Report from NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitors’ Club Young Stars sale 2021 held at Clogher Mart on Friday, April 1st,2021:
Brian Hall’s Limousin-bred heifer, weighing 440kgs, stole the limelight at the NI Commercial Cattle Club’s ‘Young Stars’ sale when she changed hands for £3,200.
Hall’s success did not end there when his second entry, another Limousin-bred heifer, blue roan marked heifer, weighed 475kg and sold for£2550.
Following the strong trade for breeding type heifers, Mr N Quinn secured £2,550 for his roan-bred Charolais heifer, followed by £1,800 for his Limousin-bred heifer.
Meanwhile, S McGeehan fetched £2,400 for his 415kg Charolais-bred heifer. Besides, Mckee Brothers took home £2,000 for their 380kg Limousin heifer.
On the other hands, Richard Law received £1,860 for his 380kg Charolais-bred female.
Following hot on this heifer’s heels was Mr Keith Williamson’s Limousin heifer at £1,800, weighing 375kg.
Bullocks
According to a club spokesperson, a smaller entry of bull calves and steers went under the hammer at this year’s sale.
Topping this category at £1,800 was a 560kg Limousin from Alison Callion. In the second position was Alan Veitch, who claimed £1,760 for his 500kg Charolais bullock.
Other highlights at Young Stars sale 2021:
- Miss Laura Irvine’s Blue heifer – 485kg at £1700;
- Sam’s Martin’s Limousin heifer – 410kg at £1700;
- Brian Weatherup’s Beef Shorthorn heifer – 305kg at £1650.
Roan heifers in demand
A club spokesperson said: “This year, with Covid-19 restrictions still in place, there was no show part to this event.”
“There was a total of 41 calves entered from all over the north of Ireland of all different breeds; this year, breeding heifer-type animals were the big seller, especially roan-coloured heifers.”
The spokesperson reported “strong activity” from all over Ireland and the UK.
“A total number of 972 viewers watching online with 28% of the sale animals being purchased by online buyers. The sale average was £1, 587 for a total of 38 animals sold.”
Commercial Club secretary, Elizabeth Rodgers, said:
“With the uncertain times regarding summer shows, there still was a keen interest from buyers to pick up that show potential animal to bring to fatstock sales at the end of the year. We hope to have this event back to a show and sale next year.”
Robert Simpson, mart manager, stated, “Clogher Valley Livestock Market would like to thank the club for holding their annual young stars event with them.”