Stock Judging success at Balmoral Show
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) held their highly anticipated Stock Judging Competition (in association with Fane Valley) at the Balmoral Show on the morning of Thursday 14th May 2026. The event took place on the cattle lawn, drawing strong participation from members across Northern Ireland.
The competition tested participants’ practical knowledge and judging skills across three key livestock sections: Beef, Dairy, and Sheep. Competitors demonstrated a high standard of expertise, reflecting their agricultural education within YFCU.
Vice President James Morrison expressed his appreciation to sponsors, thanking Fane Valley for their continued support of the competition. He also acknowledged Marks & Spencer for generously providing the white coats worn by competitors, contributing to the professional presentation of the event.
A panel of six experienced judges oversaw the competition: Jane McCollum, Stephen McCollum, David Connolly, Geoffrey Rodgers, Andre Patton, and Andrew Patterson. Their role was to challenge competitors and assess their ability to evaluate livestock accurately across the three sections.
The Stock Judging Competition remains a highlight of the Balmoral Show programme for YFCU members, providing a valuable opportunity to develop skills essential to the agricultural industry while fostering friendly competition and camaraderie.
Stock Judging Competition - Balmoral Show 2026 Results | |||
Dairy Stock Judging | |||
Junior Category | Senior Category | ||
1st Place | David Hamilton (Donaghadee YFC) | 1st Place | Kirsty Wallace (Lylehill YFC) |
2nd Place | Evie Morrison (Lisbellaw YFC) | 2nd Place | William McCormick (Moycraig YFC) |
3rd Place | Philip McMullan (Moycraig YFC) | 3rd Place | Steven Mitchell (Annaclone & Magherally YFC) |
Beef Stock Judging | |||
Junior Category | Senior Category | ||
1st Place | Kerrie Hayes (Spa YFC) | 1st Place | Lucy Rodger’s (Spa YFC) |
2nd Place | Laura Neill (Spa YFC) | 2nd Place | Jessica McConnell (Holestone YFC) |
3rd Place | Robbie Linton (Ahoghill YFC) | 3rd Place | Craig Robson (Holestone YFC) |
Sheep Stock Judging | |||
Junior Category | Senior Category | ||
1st Place | Andrew Molyneaux (Donaghadee YFC) | 1st Place | Hanna Miskimmin (Ballywalter YFC) |
2nd Place | Mia Sloane (Rathfriland YFC) | 2nd Place | Sophie McAllister (Lisnamurrican YFC) |
3rd Place | Jane Fenton (Glarryford YFC) | 3rd Place | Peter McAreavey (Crumlin YFC) |
