Charollais hit 2800gns at Dungannon

The increasing popularity of Charollais sheep was reinforced at their premier sale with averages up almost 50%.  There was plenty of interest from south of the border with breeders having to dig deep to secure their purchases.

Leading the way was the Carnew flock of Jonathan Aiken who took the championship in the pre-sale show and then went on to receive the top price of 2800gns for a Loaningfoot Highlander son.  Purchasing this stylish ram for their Doughery Flock were Robert and Stuart Cromie.

 The first prize December born ram lamb was also a son of Loaningfoot Highlander and sold for 1900gns to R Hall and Son, Carlisle. Demand was high for stock  from Highlander who was purchased at Lanark in 2007 from Ben Radley. Local breeder George Hammond buying for his Ballymaguire flock took one home at 1400gns, Gordon Nicholson bought at 1100gns and Kenny Malcomson took another at the same price.

The reserve overall spot went to a daughter of Parkgate Glenmorangie – a big stylish ewe lamb from the Lornbrook Flock of Diane Christie. This flock were also in the tickets with the reserve champion male, a big ended ram by Parkgate Glenmorangie which stood second to the champion in the December class and sold for 1500gns to Omagh-based Noel Barton.

Derek Bell, Omaghpaid 1000gns for the fifth prize winner in the January class from McConnell Brothers. This carcass ram is sired by Ballynoe House Felix.

Topping the market in the older ram section was a well muscled shearling ram, sired by Beechlodge Formidable and shown by Sidney Corbett, County Wexford. James McDonald had to go to 1100gns to secure this one.

Caption: Topping the Charollais sale at Dungannon was Jonathan Aitken, who sold his best at 2800gns.