Spirited bidding and a sweet €5k

AN eight-month-old heifer calf with an excellent pedigree sparked spirited bidding and sold for €5,000 at the Simmental Society Premier Show and Sale at Roscommon Mart on Saturday.

The choice February 2018-born Lakeview Kandy, Champion Simmental Calf, was bred and exhibited by Patrick McNamee, The Heath, Portlaoise, Co Laois and was keenly pursued at the sale by a Co Offaly breeder with a long-established Simmental herd.

A five star on the Replacement Index, both within the breed and across all breeds, with euro value of €147, the heifer was bred by Kilbride Farm Bantry 10 and the dam, Fearna Elegence Vienna.

Well-known and very successful Co Laois breeder, Garreth T Behan, Ballyfin, whose stock are always in demand, enjoyed another good day, showing both the Champion Junior Heifer and the Champion Yearling Heifer.

His July 2017-born Champion Junior Heifer Clonagh Jolly Glam Posh sold for €5,000 and the Champion yearling heifer Jennalyn Jellybean Nora also found a new home at €5,000, both heifers becoming the price toppers of the day in their sector.

Champion Senior Heifer sash went to Gerry Lenehan, Rathlee, Easkey, Co Sligo for Rathlee Jessica which sold for €5,100 leading the prices for the senior heifers.

While demand for the calves was weak, the quality senior, junior, yearling and weanling heifers met with good demand and in particular the yearlings which recorded 69pc clearance.