally from Donaghadee, he made the switch across the Irish Sea where he now farms Charollais sheep. He was preparing to judge the sheep interbreed classes.

"For Interbreed classes, you have got to judge the animals as they represent champions of their breed. You look for something that represents the breed. You have to know your sheep," he says.

Sheep farmers were very much in the news this week as record prices were paid for sheepdogs at the Skipton sale. Several lots reached 4,900 guineas. Herbie says he does not use dogs on his farm but he knows the owner of the leading prices at that sale.

"I used to shear with him. I was a Northern Ireland champion shearer 10 times and an All-Ireland champion," he revealed.

Another judge, Mr. Steven Nesbitt, a Charolais cattle breeder from Co. Durham, has previously judged in Northern Ireland but it was the first time at Clogher.

A former National Chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society, he has judged at shows all over the world including South America and Europe.

Before casting his eye over the entries for the prestigious Cydectin Charolais Championships, Mr. Nesbitt said the Charolais breed is renowned for two aspects, growth rates and size.

But he would like to see the breed become more streamline and get away from the double muscling traits. Back at home, he runs a pedigree herd of 50 cows and is a regular exhibitor at the Perth Sales.

Over in the home industries marquees, the finishing touches were being made to a fine display of exhibits. Judge of the arts and crafts classes, Ann Henning, was revealing her "Champion of the Show" giving the red First Prize Card to Rachel McKeown for her beautiful painting of cattle feeding on a farm.

Ann said it was a difficult to decision to make between this and a wonderful entry of a patchwork quilt but made the decision based on "what I would most like to bring home."

The winning entry now goes forward to an All-Ireland final at Oldcastle Show.

The Food Hall was officially opened by Mr. John Thompson, President of the Ulster Farmers' Union who said he has had great admiration for all the volunteers who run agricultural shows. He also said that shows were excellent showcases for local food.

Mr. Nicholas Lowry, Chairman of the Clogher Valley Show who welcomed guests, received a cheque from Mr. Winston Mulligan, President of Augher Co-op.

The Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, Michelle O'Neill, spoke warmly of the Council's support for this "flagship" event in their borough and said they were glad to increase their support to it this year.

Some of the food companies displaying their products ranged from oils and meats to a new cider called Maddens Mellow and the Khana Kitchen, offering traditional Nepalese cuisine.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 29 Jul 10

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