Organisers of Holstein Northern Ireland’s (NI) first-ever online charity auction have hailed the event as a “resounding success”.
The auction raised more than £28,000 for two local charities: Friends of the Cancer Centre and Teen Challenge Belfast.
The auction included many items, including three pedigree Holstein heifer calves and a corporate experience for four people at Old Trafford.
Others included hotel and restaurant vouchers; toys; paintings; several lots of semen; a selection of fertiliser, cattle feed and mineral buckets and drenches; vouchers for various on-farm services; and a signed ball and tickets for Ulster Rugby.
Holstein NI charity auction
Speaking following the event, Holstein NI chairman, Iain McLean, commented:
“We are overwhelmed by the success of the auction. Donations are still coming in, but preliminary calculations have confirmed that more than £28,000 has been raised.”
Club secretary, John Martin, added:
“We are hugely indebted to the numerous local businesses, agri-companies and individuals, who pledged 100 items for our charity auction.”
“Thanks to Trevor Wylie at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart, and LSL Auctions, we were able to combine timed and live auction formats.”
The auction coincided with a BBQ and presentation of awards for its annual herds’ inspection competition.
Prices
Three pedigree calves the Annaghmore, Priestland and Relough Herds donated secured top prices.
Selling for £3,100 was the eleven-week-old calf Relough Leap Danna 6, R McLean and Sons, Donaghmore, Dungannon, bred.
Backed by nine generations of VG and EX dams from the well-known Danna family, she is a Peak Altaleap, daughter and bred from Relough Longview Danna 2 EX90 (2) LP50 SP. Her dam averaged 13,363kgs at 3.58% butterfat and 3.23% protein in five lactations.
David and Alan Wallace Abercorn Herd, Antrim, secured this lot.
The thirteen-week-old calf Priestland 6966 Army Anna, Iain and Joyce McLean and Family, Bushmills donated, came under the hammer at £3,000, selling to Cyril and Martin Millar, Millars Herd, Coleraine.
She is by Siemers Apples Army ET RDC and four successive generations of EX dams backs her. Her dam, Priestland 5933 Seaver Anna ET SP EX92 (2), averaged 10,654kgs at 4.4% butterfat and 3.3% protein in three lactations.
Also, a six-month-old heifer, Annaghmore Master S Lydia, Clive and Joel Richardson, Annaghmore donated, sold for £2,000 to Charlie Weir’s Burnhill Herd, Waringstown.
The Golden Oaks Master ET, daughter is from Priestland 5790 Sid Lydia VG87. She averaged 13,377kgs at 4.21% butterfat and 3.44% protein in two lactations. 112 days into her third lactation, she has given 6,496kgs at 5.09% butterfat.
Lastly, another highlight was the Manchester United corporate package for four people, Glanbia Cheese, donated. It sold for £960.
Contributions
Ian McLean concluded:
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the charity auction.”
“Special thanks to all those who generously donated items for auction and to everyone who bid and purchased items on the night.”
“Thanks also to Blazin Digital for providing the large TV screen, Dungannon Rugby Club for the use of its facilities, and the many volunteers who helped out on the night.”
“We are also indebted to Carnbrooke Meats for providing and part-sponsoring the meat for the BBQ.”
“Thanks to Sandra Robinson at the Garden Deli in Dungannon for providing the salads and desserts,” he concluded.
