Ardmore Herd Wins Ayrshire Championship At The Ulster Multi-Breed Calf Show

The Ayrshire section at the 12th annual Multi-Breed Dairy Calf Show was judged by Peter Berresford who runs the 140 cow Heydale herd based at Buxton, Derbyshire.  “Thanks to the Ulster Ayrshire Club for inviting me back to the province to judge its annual calf show. The standard has been excellent in all classes, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the day.  “There were some outstanding handlers in the showmanship classes, while the calf championship boasted three exceptional calves, anyone of which I would be proud to have at home.”

Winner of the supreme overall championship was Ardmore Orphan 117, a six-month-old heifer bred by the father and son team of John and Michael Hunter, who run 130 cows at Crumlin, County Antrim. Sired by Nexus Dreamer, she is bred from the EX 93 Ardmore Orphan 95 – breed champion at the 2011 RUAS Winter Fair, and 2013 Balmoral Show champion.  “The champion is a super calf, and very correct. I admired her depth of rib, style and cleanness of bone. She shows great potential for the future.”

Runner-up was the November 2013 born Beechmount Ice Cream 3, exhibited by the brother and sister duo Robert and Caroline McConnell, Parkgate, County Antrim. Sired by Ravenhill Steadfast, she is bred from Knockenjig Ice Cream 24 EX91.  “The reserve champion is similar to the overall winner. Very sweet and correct, well balanced, stylish and displaying great bone,” added the judge.