Strong demand as 18 Holstein bulls average £2,389 per head

A Picston Shottle son from the noted Inch herd of Jim Morrison, Downpatrick, won the supreme championship ribbons and sold for a top price of 4,000gns at Holstein NI’s November show and sale, held at Kilrea Mart.

The show and sale topper was the June 2010 born Inch Senior (PLI+£127). His dam, Inch Vitus Joyce EX92 (5yr) SP, produced almost 13,000kgs at 5.13%BF and 3.28%P in her third 305-day lactation.

Judge Wilbert Rankin from Nutt’s Corner, Crumlin, described the champion as an outstanding bull. “He is well balanced and well put together, and moves on sound legs and feet,” said the former breed society president.

The champion attracted a tussle of bids from the packed ringside audience and the successful bidder was John Huey from Armoy, County Antrim.

Second highest price of the day 3,400gns, was paid to David and Austin Perry, Ahoghill, for their reserve champion. The April 2010 born Killane Ferris (PLI +£42) was sired by Jenny Lou Mrshl Toystory PI ET. His dam is the Jocko Besne daughter, Killane Jocko Flora EX93-4 (7yr) LP50 which produced an average of 8,906kgs at 4.12%BF and 3.31%P in six lactations. The successful bidder was Brian McAfee from Aghadowey, County Londonderry.

“The reserve champion is another very correct bull, tall and clean boned,” added the judge.

Following close behind at 3,300gns was the third prize winning Majestic Tarzen (PLI +£134) brought out by the father and son team of Ian and Kenny Watson, Macosquin, County Londonderry.  Sired by Leif, this September 2010 born entry is bred from ten generations of VG and EX dams from the Roxy family. His dam, Majestic Toystory Tonya VG86 (2yr), produced almost 10,500kgs at 3.76%BF and 3.12%P in her second 305-day lactation.  The highest bidder on this lot was William Simpson from Cullybackey, County Antrim.

The June 2010 born Inch Gateway ET (PLI +£103) came under the hammer at 3,100gns for Jim Morrison. Sired by Blackisle Glen Albyn ET, he is bred from Inch Sem Daphne 2 ET VG87 (5yr) SP which gave over 10,200kgs at 5.65%BF and 3.42%P in her third 305-day lactation. Backed by three generations of VG and EX dams, he sold to Jim Smyth from Newry, County Down.

The third reserve champion Killane Sabre (PLI +£49) sold at 2,680gns for David and Austin Perry. Sired by Double Trouble Forbidden, his dam is the Cargin Del Clos PI daughter, Killane Dc Starlet 7PI VG88 (5yr) which gave over 10,800kgs at 4.23%BF and 3.16%P in her second 305-day lactation. Bred from six generations of VG and EX dams, he sold to William McBurney from Ballymena, County Antrim.

Next best at 2,580gns was the August 2010 born Majestic Raymond (PLI+£140) from Ian and Kenny Watson’s herd. Sired by Leif, this one also traces back to the noted Roxy family. His dam, Majestic Tugolo Roxy VG87 (4yr) produced over 9,100kgs at 4.80%BF and 3.56%P in her fourth 305-day lactation.

Auctioneer Mark Stewart reported a sharp trade for pedigree Holstein bulls, with 18 lots changing hands to average £2,389 per head.

Holstein NI is indebted to United Feeds for its continued sponsorship. Company representative Clarence Calderwood presented the awards to the winning exhibitors.

Results from the judging ring include:

Senior bull – 1, and champion, Jim Morrison, Downpatrick, Inch Senior by Picston Shottle; 2, and reserve champion, David and Austin Perry, Ahoghill, Killane Ferris by Jenny Lou Mrshl Toystory PI ET; 3, and second reserve champion, Harry Patton and Sons, Newtownards, Ards Parker ET by Lylehaven Lightining.

Junior bull – 1, and third reserve champion, David and Austin Perry, Killane Sabre by Double Trouble Forbidden; 2, Harry Patton and Sons, Ards Ebenezer by Maple Downs IGW Atwood ET; 3, Ian and Kenny Watson, Macosquin, Majestic Tarzen by Leif.