NI Semex Cow of the year

The eagerly awaited final of the inaugural NI Semex Cow of the Year Competition was held at Wednesday’s Fermanagh County Show, with a huge turnout in attendance at the final judging ceremony. Six year old Glaslough Charles Fancy, sired by Boulet Charles and owned by Ivan and Louise Robinson of Ballygowan, was named as Northern Ireland’s top Semex animal by judge John Dennison.

Leading breeding company Semex UK provided a generous prize fund for the award, with £500 for first place, and a further £675 available for the animals placed second to sixth. 20 qualifying animals in total were judged at the final, all of which had been classed as the top two Semex animals at qualifying shows throughout the summer. Inch Astronomical Delli, owned by John Patterson and qualifier from the Armagh Show, was named as reserve champion, taking home a cash prize of £300.

Top judge John Dennison, of the renowned Denmire herd in Cumbria, commented on the high class of exhibitors at the Show; “The quality of animals on display here today is truly magnificent, and I’d like to congratulate the owners of all the qualifying animals. Glaslough Charles Fancy is a perfect embodiment of Semex’s balanced breeding philosophy - with superb udders and great conformation; she walks well and no doubt has a healthy and productive future ahead of her. ”

Commenting on his success, Ivan Robinson said, “We are absolutely delighted – Fancy really is a first class animal. This is the second championship she’s won in a week, which is testament to what a superb animal she is. She also won at the Winter Fair and was placed reserve in the All Britain Third Calver section. She just gets better and better.”

John Berry, NI Sales Manager for Semex concluded, “The turnout and interest in this competition has been truly exceptional. We have been extremely heartened by the effort the owners have gone to show their animals, travelling from all over the country to be here today. I’d like to extend my gratitude to all the participants and my congratulations to the Robinsons. This is the first year of the Semex Cow of the Year NI award, organised in conjunction with the Fermanagh Farming Society, and we look forward to building on its success in years to come.”