The threat of bluetongue virus (BTV) was one of the key talking points around the cattle rings during Balmoral Show 2024 this week.
According to British Blue Cattle Society secretary, Andy Ryder, Great Britain has lost its disease-free status, where BTV is concerned.
This is a result of two BTV-3 cases having been confirmed in England.
As a consequence, the export of live ruminant animals from GB to the EU and Northern Ireland (NI) is currently suspended, and this is likely to remain the case for the next few years.
“Developing an effective vaccine is the most obvious way forward, but, this is still some time off,” Ryder said.
A number of well-known beef cattle breeders have come to Balmoral Show this year, no doubt to gauge the quality of genetics available in Ireland at the present time.
The first day at Balmoral on Wednesday (May 15) traditionally marks the judging of the beef cattle classes. Andy Kay from Gass Farm, Straiton in Ayrshire has been judging the British Blue classes at this year’s event.
Kay said: “The quality of the cattle coming into the ring is very good. British Blue bulls have a key role to play in both the beef and dairy sectors in producing high quality beef calves.
“On the maternal side, British Blue cross cows make excellent suckler cows.”
Balmoral classes
Day one of Balmoral Show saw a range of competition classes judged.
The Aberdeen Angus championship was won by the Armour family from Ballynahinch, with their heifer, Woodvale Miss Annie.
The reserve went to William Porter from Lisburn, with the cow Old Glenort Kim.
The Hereford championship went to Trevor Andrews, from Larne in Co. Antrim with the young bull, Kinglee 1 Victorious.
The reserve was secured by Stephen Cherry from Ballyclare in Co. Antrim with the heifer Ballypallady 1 Wizbitt (P).
Meanwhile, the British Blue Championship was awarded to JCB Commercials, from Newtownards with Drumhilla Tik Tok with the reserve going to Seamus Branniff, from Ballynahinch with Lueur D Hontoir.
The Charolais Junior Bull Championship was won by Richard Beattie from Omagh with Crossane 4 Unique with the reserve going to Patrick Gallagher, from Maghera with Magheramore Ultan.
The Simmental Bull Championship was awarded to the Weatherup family, from Ballyclare in Co Antrim, with Lisglass Prince. The reserve went to Shane O’Neill, from Armagh, with Seaview Patriot.
In the Dexter ring Matthew Bloomer,from Dungannon in Co. Tyrone, held sway. He won the breed championship and reserve with Ballyhartfield Barua and Frith Dazzler respectively.