AGM N.I. Beef Shorthorn Club Report N.I Beef Shorthorn Club Chairman, Tom McGuigan welcomed an enthusiastic gathering of members and friends to the Annual General Meeting which was held in the Ballinderry Inn Moira on Thursday 5th March 2015. Tom went on to thank the Secretary - Fiona McKeown, David Alexander - Treasurer and Karen Carson PRO Officer for all their hard work and support during the year adding also his gratitude to members who so ably promoted the breed both here in Northern Ireland and further afield. The Club Secretary gave an in depth report on events organised and supported by breeders in 2014 highlighting successes at RUAS where the beef shorthorn breed won Overall Supreme Interbreed Group of Three. The National Show Championship held at Armagh Agricultural Show was won by James Porters Uppermill Herd. Members were given the opportunity to view the Uppermill Herd at an Open Day held in August, the club is indebted to James Porter and family for hosting this event. Compliments must also go to the Uppermill Herd who were awarded the Inaugural Mohmer Trophy for scoring the highest number of points across four major shows during the 2014 season. The Northern Ireland Club thanked the Southern Beef Shorthorn Club for their time and effort put into a most enjoyable club trip for members to Limerick in August. The Show team of the year,kindly sponsored by Cappers Feeds, was won by the Castlemount Herd owned by Duncan McDowell, 2nd place going to the Uppermill Herd owned by James Porter and 3rd place going to the Croobview herd owned by Denise Bailie. A Special mention was given to the Herds Competition overall winners being the Castlemount Herd and Reserve Champion going to the Uppermill Herd. In December there was a terrific turn out of young stock at the Calf Show held at Ballymena Mart. A special word of thanks to judges, members and all our Sponsors who have supported the breed throughout the year and we look forward to this continued support in helping to promote the breed. Treasurer, David Alexander, went on to give a brief outline on the clubs accounts highlighting that 2014-2015 was another successful and healthy financial year.
Guest Speaker Paul Elwood from HVS Animal Health gave an interesting talk on comprehensive organic chelate trace element/vitamin drench for cattle providing both short and long term benefit. Paul highlighted trial conclusions from several farms around Northern Ireland showing that cattle given HVS Liquid Gold recorded improved performance, fertility and profitability. HVS Animal Health also supply Omega Flush a dietary supplement to help assist fertility for Embryo Transfer donors and ET Recipients. Following supper Paul was invited to conduct the election of office bearers with the following serving for the 20152016 term: The Club members duly elected Karen Carson as Chairperson and she will be the first lady to take on such an honorary roll. Chairperson - Karen Carson Vice-Chairman - Tom McGuigan Secretary - Fiona McKeown Treasurer - David Alexander PRO - Denise Bailie Committee: Duncan McDowell, Fred Duncan, David Hammond, George Shanks, Cecil Graham, Emmet McNulty. The new Club Chairperson Karen Carson concluded the evening by thanking Paul Elwood for giving such an interesting and informative talk, Ballinderry Inn for their excellent hospitality and for hosting the committee meetings throughout the year. The year 2015-2016 looks set to be a busy one with the Club holding their ever popular Show and Sale for both pure and commercial cattle sired by a registered Beef Shorthorn bull and not forgetting RUAS Show in May. The Club would also like to take this opportunity to welcome new members and anyone who are interested in the breed, should you need any information please contact the Secretary Fiona McKeown on 07983500160. Denise Bailey beef shorthorn
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