Watch: €6,600 made at IHFA premier bull sale

The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) recently held its 51st annual Premier Bull Show and Sale at Kilmallock Mart in County Limerick. This prestigious event, which took place during the week, attracted significant attention from dairy farmers and enthusiasts alike. The judging task fell to John Dillion, who faced a challenging day as the margins between the Champion bull, Reserve Champion, and Honourable Mention were extremely fine.

Following the show, the ring at Kilmallock mart quickly filled with eager bidders as auctioneer Denis Barrett took to the rostrum. The sale saw an average price of €4,680, with a top price of €6,600 achieved on the day. This impressive figure highlights the high quality of the bulls on offer and the strong demand among buyers.

The September-2024-born Laurelelm Perseus Bro was crowned the Champion Bull of the event. Bred by Rickey Barrett of County Cork, this exceptional bull boasted an Economic Breeding Index (EBI) of €44. His milk sub-index was even more impressive at €49, with traits that included 401kg milk at 10.6kg proteins and 9.65kg fat. Additionally, he had a fertility sub-index of €12, showcasing his genetic potential for dairy production. Laurelelm Perseus Bro went on to make €5,000 in the sale, demonstrating his value in the market.

The Reserve Champion title went to Greenlea Clash, a November-2024-born bull bred by the Greenan family from County Monaghan. Greenlea Clash had an EBI of €144 and a milk sub-index of €47, with strong traits for milk production, including 50kg milk at 8.45kg fat and 4.94kg protein. His fertility sub-index of €65, paired with a €14 health sub-index, made him a highly desirable addition to any herd. The Reserve Champion bull was sold for €4,500, reflecting his exceptional genetic makeup.

The Honourable Mention of the day was awarded to Mountfarna Beast, a 100% Holstein born in October 2024. Bred by John O'Callaghan of County Cork, this bull had an EBI of €79 and a milk sub-index worth €83. His traits included 221kg milk at 15.15kg fat and 10.95kg protein, along with a fertility sub-index of €18. Mountfarna Beast was sold for €5,500, showcasing his genetic potential and market appeal.

Despite not winning a title, Mountfarna Zeus emerged as the best seller of the day, fetching a top price of €6,600 in the ring. The pure-bred Holstein, born in October 2024, demonstrated the strong demand for high-quality genetics in the dairy industry.

The IHFA Premier Bull Show and Sale once again showcased the best in Holstein Friesian genetics, with the event providing an opportunity for breeders and farmers to invest in superior bulls. The high prices achieved during the sale underscore the importance of genetics in dairy production and the willingness of participants to invest in top-quality animals. This annual event continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the dairy industry in Ireland and beyond.