Dyrhampark is dispersed

12 April 2002




Dyrhampark is dispersed

THE hammer fell for the first time in nearly a year and a half at Norton & Brooksbanks Sale Centre, Kirkby Thore, Penrith, last week.

Opening the pedigree sale specialists account was the entire milking portion and maiden heifer crop of the Herts-based Dyrhampark Holstein herd. The sale resulted in a creditable average of £905 for 168 cows and calved heifers, and £372 for 20 maiden heifers.

Half the cattle on offer were in their first or second lactation with a further 25% milking in their third. This youthful emphasis drew a large crowd, which produced two-tiers of bidding.

"It was interesting to note that bidding showed two distinct levels. The quality younger animals met a fast and furious demand but older sorts attracted less interest. Milk producers are still prepared to pay a healthy premium to acquire quality cattle," said auctioneer Tom Brooksbank.

Vendor Andrew Gray, whose herd has an average yield of 8100kg and is in the UKs top 5% on genetic merit, saw prices reach 2020gns for the much admired young cow Dyrhampark Lily Praline, classified VG87. This second calf daughter of Etazon Lord Lily was giving over 40kg a day. She is out of a Russelldale Promise dam and was sold in-calf to Cogent Lucky.

The buyer was David Gravestone, who is restocking his farm at Clitheroe, Lancs, and who secured 10 of the best lots on offer.

Joining his wagon load was Dyrhampark Leadership Lucrative, one of many impressive daughters of Haldrey Leadership. This January-calved heifer is out of a Startmore Rudolph dam and comes from a good family at Hayleys. She realised 1400gns.

The days second highest price was 1700gns given for Dyrhampark Celsius Margret. This young dry cow is from the famous Mistys Mariette family and had been running with the Out-Jock Choice Amel son Hayleys Emrys. Buyer was A Halgate, Settle, North Yorks, who bought 20 calves at foot including the top priced heifer calf by Cogent Lucky at 1000gns.

Most of the youngstock (all under 13 months) were by Cogent Lucky. The highest bid came from M Ridsdale, Calthwaite, Cumbria, who is restocking and paid 1000gns for a heifer from the famous Gloriette family.

The sale produced 23 four-figure prices with calves at foot selling well to average £420 (Norton & Brooksbank). &#42

Jane Hawkins milks the top priced cow Lily Praline at the Dyrhampark herd dispersal.She made 2050gns (more pictures opposite).


See more