Holstein bulls hit 2,800gns

Champion at Holstein NI's Kilrea bull sale was Glasson Sarson exhibited by Philip Haffey, Portadown. Included are sponsor Gareth Bell, Genus ABS; and judge Wilson Patton, Newtownards. Picture: John McIlrath.

Quality bulls met a ready market, and following a 90% clearance auctioneer Mark Stewart confirmed that 18 lots were traded to level at £1,754 – an increase of £274 on last year’s sale.

Sale leader at 2,800gns was the second placed Derrydorragh Get It In PLI £337 consigned by Willard and Adam Watson from Macosquin, Coleraine.

Sired by Coyne Farms Jabir, this November 2015 born entry was bred from one of the herd’s best cow families.

Christopher Eastwood exhibited the reserve champion Relough Roxer on behalf of R McLean and Sons, Donaghmore. Included are Gareth Bell, Genus ABS, sponsor; and judge Wilson Patton, Newtownards. Picture: John McIlrath.

His dam Derrydorragh Colt Grace GP83 produced over 10,000kgs at 4.03% fat and 3.09% protein in her first 305 day lactation.

Highest bidder was Sydney Dobbin from Bushmills.

Next best at 2,100gns was the January 2016 Relough Barrack PLI £411, an ET bull by Seagull Bay Silver and bred from Coyne McGarr OBSR Barbie VG.

Bred by Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, he sold to Alex Gilmore from Ballymoney.

The honourable mention award went to Inch Nobleman exhibited by James Cleland, Downpatrick. Also pictured are Gareth Bell, Genus ABS, sponsor; and judge Wilson Patton, Newtownards. Picture: John McIlrath.

Following close behind at 2,000gns was the honourable mention award winner Inch Nobleman PLI £89 from Inch Genetics in Downpatrick.

Sired by the Deangate Osbert son Inch Number One, he is bred from Inch Shottle Daphne 19 EX92 who averaged 9,249kgs at 4.6% fat and 3.17% protein in three 305 day lactations.

This November 215 born bull sold to DWD Kane from Bushmills.

The pre-sale show was generously sponsored by Genus ABS and judged by Wilson Patton from the noted Ards Herd based in Newtownards.

Claiming the day’s supreme championship award was Glasson Sarson PLI £180, a July 2015 Gillette Jordan son bred by Philip and Simon Haffey, Portadown.

Backed by eight generations of VG and EX dams, he is bred from Glasson Windbrook B Sara VG89.

The champion realised 1,900gns, selling to William Millar from Coleraine.

Next best at 1,880gns was the July 2015 Glasson Stalwart PLI £220. Sired by Maple Downs IGW Atwood, his dam is Glasson Shottle Sara VG88 who produced almost 11,000kgs at 5,08% fat and 3.28% protein in her fifth lactation.

Buyer was N G Chambers from Newtownards.

Runner-up in the championship line-up was the McLean family’s Relough Roxer PLI £410.

This January 2016 bull is a son of Seagull Bay Silver, and is bred from the Prehen Omen daughter Relough Omen Roxie 12 VG87.

He attracted a bid of 1,800gns.