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Balmoral venue for Causeway Classic on Wednesday, August 11
30 July 2010
The Causeway Classic has been billed as an event not to be missed, and features a sale of elite heifers, an array of trade stands, a charity auction, a steak BBQ, and a free prize draw for a hand-painted weather vane worth £400.
Organised by Holstein NI, in conjunction with Gold Sponsors, Holstein UK, Genus ABS and United Feeds, the Causeway Classic takes place at the RUAS Showgrounds on Wednesday, August 11, commencing at 7pm.
Holstein NI chairman, John Patterson said:"This is going to be a spectacular event, and certainly one of the most important in the club's calendar. It is a family event and offers something for everyone. The sale catalogue comprises of almost 30 lots, and represents one of the most exciting line-ups to come under the hammer in Northern Ireland."
The catalogue features 25 Holstein heifers, two Jersey heifers and two first choices. Herds represented include: Aghyaran, Ards, Ballycairn, Castletru, Chimera, Clandeboye, Conncorr, Glamour, Glasson, Hilltara, Inch, Killane, Kilvergan, Majestic, Moree, Prehen, Priestland and Relough.
Buyers will be spoilt for choice, and prospective purchasers are assured that all entries have been individually selected by Holstein UK's breed development executive, John Gribbon. Strong emphasis has been placed on pedigree, type, components and future potential, with all heifers boasting at least three generations of EX or VG.
A host of world famous families are featured, including: Ashlyn, Amanda, Laurie Sheik, Raven, Rosina, Roxie, Ivory, Finesse and Maude. Leading home-bred families include Ruth, Daphne and Ethel.
Many of the world's top bulls are represented with daughters selling by Shottle, Million, Goldwyn, Toystory, Atlas, Tennyson, Planet, Bolton, Roumare, Baxter, Alexander and an early Mac.
John Gribbon said: "The catalogue for the Causeway Classic Sale II features an exceptional choice of Holstein genetics. The impressive line-up of heifers offers breeders an investment opportunity and the chance to acquire bloodlines which will enhance any herd or breeding programme."
Visitors to the Causeway Classic Sale II will be entered into a free prize draw to win a weather vane worth £400. The weather vane is designed and manufactured by Metal Imagineers based in Portglenone, County Antrim. The family-run business specialises in bespoke hand painted farm signs, weather vanes, ornamental gates and railings.
The company's unique hand-painted signs can be seen at farm entrances, B & B establishments and other businesses throughout Ireland and further afield. "We have sold signs to customers in England, Scotland and Wales, and we have even shipped signs to farms in Holland and Denmark. We are currently working on an order which will be exported to customers in Canada," explained Billy McCaughern who founded the company 21 years ago.
"We can design and make anything from metal. Our most popular farm signs and weather vanes feature tractors and machinery, dairy cows, beef bulls, sheep, and horses." All products are galvanised, powder coated and hand-painted using enamel paint.
Metal Imagineers will be featured amongst the trade exhibitions at the Causeway Classic. Other trade stands and sponsors of the event include: Genus ABS, United Feeds, Holstein UK, United Milk Records, Scotmin, Biobest, Global Genetics, Easyfix, Animax, Wilson Agriculture, Giltspur Scientific, Worldwide Sires UK, HVS Animal Health, ALH, Millwood Crafts, NMR, and David Irvine Hoof Trimming, Intervet Schering Plough.
Another highlight of the Causeway Classic will be a charity auction with proceeds in aid of the Mandeville Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital. Items listed for auction have been generously donated and include:
• A hand-crafted wooden farm set from Millwood Crafts, Benburb.
• A rural landscape painting from noted Portadown artist, Shirley Haffey.
• Foot trimming package for 15 cows from David Ervine.
• Cattle Embryo Transfer package from Kilpatrick ET Ltd.
• Off-road driving experience for two people from Todds Leap Activity Centre.
• Cattle boluses from HVS Animal Health.
• A complete show clip including final preparation from Andrew Kennedy Fitting Services.
A warm welcome is extended for everyone to attend the Causeway Classic. Tickets for the BBQ, which includes steak and a selection of salads, followed by Hoys Farmhouse Ice-cream, are priced at £15 per adult. Tickets and further information from event organiser, Alison Beattie on 00353 87 1771480, or Holstein NI secretary, John Martin on 07711 041128.
Catalogues are available free on request from the auctioneers, R A Noble and Co (Clogher) on tel: 028 8554 8242 or Harrison and Hetherington Ltd (Carlisle) on tel: 01228 406200. The catalogue can also be downloaded from Holstein NI's website: www.holstein-ni.co.uk.
