The Northern Ireland Commercial Cattle Exhibitors’ Club has reported record entries for its 17th annual Summer Spectacular, which takes on Saturday, September 16th, 2023.
This year sees the show move to Ballymena Mart in its newly established purpose-built show facilities.
With over 70 cattle entered from right across Northern Ireland, this event promises to be “a spectacle for all those interested in commercial cattle”.
A spokesperson told www.thatsfarming.com: “As well as many long-standing, and well-established show men and women competing for silverware on the day, it is refreshing to see so many new exhibitors joining our club to compete for the top spot, as well as such a keen interest in the young handlers classes to be held on the day”.
“The future of commercial cattle showing in Northern Ireland looks bright.”
“The Summer Spectacular brings the summer show season to an end as we look forward to the winter fatstock shows/sales which are fast approaching.”
“We would like to thank all our sponsors for making this event possible and wish all exhibitors the best of luck on the day,” the spokesperson added.
Classes on the day include:
- Young handlers;
- Calf championship – heifer calf below 380kgs and male calf below 380kgs;
- Heifer classes – Lightweight heifer, mid-weight heifers and heavy-weight heifer;
- Steer classes – lightweight steer, heavyweight steer;
- Butcher’s animal – animals weighing between 500-580kgs;
- Breeding heifer championship – Most likely to make a suckler dam, must be over 12-months-old and no more than 30-months-old on show day;
- Breeding championships – male or heifer sired by Charolais, male or heifer, sired by Limousin, male or heifer, sired by British Blue, male or heifer, sired by British Blonde, male or heifer, sired by native, male or heifer sired by any other breed;
- Exhibitor-bred animal;
- Pairs competition;
- Heifer championship, steer championship and supreme championship.
Full list of classes contained in catalogue.
Judging
Judging on the day commences at 9.30 am with the ever-popular young handler classes, under the watchful eye of judge, Lynda Hamilton.
Following on from this are the calf classes and calf championship, to be judged by Mr. Paul Rainey. Paul will also undertake the beef classes and overall championships.
Meanwhile, the breed classes, breeding heifer championships, butcher’s heifer class and exhibitor-bred class will all be judged by Mr. Martin McLaughlin.
Further details and a show schedule can be found on the club’s Facebook page.
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