This year’s Royal Ulster Winter Fair, with sole sponsor Danske Bank, was one of the most successful, to date, with huge crowds and trade stands’ space at full capacity.

While many farmers and their families attended to see the dairy cattle judging, others simply took in more than 200 trade stands offering advice and showcasing farm machinery and services.

Rodney Brown, Head of Agribusiness with Danske Bank, which has been sponsoring the Winter Fair since 1986, in a message at this year’s event said the past 12 months has been challenging for the agricultural industry as farmers have tried to cope with significant increases in costs.

Farmers have had to contend with a 100 per cent rise in red diesel over two years, huge increases in electricity costs, and other essential inputs.

“More concerning is the uncertainty around the availability of key farm inputs. While 2022 saw a period of astronomical increase in synthetic fertiliser prices, brought about by soaring energy costs, the impact of low production, world demand and sanctions has left many farmers concerned as to whether there will be sufficient availability for 2023.

‘Added concerns’

“With the added concerns following the National Grid’s warning of possible blackouts, is it time for our industry to consider our reliance on both synthetic fertiliser and imported energy sources – and instead focus on food and energy security?” he asked.

Mr. Brown said the dairy industry had been best placed to cope with increased running costs with the benefit of stronger commodity prices.

There were more than 50 different exhibitors in the dairy cattle classes, and almost half of them had travelled from the Republic.

The sought-after Supreme Interbreed Champion title was won by Potterswalls Chrome Glamour, exhibited by the Fleming Family from Seaforde, Downpatrick.

Stewart and Nyree Baxter – from Fermanagh originally, now based at Cookstown – had plenty of entries in the Ayrshire classes.

They took Reserve in the Junior Championship with Carnell Ringer Snowdrop 2, which had earlier taken second place in the Maiden Heifer class for animals born on or after June 1, 2022.

Stewart and Nyree won numerous placings, including second prize for cow in calf with Erne Famous Opal VG86, fourth prize with Erne Platinum Opel VG85, and fourth prize with Erne Oblique Pretty VG87.

At the halter for many of Stewart and Nyree’s entries was James Morrison from Maguiresbridge.

In addition, the Baxters also took the Premier Exhibition in Section Award and runner-up in the Best Kept Dairy Stall competition.

Showmanship

In the showmanship section, Faith Gould from Tempo was making her debut and was placed in the Intermediate showmanship class.

In the trade stands, the big dairy companies were evident by their attendance encouraging their suppliers to chat with executives.

Dairy farmers left the Winter Fair with a strong impression that prices may have peaked, and with a drop in milk prices possible in the early months of 2023, but with feed prices continuing at their high rate for some time yet.

Making his last appearance as Chief Executive of Lakeland Dairies was Michael Hanley, who leaves the second-biggest co-op in Ireland at the end of this month in the knowledge that the company has a strong balance sheet and is well invested.

He says the future is bright for their suppliers and expects farmers to confront the challenge of sustainability with confidence.

Michael is retiring after 36 years with Lakeland, and 16 years as Chief Executive Officer.

He says he took great pride by helping to turn the business around from the lows of 2005/6 and, of course, in recent years with the business merger with LacPatrick.