TEXELS IN POLE POSTION
TEXELS retain pole position in the race to remain the nation's primary terminal sire and this past year record numbers of rams were sold to commercial flock owners.
The good news from chairman Michael Watson to fellow members of the Northern Ireland Texel Sheepbreeders' Club at their Annual General Meeting.
"2003 was a record year on several fronts for the Texel breed and the Texel Club with membership reaching record levels. Indeed this is by far the largest Texel Sheepbreeders' Club in the UK and has a high proportion of under 40s
"Interest in breeding pedigree Texels was fully reflected in this club's first annual in lamb sale at Dungannon during November with bidders from outside Ulster also much in evidence."
Addressing the AGM hosted by the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland at Hillsborough Michael Watson paid tribute to members for their support, to the team at Dungannon Farmers' Mart and DARD Veterinary Sciences staff.
"To allow exports from Texel sales at Dungannon to the Irish Republic Veterinary Sciences staff really did go that famous extra mile. By testing blood samples at weekends they are playing a pivotal part in helping pedigree breeders build up an export business to the Republic.
"As the only UK region with an EU land frontier Northern Ireland is well placed to supply both pedigree and commercial flock owners in the Republic with world class Texels."
Turning to local sales the Texel chairman noted the success of new events at Kilrea and Downpatrick. "Standing still is never an option in any business and in the business of marketing Texel tups having sales within easy driving distance of our customers is vital."
"Away from the sales a Texel Open Night hosted by the Young family at Castlederg was much enjoyed and their charity auction raised £1525.
"We also had continued good news from ARINI on farm trials, which consistently high light the unique selling points of the Texel on both lowland and hill units.
"Then, as 2003, drew to a close came news that Victor Chestnutt of Bushmills had become the first Ulsterman elected vice chairman of the British Texel Sheep Society. A prime example of asking a busy man if you want a job done well! Congratulations to Victor from all in his local Texel club.
"Looking ahead 2004 is the 25th. anniversary of the NI Texel Club and the 30th. anniversary of our parent society, the British Texel Sheep Society. Several major events are planned including a club dinner at the Radisson Roe near Limavady and a Society 30th. Anniversary Show as part of Glenarm Castle Open day on Tuesday, July 13."
FAME FOR FIVE
The following were elected at the AGM to serve on the NI Texel Sheepbreeders' Club committee for three years;
Martin Cromie, Banbridge,
Richard Henderson, Tobermore
Robert Calvin, Ballymoney
Marcus Barton, Lack,
Henry Gamble, Bangor.
Other office holders are President Barbara Gamble, Bangor, chairman Michael Watson, Dundonald, vice chairman Wilson Kennedy MRCVS, Ballyclare, treasurer David Workman, Hillsborough, secretary/PRO Rodney Magowan, Hillsborough, NI Society director Victor Chestnutt, Bushmills, other committee members, Damien Tumelty, Downpatrick, Brian McAllister, Kells, John Currie, Ballymena, Martin Warnock, Limavady, Austin Shaw, Larne, John Minnis, Comber, Samuel Chesney, Kircubbin, John Young, Castlederg
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