Moira sees 2500gns top for Holstein heifers

There was a buoyant trade for quality heifers at last week’s Holstein NI show and sale, Moira, with the day’s top price of 2500gns paid to Geoffrey Patton, Carrowdore, County Down.

This money was given for December 2008-born Carrowcroft Phil Princess, which sold to William Herron, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh. She was sired by the Crichel Principal son, Dalbytop Phil.

Following close behind at 2480gns was the supreme champion of the pre-sale show, Relough Dollarman Danna, consigned by Ronald McLean and Sons from Donaghmore, County Tyrone. This January 2009-born heifer was sired by homebred Braedale Goldwyn son, Relough Dollarman. This was the first Dollarman daughter to be offered for sale. Calved five weeks, she is giving 32 litres daily, and sold to an undisclosed County Tyrone buyer.Next best at 2280gns was the third prize winning Newry Minister Heiress from Jim and Charlotte Stevenson’s herd at Kilkeel, County Down.  This January 2009-born Mr Minister daughter sold to Sam Irwin, Armagh, County Armagh.

A March 2008-born Calbrett IHH Champion daughter came under the hammer at 2200gns for Stuart Smith, Waterside, County Londonderry. Her EX dam, Prehen Lee Priscilla, gave more than 12,500kg in her fourth. Boasting four generations of EX and VG, she is calved four weeks, and sold to William Herron.

Sam McCormick, Bangor, County Down, sold his best at 2100gns. December 2008-born Hilltara Champion Freda 3, sold to Muldrew Bros from Armagh, County Armagh.  Sired by Calbrett IHH Champion, she is out of VG classified Hilltara Jolly Freda,  which gave more than 10,000kg in her third lactation.

Averages; 42 heifers £1749.30 (Taafe Auctions).