Demand at dairy dispersal sees prices top 2600gns

A packed out crowd for the Bollthwaite pedigree Holstein dairy dispersal at Craven Laithe on behalf of the Bolland Brothers saw prices top at 2600gns for the 111 cattle on offer. 

Placing the highest bid for Bollthwaite Cousteau Miss America ET PI EX-91, milking in her 4^th lactation and due again in September was Colin Middleton, Mittonvale herd, Blackburn, who went on to purchase six other breeding cows in the first 20 lots.

Next in the money at 2400gns was a member of the Louise family, Bollthwaite Iron Louise, a fresh calved heifer who headed home with Messrs I R and D E Wellock, Skipton. The next bid was back to Mr Middleton who paid 2200gns for another member of the Louise family Bollthwaite Mtoto Louise 9 PI EX-92. She was sold giving 35kg in her 6 lactation and due in September to Shottle. Louise is one of two Excellent sisters out of the Canadian import Jolene Raider Louise EX-91.

There were eight sound fresh heifers at the end of the milking herd which averaged more than £2000. These included Bollthwaite Maestro Nettle GP-84 at 2150gns, one of five milking heifers purchased by Messrs A Sowray and Son, Harrogate.

Served heifers also sold well, with bids up to 2100gns for a Lindio daughter of an EX-93 Honeybee to P J Bolland (Dykelands). Maiden heifers peaked at 1320gns for a Rampage Red daughter from the Ricki family. Heifer calves at foot were a flying trade, averaging out at £766 with two making more than 1000gns.

Some 51 buyers were recorded for just 111 cattle, with many local farmers keen to support the well regarded family. The decision to quit milk production was brought upon the family by NVZ regulations forcing the instalment of an expensive slurry storage system, which would be utterly unviable with a milk price of around 20ppl and a small herd of 50 cows.

Averages 50 cows and calved heifers £1778; 19 served heifers £1488; 23 maiden heifers £875; 1 bull £1260; total average £1490 (AUCTIONEERS : NORTON  and BROOKSBANK) .