Rules for Herd Competition

Castle Irvine - Suckler Cow Classic - £2000

A Fermanagh Show Herd Competition

Finals on Saturday 12^th August 2023

With the continual decline in the numbers of Suckler herds across NI - Fermanagh Farming Society are promoting an annual Suckler Classic Competition to identify the best Suckler Cow Unit & the Best Breeding Heifer.

We are looking for a functional Non-Pedigree Suckler Cow and Calf Unit, efficient, easy to feed, milky, profitable, rearing a calf born after 01/01/2023 with excellent confirmation and suitable for the present commercial market.
We will be working with all Suckler farmers in Fermanagh and those in County Tyrone who are members of DAERA Beef Development Groups that are linked to County Fermanagh.
Those herds wishing to enter will be judged on farm & shortlisted for the final.
The top five herds will qualify for the Suckler Classic Final to be held at Fermanagh County Show on Saturday 12^th August 2023. Each qualifying herd will be asked to forward a cow and calf unit for the final judging.

Castle Irvine - Classic Suckler Cow & Calf Competition

Prize Fund:

1^{st £1000} 2^{nd £500} 3^{rd £300}4^{th £100}5^{th £100 ENTRY FEE: £20}

Vaughan Trust bonus of £200 & £100 will be awarded to 1st & 2nd prize winners of the Castle Irvine Suckler Cow Unit if the owner resides in County Fermanagh. Special Rosettes will be presented to the prize winners 1st to 5th place.

RULES:

This competition is open to all commercial Suckler Cow farmers with Non-Pedigree Suckler Herds who are members of the local DAERA Beef Development Groups, except the winners of the previous year's competition. This will also include Tyrone farmers who are group members that are linked to County Fermanagh.
Entry is for a Cow with own calf at foot shown in pen provided on grass. (Not halter led) from herds that are not currently under any movement restrictions.
The Competition is open to Suckler Cows rearing a calf suitable for current commercial beef markets.
To be judged as a functional unit – A Suckler Cow and Calf, easy to feed, milky, profitable, breeding a calf with good confirmation.
Temperament of the animal should be considered before taking them to the show.
To be judged 50/50 a visual assessment with a Calving Index less than 3.90
Calves must be born on or after 1st January 2023
Individual exhibitors may qualify up to two cows for the final.
In the event of a large numbers of entries we will run a qualifying competition on farms to select heifers for the Final at Fermanagh County Show on Saturday 12th August 2023
Online entries close 14th July 2023
Castle Irvine Perpetual Challenge Cup will be won by the best Non-Pedigree Beef Type Suckler Cow with her own Calf at Foot.

Breeding Heifer Derby

sponsored by Lakeland Veterinary Services

Prize Fund:

1^{st £250} 2^{nd £150} 3^{rd £100 ENTRY FEE: £10}

RULES:

Non-Pedigree Breeding Heifer to be shown in pen provided, (not halter led) from herds that are not under restrictions.
The competition is open to all breeds of non-pedigree heifers, with the potential to rear a calf for current beef markets.
Heifers must be born on or after 1^st January 2022 and may be in calf on show day.
Judge will choose the winners by visual assessment.
Temperament of the animal should be considered before taking them to the show.
The judge’s decision is final.
Winner must be prepared to be available for future publicity to promote this initiative.
In the event of a large numbers of entries we will run a qualifying competition on farms to select good breeding heifers for the Final at Fermanagh County Show on Saturday 12^th August 2023.
Online entries close on 14^th July 2023
A plaque will be awarded to the best Non-Pedigree Beef Type Breeding Heifer in this championship.
Special Rosettes for 1^st 2^nd 3^rd placed animals and a sash will be presented in this championship.
The committee has the right to amend the competition rules as and when required.

Content