A devastating fire on one of Northern Ireland’s best known beef farms has damaged farm machinery and destroyed the entire winter supply of straw.

The fire occurred on the main yard belong to James Alexander, near Randalstown on Sunday 5 November. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigators continue to examine the scene.

Fire fighters fought for 20 hours to bring the blaze under control and by mid-week, the fire was still burning.

While no livestock were killed during the event, cattle in a nearby calving shed have had to be evacuated.

Machinery lost includes one tractor, baler and Manitou telehandler along with all sheep handling and lambing equipment. Hundreds of bales of straw were also burned during the incident.

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