Agriculture in Northern Ireland has historically focused on grass-based enterprises to maximise our climate which suits grass production. Today approximately 80% of farmland here supports livestock enterprises. Many of our leading farmers continue to demonstrate excellence in grassland farming with efficient production of milk, beef and lamb from grass – our cheapest source of feed.
The results of the 2012 Ulster Grassland Society / Northern Bank Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition were announced earlier this afternoon at the Society’s Conference, held in Belfast.
The winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year was Co Down beef farmer Sam Chesney from Kircubbin who was following on from his success in winning the national Farmers Weekly Beef Farmer of the Year competition in 2011.
Another Farmers Weekly winner took the Runner Up spot with Saintfield sheep farmer Crosby Cleland winning the Grazing Round.
These wins were unusual for the competition as the top awards frequently are claimed by dairy farmers so it was pleasing to note this departure with beef & sheep farmers taking the top prizes this year.
In 2012 the Dairy Award was tied between Matthew & James Alcorn from Omagh and Richard Woolsey from Toomebridge.
The winner of the Silage Round was Mark Blelock from Antrim whilst John Martin from Greyabbey took the Beef & Sheep Award. The Environmental Practice Award was won by Albert O’Neill from Strabane whilst a Special Commendation went to the Rankin / Calderwood Partnership from Newtownards.
The winners of the Maize competition were also announced with top honours going to James Watt from Templepatrick with Reggie Lilburn from Dromore taking the Runner Up spot whilst Richard Lilburn from Moira won the Wholecrop Competition with Mark Blelock in Reserve.
On behalf of Northern Bank, congratulations to all the winners who clearly demonstrate excellent grassland farming and to the UGS for organising this worthwhile competition.