Pedigree black and white bulls reached a ceiling of 2,200gns at Holstein NI’s Ballymena show and sale.

Sale leader was the August 2013 born Inch Uno bred by Jim Morrison, Downpatrick, County Down. Sired by Amighetti Numero Uno, he was bred from the Grove Breadwinner daughter Inch Breadwinner Daphne 2 who gave over 8,200kgs at 5.20% butterfat and 3.28% protein in her first 305-day lactation. This third prize winner sold to L and D McNiece from Newtownhamilton, County Armagh.

Next best at 1,850gns was the day’s supreme champion Relough Jammy,  a June 2013 born Co-op Bosside Massey son consigned by Ronald McLean, and sons Malcolm and Barry, Donaghmore, Dungannon, County Tyrone. He is bred from the Sandy Valley Bolton daughter, Relough Bolton Jessica 4 VG87, who produced almost 10,500kgs at 4.19% butterfat and 3.22% protein in her second 305-day lactation. Backed by seven generations of VG and EX dams, he sold to G and B Taylor, Ballymoney, County Antrim.

Judge Ben Mallon described the champion as a good strong bull. “He is square, and walks well on sound feet and legs, and is an ideal stock bull for the commercial farmer.”

The McLean family also realised 1,400gns for the fourth placed Relough Rennet. Sired by Ensenaada Taboo Planet, he is bred from seven consecutive generations of EX dams. His dam Relough Gibson Roxie EX91 LP50 SP, gave over 10,200kgs at 4.90% butterfat and 3.26% protein in her fifth lactation. This one was snapped up by WR Givan from Dungannon, County Tyrone.

The pre-sale show was sponsored by Moore Concrete, with Keri McGivern on hand to congratulate the winners and present the awards.

Results from the showring:

Class 1 – 1, and reserve champion, Philip and Simon Haffey, Glasson Agustus by Mr Chassity Gold Chip; 2, and honorable mention,Willard and Adam Watson, Macosquin, Derrydorragh Come On by Coldsprings Ponder; 3, Willard and Adam Watson, Derrydorragh Jeepers Hi Red by Tiger Lily Ladd P Red.

Class 2 – 1, and supreme champion, Ronald McLean and Sons, Dungannon, Relough Jammy by Co-op Bosside Massey; 2, Jim Morrison, Downpatrick, Inch Right by Lakemead Randolf; 3, Jim Morrison, Inch Uno by Amighetti Numero Uno.

Averages: 82% clearance, 9 bulls £1,515.