Northern Irish breeders saw a strong demand at the NITBC’s sale at Rathfriland Farmers Co-Op when prices soared to a high of 1900gns for pre-sale judge Stewart Ferris’ champion from the Glenhone pen of Martin McConville.
This was a February-born ram lamb by Sportsmans Cannon Ball, Glenhone First Trust, out of a Tamnamoney bred ewe out of Scotsman Avicii.
Next in line for the cash was young breeder Charlie Trimble with Cherrylea Fargo, a Sportsmans Dare Devil son out of a Strathbogie bred ewe sired by Sportsmans Benchmark. This ram lamb was reserve champion in the pre-sale show and changed hands for 1700gns.
Cynthia Aiken’s Carnew pen took 1000gns early in the sale with Carnew Emerald. This March-born lamb is a Cwmcerrig Dynamite son out of a Springwell Voltage daughter.
Taking the same money was the Largy pen of Eugene Branagan with another Sportsmans Cannon Ball son out of a Knap Abracadabra daughter.
Michael Tumelty followed in close behind with Castlecor Eddie, a Hartside Cold as Ice son out of a Crailloch You’re the Boy dam which changed hands at 920gns.
Overall this was a steady evening’s trading with a total of 69 pedigree Texel rams selling to average £554 (Rathfriland Farmers Co-Op).