Prices peaked at 4500gns at the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s February show and sale, hosted by Dungannon Farmers’ Mart, where 78% of the bulls forward found new homes and 14 bulls averaged £3045.

Topping trade was the pre-sale champion, Dartrey Viscount Cid, from Hylda Mills and Brian Johnston from Scarva. This 23-month-old entry is by the herd’s former stock bull Prospect Lord Jake M412, and out of the Logie Lustre F473 daughter, Dartrey Very Cool N112 – the reserve champion at Ulster last year and one of 27 breeding females in the herd. Producing a first championship for the Dartrey herd, having stood reserve at Castlewellan, last year, Viscount Sid sold to John Henderson, who was buying on behalf of Larry Mathers from Bready, Strabane.

Next best at 3800gns was the reserve champion Kiltariff Lord Tadhg, consigned by Kenneth Bready, and son Steven, from Rathfriland. Born in July 2017, he is by Weeton Black Jack P419, out of Kiltariff Lady Tamara P713 and sold to Stephen Rea from Downpatrick.

Just behind on 3700gns was the third placed Old Glenort Black Bigben from James Porter of Gillhall Estate, Lurgan. This June 2017 entry is by Cardona Fergus N892, and out of the Moss Mr Eshton D409 daughter, Old Glenort Black Bianca L236. Buyers were dairy herd owners Robert and David Laird from Strabane.