Holstein heifer tops 3,250gns at moira - farmers weekly

Holstein Northern Ireland reported a steady trade at its January show and sale, with prices topping 3,250gns at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira. Taaffe Auctions oversaw the sale which

resulted in a 94% clearance, with a total of 29 heifers going under the hammer to an average of 2,190gns a head. The top price on the day – 3,250gns – was achieved by Ards Shottle Nell

(pictured above) from Harry Patton and Sons, Newtonards, County Down.  This two-year-old heifer is by Picston Shottle and is bred from the EX classified Ards Champion Nell.  She was bought

by a County Tyrone milk producer, having calved five weeks ago. Other leading prices on the day included 2,820gns each for a pair of home-bred heifers from father-and-son duo Sam and John

McCormick’s Hilltara herd in Bangor, County Down. First out of the two to enter the sales ring was the day’s honourable mention award winner Hilltara Bolivia Simone.  This September

2009-born heifer is by Magor Bolivia Allen and out of GP84 (2yr) by Innwood Terrason.  She sold to a dairy producer based at Dromore, County Tyrone, having calved four weeks earlier and

giving 42 litres a day. The second to go under the hammer was Hilltara Bolivia Freda, also by Magor Bolivia Allen.  This one was snapped up by David McClurg, Crossgar, County Down. Born in

September 2009, this one is out of VG87 (2yr) Hilltara Gibson Freda 2 which gave more than 9,000jg at 4.13% butterfat and 3.11% protein in her second 305-day lactation. The overall champion

on the day – an October 2009-born Hilltara Calypso Flo – sold for 2,720gns to a producer in Dromore, County Tyrone. This one is by Wil-Harte E Louie son, Nor-Bert Calypso TW, and out of VG89

Hilltara Jolly Flo.  She calved five weeks prior to the sale and is currently yielding 33 litres a day.