Prices reached a ceiling of 4400gns, and at the end of the day’s trading the auctioneers confirmed an 85% clearance, which resulted in 22 bulls changing hands to level at £2,126, with eight more bulls sold than last year.

A packed ringside at Dungannon which saw a 85% clearance rate

Leading the sale at 4400gns was the second prize winning Sess Escape from Margaret Buchanan’s seven-cow herd at Augher, County Tyrone. This May 2009-born Idvies Paris B102 son was bred from the Rawburn Transformer daughter, Sess Eliza. He boasts a Self Replacing Index (SRI) of +41 and caught the eye of suckler herd owner, Bernard Venney, Downpatrick.

Sale leader at 4400gns was Sess Escape from Margaret Buchanan

Miss Buchanan established the Sess Aberdeen Angus herd almost 40 years ago, and was delighted to top the sale and set a new herd record.

Judge, Mrs May Jack from the 80-cow Strule herd in Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, awarded the male championship honours to Coolermoney Rochester J955, a 23 month-old bull brought out by the father and son team of Adrian and Graeme Parke, Strabane, County Tyrone. “The champion caught my eye. He was very well presented, and is a well fleshed bull with good conformation and breed character.”

Overall champion Coolermoney Rochester J955

Sired by the home-bred Rawburn Eventer 2^nd son, Coolermoney Rossiter F734, he was bred from the Idvies Paris B102 daughter, Coolermoney Rosebud F686. Despite a tussle of bids from the packed ringside audience, this bull failed to meet his vendor’s expectations and was withdrawn unsold at 3000gns.

Second highest price of the day, 2900gns, was paid to Alan Cheney, Trillick, County Tyrone, for the fourth prize winning Lana Performer J522.  This May 2009-born entry was sired by the Nakkeg Nord 913 son, Ballycaher Commander and is out of a home-bred Fordel Eisenhower Y423 daughter.  He has a SRI of +26 and sold to William Brownlee, Loughgall, County Armagh.

Next best at 2700gns was the unplaced Cavanbellaghy Master Bart J774 from Robert Steenson’s herd at Killylea, County Armagh. Born in May 2009, he is by the Netherton Figo C244 son, Kincardine Castle Pluto F511 and out of a home-bred Rawburn Eventer 2^nd sired dam. With a milk value of +7, and a SRI +28, he sold to Robert Watson, Poyntzpass, County Down.

The reserve male champion, Macknagh Mills Jacob J784, came under the hammer at 2400gns for pedigree breeder and vintage tractor restorer, Michael Lagan, Upperlands, Maghera. This April 2009-born Cudlobe Millennium 12M son was bred from the Gigginstown Tuco daughter, Baronagh Joanna F946 – one of 18 cows in the herd which was founded four years ago. He sold to Guy Clements, Beragh, County Tyrone.

The reserve overall champion Macknagh Mills Jacob J784

Following close behind at 2300gns was the first prize winning Dartrey Duke J747 consigned by the Mills and Buller partnership from Scarva, County Armagh.  This June 2009-born entry is by the herd’s 11,000gns stock bull, Logie Lustre and is out of the Tui Bon Y019 daughter Wedderlie Duchesse E031. Buyer here was Ballymoney-based suckler farmer, William Patton, who also runs a farm shop specialising in home-produced Aberdeen-Angus beef.

The second prize winning Ballyvaston Elvis J602 sold at 2200gns for C J Strain, Downpatrick, County Down. Born in April 2009 he is by Glasswater Eclipse D091 and is out of the Gigginstown The Conqueror daughter, Old Glenort Edwina D854. This one sold to Gary Young, Castlederg, County Tyrone.

The same price was paid to Allan Brady, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, for the second prize Curragh Daniel J535. This 20 month old ET-bred bull is by Hoff Limited Edition SC594 and out of the Bar 20 Rainmaker 344D daughter Sandy Bar Duchess 33G. He boasts a milk value of +10 and a SRI of +32. The successful bidder was Adrian Kyle, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone.

