Despite there being so much uncertainty in the beef sector, the Simmental premier sale in Roscommon on Saturday turned out better than expected. The sale was the first of the main beef breed societies' premiers and saw two-thirds of the bulls present find new homes.

A total of 30 Simmental bulls were sold on the day, up from 18 at last year’s sale. While average prices were back to settle at just shy of €2,800, it was clear from the outset that buyers came with a clear price bracket in mind. Bulls ranged from €2,000 up to €4,500, with no real high flyers witnessed.

Leading the way in the male section was Clonagh Kango from Garreth Behan, Ballyfin, Co Laois. This five-star son of Kilbride Farm Dragoon goes back on the homebred cow Cloneygowan Tia Edel.

Fearna Jackpot ET was knocked down by auctioneer Denis Barrett at €4,300. This son of Dermotstown Delboy is out of the prolific cow Fearna Regal and was brought out by Gerard Neenan, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. With five stars on the terminal index, he was secured by Innes Farms.

Securing a price tag of €4,100 was the third lot into the ring KilKitt Jager Bomb. Bred and exhibited by Sean Brady, this September-born bull was also a son of Dermotstown Delboy, with Clonguish Chuck also in the back breeding.

The €4,000 mark was hit twice. First at the money was the reserve senior champion, Clonagh Jims Jameson, from the aforementioned Garreth Behan. Sired by last year’s national male champion Bruchag Glenfiddich, he goes back on a Dovefields Gallant-bred dam. Matching him at the money was the presale show's junior champion Lissadell King VIP from Kieran and Paul Mullarkey. This young bull is sired by Kilbride Farm Delboy and was awarded a national championship at last year’s Strokestown show.

Full report in next week's Irish Farmers Journal.