Sale Report for Richard Beatties Farm, Gortin on August 22, 2020
Flying trade at Northern Irelands Annual Zwartbles Sale
Our annual sale took place on Saturday 22nd August at Richard Beatties Farm, Gortin.
In light of current circumstances, the sale attracted a smaller entry of pedigree sheep, however, the quality was reflected by an excellent trade with a clearance rate of 100%, driven by strong demand both from the ringside and online.
Top price of the day was achieved by Ian Donald with Donbraid Hannah, the stylish ewe lamb fetching 660gns and is now making the journey to Messrs Brandi of the Lassodie Mill flock, Scotland. This was closely followed by lots 29 and 30 from the Watsons Beechbrook flock, Ballymena. The ewe lambs sired by Hayberries Guantanamo achieved 620gns and 600gns respectively and sold to J. Powell, Ballygar. Overall, the average price of ewe lambs was 327gns, which surpassed previous years by over 100gns.
Other leading prices in the female section were as follows: A&R Megarrell 520gns to P&E Anderson, Portstewart, I Donald 500gns to K Hopkins, England and CEJ&S Watson 380gns to C Wilson, Moneymore.
Again, in the ram section, top price of the day went to I Donald, with lot 11 Donbraid Hugo achieving 540gns. The hammer fell to C Patton of the Ashleigh flock, Ballymoney for this sought-after ram lamb.
Other leading prices in the ram section were as follows: I Donald 270gns to C Wilson, Moneymore and F McCall 240gns to W Orr.
Overall, the sale was a resounding success, with sale averages easily outstripping previous years for both pedigree and commercial stock with 100% clearance rates across the board.
Many thanks goes to Liam Campbell for the pre sale inspection, and to those who kindly offered up a number prizes for the young handlers online competition and also the top priced pedigree sheep, namely HandyHaylage, Coleraine; C. Richmond Store, Coleraine; Fane Valley, Ballymena; Tannahill Livestock Care, Coleraine and Drain Zwartbles.
The ZSA NI Branch would also like to express our thanks to Richard Beattie and his team for the warm welcome and their professional service. In particular, the availability of live streaming and online bidding which made it possible for local bidders and those from across the British Isles to do business from the comfort of their own homes.
Donbraid Hannah heading to Scotland and tops the annual NI Zwartbles Sales at 660gns
Watson’s Beechbrook Hedwig makes 620gns at the annual NI Zwartbles Sale
Report submitted by Elaine Anderson