Alan Irwin, Fintona, realised 2100gns for the unplaced Priestland Fame. This March 2009-born entry is sired by Derryboye Dickson D076 and is out of the Priestland Lad Z056 daughter Cleenish Amelia. He sold to dairy farmer, Colin Hughes, Keady, County Armagh.

Five lots commanded 2000gns each. They included Alan Cheney’s Lana Lord Hadalo J441 which sold to Colin Maxwell, Downpatrick; Alan and Naomi Morrison’s Drummeer Domino J797 which sold to A Watson, Keady; Alwyn and Carol Armour’s Woodvale Totally Awesome J933 which sold to S Miller, Newtownstewart; Marcus and Norman Rutledge’s Railview Proud Boy J136 which sold to Kevin O’Donnell, Coalisland; and Kenneth Bready’s Kiltariff Diplomat J201 which sold to Peter McCartan from Aughnacloy.

The collective entry of pedigree Aberdeen-Angus females peaked at 1900gns, paid to Michael Lagan for his female champion, Macknagh Mills Ellie J832. This August 2009-born heifer is by Dieulacresse Ernie D178 and out of the Duncanziemere Edwin D148 daughter Ballyheather Edwina Evilrosa G942. Described by the judge as a stylish and growthy heifer, she sold to Ulster rugby captain and Ireland hooker, Rory Best who runs the Loughans herd based at Poyntzpass.

Overall female champion Macknagh Mills Ellie J832

Scooping the reserve female championship ribbons was Birches Pearl J794, brought out by brother and sister duo, Sarah and Sam Matchett, Portadown. This June 2009-born Coldstream Genetic Trend 80F daughter is out of Drumcrow Perola D199. She failed to meet her reserve and returned home unsold. Six heifers sold to average £1146 per head.

Sam Matchett with his reserve female champion

The dispersal of the Jian herd on behalf of Alan Armstrong, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, topped at 1350gns, with 25 lots selling to average £824 each. Leading this offering was the July 2008 born Jian Elma H164. By Rawburn Lord Roy D376 and out of the DMM Dynasty daughter Fern Elma Y443, she sold due to calve in May to Jonathan Doyle, Cookstown.

Next best at 1160gns was the five year old cow Jian Vera E556. By Haymount Wiveritor Y454, she is out of a home-bred Rawburn Eventer 2^nd daughter. The successful bidder was P Owens, Ballygawley, County Tyrone.

Speaking after the sale Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society chief executive, Ron McHattie said he was delighted with the outcome of the sale. “It’s been a very strong sale. Commercial farmers were bidding briskly for bulls and females were in great demand. The overall clearance rate is very heartening.”

The pre-sale show was kindly sponsored by Scotmin Nutrition Ltd.

Results from the judging ring:

Bull, born between 06/03/09 and 09/04/09 – 1, and male champion, Adrian and Graeme Parke, Strabane, Coolermoney Rochester J955 by Coolermoney Rossiter F734; 2, C J Strain, Downpatrick, Ballyvaston Elvis J602 by Glasswater Eclipse D091; 3, Alan Cheney, Trillick, Lana Lord Hadalo J441 by Mosston Muir Lord Ronaldo B044.

Bull, born between 12/04/09 and 29/05/09 – 1, and reserve male champion, Michael Lagan, Upperlands, Macknagh Mills Jacob J784 by Cudlobe Millennium 12M; 2,  Margaret Buchanan, Augher, Sess Escape J125 by Idvies Paris; 3, Kenneth Bready, Rathfriland, Kiltariff Diplomat J201 by BJs No Limits 15S.

Bull, born between 01/06/09 and 24/07/09 – 1, Hylda Mills and A W Buller, Scarva, Dartrey Duke J747 by Logie Lustre F473; 2, Allan Brady, Enniskillen, Curragh Daniel J535 by Hoff Limited Edition SC 594; 3, Messrs P and A Macari, Armagh, Liberty Enzo J045 by Liberty Executor G076.

