Hilltown Export Sale 2015
Strong Support from ROI Farmers at Dorset Export Sale
|
|
 Ben Lamb with the Reserve Champion and Judge Gary Henderson |
Mary Cubitt with the First Prize Ewe Lamb
On Friday the 14th August the NI Dorset Club held their 4th Annual Hilltown Export Show and Sale at Hilltown Mart. Champion of the day, judged by Mr Gary Henderson of the Sandleford flock in Bushmills Co.Antrim, was lot number 1, a September born ram lamb, who’s full brother was sold at the May Fair in Exeter 2015 for 1000gns. He was presented by Thomas Wright, owner of the Ballytaggart flock in Ballymoney, Co.Antrim and was purchased for 550gns by David Nelson for his Fortview flock in Banbridge. The reserve champion was lot number 8 from Ben Lamb’s Richhill flock in Co.Armagh. This was a strong October born ram lamb which stood second in the ram lamb show class and achieved the second highest price of the day at 460 gns, to D.Hughes, Annalong. Thomas Wright also achieved 380gns for his second lot into the ring, a December born ram lamb which sold to Ernest Skuce of Co.Cork.
The third highest price reached went to the first prize ewe lamb, lot number 36, which was presented by Graham and Mary Cubitt’s Kildowney flock in Glarryford. This was a stylish December born lamb which had been running with the ram prior to the sale. She realised 400gns to buyer Aaron Fearon for his Newross flock in Newry, Co.Down. Other leading ewe lamb prices included, 340gns for a lamb sold by G&M Cubitt, Glarryford to Ernest Skuce, Co.Cork and Ben Lamb, Richhill, Co.Armagh realised 300gns to buyer Magee, Rostrevor.
There was strong trade for in lamb ewes, with John Wilson of the Tardree flock in Kells, Co.Antrim leading the way as his two lots in the category realised 320gns each, to buyer P Brannigan, Newry.
Despite the downturn in the Euro this year, the breeders were delighted to see buyers from the ROI, some from as far as Co.Cork. In total buyers from the south purchased 60% of the rams sold and one ewe lamb also.
The Northern Ireland Dorset Club greatly appreciates the continued support of MSD Animal Health, who once again generously sponsored this event. The club also extends thanks to auctioneer Mark Stewart, John Farnon, Hilltown Market Manager, Mary Savage and the staff at Hilltown Mart whose assistance greatly contributed to the success of the day.
The next date in the club calendar is the Autumn show and sale which will take place on Wednesday 14th October 2015 at Ballymena Livestock Market.
Rams - Average £354
Ewe lambs – Average £ 248
Aged Ewes – Average £ 287
