Strong demand for Simmental females saw prices peak at 8000gns at the fourth joint production sale from the Ballinalare Farm and Ranfurly herds.
The sale at Rathfriland Farmers’ Co-op, was topped by the show heifer, Ranfurly Weikel 52 from David and Jonny Hazelton, Dungannon. This 15-month-old is by the Auchorachan ACDC son, Ranfurly Limelight, while her dam Ranfurly Weikel 18 is by Raceview King. The heifer was knocked down to John Warnock of the Templefyn herd based in Co Down.
MORE NEWS | Dairy trade index sees first drop since July 2024
Two heifers made 6000gns. First was the January 2022-born in-calf heifer Ranfurly Weikel 47. Sired by Samark Superman, she was bred from the Raceview King daughter, Ranfurly Weikel 33 VG87. She sold in calf to Clonagh Tiger Gallant to the Bowhill herd of David Smith and Rachael Reid, Low Bowhill Farm.
Also selling at 6000gns was the November 2022-born Ranfurly Stella 15 ET, a Woodhall Ferrari daughter, bred from Raceview Fancywinty 652 ET Ex93 bought by John Byrne from Ballinaskeagh.
Her full sister, Ranfurly Stella 16 ET, born in February 2023, sold to James Mullan, Garvagh for 5200gns.
Joe Wilson's herd was topped at 4900gns by the January 2023-born Ballinalare Farm Polly.
Averages: Ballinalare – 19 in-calf and maiden heifers £2990. Ranfurly – 12 maiden heifers £4646.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here