Holstein Heifers Soar to Over 3000gns at Moira
2010-12-17

Black and white cows and heifers met a buoyant trade at Holstein NI’s December show and sale, conducted by Taaffe Auctions at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.

Wilson Patton, Newtownards, realised a top price of 3,050gns for Ards Jango Jingle

Prices soared to a top of 3,050gns and 3,020gns, and 46 lots changed hands to average 1,842gns per head.

Auctioneer, Michael Taaffe, described trade as lively. “There was a good show of stock and trade was underpinned by commercial dairy farmers who were out in force to secure top quality Holstein heifers for their herds. The catalogue featured something for everyone, and included the high flyers as well as a good selection of heifers at affordable prices. “

Hitting the headlines at 3,050gns was Ards Jango Jingle, a fresh calved heifer brought out by Harry Patton and Sons, Wilson and Wallace, from Newtownards, County Down. This much admired heifer wasn’t forward at the pre-sale show, but caught the eye of numerous bidders, eventually selling to David McClurg who runs the Fortvale herd based at Crossgar, County Down. Sired by the Jocko Besne son, Jango, she is bred from a Silky Gibson daughter.

William Crawford, Brookeborough, exhibited Ardmore Bolton Fancy, the supreme champion. Adding their congratulations are Ian Cummins, Irwin Feeds, sponsor; and David Perry, Ahoghill, judge.

Following close behind at 3,020gns was the supreme champion, Ardmore Bolton Fancy, from William and James Crawford’s herd in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh. Sired by Sandy Valley Bolton, she is a maternal sister to the 12,728kgs Ardmore Freeman Fancy VG. This one caught the eye of Fred Kenwell, and son, David, who run the 250-cow Gulladoo herd based at Dromore, County Tyrone. “This is a super heifer from a good herd, “explained David Kenwell, who is aiming to introduce new bloodlines to his herd.

Judge, David Perry, Ahoghill, described the champion as a lovely balanced heifer with a smashing udder. “There was a great show of heifers, but the champion is an excellent animal. Her rear udder is tremendous.”

Scooping the third highest price of the day, 2,650gns, was the honourable mention award winner, Newry Calypso Darkie, bred by Jim Stevenson, Kilkeel, County Down. Sired by the Wil-Hart E Louie son, Nor Bert Calypso, her dam is the EX91 Newry D Darkie who gave over 11,000 kilos at 3.43% protein in her third 305 day lactation. This one joins David Wallace’s herd at Lylehill, Templepatrick.

Messrs Patton secured a bid of 2,600gns for the Picston Shottle daughter, Ards Shottle Katie. She is a full sister to the VG87 Ards Lheros Kandy ET, and also joins David McClurg’s herd.

The reserve champion was Ballyginniff Deuce Meg, shown by John Patterson, Crumlin. Included are David Perry, Ahoghill, judge; and Ian Cummins, Irwin Feeds, sponsor.

The day’s reserve supreme champion was exhibited by Holstein NI chairman, John Patterson, Crumlin, County Antrim. Ballyginniff Deuce Meg is the first daughter of the top American bull, Scientific SS Deuce ET, to be sold at auction in Northern Ireland. She was snapped up by Norman Kee from Trillick, County Tyrone, at 2,500gns.
David Perry added:”The reserve champion is a sweet young heifer, full or promise for the future.”

The second prize winning Bannwater Free Margaret 18 came under the hammer at 2,480gns, for Andrew Magowan, Rathfriland. Sired by Braedale Freelance ET, she also joins David McClurg’s Fortvale herd.

Messrs W T Morrow and Sons, Newtownards, realised 2,250gns for the the Inch Doc daughter, Harmonyhill Astronomical Jessica 3. This one also sold to Norman Kee from Trillick.

Other leading prices include:

2,120gns – Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, Relough Kite Danna 8 to David McClurg, Crossgar; Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Robuck Danna to Jason Booth, Stewartstown; and Robbie Mulligan, Banbridge, to Mr Herron.2,100gns – William Crawford, Ardmore Affirm Jill to Mr Herron.
2,020gns – Jim Morrison, Downpatrick, Inch Finest Nina to Michael Murphy, Lislea, County Armagh; and Sam McCormick, Bangor, Hilltara Racer Betsy to Gordon Davis, Dromore, County Tyrone.
2,000gns - J and E Stevenson, Kilkeel, Aughnahoory Frosty 57 to Richard Mackey, Dromore, County Down.
1,950gns – Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Kite Danna 8 to Norman Kee, Trillick; Stephen Haffey and Sons, Lurgan, Kilvergan Model Hazel to Fred and David Kenwell, Dromore.
1,900gns – John Patterson, Ballyginniff Calypso Shauna to Jason Booth, Stewarstown.
1,880gns – W T Morrow, Newtownards, Harmonyhill Astronomical Carol 3 to Billy Morton, Armagh; William Crawford, Ardmore GBullion Jillie to Andrew Addison, Ballinderry, Lisburn; and Harry Patton and Sons, Ards Ross Dusty to G Davis, Dromore, County Tyrone.
The pre-sale show was generously sponsored by Irwin Feeds, Stilloga Mills, Eglish, Dungannon. The company’s ruminant sales representative, Ian Cummins, was on hand to congratulate the prize winners and present the prizes.

Results from the judging ring:

Class 1 – 1, William Crawford, Brookeborough, Ardmore Bolton Fancy by Sandy Valley Bolton; 2, Andrew Magowan, Rathfriland, Bannwater Free Margaret 18 by Braedale Freelance; 3, Jim Morrison and Sons, Downpatrick, Inch Finest Nina by Penn-Gate Finest.

Class 2 – 1, John Patterson, Crumlin, Ballyginniff Deuce Meg by Scientific SS Deuce ET; 2, Jim and Charlotte Stevenson, Kilkeel, Newry Calypso Darkie by Nor Bert Calypso; 3, Robert Mulligan, Banbridge, Brague Phil Kitty ET by Dalbytop Phil.

Taaffee Auctions and Holstein NI would like to wish all their customers a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.

The next Holstein NI show and sale at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira, takes place on Wednesday, 26th January 2011. Judging will commence at 11.00am sharp, and will be followed by the sale at 11.30am. Further details from Taaffe Auctions on 00353 41 9881288. Keep up to date with Holstein NI’s 2011 calendar of events by logging on to www.holstein-ni.co.uk.

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