Pedigree and commercial dairy stock continued to attract a ready market at the October sale in Dungannon.

A spokesman for Holstein NI said: “Demand for milking heifers and young cows remains strong with this month’s show and sale returning a 99% clearance rate. Prices ranged from 1,380gns top a top of 3,200gns.

Hitting the headlines in both the show and sale rings was Relough Planet Melissa, a potential eighth generation EX heifer bred by Ronald McLean, and Sons Malcom and Barry, from Donaghmore. Sired by Ensenada Taboo Planet, her dam is Relough Shottle Melissa EX-2E who averaged 9,816kgs at 4.16% butterfat and 3.34% protein in four 305-day lactations.

She caught the eye of judge Jay Warden from Bangor to claim the day’s supreme championship ribbons sponsored by Mason’s Animal Feeds. “The champion is a lovely balanced heifer with a great udder. She will mature into a great cow,” added the judge. Calved four weeks and yielding 36 litres daily, this one came under the hammer of auctioneer Michael Taaffe at 3,200gns, selling to Raymond Hassard from Enniskillen.

Following close behind at 3,100gns was Ards Silver Marq I VG-2yr consigned by Harry Patton, and sons Wallace and Wilson, from Newtownards. Sired by Seagull Bay Silver, she is backed by 14 generations of VG and EX dams.

Next best at 3,000gns was the second placed Relough Download Jessica VG86-2yr. Sired by the Amighetti Numero Uno son Relough Download, her dam is Relough Omen Jessica 2 EX who produced 11,865kgs at 4.10% butterfat and 3.33% protein in her third 305-day lactation.

Pedigree cows peaked at 2,950gns, paid to Owen Martin, Newry, for Garaba Myrna 80. She was sired by the Braedale Goldwyn son Guarini, and produced 7,472kgs at 4.53% butterfat and 3.26% protein in her first lactation.

Commercial heifers peaked at 2,250gns, paid to Geoffrey Patton, Carrowdore, for an August 2015 Ladys Manor Graf La Bron daughter.