Dungannon dairy sale dates confirmed

Confirming his commitment to the Northern Ireland dairy industry auctioneer Michael Taaffe said: “I am delighted to announce that our monthly dairy sales will commence in October. The facilities at Dungannon are excellent, and I am indebted to the Wylie family for granting us the use of their premises.”

Welcoming the move Holstein NI secretary John Martin added: “We as a club have a long-standing relationship with Taaffe Auctions, and are delighted that Dungannon is set to become the new venue for our official club sales.

“TB is a constant threat to herd owners in Northern Ireland, and as a breed club we recognise the importance of having a dedicated pedigree sales venue.”

Mr Martin added: “The move has received a positive response from vendors and customers who completed our recent on-line survey.”

Michael Taaffe confirmed that the first sale will take place on Thursday 20th October. “Moving to a new venue has given us an opportunity to re-launch our monthly dairy sales which have traditionally focused purely on pedigree Holstein genetics.

“While we are dedicated to providing an official outlet for Holstein NI breeders, we are keen to ensure that Dungannon becomes a hub for pedigree and commercial herd owners who want to trade milking heifers and cows. Our aim is to attract dairy cattle that will suit a variety of systems, and offer prospective customers a choice of cattle at a range of prices.”

He continued: “The new format will include a pre-sale show with prizes for both pedigree and commercial cattle. Showing isn’t compulsory, but pedigree classes will require animals to be halter trained, while the commercial cattle will be judged in the pens.”

Judging will get underway at 11.00am, with the sale scheduled to start at noon.

Washing facilities are available on-site, but Taaffe Auctions is keen to highlight that minimal clipping and washing is preferred. “Presentation is entirely at the discretion of each individual vendor.”

Holstein NI’s John Martin stressed that halter training would remain a standard requirement at the club’s premier bull sales on 3rd November 2016, and 2nd February 2017. “Bull sale entries will be restricted to club members, and the entry criteria will be determined by the organising committee.”

Scheduled dates for dairy female sales at Dungannon include:

Thursday 20th October 2016.

Thursday 24th November 2016.

Thursday 22nd December 2016.

Taaffe Auctions is inviting entries of pedigree and commercial cows and heifers for its inaugural sale on Thursday 20th October.

For further details contact Michael or Brian Taaffe on tel: 00353 41 9881288.