Northern Ireland breeders William McAllister and his daughter Sophie, Parkgate, Ballymena, had a field day at a show and sale of Dutch Spotted sheep at Swatragh, selling the male champion and reserve overall for the top price of 13,500gns.
The export sale was topped by the March-born ram lamb, Artnagullion Halfpint, a son of the 10,000gns Ballintur Geronimo purchased at Swatragh last year. He is bred from the show hogg Artnagullion Francessca which boasts several championships and inter-breed honours.
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Halfpint sold to Henry Jewitt of the Sunnybank flock from Barnard Castle and Rob Nicholson, Cannan Hall Farms, Barnsley.
His full sister, Artnagullion Honey Bun, made 2600gns.
Second top price was 4500gns paid for Gareth Edgar’s Ain Elite Horatio, a a tup lamb bred from McDermotts Fergie and sired by Diamond Felix. He was knocked down to Samatha Allen of the Derg flock.
Just behind on 4200gns, Broadwater Hero, a ram lamb from J Johnston, Aglee was bought by A Trainor of the Binnian flock. He is bred from Ty-gywn Fern and sired by Craigdoo Freaky Fredo.
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