Moira Holsteins sell to 3100gns peak

Holstein NI’s first show and sale of the autumn and winter schedule got off to a buoyant start as quality heifers met a strong demand at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.

Trade topped at 3100gns, with the 26 heifers sold leveling the day at £1930.95, with the  top price going to Stephen Haffey and sons, Timothy, David and Aaron, Lurgan, who brought out the day’s supreme champion, Kilvergan Jackson Ricki 2.

This potential 11th generation VG/EX heifer is by Weeton Jackson, and out of a home-bred VG88 Ricecrest Emerson daughter which is now in her seventh lactation.

Calved almost three weeks and giving 30 kilos daily she attracted strong attention, eventually being bought by Ivor Broomfield, Armagh.

William and James Crawford Brookeborough met a ready market for heifers from their noted Ardmore herd. The Ardmore entry topped at 2620gns and 2550gns, with six heifers selling to average 2051gns per head.

Selling for the second highest price of the day 2620gns, was the third prize winning Ardmore General Jill. Sired by the Comestar Lheros son, Ardmore General, she is bred from Ardmore Talent Cousteau Jill. This heifer is a potential sixth generation Excellent and caught the eye of Isaac Hawthorne, Armagh.  Calved five weeks she is giving 38 litres a day.

Next best at 2550gns was Ardmore General Jill 2, a potential seventh generation VG/EX. Born in June 2009 she is also by Ardmore General, bred this time from VG89 Ardmore Sam Jill which gave almost 11,000kg at 4.17% butterfat and 3.45% protein in her third lactation. Calved four weeks and giving 38 litres daily, she sold to a County Tyrone milk producer.

The same buyer paid out 2320gns to secure Newry Goldrun Breeze, an April 2009 born heifer brought out by Jim Stevenson, Kilkeel. Sired by the Braedale Goldwyn son, Newry Goldrun, she is out of a home-bred EX-2E Comestar Stormatic daughter. This one calved three weeks ago and is yielding 40 litres daily.

Following close behind at 2300gns was Newry Baxter LT Barbie, a potential seventh generation VG/EX. Sired by Emerald Acr Sa T Baxter, this one is bred from Newry L Talent Barbie ET VG87, which gave over 10,000kg at 4.22% butterfat and 3.34% protein in herd third 305 day lactation. Calved three weeks and giving 35 litres a day, she was snapped up by Edwin Glasgow from Armagh.

Also selling at 2300gns was the fourth prize winning Hilltara Duplexx Cherry 2, a March 2009 born Hilltara Duplexx daughter consigned by Sam McCormick from Bangor.

Sam McCormick also realised 2200gns for the January 2009 born HIlltara Duplexx Cherry. This one was bred from Hilltara Champion Cherry 2 GP83.

Average; 26 heifers £1930.95 (Taafe Auctions).