Stoneledale dairy herd dispersal tops at 2500gns

The dispersal of the entire milking portion of the Stoneledale Herd of pedigree Holsteins on behalf of Geoff and Billy Todhunter, Little Bampton Cumbria attracted a good crowd of buyers at Beeston Castle Auction.

Nearly all top priced animals were purchased by Cumbrian milk producers, with the highest priced cow, Stoneledale Westminster Grey, who was giving 41kg heading home with Messrs Awde, Melmerby, Penrith for 2500gns.

Messrs Awdes also purchased the young dry cow Stoneledale Jordan Unique at 2300gns and the fresh heifer Stoneledale Jordan Fay at 2050gns.

Heading home with Messrs W E Callion and Son, Great Clifton, Workington for 2100gns was the fresh heifer Stoneledale Stormatic Katrina. Another fresh heifer this time by Jordan was snapped up by Messrs Shaw, Rockcliffe, Carlisle for 2080gns.

A Sinatra daughter due with her second calf in February was purchased by Messrs F and F, Sandbach, Cheshire for 2080gns.

Seymour Farms of Leegate, Wigton purchased several better animals and paid up to 2050gns for a fresh second calver giving 42kg.

Averages: 167 cows and milking heifers £1225.86; 6 in-calf heifers £1457.75; 173 head £1233.90