As is always the case, the level of competition within the dairy rings at Castlewellan Show 2026 in Co. Down was extremely strong.

And it was an animal making its first appearance in a show ring that caught the eye of the judge.

The championship was awarded to the Holstein cow, Newry Ranger Dusky EX 95.

Bred and exhibited by Jim Stevenson, who farms in south Co. Down, the cow calved for the fifth time last November.

She is currently giving 40L of milk per day.

Stevenson commented: “She has produced 70t of milk up this stage in her career and is due to calve again in four months’ time.

“This was Dusky’s first time in a competition ring.

“The plan is to take her to Antrim Show on July 25, where she will compete in the Dairy Cow of the Year final.”

Mark Henry, from Ballymoney, judged the dairy classes at Castlewellan Show 2026.

He described his champion as a very balanced cow with a high-quality mammary system, adding:

“The fact that she looks so well after having had five calves is tremendous testimony to her dairy character.”

Meanwhile, Limousin cattle breeders from across Northern Ireland had a day out to remember at Castlewellan 2026.

The event provided the venue for their 2026 National Championship, with the winner of that highly acclaimed competition going on to secure the Supreme Beef Cattle accolade at Castlewellan.

And the animal catching all the headlines was the 18-month-old pedigree Limousin heifer, Glenmarshal Anastasia.

Bred and exhibited by Kilkeel-based Trevor Shields, she looked an absolute picture in the ring.

Bruce Goldie, from Dumfries, judged all the Limousin National Show classes.

He described his champion as an almost perfect example of the breed, adding:

“She also has tremendous breed character and ring presence.”

Anastasia was sired by Shields’ noted stock bull, Carrickmore Schumacher.

The heifer’s appearance at Castlewellan was her first competitive outing.

Shields told Agriland: “She is a very special animal and has tremendous potential as a breeding female within the Glenmarshal herd.”

Sheep classes

As always, sheep judging at Castlewellan went on late into the afternoon with a total of 22 breeds represented at the event.

The Charollais championship was won by Banbridge breeder Drew Cowan with a truly outstanding tip lamb. He was represented in the ring by Ben Russell.

Judging the Charollais classes at Castlewellan was Co. Meath flock owner, Eugene O’Sullivan.

He described his champion as a tremendous young sheep with excellent breeding potential.