Bidding was brisk for quality bulls at Holstein NI’s 21st annual spring show and sale, held at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.
Prices reached a ceiling of 4,000gns and 25 bulls sold to average 2,436gns per head. “There was a buoyant trade for dairy bulls with high components and good conformation,” explained auctioneer Michael Taaffe.
The day’s top price of 4,000gns came late in the sale when Stephen O’Brien, Poyntzpass, bought Hilltara Ciolos ET (PLI+£121). Bred by Sam McCormick, Bangor, he was the third youngest bull in the catalogue and boasts nine generations of VG and EX dams. Sired by England Ammon Million ET, this one was bred from Hilltara Allen Charlotte 2 ET EX91 who gave over 11,000 kilos at 5.35 per cent butterfat and 3.62 per cent protein in her third 305 day lactation.
Next best at 3,550gns was the first prize winning Relough Roadshow ET (PLI+£120), brought out by Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, Dungannon. Born in December 2009 he is also by Million, and bred from Relough Durham Ruth ET EX94 2E. Backed up by four successive generations of EX dams, he sold to A McMaster, Kircubbin.
Million was also behind the breeding of Relough Amadeo (PLI+£109) which came under the hammer at 3,350gns for the McLean family. This second prize winner was born in December 2009 and boasts ten generations of VG and EX dams. His dam, Relough Lou Amanda 2 ET (VG87) gave over 9,600 kilos at 4.04 per cent butterfat and 3.10 per cent protein in her first 305 day lactation. This one was snapped up by Drummondmore Dairy Farm Ltd based at Jerrettspass.
The McLean family sold six bulls to average 2,658gns per head, and also scooped the Northern Bank sponsored supreme championship honours. Leading the prize winning line-up was Relough Render (PLI+£75), a September 2009 born Picston Shottle son. He came under the hammer at 2,500gns, selling to Douglas and William Troughton, Portadown.
Judge, Richard Whelan, Clonard, County Meath described the supreme champion as an exceptional bull. “Its been an excellent show of bulls. The champion is very correct and stood out on the day. He oozes dairy character and has great power and size.“
The reserve championship honours went to Ards Rumour ET (PLI+£81), an October 2009 born Magor Bolivia Allen ET son, shown by Harry Patton and Sons, Newtownards. Bred from nine generations of VG and EX dams, he realised 2,600gns, selling to Messrs W R and W J Anderson, Killylea, County Armagh.
The honourable mention was awarded to Derrydorragh Rascality Burns Red ET (PLI+£27), shown by Willard Watson, Macosquin, Coleraine. Sired by Dudoc Mr Burns ET, he has eight generations of VG and EX dams in his pedigree. His dam, Lavender Ruby Red Rascal ET (EX96 2E) was grand champion at Madison in 2005 and 2007, All-American Red and White 5yro in 2005, and aged cow in 2007. This one caught the eye of Gordon Breen, Tempo, at 3,300gns.
The Milk Quality Award went to Majestic Liberty ET (PLI+£123), an October born Golden Oaks ST Alexander ET son, exhibited by Ian and Kenny Watson, Macosquin, Coleraine. His dam, Majestic Shottle Licorice (VG87), and his full sister, Majestic Shottle Leona (VG87), have attracted contract interest from several leading AI companies. This one came under the hammer at 2,520gns, selling to Ian McKinstry, Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn.
The pre-sale show was generously sponsored by Northern Bank. The bank’s head of agriculture, John Henning, presented the prizes and congratulated the exhibitors on their achievements.
Other leading prices include:
2,900gns – Aubrey Patterson, Bangor, Ballycrochan Lightining Red (PLI+£80) by Thunder Van Der WLG to David Cromie, Banbridge;
2,850gns – Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Resolution (PLI+£83) to Keith Russell, Dromore, County Tyrone.
2,800gns – Sam McCormick, Bangor, Hilltara Cavalier (PLI+£105) by Golden Oaks St Alexander ET to John Armstrong, Dromore, County Tyrone.
2,750gns – Harry Patton and Sons, Ards Rival (PLI+£113) by Burlane Tennyson to William Parke, Castlewellan.
2,600gns – Paul Dunn and Sam McCormick, Dunbanard Akon RC ET (PLI+£88) by Regancrest Dundee ET to a County Tyrone bidder.
2,500gns – Austin and David Perry, Ahoghill, Killane Fieldstone ET (PLI+£108) by England Ammon Million to William Houston, Glarryford, Ballymena.
Results from the judging ring include....
Class 1 – 1, and honourable mention, Willard Watson, Coleraine, Derrydorragh Rascality Burns Red ET by Dudoc Mr Burns ET; 2, Jim and Charlotte Stevenson, Kilkeel, Newry Bigshot ET by Picston Shottle; 3, Jim and Charlotte Stevenson, Newry Sammy by Regancrest Mr Drham Sam ET.
Class 2 – 1, and supreme champion, Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, Relough Render by Picston Shottle; 2, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Moonlight Red ET by Savard Red ET; 3, Sam McCormick, Bangor, Hilltara Megaera by Nor-bert Calypso.
Class 3 – 1, and reserve supreme champion, Harry Patton and Sons, Newtownards, Ards Rumour ET by Magor Bolivia Allen ET; 2, Ian and Kenny Watson, Coleraine, Majestic Liberty ET by Golden Oaks ST Alexander ET; 3, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Roxton by Sandy Valley Bolton ET.
Class 4 – 1, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Roadshow ET by England Ammon Million ET; 2, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Amadeo by England Ammon Million ET; 3, Jim and Charlotte Stevenson, Newry Barry by Magor Bolivia Allen ET.
Milk Quality Award – 1, Ian and Kenny Watson, Majestic Liberty ET by Golden Oaks St Alexander ET; 2, Andrew McCollum, Coleraine, Ballycairn Tennyson Aviator by Burlane Tennyson.
- Kilrea Mart is the venue for Holstein NI’s next show and sale of pedigree bulls on Tuesday, February 22. Catalogues from H A McIlrath and Sons Ltd on tel: 028 295 40269.
- The next Holstein NI heifer show and sale takes place at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira, on Wednesday, February 23. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, February 9. Further details from Taaffe Auctions on tel: 00353 41 9881288.
