Record average prices achieved for commercial dairy herd at Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Auction Centre manager Jonny Dymond believes a record average price for the dispersal of a UK commercial herd of dairy cows was established on Tuesday, January 28.
Halls auctioneers arranged the sale of the commercial autumn calving Holstein herd on behalf of Guto and Ellie Lewis from Frankton Hall, Lower Frankton, near Oswestry in just 12 days. A total of 101 in-milk cows sold to an average of £2,523.55, while heifers averaged £2,554.
The impeccably managed herd of 158 cattle was producing impressive yields of just under 10,000 kilos of milk at 4.79% butterfat and 3.54% protein. All but four of the cattle and one in-calf heifer had calved since last August.
“This was a short notice sale, held 12 days after the first discussions, for many reasons, the main one being that the herd was on top form,” said Mr Dymond. “Either fresh or served, they were yielding 36.5kg a day. They looked great in the photos and the herd did them all justice!
“A total of 44 successful buyers travelled from across England and Wales to fuel what I believe is a record average for a commercial herd of dairy cows anywhere the UK.”
Fifty-five cattle sold from £2,500 to £3,000, 29 from £3,000 to £3,500 and only 25 for £2,000 or less. Top price was £3,500 for a second calved cow that calved on December 4.
This was closed followed by a brace at £3,450, one an impressive fifth lactation cow and the other a fine third calved Applejax daughter. August calvers sold to £3,350 and a fourth lactation, October calved cow sold for £3,250.
The older cows in the herd, from fifth to seventh lactation, sold with ease from £2,200 to £2,600.
Two-year-old heifers, just like the cows, flew from the start. An August calved heifer, which was PD positive, sold for the top money £3,400 for a Denovo Sizzler daughter. A December calved heifer by ABS Eldridge achieved £3,250 and an in-calf heifer made £2,100.
“A special mention must be made for the two Jerseys in the sale, offspring of a wedding gift and property of Guto and Ellie’s children, Medi and Alffi. Medi’s second calved August cow sold for £1,750 while Alffi’s September calved heifer made £1,980.
“It was a day that will go down in history,” added Mr Dymond. “Huge thanks to all the buyers and staff, but mostly for Guto and Ellie for trusting Halls with this most special sale.”
