Simmental breeders from across Northern Ireland travelled to Swatragh Livestock Mart on Friday for the British Simmental Cattle Society spring show and sale of bulls and heifers. Trade was buoyant from start to finish, as nine out of the 11 bulls in the yard averaged 4,060gns (€4,938), with an even greater demand for heifers, as all three in attendance sold to an average of 4,725gns (€5,747).

Ranfurly

Selling for the joint highest price of 5,000gns (€6,082) was the reserve male champion, Ranfurly Rebel R14 24 ET, brought out by well-known Tyrone breeders, Johnny and David Hazelton. Sired by the 16,000gns Ranfurly Limelight L1120, he comes from the herds prolific Weikel cow family, backed up by two of the breeds greats in Raceview King and Hillcrest Champion. Purchasing this stylish September 2024-born bull was Richard Mullan.

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Pointfarms Sonic 25 retailed at 4,400gns (€5,352) for Antrim breeder, Matthew Cunning. A son of Hiltonstown Pirate 23 and Pointfarms Petra, this young January 2025 born bull boasted a self-replacing index of +104 and a terminal index value of +92. Snapping up this red rosette winner was Charles Watt.

Matching the sale leader at 5,000gns was the reserve female champion, Drumagarner Ruth, exhibited by the McCloskey’s from Co Derry. Born in June 2024, this Curaheen Dickens daughter goes back to Curaheen Wakeman and Hillcrest Champion on her mothers side. Adding her to his pedigree fold was Donal McMullan, who also acquired the female champion, Rehall Sunflower, at 4,700gns (€5,717). Just over 12-months-old, this Curaheen Gunshot P sired heifer was bred and exhibited by Keith Stubbs from Co Fermanagh.