Bull, born between 02/10/09 and 04/03/10 – 1, Frank Morrison, Crossgar, Cluntagh Elivs J894 by Belvin Patriarch.

Female, born between 05/05/09 and 11/08/09 – 1, and female champion, Michael Lagan, Macknagh Mills Ellie J832 by Dieulacresse Ernie D178; 2, and reserve female champion, Sarah and Sam Matchett, Portadown, Birches Pearl J794 by Coldstream Genetic Trend 80F; 3, Kenneth Bready, Kiltariff Lady Topgirl J245 by Kiltariff Daredevil G072.

Female, born on or after 08/01/10 – 1, Samuel and Timothy Scott, Newtownards, Drumawhey Black Bepretty K037 by Drumawhey Prince H665.

Aberdeen-Angus bulls reached a ceiling of 2800gns and 11 lots sold to average £1871 at the native breeds show and sale, hosted by Dungannon Farmers’ Mart on Monday 25^th October.

Pictured at the native breeds show and sale, Dungannon, are, from left: John Blackburn, vice chairman, NI Aberdeen Angus Club; Tom Noble, Lisbellaw, judge; and Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society council member, Alwyn Armour.

Trade was underpinned by dairy and suckler producers with the stronger, better fleshed bulls finding a ready market, while the plainer types proved harder to sell.

Topping the trade at 2800gns was the reserve male champion, Drumcorn Elbando J685, brought out by husband and wife team John and Ann Henning, Maghaberry, County Armagh. This April 2009-born entry was sired by the US easy calving trait leader and high performance bull, GT Triple Band. His multi-award winning dam, Drumcorn Elist D313, by Drumlister Cherry Boy, is bred from the herd’s foundation cow – Elcara of Drumlister, who attained more than 30 championships in her long show career.

The reserve male champion and top priced bull at 2,800gns was Drumcorn Elbando J685 bred by John and Ann Henning, Maghaberry.

Boasting a Self Replacing Index of +38, and a milk value of +6, he sold to William and David McMurtry, Coleraine, County Londonderry.

Second highest price of the day, 2700gns, was paid to William Wallace, Dromore, for the second prize Woodvale Bachelor J874. Bred by Alwyn and Carol Armour, he was born in March 2009 and is by the Vermilion Dateline son, Woodvale Mr Awesome E207. His dam is the Ankonian Elixir daughter, Woodvale Beautiful Kitty. He sold to Pat Breen, Kircubbin, County Down.

Next best at 2100gns was John and Avril Robson’s March 2009 born Glenhoy Einar J134. This third prize winner was sired by the 32,000gns Rawburn Rommel E423, and is out of the privately purchased Idvies Euxette B106. He was snapped up by dairy farmer, David Todd, Dungannon, County Tyrone.

Mr Todd also paid out 1800gns to secure the fourth prize Findrum Pajo J243 bred by Sean McCullagh, Ballygawley, County Tyrone. This March 2009-born bull was sired by Cheeklaw Eirwyn D165 and is out of a home-bred Fordel Eisenhower Y423 daughter.

Leo Cherry from Cookstown, sold his best at 1900gns. The March 2009-born Tamnaskenny Emerald J066, by Bramley Grange Black Brindley D064 out of a home-bred Bruno of Spittal Shore daughter, Tamnaskenny Etaar E797, sold to J J McDowell, Castlereagh, Belfast.

Judge, Tom Noble, Lisbellaw, awarded the male championship to the May 2009 – born Glenhoy Limitless J167, exhibited by John and Avril Robson, Augher, County Tyrone. By the Hoff Limited Edition son, BJ’s No Limits 15S and out of Logie Ladymire F458, this bull attracted attention from many admirers around the sale ring, but failed to meet his reserve and was withdrawn unsold at 2800gns.

The male champion was John Robson’s Glenhoy Limitless J167.

The collective entry of Aberdeen-Angus females peaked at 2800gns for one from James Porter, Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn, for the May 2008 born female champion, Croftburn Edwina H497. She was sired by Netherton Kular D318, and is out of the Liss Banker Y213 daughter, Croftburn Edwina C622. She was scanned in-calf and joins the Dartrey herd owned by Hilda Mills, Scarva.

