A resolutely strong demand for top drawer heifers saw trade peak at 3200gns at Holstein Northern Ireland’s November sale at Moira.
Sale leader on a day that saw a complete clearance was fourth placed Ards Rosberg Magic from Harry Patton and sons, Wilson and Wallace, Newtownards, Co Down. Backed by six generations of VG and Ex dams, this heifer is by the home-bred Sandy Valley Bolton son, Ards Rosberg. Her dam is by Regancrest Mr Drham Sam and she joins W Gillespie’s herd at Portglenone, Co Antrim.
Second highest price of the day 2520gns, was also paid to Harry Patton and Sons for the September 2010 born Ards Russell T Monica. Sired by the home-bred Braedale Goldwyn son, Ards Russell, she sold to Mr Herron, Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh.
The Patton trio also took 2400gns for the day’s reserve champion Ards Russell Belinda. She is by Ards Russell, and is out of an Ocean View Zenith daughter which gave over 9000kg in her second lactation. Backed by seven generations of VG and Ex dams, this heifer is calved four weeks and producing 40 litres a day.
Ronald McLean and sons, Malcolm and Barry, Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, realised 2400gns for the October 2010 born Relough Jeves Danna 2. Sired by the Comestar Outside son, Ked Outside Jeeves, she is bred from the Jose daughter, Relough Jose Danna 2.
Regancrest Mr Drham Sam was behind the breeding of Relough Sam Lead which also came under the hammer at 2400gns. Backed by four generations of VG and Ex dams, she is bred from a Picston Shottle dam which gave almost 8000kg in her first lactation.
Cows peaked at 2350gns, paid to Holstein NI chairman Jay Warden, Bangor, for his honourable mention award winner Ballygrainey Ravenhill Darkie 5. Sired by Ards Ravenhill, she produced more than 8300kg in her first lactation. Calved two weeks and giving 45 litres daily she sold to Mr Herron, Co Armagh.
Mr Herron also paid out 2220gns to secure Abercorn IM Elegance consigned by David and Alan Wallace, Antrim. Sired by the Mascol son, Inch Mast, she is bred from a VG88 dam which gave more than 8400kg in her third 305-day lactation.
Following close behind at 2200gns was the supreme champion Ballyginniff Cyclone Beth 2, bred by John Patterson and Sons, James and Andrew, from Crumlin, County Antrim. Sired by the home-bred Pursuit September Storm son, Ballyginniff Cyclone, she is bred from a BKB Affirmed daughter and sold calved four weeks and yielding 29 litres daily. Buying her was Mr Stevenson, Maguiresbridge.
Average; 27 in-milk heifers and young cows £2059.05 (Taffe Auctions).
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