Buyers pay for quality at Balcurvie dairy sale

The Balcurvie herd owned by Gavin Struthers, Bankhead Farm Fife was dispersed at Borderway, Carlisle on Wednesday last week. Animals were sold to twelve counties across the UK with twenty seven animals selling to or above £2000.

The Balcurvie herd has a rich history going back a number of generations. The cows were simply outstanding, according to auctioneer Glyn Lucas who commented:. “This is one of the most genuine herds we have marketed in some time they were a pleasure to sell and a real credit to the Struthers family who have developed such a fine herd”

All of the buyers were especially impressed with the quality of the udders on offer. Two animals sold to a joint top price of 2,750gns and both excelled in the mammary department. First to sell for this price was a daughter of Hornland Jayz, a young heifer in mid lactation due again at the end of the year to Alta Delwyn. She was purchased by W R Stewart of Willoxton Farm, Ayrshire. Also selling for 2,750gns was a fresh heifer sired by Alta Onside with a close to perfect udder she now joins the herd of N & S Sanderson of Burtholme Farm, Brampton, Cumbria.

Next to impress was another daughter of Hornland Jayz from the Hink family. She had recently calved and sold for 2,650gns. Selling for 2,500gns was a fresh second calve cow sired by Armstead from the Dorine family originally from the Howcommon herd. Also selling for 2,500gns was a daughter of Alta Onside from the Rachel family one of the most constant breeding lines in the herd. All three of these exceptional young animals were purchased by N & S Sanderson of Burtholme Farm, Brampton, Cumbria.

The Miresdale herd from Northallerton had played an important part in the Balcurvie herds’ advancement and it was an animal with Miresdale breeding that sold to the next top price of 2,500gns. She was sired by a Shottle son and now joins the herd of J & J Barr Farm LTD, Easter Bucklyvie, Fife.