On the north coast of Northern Ireland overlooking Whitepark Bay Harry and son Richard McVicker farm their 40 acre farm with forty purebred parthenaise cattle.
Harry and Richard first saw the parthenaise breed at their local show in Ballymoney in June 2003 and instantly liked what they saw. At that particular time they were farming a small herd of crossbred cattle and were looking for something different in the purebred line to venture into. The parthenaise breed was certainly different and so they began to make more enquires about the breed to see if they would be suitable and from all the information they received they decided to try and purchase some.
On further enquires they learnt that there was a consignment of heifers coming into a farm in Garvagh in the autumn of that year. So they made the trip over to Garvagh and had a look at what had arrived. This was to be the start of their new venture as they purchased their first parthenaise, two maiden heifers in November 2003. In February 2004 some photos were sent over from France to Northern Ireland of a small number of parthenaise for sale it was from this they purchased an in calf heifer which arrived in NI in April 2004.
Being truly impressed by the bred and with what they had purchased so far Harry and wife Rosie joined a small group of potential parthenaise breeders and went on a trip to France in Oct 2004 where they had the opportunity to do a number of farm visits and see the parthenaise in their home environment. They were amazed at the inquisitive nature of the cattle that never shy away from the strange group who were equally as inquisitive of them. It was also noted the lack of good ministry fencing on many of the farms which was a true testimony to the parthenaise quiet nature. On this trip a sale of maiden heifers had been organised and from this Harry purchased four. On the 26th November 2004 the in calf heifer which they had purchased earlier that year in April gave birth to a smashing heifer calf.
These seven parthenaise formed the base of Harry and Richard’s herd which is known as Craigalappin Parthenaise. Through the use of semen from France and from bulls from fellow Parthenaise breeder John Nevin, they have slowly built up their herd. Their aim is to keep the herd small with only the best quality cattle retained. Any animal that doesn’t meet their high standard in quality is culled. The Ulster Parthenaise Cattle Society was formed in 2006 of which Harry has been chairman since 2009. To promote the breed they try to either show or exhibit the cattle at the local agricultural shows where the cattle do attract quite a lot of attention from the public.
As Harry and Richard both work away from home during the day they see the benefits of the parthenaise. Their quiet but inquisitive nature makes them extremely easy to handle. Ease of calving results in cows calving unaided 95% of the time which in turn takes the pressure of the farmer and the vet bills. This magnificent breed is slowly but surely starting to prove itself here in Northern Ireland for all the right reasons. At local market they are gaining the top market prices and at abattoirs they achieve the top grades.
The cattle are a pleasure to look at and a pleasure to work with.
