First Chianina calves to feature at Automart Harvest Show and Sale (September 1975)

In total there were 27 entries for Automart Harvest Show and Sale which was to be held at Portadown.

An even “rarer newcomer”, noted Farming Life, were two in-calf Blonde d'Aquitaine heifers.

In addition to these breeds, which were expected to attract brisk trade at high prices, there was anticipated to be a good turnout of quality Simmentals, Charolais, Herefords, Aberdee Angus and Friesians.

Automart sales director, Tom Clarke, told Farming Life that the Chianina calves - “the oldest was born in April” - had been sired by the giant Italian bulls, Gulmbo and Infero, which stand six feet high at the shoulder.

“Growth rate has been tremendous and there has been keen speculation as to the possible value of half-bred calves, particularly as there is no pure-bred importation planned for Northern Ireland,” explained Tom.

He pointed out that the British Chianina Society was co-operating with Automart and all half-bred females in the sale would be eligible for the society's grade register.

Mr Bradley, the Chianina secretary, had agreed to extend to one year the period during which calves have to be notified for the grading register.

“This means that buyers at our show and sale on Tuesday have plenty of time to take up membership and complete the necessary papers for their calves,” Mr Clarke said.

Poyntzpass farmer, Michael Magill, who imported both Chianina and Blonde d'Aquitaine semen from the English Milk Marketing Board Stud, told Farming Life: “We are very hopeful of these two breeds and I particularly think the Blonde d'Aquitaine cross will be an eye-opener - this could be the best top, cross of the lot.”

As well as these attractive new faces the Portadown catalogue had 160 choice bulls and heifers representing all the existing breeds in the country.

There were 41 Herefords between polled and naturally horned cattle. They include bulls from John C Morrison, Ballyward; Sam Heatrick, Glaslough, Co Monaghan; R W Bolton. Swatragh; Ronnie Howe, Ballinamallard; John and Robert Clarke, Gracehill and Randalstown, and Edward Montgomery, Ralesay, Fivemiletown.

The Hereford judge for the Harvest Show and Sale at Portadown was to be Mr Eric McMordie, whose prize-winning Solitude, Ballygowan, herd was always among the leaders at sales and shows.

There were 26 British Friesian bulls from some of the best known herds in the country - bulls from Robert Mulligan's Brague, Banbridge, herd and from David Heenan, Barbican Farms, Newcastle, were to compete with stock offered by W H Stevenson. Kilkeel; J J Shilliday. Katesbridge; J R Bothwell, Enniskillen; Robert Emerson. Greenhill, Dungannon, and Hugh Clarke and Sons, Gracehill, Ballymena.

In charge in the Friesian ring would be Wilson Logan, whose Blackcave North, Larne, pedigree herd which was at that time well known in Friesian breeding and show circles.

In the Simmental section there were to be eight pedigree bulls and three heifers. These cattle had all come from from imported parents and the breeders included Archie Watson, Armagh; David Heenan; Robert Mulligan; John and Raymond Shilliday. Katesbridge; Austen Alexander, Newcastle.

The breed was to be judged by Robert Dickson, Seaforde, chairman of the Northern Ireland Simmental Breeders' Club.

Bidding for these pure Simmentals promised “to be keen”, particularly as no scheme for licensing non-pedigree Simmental bulls had been introduced by the Department of Agriculture.

Farming Life noted: “Simmental inseminations have been among the highest in the province for two or three years and breeders are now expecting owners to look to the natural service of their herds as a step towards even higher conception rates.”!

The sale also included a strong contingent of Charolais bulls. These included pedigree bulls from David Heenan, Philip Duffy, Clones, and high percentage bred bulls from Automart Charolais Herd.

A large offering of the popular three-quarter bred Charolais bulls licenced for suckler herds were also be presented and, “are expected to fetch firm prices in view of current optimism among suckler men,” noted Farming Life.

The Charolais judge was to be James Hoy, of the Department of Agriculture.

The Charolais entries include one-full French heifer from Philip Duffy, Clones, and which was expected “to find ready buyers in view of the record Portadown price of £2,600 at the Automart sale in April”.

Aberdeen Angus bulls from Thomas Lilly, Relaghgunnis, Irvinestown, and Shorthorns from Joseph Marshall, Portglenone, and Michael McGuigan, Killycanavan, Dungannon, completed an attractive sale.