Large turnout for first Ballymena suckler calf show/sale of season
There was a large turnout of stock for Ballymena Mart’s first suckler calf show and sale of 2026.
The event was held on Saturday (September 26) and attracted an entry of 706 calves, a significant number of which have further show potential.
The top price of the day, £9,100, was paid to paid to Vincent McErlaine, from Armoy in Co. Antrim, for an outstanding Charolais heifer calf weighing 360kg.
The animal was purchased by purchased by Gareth Corrie, from Drumhilla Farm, near Newtownards in Co. Down
Prior to the sale, a show was held for Belgian Blue, Charolais and Limousin calves with prizes awarded.
In the Charolais section, the Female Champion and Reserve were presented by Archie and Dennis McAfee, from Bushmills with another Co. Antrim farmer, Ivan Lynn, showing the Champion Bullock.
Nugent Estates presented the Reserve Champion Male.
Meanwhile, in the Belgian Blue section, the first second and third in the heifer class were bred by Knockagh Livestock, from Newtownabbey.
Co. Antrim breeder Scott Boyd won the Limousin Championship at Ballymena, with Ivan Lynn securing the Reserve title
Eamon McGarry, from Dundrod in south Co. Antrim, judged the Belgian Blue classes at Ballymena.
He described his female champion as a very stylish heifer, adding: “I thought the general standard of entry for the sale was extremely high.
"But the Blue heifer caught my eye from the outset. She has very correct and very square - my type of beast.
“The Ballymena event is one of the top sucked calf sales of the year.”
There was general agreement at Ballymena that suckler calves coming off grass over recent weeks are looking very well, despite the drought.
Average weights are well up on previous years while health problems encountered over the 2026 grazing season have been kept to a minimum.
Recent improvements in grass growth have also boosted dams’ milk output. This is helping to delay weaning dates while also boosting calf performance
In addition to the show success secured at Ballymena, Knockagh Livestock had an excellent day in the show ring. Three choice Belgian Blue heifers averaged just short of £4,000 (£4,500, £4,000 and £3,000)
Ballymena represents the start of the suckler calf show and sale season in Northern Ireland.
It culminates with the Beef and Lamb event, hosted by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS). This year’s event takes place on Tuesday, November 24.
