Dairy farmers invited to meet international breeding experts at special Antrim event
Discussing plans for the Meet the Showbox Sires meeting are: Jim Stevenson, president, and Kenny Watson, chairman, Holstein NI, with James Woods, World Wide SIres. (Picture: Mullagh Photography)
Sunday 11 October 2026
Dairy farmers and pedigree cattle breeders from across Northern Ireland will have an opportunity to learn directly from internationally recognised Holstein breeding specialists at a meeting in Antrim on Monday evening, 12 October.
The Holstein NI event, ‘Meet the Showbox Sires Team’, will take place at the Dunsilly Hotel at 8pm, bringing together expertise in dairy genetics, breeding technology, cattle production and showing.
Sponsored by World Wide Sires, the exclusive UK distributor for Showbox Sires, the meeting will give farmers an opportunity to explore breeding approaches aimed at producing high-quality dairy cattle with strong production, health and functional characteristics.
Breeding expertise from internationally recognised names
Showbox Sires was established in 2023 by prominent Holstein breeders Mike and Julie Duckett and Tim and Sharyn Abbott, combining decades of experience in pedigree breeding, genetics and cattle marketing.
The programme focuses on developing cattle that combine the appearance valued in the show ring with the production, health and practical qualities required by dairy farmers. Its breeding philosophy places particular emphasis on proven maternal families and strength rather than simply increased stature.
Modern genetic technologies are used alongside established bloodlines and generations of breeding experience to identify and develop future breeding sires.
Ervin McKinstry, from World Wide Sires, said:
“We are looking forward to next week’s meeting. It will provide an opportunity for dairy farmers and breeders to hear directly from the people behind the Showbox Sires programme, learn more about their breeding philosophy and discover how they are using modern breeding technologies alongside proven maternal lines to develop the next generation of high-quality dairy cattle.”
Success at the highest level of dairy showing
Mike and Julie Duckett have established an international reputation through their work with elite Holstein genetics, cattle development and marketing.
The couple met at a cattle show in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2000 and established their first farm four years later, building a business centred on breeding, buying, marketing and showing dairy cattle.
Their achievements include involvement in the development and ownership of three Supreme Champions at World Dairy Expo, one of the dairy industry's most prestigious international events.
In 2010, they were also involved in the ownership and development of both the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion at the event, a feat that had not been repeated for 27 years at that time.
Today, their Genetic Futures operation covers approximately 300 acres and averages around 200 calves born through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) each month, both for customers and their own breeding programme.
The Ducketts have also hosted nine successful farm sales and established an extensive international network of breeders and customers.
Decades of experience in dairy genetics
Tim and Sharyn Abbott bring complementary expertise in breeding, genetic selection and the international dairy cattle industry.
Both grew up on family farms in Vermont and developed their interest in cattle through 4-H youth programmes and breed activities.
Tim's career has included senior positions with the American Jersey Cattle Association and ABS Global, working in sire analysis, sales management and leadership of St. Jacobs ABC.
In 2011, the couple purchased St. Jacobs ABC and developed it into an international cattle breeding business, eventually selling more than half a million units of semen annually before selling the operation to ABS Global in 2016.
They subsequently concentrated on female genetics, establishing Borderview Genetics in northern Vermont.
Their breeding work has involved notable cattle and bloodlines including Hez, Blexy, Footloose, Gold Barbara, Talent Barbara, Cameron and Maple-Red.
The Abbotts continue to focus on identifying and developing the next generation of influential dairy genetics.
Opportunity for Northern Ireland farmers
Holstein NI secretary John Martin MBE believes the meeting will offer valuable practical insight for local farmers and breeders interested in improving their herds.
He said:
“The evening will provide a valuable opportunity for local dairy farmers to hear from two families with extensive experience across genetics, breeding, IVF, cattle marketing and showing. The meeting will provide an opportunity to gain an insight into the thinking behind the Showbox Sires programme.”
Attendees will be able to hear about the thinking behind the breeding programme and put questions directly to the people responsible for its development.
Meeting details
• Event: Meet the Showbox Sires Team
• Date: Monday 12 October 2026
• Time: 8pm
• Venue: Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim
• Organiser: Holstein NI
• Sponsor: World Wide Sires
• Who can attend: Dairy farmers, pedigree Holstein breeders and anyone interested in dairy cattle genetics
The meeting is open to those interested in learning how modern breeding technology and established cattle families can be combined to develop future dairy herds.
For Northern Ireland farmers, it offers a chance to question experienced international breeders about the approaches shaping dairy genetics and consider their relevance to breeding decisions on their own farms.
