31st Annual Autumn Sale
Dorset Club Hold Record Breaking Sale
 Richard Currie's Senior Ewe, 1,280Gns |
 Allister McNeil's Ewe lamb, 980Gns |
 Richard Currie's Ram Lamb, 1,000Gns |
|
M & R Hall's Ram Lamb 920Gns
The 31st Annual sale of NI Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset breeders club took place on Monday 5th October 2020 in JA McClelland and Sons Livestock Mart, Ballymena. Kindly sponsored by Danske Bank, the sale saw a strong entry of 73. Demand was high with 100% clearance of all lots with large numbers of breeders and purchasers present in and around the pens, being made safe and possible by the efficient management of market staff.
The night was kicked off with the shearling ewes, getting off to a flying start with lot 2 from Laura Weir, Lisnafillan selling for a leading section price of 600gns to L Allen, Augher. This was closely followed by lot 1, again from Lisnafillan which sold for 530gns to A Noble, Antrim. Both ewes were turned out to perfection and scanned in lamb to Kilvaddy Chief making them an attractive investment.
In the ewe lamb section top price of the evening was realised by club chairman, Allister McNeill, Kilvaddy for lot 15. Displaying excellent conformation and presence, this September born lamb was knocked down for 980gns to L Moore, Aughnacloy. The next highest price was 780gns for lot 31 from Laura Weir, making its way to J Lynd, Swatragh. Not far behind was lot 14 from Allister McNeill selling for 680gns again to L Moore, Aughnacloy. Laura Weir continued her success in the female section achieving 680gns for lot 33 going to A Sloane, Omagh. Notably, next up was lot 60 from Aaron Graham achieving 620gns for a young, stylish March lamb going to R Mckeown, Templepatrick.
In the aged ewe section it was Richard Currie, Hilltop who came out on top with lot 64. Out of one of the best bloodlines in the flock this powerful ewe saw a flurry of bids both on the floor and online before finally going to Gary Henderson, Bushmills for 1250gns, joining his Sandelford flock. Pen mate, lot 63 from Richard was next up, selling with ram lamb at foot for 580gns to R&R Hewitt, Dungannon. Despite a smaller entry of Dorset Horns, trade was equally as good with lot 62 from Colin Johnston selling for 520gns to R McClenaghan, Newcastle.
In the male section, high demand drove a clearance rate of 100% displaying the ever expanding popularity of the breed as a first choice sire. In the ram lamb section and topping the males was lot 68 from Richard Currie, Hilltop. This strong, growthy lamb exhibited excellent breed character, being snapped up by W McCracken, Loughgall for 1000gns. In close pursuit was lot 71, Ballycraig Captain, a young April lamb selling for 920gns to M Simmons, Antrim.
Other leading prices of the evening included - G Hanna (ram lamb) 680gns to Belston Ltd, S Lyons (ram lamb) 620gns to J Mcfetridge, S Lyons (ram lamb) 600gns to R Gurney, L Weir (ewe lamb) 520gns to D Robertson, L Weir (ewe lamb) 500gns to D Robertson and A Graham (ewe lamb) 500gns to A Sloane.
Sale Averages
Shearling ewes : £388.67
Ewe lambs : £414
Senior ewes : £822.50
Ram lambs : £756
Shearling rams : £682.50
Overall, the club had an incredibly successful sale with record averages across all classes demonstrating the constant surge in popularity of the breed. The club wishes to express their thanks to sponsor Danske Bank and to staff at Ballymena Livestock Mart for their seamless running of the sale. Thanks is also extended to all purchasers and exhibitors who helped to end the sale year on such a high.
