Top call of 2,550gns at Border and Lakeland dairy sale

Prices peaked at 2,550gns at the April Border and Lakeland Holstein Club show and sale at Borderway Mart last week (15 April).

Auctioneers said quality was up on the month and there was an upbeat feel to the trade with warmer weather and springtime just around the corner.

Topping trade twice was a heifer from Alan Cannon’s Espland herd. Espland Stanleycup Angela sired by Stanleycup, sold to Mr Wilson, Kilmarknock, giving 40kgs.

Making 2,250gns was the overall champion Bowberhill Shottle Gina, consigned by WM Hutchinson and Son, Kirby Stephen.  She is bred from their top Gina family and sired by Shottle. Buyer was Buckabank Farm.

Two lots made 2,100gns. First of these was the Reserve Champion Errolston E Brax Duchess Ricki consigned by the Davidson family from Errolston Farm, Gretna.  She is sired by Regancrest S Braxton and sold for 2,100gns to J and J Barr, Fife.

Second at this money was Wormanby Fever Twain, sired by Fever. She was the pick of A Waddle and Son, Dewshill Farm.

The day also included the Spring Red & White sale.  Topping the trade in this section was a very milky heifer consigned by the Davidsons from Halmyre Farm, Castle Douglas. Halmyre Urr Ladybird   is sired by Journeyman and sold for 1,950gns to CD and CA Sommerville, Braehill Farm, Dumfries, giving 33kgs.

The Spring Jersey sale had a small offering and topped at 1,250gns for Hillside Riley Kew consigned by Jamie Wood.  This super uddered heifer was an easy champion on the day and headed home with JR Heuchan and Son, Castle Douglas.

Averages: Five Holstein cows, £1,475; 57 Holstein heifers, £1,701; eight Ayrshire heifers, £1,507; four Jersey heifers, £858; 10 Jersey bulling heifers, £536; one Jersey calf, £788.