Heifer tops Ballymena Lim sale at 2,000gns

Averages and clearance rates were down on the year at the first British Limousin Cattle Society’s first sale of 2016 at Ballymena Mart on the weekend (16th January).

Sale leader at 2,000gns was the maiden heifer Rahoney Joyful bred by Messrs H and D McFarland, Trillick. This March 2014 born heifer is sired by Ampertaine Elgin out of home bred dam Rahoney Gracious, a Wilodge Cerberus daughter who is full sister to Rahoney Geoffrey, sold in Carlisle Feb 2013 for 23,000gns. This heifer holds a Beef Value of LM21 and now heads to new owner A Murphy, Waringstown, Armagh.

Averages were down £108 on the year, largely due to the young entry of females and poor weather conditions which hampered many vendors and buyers from attending, said the society. However heifer averages were up £4 at £1,555.

Second top price of the day at 1,850gns went to Heathmount Jasmine, bred by Messrs McKinney Brothers, Maghera. This young October 2014 born heifer is sired by Bailea Andre, a Salomon son, and out of the homebred dam Heathmount Tango. She was purchased by pedigree breeder T Pollock, Kilrea.

Third best price for a maiden heifer came in the form of the 1,800gns for Castlerock Lilac bred by Miss L Savage, Drumnahoe. This January 2015 born heifer sired by Ampertaine Elgin and out of homebred dam Castlerock Glitzy, a Wilodge Cerberus daughter now heads to new owner A Murphy, Waringstown, Armagh.

Averages: 11 heifers, £1,555.90 (61% clearance rate).

(JA McClelland and Sons).