... but breeders are split on extending event into Saturday
OPINIONS were divided among cattle and sheep breeders on whether or not the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) should continue with a four day format at the Balmoral Show.
This was the first year the show was extended to Saturday.
“It is working for us,” confirmed Co Down Blonde cattle breeder William McElroy. previously because the show wasn’t open on Saturday.
“But it is now open and people have come.”
Mr McDonald said that the show’s first Saturday had “the same Balmoral buzz” that we have had on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
“The extra day is giving me an opportunity to spend more time making contact with a wide range of pedigree and commercial herd owners,” he said.
“Showing is one thing. At the end of the day, my business is all about selling the breeding animals that are coming through within the herd.
“Balmoral is a tremendous shop window for my cattle. So the extra day is a real bonus, in terms of it being a genuine net-
“It’s been a dream success,” he added. “A lot of thanks are due to the exhibitors, because they have had to do a third extra work with only thanks from us.
“It’s cost them money, it’s cost them time and yet they’ve done it.”
And he said: “We’ve already another four-day show booked for next year.”
The show moved from the King’s Hall in Belfast to the former site of the Maze prison in 2013.
Among the guests who attended the show this year were the Prime Minister, Theresa May, working opportunity.”
There are 12 pedigree cows in McElroy’s Ivaniskey herd. He had three animals entered for this year’s Balmoral Show.
“We arrived on the Monday evening. The cow was selected as the Reserve Blonde Female Champion while the bull was placed third in the Junior Male Championship,” he said.
McElroy was elected as chairman of the British Blonde Cattle Society in March of this year. He and the DUP leader, Arlene Foster.
Mrs Foster, who grew up on a small farm in Co Fermanagh, said that for her the Balmoral Show was a combination of both work and leisure.
She said: “I’ve been cooking scallops, eating sausages and doing all sorts of things, so it’s been wonderful.
“I always look forward to Balmoral.
“I had my son up with me on Wednesday, so we did the sheep and the cattle.
“It was lovely to see the Dexters and going around the stands will serve a three-year term.
Moneymore commercial cattle breeder Robert Miller, however, believes the new four day format puts too much stress on both animals and their owners.
“I know that the RUAS is committed to the four day plan for another year.
“But the sooner we get back to the way it was the better,” he said. “Three days is long enough.” Texel sheep breeder Alaistair and hearing how people are getting on with their businesses, which I am still interested in from my time as Enterprise Minister.
“The food end [of the show] has really come into its own — it’s wonderful because people have an appreciation for what we’re making here in Northern Ireland and selling across the world.”
Plans are already under way for future shows.
“I’m not thinking about the Balmoral Show next year — I’m already planning Balmoral Show 2019,” Mr McDonald added. Gault agreed. He secured the Reserve Interbreed title at this year’s show.
“The breed classes were judged on Wednesday, yet I had to wait until Saturday to take part in the Interbreed class. That gap is far too long,” he said.
Sheep entries were down by around 5% at this year’s show.
It is understood that the extra day may have put a number of breeders off the idea of attending the event.