Pedigree bulls reached a ceiling of 3,650gns at Holstein NI’s December show and sale hosted by HA McIlrath and Sons at Kilrea Mart.

 

Following a buoyant trade auctioneer Mark Stewart confirmed an 89% clearance, with 16 bulls selling to average £2,100 per head. 

 

Sale leader was the third placed Prehen Frontline PLI £522 from Robbie and Stuart Smith’s herd based at Londonderry. Born in September 2015 and sired by the noted Cogent Supershot, he is bred from five generations of high component dams from the renowned Froukje family. A maternal brother to the number one British-bred proven PLI bull in the UK Prehen Omen EX94, he sold to R Anderson from Armagh.

 

Next best at 3,250gns was the fourth prize winning Prehen Fredric GPLI £540 who caught the eye of N Coleman from Doagh, Ballyclare. This September 2015 born Apina Norman son is bred from the former number one GPLI cow in the UK Prehen Oman Froukje EX90 (3).

 

The Smith family’s honourable mention award winner Prehen Franky PLI £474 came under the hammer at 3,100gns, selling to Harry Johnston from Ahoghill. This fifteen-month-old entry is also by Apina Norman, and is bred from Prehen Massey Froukje VG86 .

 

The pre-sale show was generously sponsored by United Feeds represented by Martin Clarke, and judged by Conor Casey from the Carnhill Herd based at Cloughmills.