Moiran Holstein bulls sell to 4000gns top bid

Bidding was brisk for quality bulls at Holstein NI’s 21st annual spring show and sale, held at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.

Bulls sold to a top of 4000gns, with this top price coming late in the sale when Stephen O’Brien, Poyntzpass, bought Hilltara Ciolos. Bred by Sam McCormick, Bangor, he was the third youngest bull in the catalogue and boasts nine generations of VG and EX dams.  

Sired by England Ammon Million, this one was bred from Hilltara Allen Charlotte 2, an EX91 dam who gave more than 11,000kg in her third lactation.

Next best at 3550gns was the first prize winning Relough Roadshow, brought out by Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, Dungannon. Born in December 2009 he is also by Million, and bred from Relough Durham Ruth an EX94 dam. Backed up by four successive generations of EX dams, he sold to A McMaster, Kircubbin.

Million was also behind the breeding of Relough Amadeo which came under the hammer at 3350gns for the McLean family. This second prize winner was born in December 2009 and boasts 10 generations of VG and EX dams. His dam, Relough Lou Amanda 2 gave more than 9600kg in her first lactation. This one was snapped up by Drummondmore Dairy Farm  based at Jerrettspass.

The honourable mention in the pre-sale show was awarded to Derrydorragh Rascality Burns Red, shown by Willard Watson, Macosquin, Coleraine. Sired by Dudoc Mr Burns, he has eight generations of VG and EX dams in his pedigree. His dam, Lavender Ruby Red Rascal was grand champion at Madison in 2005 and 2007, All-American Red and White five year old in 2005, and aged cow in 2007. This one caught the eye of Gordon Breen, Tempo, at 3300gns.

Making 2900gns was Ballycrochan Lightning Red from Aubrey Patterson, this one is by Thunder Van Der WLG, has a PLI of +£80 and was sold to David Cromie, Banbridge.

Close behind that at 2850gns was another from the McLean family, Relough Resolution, a bull with a PLI of +£83 which sold to Keith Russell, Dromore.

And then at 2800gns was Hilltara Cavalier from Sam McCormick. This Golden Oaks St Alexander son was snapped up by John Armstrong, Dromore.

That was followed by a 2750gns call for Ards Rival, a Burlane Tennyson son from Harry Patton and Sons, he went to William Parke, Castlewellan.

Then selling at 2600gns was the day’s reserve champion Ards Rumour, an October 2009 born Magor Bolivia Allen son, shown by Harry Patton and Sons, Newtownards. Bred from nine generations of VG and EX dams, he sold to Messrs W R and W J Anderson, Killylea, County Armagh.

Also making this money was Dunbanard Akon from Paul Dunn and Sam McCormick. This Regancrest Dundee son was knocked down  to an undisclosed Co Tyrone buyer.

And following that at 2500gns was the champion from the pre-sale show, Relough Render   a September 2009 born Picston Shottle son from the McLean family. He was knocked down to Douglas and William Troughton, Portadown. Selling at the same price was Killane Fieldstone, another Million son from Austin and David Perry. He was bought byWilliam Houston, Ballymena.

Average; 25 bulls £2557.80.