Ballybay Livestock Sales hosted its annual ‘Winter Milk Show and Sale’ last Wednesday (November 4). The sale consisted of both dairy cows and heifers and included entries of up to 70 cattle. An impressive sale average of €1,890 was achieved.

The sale was organised in conjunction with Dovea Genetics and was held online via MartEye. As Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions were in place, customers were allowed a 90-minute pre-viewing period prior to the sale commencing.

Commenting on the trade, Adrian Grimes, the mart’s manager stated: “We had a very strong demand for both first and second calvers. The sale recorded a 100% clearance.

“We had a large interest from both northern and southern buyers.”

The overall show champion fetched a top price of €2,640 on the day. This female was a pedigree, non-registered, Friesian-bred cow, shown by a local farmers – Jimmy and Gerard McKenna – from Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.

The reserve champion was presented to another pedigree, non-registered, Friesian-bred cow, again owned by Jimmy and Gerard McKenna. She sold for the third-highest price on the day of €2,320.

Scotstown-based dairy farmers seemed to have a successful day, with James Eddie Murray achieving the second-highest price on the day of €2,340. His Friesian-bred cow was placed second in her class.

John McKenna, again hailing from Scotstown, exhibited the first prize-winning cow in the same class, which sold for €2,300.

A first prize-winning cow in the cross-bred class sold for €1,900. She was a Jersey-cross, Fresian-bred, cow that was shown by James Eddie Murray.

The second prize winner in the same class and sharing the same breeding sold for €1,720. This female was exhibited by Andy Brady from Cootehill, Co. Cavan.

Sample prices for females recorded on the day:

  • Lot 1: €1,740;
  • Lot 6: €2,040;
  • Lot 7: €2,020;
  • Lot 17: €2,280;
  • Lot 21: €1,820;
  • Lot 28: €2,020;
  • Lot 26: €1,920;
  • Lot 34: €1,840;
  • Lot 36: €1,780;
  • Lot 44: €2,040;
  • Lot 46: €1,840;
  • Lot 50: €2,160;
  • Lot 55: €1,920;
  • Lot 61: €1,840.