The female champion Croftburn Edwina H497 realised 2,800gns for James Porter, Upper Ballinderry.

Scooping the reserve female championship was the March 2009-born Home Farm Roscor Beaut J732, brought out by Fintan Keown, Belleek. Sired by Fordel Eisenhower Y423, she was bred from a Galcantray Preditor V9 daughter. This heifer attracted strong attention from the packed ringside audience, but failed to meet the vendor’s expectations and was withdrawn unsold at 3100gns.

Fintan Keown, Belleek, with his reserve female champion Home Farm Roscor Beaut J732.

Adrian Parke’s two-year-old heifer Coolermoney Rose H922 came under the hammer at 1800gns, selling to Rory Best, for his Loughans herd, Poyntzpass, County Armagh. This Rawburn Eventer 2^nd daughter is out of the home-bred Coolermoney Rosita Y301.

A draft entry of females from Robert Campbell’s Lister herd based at Seaforde, County Down, reached a ceiling of 2300gns and six lots sold to average £1563.

His sale leader was the eight-year-old cow, School House Eclipse B335. Sired by 2000 Royal Highland reserve supreme champion, Ballamanaugh Estefan, she is out of the Barbi of Skaill daughter, Espirit of Drumlister. Scanned in-calf to Lister Ebon J604, she was accompanied by her March born Lister Extra Special G453 heifer calf and sold to John McCauley, Downpatrick, County Down.

A draft entry from Hilary Baxter’s Lochmore herd, Newry, saw prices peak at 2000gns, while the six females changed hands to level at £1461 a head.

Leading the Lochmore offering was the March 2006 born Ringbane Kathy Pride F056. Sired by Ankonian Elixir 100, she sold with her January-born heifer calf by Jeremy Eric of Bridgefoot to Ken Craig, Ballyclare, County Antrim.

Averages: 11 bulls £1871 (Dungannon Farmers Market).

They always say that a busy restaurant is a sure sign of great tasting food, and there is no doubt that the beautifully presented premises at Ballymoney Street, Ballymena – home to the award winning “Montgomerys” is just that. Since opening the doors five years ago over 1.5 million customers have enjoyed the casual dining experience at Montgomerys.

This is a family run business led by husband and wife team Steven and June Montgomery, with their four sons Tim, Mark, Paul and Richard actively involved in all aspects of the success story.

Montgomerys have won "Best Eating Establishment in the Ballymena Borough" four times in the last five years.

“We have a real sense of pride in what we can offer our customers both in terms of cuisine and service – and are confident that our menus are of the very highest standard.” explains Steven Montgomery.

“All of the beef pork and lamb served up in a variety of popular dishes, are hand reared on our family farm allowing us to ensure that they are finished to our exacting standard. When it comes to beef we only use Aberdeen-Angus as we find it unrivalled in terms of flavour and texture. Our customers now ask for it by name as they associate Aberdeen-Angus with superior quality.”

Tim Montgomery added “The added bonus from our point of view is that there is very little hands on management required with Angus as the calves jump to their feet quickly when born and suckle without assistance. This means that we can concentrate our time within the restaurant and our agricultural stores at Cullybackey.

Montgomerys opens it doors Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. During the day breakfasts, snacks and lunches are served up to customers who travel from throughout the country to dine here time and time again.

The family commitment to the business has been recognised as Montgomerys has been awarded “Best Eating Establishment in Ballymena Borough” four out of the last five years. Considering that there is stiff competition for this accolade this is no mean feat for the Montgomery family.

Aberdeen-Angus beef is recognised the world over as being the housewives preference when selecting cuts for the table. It is no accident that this popularity has reached new heights as leading restaurants and supermarket chains actively promote Aberdeen Angus – sold on the succulent flavours and texture that the meat has to offer.

