Holstein bulls to 2,200gns at Ballymena

Pedigree black and white bulls sold to a top of 2,200gns at Holstein NI’s annual autumn show and sale, hosted by JA McCelland and Sons at Ballymena Mart.

Following a selective trade auctioneer Jonathan Speers reported a 75% clearance with 14 lots changing hands to average £1,900 per head.

Sale leader at 2,200gns was the unshown Derrydorragh Partyboy bred and exhibited by the father and son team of Willard and Adam Watson, Macosquin, County Londonderry. This two-year-old entry was sired by the Picston Shottle son Galastar Bluesky, and is bred from Ards Roumare Pixie GP83 who produced over 10,000kgs at 4.29% butterfat and 3.75% protein in her first 305-day lactation. Buyers were Messrs G and B Taylor from Ballymoney, County Antrim.

Following close behind at 2,100gns was the pre-sale champion Cluntagh Lad which caught the eye of Andrew Wilson, and son Mark, from Templepatrick, County Antrim. Bred by Steven Robinson, Crossgar, County Down, this February 2012 born entry was sired by Gillette Windbrook , while his dam is the 20,000gns Braedale Goldwyn daughter Glamour Goldwyn Ambrosia. His full sister Priestland 4934 Goldwyn Ambrosia VG88 was reserve champion at the 2012 RUAS Winter Fair.

Judge David Perry from the Killane herd in Ahoghill described the champion as a nice young bull with a good top and sound legs and feet.

Next best at 2,050gns was the third prize winning Hilltara Cornelius, a May 2012 born England Ammon Million son shown by Holstein NI chairman Sam McCormick, Bangor, County Down. His dam is the Canyon Breeze Allen daughter Hilltara Allen Charlotte 2 EX91 SP which gave over 11,500kgs at 5.25% butterfat and 3.62% protein in her third lactation. This one sold to Frank McAuley from Toomebridge.

The June 2012 born Relough Ryman changed hands at 2,000gns for Ronald McLean, and sons Malcolm and Barry, from Donaghmore, County Tyrone. Sired by Pirolo Goldwyn Wyman, he is bred from the EX91 Relough Duplex Roxie 9. Buyer was William Magee from Larne, County Antrim.

Reserve overall champion was Willard and Ian Watson’s Derrydorragh Krispy Polled by Sandy Valley Colt P Red; while the honourable mention award went to Deona Ann Story, an O-Man End Story son bred by Dermot Johnston, Magherafelt, County Londonderry.

The show was generously sponsored by Moore Concrete, with the company’s sales co-ordinator Keri McGivern on-hand to congratulate the winners and present the awards.

Results from the judging ring:

Class 1- 1, Steven Robinson, Crossgar, Cluntagh Lad by Gillette Windbrook; 2, Dermot Johnston, Magherafelt, Deona Ann Story by O Man End Story; 3, David McNaugher, Aghadowey, Mullaugher Magnum by Pine Tree Sid.

 Class 2 – 1, Willard and Adam Watson, Macosquin, Derrydorragh Krispy Polled by Sandy Valley Colt P Red; 2, Sam McCormick, Bangor, Hilltara Thor by Gillette Windbrook; 3, Sam McCormick, Hilltara Cornelius by England Ammon Million.