Huge entry for Dungannon dairy sale

Discussing plans for the inaugural Dungannon Dairy Sale are, from left: auctioneer Michael Taaffe, with sponsors Mark Johnston and Iain Dudgeon, Masons Feeds; and Tommy Henry, vice chairman, Holstein NI. Picture: Julie Hazelton

This new monthly venture will be conducted by Taaffe Auctions, and takes place in Dungannon Farmers’ Mart by kind permission of the Wylie family.

Working in conjunction with Holstein NI, auctioneer Michael Taaffe confirmed that the catalogue includes 40 in-milk heifers and young cows from many of the province’s leading pedigree breeders. The pre-sale show is generously sponsored by Masons Feeds, and will be judged at 11am by Robert Stewart from the Quinton Herd based at Portaferry, Co Down.

The sale will get underway at noon.

Pedigree Holstein herds featured in the catalogue include: Ardmore, Ards, Bannwater, Carrowcroft, Cluntagh, Glasson, Happy, Hilltara, Killane, Prehen and Relough.

Michael Taaffe said: “I am delighted to announce that the inaugural Dungannon sale will include the first milking daughters of six different high genomic bulls to be offered for sale at auction in Northern Ireland. Selling are fresh calved daughters of Coyne Farms Jacey, Butz Butler Shotglass, Welcome Armitage Pesky, De-Su Balisto, De-Su Freddie Denim and EDF Deman.”

Next week’s Dungannon sale will also play host to the dispersal of the entire autumn calving portion of the noted Inch Herd.

Inch Genetics based at Downpatrick is offering 50 head, which consists of 44 heifers and cows, four heifer calves, and two British Friesian bulls.

“The Inch dispersal includes a great group of fresh calved Holstein, British Friesian and Swedish Red heifers and cows with a low somatic cell count. The group’s last recording averaged SCC42,” added Mr Taaffe.

The herd’s top cow families are included, Daphne, Dellia, Ivory and Roxy.

British Friesian bulls Breadwinner, Glen Albyn, Randolf, Tarquin, Pinnacle and Hylke; and Holstein bulls Iota, Levi, Oman, Cashmoney, Planet and Shottle are represented in the catalogue.

Mr Taaffe concluded: “Selling is Inch Tarquin Daphne, a special high PLI British Friesian springing heifer. She is a sister to the number one and number two PLI British Friesian young bulls in the UK.”

Rounding off the Inch consignment are four heifer calves, daughters of Doorman, Atwood, Donato and Catlane Chad; and two British Friesian bulls ready for service.

Catalogues are available online at www.taaffeauctions.com. Alternatively, telephone Taaffe Auctions on 00353 41 9881288.