In a remarkable showcasing of agricultural excellence, the British Simmental Cattle Society at Dungannon Farmers Mart witnessed a historic sale on March 25, 2025, when Corrick Presley, a striking Simmental bull, was sold for a record-breaking 7,200gns. This bull, born in September 2023, was hailed as a supreme champion just moments before the auction.
This impressive sale was organized by Cecil and Scott McIlwaine, the proud breeders from Corrick, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone. Martin Cunningham, the pre-sale show judge, described Corrick Presley as "a fantastic modern Simmental bull" that boasts a combination of length, width, and power, which makes him an exceptional candidate for breeding.
Corrick Presley is the offspring of the well-regarded sire Seafort Gill and the Team Celtic daughter, Corrick Matilda. The sale proved successful overall, with a clearance rate of 75% achieved across the lots. Notably, the overall average for the bulls presented was £5,477.50—an increase of £1,897 from the previous year.
Local breeder William Ferguson of Stewartstown, Dungannon, purchased Corrick Presley, expressing his enthusiasm for the animal. Ferguson noted that he had been impressed by Corrick Presley’s performance figures ahead of the sale and remarked, "He was a bull with real length to him, full of character and style." His intention is to use this exceptional bull for breeding replacements in his herd of Simmental cross Limousin cows.
Ferguson also shared his past success with another of McIlwaine’s bulls, stating, "Back in 2019, we purchased Corrick Justice, who had worked really well for us." This confidence led him to invest heavily in Corrick Presley, recognizing the bull's ability to fulfill his breeding needs effectively.
Following the sale of Corrick Presley, the auction saw notable performances from other bulls, including the second-place Knockreagh Popstar from Val and Conrad Fagan of Newry, County Down, which sold for 6,000gns. This November 2023-born bull is a progeny of Saltire Impressive 17 and out of the top-quality Knockreagh Kitty, a Dermotstown Delboy daughter.
Another bull, Drumacritten Robbie 24 from WE and GE Nelson, sold for the same amount. This bull, which was also highly regarded, is by Dermotstown Delboy and has promising potential as evidenced by his top weight figures. These sales reflect the rising standards and demand for Simmental genetics within the region.
The females at the Dungannon auction also drew attention, with two heifers sold for 3,500gns each: Veaghmore Pebble and Veaghmore Paris from D.G. Rooney, both hailing from Newry, County Down. They were purchased by James Porter of Dromore, County Down.
In terms of dairy sales, the March Border and Lakeland Holstein Club show at Carlisle was another highlight of the day. Here, a heifer named Berryholme Cascade Erle topped the sale at an impressive 4,800gns. Selling for this amount, she was bred by the Wright family from Kendal and was unshown before the sale.
Other notable transactions in Carlisle included cows that also achieved high prices, such as Blythbridge Austin Ambrosia selling for 3,300gns. Along with this, the sale showcased the high demand for dairy cattle, seen with a significant average for 10 cows in-milk being £3,060.82.
Meanwhile, in Worcestershire, the Dorset Emeralds show saw Ballymaconnelly Hulk H475 lead the trade, realizing a top price of 2,800gns. This Poll Dorset ram lamb, consigned by Samuel and Elaine Caldwell from Ballymena, was born in September 2023 and sold to judge James Royan, displaying the vibrant agriculture sector of the area.
Ballymaconnelly Haribo H488 also attracted considerable attention, fetching 2,600gns from Tim Pratt of Woodbridge. The quality of the livestock demonstrated at these auctions emphasizes the continuous improvement and dedication of local breeders.
In Gisburn, the Young Handlers overwintering competition attracted significant participation, showcasing the talents of young farmers. A Limousin cross British Blue heifer owned by Rebecca Mountain won the championship, selling for £3,400, alongside several other impressive entries that achieved competitive sales.
At the same event, Emily Critchley achieved commendable results with her heifer that sold for £2,750, and Freddie Standring topped the daily gain metrics with a remarkable performance from his steer, demonstrating the potential future of the livestock industry.
A notable record was achieved at Skipton, where a British Blue bull crossed the sales floor for £860, setting a new record for rearing calves. Rob and Sarah Marshall, the owners, highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards and genetic quality in breeding programs.
In summary, these robust auction events marked a historic day for local breeders, setting new records and showcasing the exceptional quality present in the agricultural sector. Not only were records broken, but the success of these sales reflects ongoing investment in quality breeding stock, supported by a strong commitment to the further development of livestock genetics. The future looks promising for local agriculture as they continue to strive for excellence in production and sales across the board.
