Champion tops Kilrea bull trade at 3,200gns

Quality bulls sold to a top of 3,200gns at Holstein NI’s December show and sale, hosted by HA McIlrath and Sons Ltd at Kilrea Mart.

Following a brisk trade which saw an 88% clearance auctioneer Mark Stewart confirmed that 15 bulls changed hands to level at £2,083 each.

Sale leader was the day’s supreme champion Prehen Safari (PLI £102) from Robbie and Stuart Smith’s 125-cow herd based at Londonderry. Born in July 2012 he was sired by the home-bred Ladino Park Talent son Prehen Eddy Red. His dam Prehen Canvas Saskia VG86 produced an average of 9,923 kilos at 4.76% fat and 3.43% protein in two 305 day lactations.

Earlier in the day he caught the eye of judge Robert Wallace, Templepatrick, to secure the overall championship award generously sponsored by United Feeds. The champion attracted a tussle of bids and was knocked down at 3,200gns to Robert McIntyre from Cloughmills, County Antrim.

Following close behind at 3,100gns was the reserve champion Glasson Buster from the father and son team of Philip and Simon Haffey, Portadown, County Armagh. He was sired by the home-bred Glasson Taylor, and is backed by four generations of EX dams with tremendous milk quality. Born in June 2012, he was bred from Weeton Freeman EL Balise EX93 (4yr) SP who has recorded butterfat up to 6.46% and protein up to 3.82%. Buyers were Ian and Martin Wallace from Upperlands, Maghera, County Londonderry.

David McNaugher from Aghadowey, County Londonderry, had a good day at Kilrea, selling three bulls to average £2,475 each.

The unshown January 2012 born Pine Tree Sid son Mullaugher Magnum ET came under the hammer at 2,700gns. He was bred from Mullaugher James Melody EX93 (7yr), and was snapped up by Messrs RA Kyle and Sons, Culnady, Maghera, County Londonderry.

David McNaugher also realised 2,220gns for the April 2012 born Mullaugher Rosethority, a Comestar Lauthority son bred from the high component cow Downview Rosemary 148 EX91 (5yr). This one sold to Messrs Steede from Cullybackey, County Antrim.

Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, County Tyrone, sold four bulls from their noted Relough herd to average £2,040 per head. Leading their entry at 2,650gns was the honourable mention award winner Relough Jude, an October 2012 born Gran-J Oman McCormick son. His dam Relough Talent Jessica 4 EX gave over 10,187 kilos at 3.85% fat and 3.32% protein in her second 305-day lactation. Buyer was Colin Moody, Bushmills, County Antrim.

Results from the judging ring:

Class 1 – Bull, born between March 2012 and July 2012 – 1, and supreme champion, Robbie and Stuart Smith, Londonderry, Prehen Safari by Prehen Eddy Red; 2, and reserve champion, Philip and Simon Haffey, Portadown, Glasson Buster by Glasson Taylor; 3, Willard and Adam Watson, Macosquin, Derrydorragh Clampet by Crackholm Secure Red ET.

Class 2, Bull, born between August 2012 and November 2012 – 1, and honourable mention, Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, Relough Jude by Gran-J Oman McCormick; 2, Austin and David Perry, Ahoghill, Killane Flynn by Va Early Dawn Sudan; 3, Harry Patton and Sons, Newtownards, Ards Larkin by Ladys Manor PL Shamrock ET.