Pedigree Holstein bulls reached a ceiling of 3,650gns at the Northern Ireland club’s 28th annual autumn show and sale, hosted by Taaffe Auctions at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.
Following a 79% clearance auctioneer Michael Taaffe confirmed that 22 bulls changed hands to average £2,333 per head.
Topping the sale at 3,650gns was Ards Lincoln GPLI £383, a seventeen-month-old Mr Welcome Hill Tango ET son consigned by Harry Patton, and sons Wallace and Wilson, Newtownards. This fourth prize winner was bred from the VG86 2yr (USA) Brookview E Moviestar ET who gave over 11,870kgs at 4.60% butterfat and 3.40% protein in her first 305-day lactation. Backed by eight generations of VG and EX dams he sold to Robert Rainey from Beragh, County Tyrone.
The Patton family sold three bulls to average £3,535 each.
Next best at 3,250gns was the third placed Ards Lloyd PLI £372. Born in July 2014 he was sired by Coyne Farms Jabir ET, and is out of the EX classified Ards Planet Sheena Lynn ET. This one is backed by eleven generations of VG and EX dams and caught the eye of Samuel McAuley from Donaghadee.
Following close behind at 3,200gns was the honourable mention award winner Ards Radcliff PLI £326. This fourteen-month-old bull was sired by Co-op Bosside Massey ET, and is bred from Ards Planet M Ruth ET EX92-2E who gave over 12,000kgs at 4.30% butterfat and 3.54% protein in her third 305-day lactation. Highest bidder was Sean O’Brien from Poyntzpass. He boasts nine generations of VG and EX dams.
Also commanding a bid of 3,200gns was the fourth prize winning Newry Mainman PLI £249, a Bertaiola Mincio ET son bred by Jim and Charlotte Stevenson, and son James, Kilkeel. His dam, Newry Manoman Barbie ET VG86 SP produced 10,698kgs at 5.59% butterfat and 3.57% protein in her second 305-day lactation. Bred from seven generations of VG and EX dams he sold to ME Kenwell from Fintona.
William and Andrew McCollum, Coleraine, realised 3,000gns for the fourth prize winner Ballycairn Galaxy Samson ET PLI £361. Born in September 2014, he was sired by De-Su Freddie Galaxy ET, and is bred from Ballycairn Garrett Sherese VG86 SP who averaged over 9,500kgs at 5.21% butterfat and 3.65% protein two 305-day lactations. He is bred from seven generations of VG and EX dams and sold to Cyril Maxwell from Augher.
Ronald McLean, and sons Malcolm and Barry, Donaghmore, exhibited a strong team of bulls with seven lots selling to average £2,302 per head.
Leading their line-up at 2,850gns was the first prize winning Relough Rastle PLI £366. This thirteen-month-old entry was sired by Mr Moviestar Mardi Gras ET, and is out of Relough Shottle Raven 4 ET EX92-4E LP80 who averaged over 12,000kgs at 4.15% butterfat and 3.15% protein in six 305-day lactations. Bred by five generations of EX dams he sold to Alan Liggett from Clogher.
Next best at 2,600gns was the third prize winning Majestic Massey Ardie PLI £313 brought out by Ian and Kenny Watson, Macosquin. Born in May 2014 this Co-op Bosside Massey ET son was bred from Majestic Earnit Annette ET VG-2yr – the number one GTPI Earnit daughter in Europe. He sold to John Shanks from Ballynahinch.
Ronald McLean and Sons led the PLI class with Relough Denman ET PLI £413 who sold for 1,950gns, and Relough Detonate PLI £414 sold for 2,500gns.
Judge Paul Hannan who runs the 130-cow Lisnalty Herd based at Friarstown, County Limerick, awarded the supreme championship, sponsored by Gortavoy Feeds, to the March 2014 Priestland Legend PLI £257, a Seagull Bay Sargeant ET son bred by Iain and Joyce McLean, Bushmills. He failed to meet his reserve and returned home unsold.
“Thanks to Holstein NI for its kind invitation. It has been a super show, with excellent quality bulls throughout the classes. The overall champion stood out. He is a powerful bull with a magnificent top and great legs and feet.”
Runner-up was Killane Ramos PLI £205, a July 2014 born Val Bisson Doorman ET son bred by Austin and David Perry, Ahoghill. He was backed by 13 generations of VG and EX dams, and sold to James McCann, Lurgan.
Stephen McKenna and Neil Gilkinson from Gortavoy Feeds were on-hand to congratulate the winners and present the awards.
Results from the judging ring:
Class 1, bull born between 09/03/14 and 20/05/14 – 1, and supreme champion, Iain McLean, Priestland Legend by Seagull Bay Sargeant ET; 2, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Detonate by Rosylane LLC Altabarney; 3, Ian and Kenny Watson, Majestic Massey Ardie by Co-op Bosside Massey ET.
Class 2, bull born between 22/05/14 and 31/07/14 – 1, and reserve champion, Austin and David Perry, Killane Ramos by Val Bisson Doorman ET; 2, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Landlord ET by Seagull Bay Platinum ET; 3, Harry Patton and Sons, Ards Lloyd by Coyne Farms Jabir ET.
Class 3, bull born between 01/08/14 and 13/09/14 – 1, and honourable mention, Harry Patton and Sons, Ards Radcliff by Co-op Bosside Massey ET; 2, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Denman ET by Regancrest Altaiota ET; 3, George and Jason Booth, Beechview Theo by Guarini ET.
Class 4, bull born between 14/09/15 and 28/10/14 – 1, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Rastle by Mr Moviestar Mardi Gras ET; 2, Stuart Smith, Prehen Asteroid by De Su Rb Moonray ET; 3, Aidan McAfee, Drumeil Silky Red ET by Gen I Beq Aikman ET.
PLI award – 1, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Denman ET; 2, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Detonate; 3, Ian and Kenny Watson, Majestic Knocker.
