A lively trade for a good entry of pedigree and commercial heifers was how auctioneer Michael Taaffe described Holstein NI’s December show and sale, held at Moira.
“I was delighted to see such a large turnout of buyers, which resulted in strong competition for the quality line-up of dairy stock. Prices ranged from 1,100gns to a top of 3,020gns, and 21 lots were traded to average £1,960 per head in a 95% clearance.”
The Christmas festivities started early for the Stevenson family from Kilkeel, County Down, when their noted Newry prefix scored a hat-trick in the show ring, securing the plaudits generously sponsored by AI Services (NI) Ltd.
Sale leader at 3,020gns was the reserve champion Newry Gold Chip Barbie, a potential fourth generation EX shown by Jim Stevenson, and son James. Sired by the Braedale Goldwyn son MS Chassity Gold Chip ET, she is bred from the Irish National Holstein Show prize winner Newry Dolman Barbie EX94 2E, who averaged over 13,800kgs at 4.28% fat and 3% protein in three 305-day lactations. This one joins Steven Robinson’s Cluntagh herd based at Crossgar, County Down.
Next best at 2,580gns was the day’s honourable mention award winner Newry Tartini Heiress. Sired by Jeffrey Way Altatartini ET, she is bred from four successive generations of EX dams. Her dam Newry Calypso Heiress averaged 11,263kgs at 4.80% fat and 3.36% protein in three 305 day lactations. Buyer was David McClurg, Crossgar, County Down.
Judge Adam Watson from the 80-cow Derrydorragh herd based at Coleraine, described the sale leaders as nice milky heifers. “They are tall, long, and very stylish.” He awarded the supreme championship to the Stevenson family’s second calver Newry Million Aline VG86 (2yr). Sired by England Ammon Million, she produced 11,279kgs at 3.85% fat and 2.85% protein in her first lactation. This one came under the hammer at 2,380gns, selling to William Herron, Newtownhamilton County Armagh.
Adam Watson added:”The champion is a great cow, well balanced, feminine, and the type of cow that I’d like to take home.”
Also selling at 2,380gns was the unshown Garaba Rosemary 32 consigned by Owen Martin, Drumintee, Newry, County Down. Sired by the home-bred Sandy Valley Bolton son Garaba Bolton, he is bred from Garaba Rosemary 25 who gave 9,325kgs at 3.49% fat and 3.14% protein in her first lactation. This freshly calved heifer also joins William Herron’s 115-cow herd.
Paul Dunn, Bangor, County Down, realised 2,280gns for the fourth placed Dunbanard Wyman Mavis. Sired by Pirolo Goldwyn Wyman, she is bred from the EX classified Dunbanard Outside Mavis 2, and sold to William Herron.
Following close behind at 2,220gns was the unshown Ardmore Windbrook Jill, a potential seventh generation VG and EX heifer from William Crawford, and son James, Brookeborough, County Fermanagh. This Gillette Windbrook daughter is bred from Ardmore Cousteau Jill 4 EX91 2E LP80, who produced over 13,280kgs at 4.55% fat and 2.95% protein in her sixth lactation. This one sold for export to Paul Flanagan’s noted Tubbertoby herd based at Termonfeckin, County Louth.
The unshown Ards Guarini Lilac secured a bid of 2,000gns for Harry Patton and Sons, Newtownards. By the Braedale Goldwyn son Guarini, she is out of a dam by the home-bred Ards Revelation. Buyer was Eamon McConville, Portadown, County Armagh.
Also selling at 2,000gns was the unshown Relough Doberman Muffler, a Coppertop Doberman son shown by Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, County Tyrone. This one also caught William Herron’s eye.
Non-pedigree heifers peaked at 1,900gns, paid to the McLean family from Donaghmore.
Holstein NI and Taaffe Auctions would like to wish their customers a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.
Averages:
Prices ranged from 1,100gns to a top of 3,020gns, and 21 lots were traded to average £1,960 per head in a 95% clearance
Forthcoming 2015 Moira sale dates include:
Wednesday, 21st January;
Wednesday 18th February;
Wednesday, 18th March and
Wednesday 15th April.
Watch press for further details.
ENDS
