TRONG demand for the best Beef Shorthorns from Tom Staunton’s Caramba and Rowanberry herds from Galway, Eire – sold via the online sales platform www.pedigreesalesonluine.co.uk – saw tens of thousands log on to view the first lots as bidding came to a close.
Leading the sales tally at €5200 was the red and white maiden heifer, Caramba Katrina K171, purchased by Graham Hunt, Carlshead, Sicklinghall, Yorkshire. This January 2016-born daughter of Carrarock Chalkie is expected to hit the summer show circuit.
Chasing her at €5000 was Caramba Rothes Kissable, a yearling daughter of Chalkie out of the successful brood cow Uppermill Rothes Molly 2. A full sister to the award winning Caramba Hottie, she was snapped up by Scottish breeder, Cathryn Williamson for her herd based at Alvie Estate, Kincraig, Inverness-shire. 
There was also brisk bidding for the selection of young bulls on offer which peaked at €4300 for Caramba Keystone. 
The pedigree behind this January 2016-born entry made interesting reading with his sire being the Canadian HC Free Spirit 6Y, blended with the best Irish genetics including Highfield Improver and Deerpark. He also sold across the Irish sea when purchased by Megan Towers for the Greenley herd, Northants.
The sale featured some of the first progeny by Rowanberry Finest to be sold at public auction. These were topped at €3100 when Patrick Brady, Cavan, bought a new female line for his Grousehall herd. Rowanberry Kathryn is out of a daughter of Crusader of Skaillhouse.
Stephen Millar, Co Fermanagh, paid €3000 for Rowanberry Jewel, a daughter of Glenisla Expolorer, with the dam tracing back to Blelack Minstral.