By Rachel Thompson, Marketing and Digital Engagement Lead, IHFA

The FBD National Dairy Show is proud to announce that Mark Logan of Islandmagee, Larne, Co. Antrim, will serve as cattle judge, and Jane Steel of Loch Lomond, Scotland, will serve as handler judge, at the prestigious 2026 event, taking place on the 9th and 10th of October at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork. Recognised across the UK and Ireland for their expertise in pedigree cattle, both judges bring decades of breeding, showing and judging experience to this year’s show.

Mark retired 18 months ago, having spent 33 years as Farm and then Estate Manager at Clandeboye Estate near Bangor, County Down. During that time, he developed the Clandeboye herds of Holsteins and Jerseys. The Holstein herd won Holstein UK’s Premier Pedigree Herd in 2007 and achieved two Master Breeder Awards. In the show ring, the Holsteins found success across many shows in Northern Ireland, including the Interbreed title at RUAS Balmoral and several Championships at the Irish National Holstein Show. The Jerseys also took the Interbreed title at the RUAS Winter Fair in 2012, and again in 2021, when Clandeboye Tequila Cookie took the Interbreed title, with her daughter taking the Milking Heifer Interbreed title on the same day.

Like many young cattle enthusiasts, Mark began stock judging with YFC, before gaining further experience through club stock judging and judging schools with both Holstein UK and the Jersey Cattle Society. Over the years, he has judged many breeds and interbreed classes across the UK and Ireland, including the Baileys Champion Cow, Emerald Expo, Charleville, the Royal Welsh, the Royal Highland, UK Dairy Day, Agriscot, and the Jersey Island Autumn Show, among others.

Between June 2025 and July 2026, Mark served as President of Holstein UK. He is a past Chairman of the Jersey Cattle Society of the UK and is a Vice President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.

In retirement, Mark lives in Islandmagee with a few Holstein heifers registered under his Clovervale prefix, along with some Beef Shorthorns and, in his own words, “for some inexplicable reason, 30 sheep.” Mark said he regularly attends the National Dairy Show in Millstreet and is delighted to have been asked to judge this year’s event.

Jane is actively involved with her family farm near Loch Lomond, Scotland, where she keeps her own herd of cattle under the Lomond prefix, enjoying numerous show and sale ring successes over the years.

Working as a livestock photographer for the last 30 years, Jane has travelled all over the world to attend shows and visit farms and counts herself lucky to have photographed some of the best cows in each country she has visited.

Jane has judged many shows across the UK, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany and Australia, including the Balmoral Show, the Royal Highland Show, the Yorkshire Show, the All-Britain Calf Show, the All-Ireland Calf Show and International Dairy Week in Australia.

Having recently judged the Colour Breed Handlers at the All-Britain Calf Show 2025, Jane says she is looking forward to meeting and judging the Young Handlers at this year’s show in Millstreet.

The FBD National Dairy Show is Ireland’s leading dairy industry event, bringing together farmers, exhibitors and industry experts for a day of innovation, learning and connection. As well as livestock judging, the show features trade exhibits, a Calf Village and a full visitor programme, with free car parking and disability access on site, and public transport links available by bus and train to Millstreet. Agriland is the event’s official media partner for 2026.

Entries are now open, and forms can be downloaded here. Closing date for entries is 18th September, so be sure to get them into ggreenan@ihfa.ie if you want to be part of what promises to be a super show!

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