Trade for pedigree cows and heifers peaked at 2,160gns at this week’s Holstein NI show and sale, hosted by Taaffe Auctions at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.

“There was a great demand for the top animals, but bidding was cautious for the plainer lots on offer,” said auctioneer Michael Taaffe, who reported that 21 females sold to level at £1,695 per head.

Leading the day’s offering at 2,160gns was the second prize winning cow, Ards Revelation Trina 1, shown by Harry Patton and Sons, Newtownards. This GP classified second calver gave over 7,600 litres at 3.65% butterfat and 3.27% protein in her first 305 day lactation. She is by the home-bred Comestar Outside son, Ards Revelation, and is a maternal sister to the EX Ards Reunion Trina. The sale leader caught the eye of William Ferguson from Derrygonnelly in County Fermanagh.

Second highest price of the day 2,080gns, was paid to Beattie Lilburn from Dromore, for his August 2008 born heifer, Hycrest Bolton Judy. Sired by Sandy Valley Bolton ET, she calved in mid April and joins Richard Mackey’s herd based at Dromore, County Down. 

The same price was paid to Sam McCormick from Bangor for Hilltara Jayz Edwina. This third prize winner was sired by Hornland Jayz ET, and is bred from a VG87 dam by Pursuit September Storm. This heifer calved her first three weeks ago and sold to Edwin Glasgow from Armagh.

Next best at 2,000gns was Ballycrochan Marion Baroness, a November 2008 born heifer bred by Aubrey Patterson from Bangor. She is by the Etazon Addison son, Veazland Marion ET, and sold to William Herron from Newtownhamilton in County Armagh.

Judge, Cyril Millar, Coleraine, awarded the championship ribbons to Sam McCormick’s Hilltara Carisma Sadie. Born in November 2008, and sired by Dupasquier Carisma, she came under the hammer at 1,940gns, also selling to Edwin Glasgow.

“Today’s champion is a very good animal. She has femininity and style, and a very good udder with excellent teat placement.  This heifer is capable of producing a lot of milk and should develop into a long lasting dairy cow,” said the judge.

The reserve champion was Brague Phil Elaine, a first calver bred by Robbie Mulligan, Banbridge. This Dalbytop Phil daughter sold to William Holmes from Portadown for 1,800gns.

Results from the judging ring:

Heifer in-milk – 1, and champion, Sam McCormick Bangor, Hilltara Carisma Sadie by Dupasquier Carisma; 2, and reserve champion, Robbie Mulligan, Banbridge, Brague Phil Elaine by Dalbytop Phil; 3, Sam McCormick, Hilltara Jayz Edwina.

 Cow in-milk – 1, Harry Patton and Sons, Newtownards, Ards Raindance Jessica by Ards Raindance ET; 2, Harry Patton and Sons, Ards Revelation Trina by Ards Revelation.