The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) is delighted to announce that Alta Mae Core from Salvisa, Kentucky will be returning to the Winter Fair as this year’s livestock judge. Joining her at this renowned dairy event to judge the Showmanship classes will be Jane Steel from Scotland and Rob Wills from Dartmoor, Devon will act as the trade stand and dairy stall judge.
Alta Mae Core
A familiar face to the Winter Fair, Alta Mae is an internationally recognised dairy cattle judge and Jersey breeder who is returning to the Show after twenty-five years. Her impressive résumé has continued to evolve since she first made her Society debut at the King’s Hall in 2000 as the event’s first female livestock judge.
In recent years she has officiated in renowned shows worldwide, to include the World Dairy Expo (USA), Royal Winter Fair (Canada), All American Jersey Show, and at international events in Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Brazil, Argentina, and Costa Rica.
Alta Mae, alongside her husband Jeff and their children, operates Keightley & Core Jerseys, an award-winning family enterprise with a sharp focus on strong udders, dairy strength, and style – the core qualities she looks for when judging different dairy breeds.
With prestigious titles under her belt to include the distinguished Klussendorf Award, Max Gordon Memorial Award and 2022 Master Breeder Award from the American Jersey Cattle Association, not to mention exhibiting three Grand Champions at the All-American Jersey Show, Alta Mae is well known for her meticulous eye and impeccably high standards.
Commenting on the 39th Royal Ulster Winter Fair, she confirmed she was honoured to be invited back as this year’s livestock judge and is looking forward to evaluating outstanding cattle and celebrating the dedication and passion that defines the Northern Ireland dairy industry.
Jane Steel
In the ring, in the photography area and on the farm, Jane has always had a deep appreciation for high-quality dairy cattle. Her career as a livestock photographer has spanned over 29 years and seen her travel all over the world to attend renowned shows and unforgettable farm visits.
Where she most feels at home though is on her family farm near Loch Lomond in Scotland where their Lomond herd have regularly enjoyed show and sale ring successes.
When she first turned her hand to judging it was at esteemed shows throughout the UK, Ireland, Germany and Australia. Her most recent judging appointment at this year’s All Breeds All Britain Calf Show has her very well prepared for what the 2025 Royal Ulster Winter Fair Young Handlers have to offer and she is very ready to put them through their paces at this year’s Show.
Rob Wills
As Founding Director of UK Sires, Rob has over 35 years’ experience in the competitive and ever-evolving genetics export industry. Throughout his career, he has designed, built and managed trade stands at notable livestock shows across the world, including in America, Brazil and Australia.
His links to the dairy industry though were founded during his younger years as he developed and bred Holstein cattle on his family farm. It was during this period that he branched out into the world of genetics and capitalised on helping others strengthen their home-bred herds.
Having now stepped back into a non-executive role in UK Sires, Rob is thoroughly looking forward to judging the trade stands and dairy stalls at this year’s Royal Ulster Winter Fair.
When asked about what he’ll be looking for, Rob said ‘for the Trade Stands, I will be keeping an eye on a balance between innovation, professionalism, clarity of information and especially an openness to welcome visitors to their stand. For the dairy stalls, I will be looking for sharp and clear data easily visible from the aisles, exceptional cleanliness and tidiness, and a calm and organised aura […] I look forward to being involved at the heart of the atmosphere’.
The Royal Ulster Winter Fair will take place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn on Thursday 11th December from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Tickets are now available online. To keep up to date with 2025 Winter Fair news follow the Royal Ulster Winter Fair on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
