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01/09/2022 08:00:00
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Summer 2022 - Northern Ireland

Holstein NI hosts 22nd AGM

Alex Walker was elected chairman of Holstein Northern Ireland at its 22nd annual general meeting. The club’s vice-chairman is Jonny Lyons; while David Perry was elected as president.

Outgoing chairman Iain McLean welcomed members to the AGM, and a minute’s silence was observed in respect of members who had passed away since last year’s virtual AGM.

The meeting was sponsored by Dairy Herd Management, represented by Brian Jamieson; and the guest speaker was Andrew Neilson from the noted Overside Herd based in Lanarkshire.

Apologies for absence were recorded, and secretary/treasurer John Martin gave a resume of the club’s financial position over the last twelve months.

Worthy of note were the club ‘s charitable donations during 2021, which included £28,500 raised at the charity auction and BBQ in Dungannon. The money was divided equally between Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, and Teen Challenge in Belfast. A further £1,560 was raised at the club’s annual dinner in November, and donated to the Boom Foundation.

Outgoing chairman Iain McLean gave a detailed overview of Holstein NI and Holstein Young Breeders’ Club activities.

The club is hugely indebted to its sponsors for their long-standing commitment. Members were also encouraged to support the monthly female sales hosted by Taaffe Auctions at Dungannon; and the bull sales hosted by HA McIlrath and Sons Ltd at Kilrea.

Heather Martin was named as the recipient of the Club Award.

The election of office bearers was conducted by Brian Jamieson, who said Dairy Herd Management was proud of its long association with Holstein NI.

Newly elected officers include: Chairman, Alex Walker (Caddy); Vice-chairman, Jonny Lyons (Skerryview); Secretary/treasurer, John Martin; HYB co-ordinators, Jessica Hall and Andrew Patton (Ards); President: David Perry (Killane).

Members elected to the committee for a three-year term: Kenny Watson (Majestic); Andrew Kennedy (Maineview); John McLean (Priestland); David McNaugher (Mullaugher); and Gaston Wallace (Printshop).

Alex Walker said it was an honour to be elected as chairman. He thanked Iain McLean and his family for their dedication to the club throughout what he described as ‘another unprecedented year’.

Holstein Young Breeders’ Club co-ordinator Andrew Patton gave a detailed resume of activities throughout the year; while treasurer Jessica Hall reported on the HYB’s financial position.

Brian Jamieson also conducted the HYB’s election. Office bearers elected: Co-ordinator, Andrew Patton (Ards); joint co-ordinator/treasurer Jessica Hall; secretary, John McLean (Priestland); and stockjudging secretary, Heather Martin (Saltwater).

The following members were elected to the HYB committee: Josh Ebron (Annaghmore); Robert Stewart, (Quintin); and Mark Henry (Mostragee). HYB parent representatives: Wallace Gregg (Frocess); Geoffrey Patton (Carrowcroft); and Joyce McLean (Priestland).

The AGM formalities were concluded, and guest speaker Andrew Neilson gave members a detailed presentation about his family’s 350-cow Overside Herd.

Vice-chairman Jonny Lyons thanked Andrew Neilson for his interesting and informative presentation. Alex Walker presented Andrew with a token of Holstein NI’s appreciation.