Holstein heifer tops 3,550gns at Moira

Taaffe Auctions reported a “buoyant trade’ at Holstein NI’s December show and sale, at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.

A total of 36 females went under the hammer, with 100% clearance, to average price of 2,178gns.  Auctionner Michael Taaffe said:  “We had cows and heifers to suit all requirements, and at a variety of prices ranging from 1,450gns to a top of 3,550gns.”

The top priced female on the day, was an April 2009 born heifer – Ballycrochan Sam Nina – from Aubrey Patterson, Bangor.

This one is by Regancrest Mr Drham Sam, and out of Ballycrochan Cevis Nina, which gave more than 7,800kgs at 4.54%BF and 3.22%P in her second 305 day lactation.  She was bought by David McClug for his Fortvale herd at Crossgar, County Down.

The next leading price on the day of 3,400gns was achieved by Ronald McLean, and sons Malcolm and Barry, Donaghmore, County Tyrone, for their November 2009 born heifer Relough Lightning Danna.

This one is by the Regancrest Elton Durham son, Lylehaven Lightning, and out of Relough Jefferson Danna which gave more than 9,500kgs at 3.63%BF and 3.18%P in her second 305 day lactation.  

Having calved three weeks prior to the show, and currently giving 33kgs milk a day, she was bought by a County Tyrone milk producer, who also went on to pay 3,000gns for the September 2009 born Hilltara Bonair Tippy from Sam and John McCormick’s herd at Bangor, County Down.

This one is by the Comestar Lheros son, Karona Bonair ET, and out of VG88 Hilltara Jordan Tippy, which produced more than 10,800kgs at 3.87%BF and 3.37P in her third 305 day lactation.

Judge Gary Reid, Drumbo, said of the show:  “It has been a very good show with two excellent classes of heifers. The animals on offer are functional dairy heifers suitable for modern-day farms.”