A Limousin-cross-Belgian Blue heifer stole the limelight at the Royal Ulster Beef & Lamb Championships, yesterday (Tuesday, November 24th) when she climbed to £9,200.
Dermot Small and Blair Duffton presented the June-2018-born 786kg entry for sale. Bred by Craig Robertson, Maverick was tapped out as reserve supreme champion of the 2020 event.
Ahead of the sale, Strathearn Commercials, said: “What a star this lady has been. If you’re looking for that something special, something that’s proven well, look no further.”
They said the heifer oozes width, correctness, and power with a “track record to prove it”.
Virtual event
This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Beef & Lamb Championships took placed behind closed doors at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lilburn.
However, the live event was streamed online through the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championship’s YouTube channel.
Furthermore, a limited number of buyers were permitted entrance on the day, however for those unable to attend, bids were placed online.
The highly anticipated event kicked off with the fierce competition in the beef and lamb showing classes at 11am.
Beef cattle competed for the coveted title of Supreme Champion and the renowned Allams Cup. Lamb classes battled it out for the title of Best Butcher Pair.
Also, the popular auction took place from 6pm where all competition stock shown on the day were offered for sale.
New approach
Ahead of the event, Richard Primrose, NI Agri Manager for principal sponsor Bank of Ireland UK commented:
“With the beef and lamb industry playing such a vital part in the local economy, we’re looking forward to the show and sale taking place next week and the new online approach connecting the buyers and sellers with even more people this year.”
Alan Crowe, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) Chief Executive added, ‘‘The RUAS is thrilled to host the third Royal Ulster Beef & Lamb Championship in partnership with principal sponsor Bank of Ireland. The popular show will feature a variety of showing classes topped off by the ever-popular auction in the evening.”
“We are delighted to have the generous backing of principal sponsor, Bank of Ireland. Their support has played a central role in enabling us to deliver this event. The partnership highlights our own and the bank’s support of the local beef and sheep industries.”
Follow report to follow…
