Dungannon Farmers’ Mart hosted a spring native breed sale last Tuesday, with Angus bulls selling to a top price of 5,200gns.

A total of 12 bulls sold on the day, with the average price settling at £3,447.

Securing the top price was Bessiebell Lord Thatcher V072 from Jack Smyth, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone. This 18-month-old bull was sired by Linton Gilbertines Preacher S088 and is the first calf from Drumbeera Lady Thatcher T226.

Dungannon Aberdeen Angus sale leader at 5,200gns was Bessiebelle Lord Thatcher V072 from Jack Smyth, Newtownstewart. \ Julie Hazelton

Lady Thatcher is a daughter of Bova Lord Blackwood and won a number of prizes in southern Ireland before she was purchased for €4,500.

Second-top price of 4,100gns was secured by Drummeer Lord Thor V334. Bred and exhibited by Alan and Naomi Morrison, Maguiresbrige, Co Fermanagh, this June 2019-born bull is sired by former all-Ireland champion Wedderlie Blackbox J935.

Lord Thor’s dam is Nightingale Eldorado G381 daughter Drummeer Lady Tara N407. This one was secured by an Armagh-based dairy farmer.

The Morrisons also sold their second bull Drummeer Bateman V286 at 3,000gns. This April 2019-born bull was again sired by Wedderlie Blackbox, this time out of a Blelack Evermore-bred dam.

Hitting the 3,400gns price tag was Lurgaboy Armani V363 from Joe Conlon, Co Armagh

One of the youngest bulls on offer, Ballyvaston Emperor, sold for 3,700gns. This January 2020-born bull is sired by the same sire as the sale-topper, Linton Gilbertines Preacher. Out of a homebred cow by three-time all-Ireland champion Rosemead Karona, he was sold to a local dairy farmer.

Hitting the 3,400gns price tag was Lurgaboy Armani V363 from Joe Conlon, Co Armagh. This September 2019-born bull is sired by stock bull Friarstown Evolver N274, with the dam being imported cow Penguin Anne K427, a daughter of Haymount Wurz F676.

Island Farm Edwardo V586, a November 2019-born bull from Kevin McOscar, hit the market at 3,300gns. This son of the 13,000gns Blelack Prince Consort is out of Cheeklaw Elana T601.

On the female front, 1,800gns was the top call for Slievecroob Kristina W707. This 14-month-old heifer is sired by Rawburn Jumbo Eric S297 and was brought out by David Whan, Co Down.