There is a shortage of Aberdeen-Angus beef in the marketplace as demand continues to grow year on year. This should be seen as a real opportunity for producers to consider using an Angus bull. The merits of reduced overheads and minimum management requirements will speak for themselves. However the dividends that can be achieved when selling Aberdeen Angus sired cattle could see your profit margins increase. So what are you waiting for?

There never has been a better time to consider Aberdeen-Angus. There will be 45 service age bulls and 10 females offered for sale at the NI Aberdeen Angus Club Show and Sale scheduled to take place at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Tuesday 9th February. judging is in the capable hands of David Weir and commences at 10am, followed by the auction at 1pm.

Sponsorship will kindly be provided by Jack Maguire, JM Farm Livestock Care.

For full details contact Dungannon Farmers Mart 028 8772 2727.

Causing a stir at ringside was the super cow and bull calf combination Woodvale Beuatiful Kitty D997 and Woodvale Bachelor J874 forward from Alwyn and Carol Armour’s noted Woodvale herd securing the headline price of 4300gns. This Ankonian Elixir daughter has a proven track record in the Woodvale herd with her first daughter being retained for breeding and her February 2008 born bull destined for next season’s spring sales. Her show stopping bull calf is sired by Woodvale Mr Awesome E207, an embryo son of the top performance bull in the states Vermilion Dateline out of the massive donor cow Coldstream Miss Annie.There was spirited bidding for this outfit from both new and established breeders, with the hammer falling to Trevor Wallace, Dromore.

The Old Glenort herd of James Porter was to the fore with his first calving heifer Old Glenort Mayflower F727 selling with a smart Netherton Fleur’s Legacy F390 daughter at foot for 3000gns. This outfit is bred from the heart of the successful Mayflower family in the herd, which traces back to the interbreed champion at Antrim Show Mayflower of the Lodge. Back in calf to the same bull, this herd builder should prove to be a sound investment for Mike Frazer, Templepatrick, who had several lots picked out for his recently established herd.

Leading male trade at 2800gns was Cluntagh Paddy H135 from Frank Morrison

Leading the way in the bulls was Frank Morrison, Crossgar, with his March 2008-born Cluntagh Paddy H135, a son of Idvies Euris B112 out of Baronagh Pansy Y437 which sold for 2800gns. This was an eye-catching entry with plenty of length and super conformation. This bull was the Northern Ireland calf show champion in 2008 and he has a self replacing index of +27. The successful purchase for this lot was Messrs Dunbar, Newtownstewart.

The male champion sold for 2700gns for the McKeown family who currently run 20 females in their Ashvale herd based at Templaptrick. Ashvale Master Piece is sired by the herd’s stock bull Woodvale Exclusive E141 who has been champion at Antrim Show and reserve male champion at Balmoral Show.

Richard McKeown scooped the male championship with Ashvale Master Piece. Adding his congratulations is judge Robin Lamb

This August 2008-born bull was selected male champion by judge Robin Lamb who presented the sponsorship award on behalf of Corby Rock Mill, Monaghan. He sold to Robert Scott, Hillsborough.

Reserve male champion was awarded to Drumlone Euro H656 exhibited by Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw. In the female section the top honours went to Fintan Keown for his Fordel Eisenhower daughter Home Farm Elisa. Both these lots were withdrawn unsold.

The reserve female champion Woodvale Eyrie H675 was sold at 2100gns to Mike Frazer, Templepatrick. This was a well grown daughter of the sought after Woodvale Mr Awesome presented by Robert Campbell, Seaforde. The same purchaser also forked out 2100gns to secure Croftburn Priceless accompanied by her DMM Traction daughter at foot from John Robson, Augher.

The next date in the Aberdeen Angus diary is the World Forum Meeting scheduled for Dunganon Rugby Club on Thursday 5th November. Guest speaker will be Society President William McLaren Jnr. For full details of this and all Club events contact Alan Morrison 07811447812.

For more pictures and picture re-prints go to Agri Images

Averages: 8 bulls £1825; 6 cows and calves £2666; 6 heifers £1350 (Dungannon Farmers Mart).