YLBNI are making exciting changes to their annual Ulster Bank Young Handlers and Calf Spectacular Competition in 2013. This successful event was held for ten consecutive years in Moira Pedigree Sales Arena in September but the young members feel it is time for change, to progress and develop the size and standard of the competition.
The primary purpose of this club event is to encourage the participation of young members and at the same time develop their knowledge of cattle breeding and showmanship skills. This has proved effective as the club grows in membership and achievements from year to year.
The event is to be held on Saturday 12th January 2013 in Ballymena Sales Arena at 9am. The Ulster Bank Young Handlers and Calf Spectacular Competition will be running in conjunction with the BLCS Unhaltered Female Sale. The club is confident that this day will not just be a calf spectacular but a limousin spectacular with larger entries of limousin cattle, greater prize money and an opportunity to purchase quality limousin females fit for pedigree and commercial herds.
The show is split into three sections: the Young Handlers Competition, the Pedigree Calf Spectacular and the Commercial Limousin Calf Championship. The Young Handlers Competition is open to all young breeders under the age of 30years, and the Calf Spectacular consists of seven pedigree classes, including calves born from 1st January 2012 to 1st January 2013 together with an Exhibitor Bred Pedigree Limousin Pairs class.
This year, the competent Kevin Bohan of Ardlea Limousins, will have the difficult task of selecting the prize-winners in the main events. Kevin has been farm manager at Ardlea since 2008 and has had numerous success stories around the show circuit inIrelandand further a field. He turned out the Junior Female Champion of Paris Show with Ardlea Tammy at Villepinte in 2005 who went on to be sold for €40,000.
“The club would like to emphasise that the Young Handlers Competition and Calf Spectacular would not be possible without the generous support of the sponsors who not only provide monetary reward but give of their time on the day of the show to congratulate prize winners,” said a spokesperson.
Sponsorship this year includes; Animax, British Limousin Cattle Society, Brian McComb Contractors, Corries Farm Butchers, Firmount Veterinary, Greenmount Country Stores, Irwins Farm Feeds, John Thompsons, McKinstry Skip Hire, Minprint, Northern Ireland Limousin Club, Semenstore, Ulster Bank, and the Ulster Farmers Union.
“Saturday 12th January 2013 in Ballymena Mart will be a great family day out and as ever there promises to be a superb show of elite pedigree and commercial limousin calves,” the spokesperson said.
If you are interested in participating in either the Young Handlers Competition or Calf Spectacular please contact Kim Nicholson on 07545274283 for an application form. Entries close strictly on Friday 7th December 2012.
