As the ninth Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships grow ever closer, show organisers, the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), are proud to announce that Mark Gillespie from Armagh will judge the Breeding Heifer class.
Maximising potential from within a beef suckler herd is a familiar skillset for Mark.
Hailing from the small village of Killylea, his passion for producing top quality beef cattle has led him to the success in the ring at the Championships before and now he hopes to find that success in another worthy exhibitor.
A beef farmer himself, Mark’s focus is regularly on adapting to industry demands and focusing on the long-term health and productivity of his cattle, both of which he believes are vital to ensuring the success of any herd.
When asked about judging at this year’s Championships Mark said: “I’ll be looking for a heifer that is correct on her feet and legs, has good width, style and conformation, is catchy on the eye, and has a sweet, feminine head.
“For me, breeding is at the heart of the suckler herd, and I am always looking for that quality breeding female that can go on to produce top-quality calves year after year”.
Joining Mark as his fellow judges on the day are Robert Graham from Ballinamallard, Sophie McAllister from Kells, and Tony Morning from Donegal alongside James May from Worcestershire and Susan Campbell from Ayrshire.
To keep up to date with the latest news and running order for the day visit www.beefandlamb.org.uk or follow the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
