ULSTER PARTHENAISE CATTLE SOCIETY HOLD SUCCESSFUL FARM WALK

Members of The Ulster Parthenaise Cattle Society have been working hard over the past number of months to promote the parthenaise breed and at last their hard work has paid off.

After corresponding with chairman Bill Bradley of the British Parthenaise Cattle Society during the winter months there was an interest expressed by them to come and see the stock here in Northern Ireland. In early July arrangements were made and a small group of members from the British Parthenaise Cattle club arrived in Northern Ireland to commence two days of farm visits viewing parthenaise cattle belonging to members of the Ulster Parthenaise Cattle Society.

The group had the opportunity to view a good variety of cross and purebred heifers and a number of purebred bulls of varying ages owned by John Mc Keever in Ahoghill and also on the farm of Mrs Kathleen & Ciaran McCloskey in Draperstown.

Although the weather was extremely miserable during their first day, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the group to continue their mission. They travelled to the home of John and Roberta Nevin at Glarryford, to see round one of the biggest parthenaise herds in the Northern Ireland. There was a very extensive range of purebred parthenaise cattle to view and a lot of interest was shown in John’s selection of young bulls and purebred heifers.

The following morning the group braved the weather once again travelling the short distance to view a herd of purebred parthenaise owed by Richard and Harry McVicker. While there was a smaller selection of heifers, in calf heifers and young bulls to view from the previous day, it was Richard’s herd of cows and calves that really took their interest.

Over the two days of farm visits the group had been really impressed by the quality of stock they had seen which resulted in a number of cattle being purchased.

Chairman of the Ulster Parthenaise Cattle Society would like to thank those who took part in, and helped with the farm visit. Thanks also to Councillor Joan Baird for her very warm welcome and hospitality to all in the group during their stay.  This has been a great opportunity for both clubs to get to know each other and of course exchange their views and information on the parthenaise breed. Over the years we have been continuously striving to breed and build up the best in the parthenaise cattle and it has been a real encouragement to us to have been able to export cattle to Great Britain

Anyone interested in finding out more about the parthenaise breed can contact Harry 07708032500 or John 07763234540 or log on to www.ulsterparthenaise.co.uk