Trade holds up for milking heifers

Entries were slightly down on last month at Wright Manley’s mid-month dairy sale at Beeston Castle but trade held up well with a freshly calved heifer topping the day at £1100.

Seeking fresh milk to meet spring grass, buyers from East Anglia and Northern Ireland made the journey to Cheshire for the 110 milking cattle and 30 youngstock.

And it was a calved heifer from regular consignor Alan Outram of Bury, Lancs, that drew the top call. By Duncan Progress, she stays in the north west with buyer R Smalley of Chorley, Lancs.

Mr Outram’s reputation stood him in good stead with the Beeston ringside which paid between £1000 and £1040 for seven freshly calved heifers.

The cow entry saw a good second calver from Chester farmers G P Willis & Sons sell at £1060.

By Deslacs Milkstar, she had been calved a fortnight and was giving 34kg on the day.

Buyer was Peter Rutter of Nantwich, Cheshire.

One of the day’s highlights was an impressive consignment of yearling heifers from JPM Holsteins of Oswestry.

Most were by Fustead Emory Blitz and Roylane Jordan and averaged close to £600.

The two dearest were by Blitz and realised £720 and £700 apiece.

Both went to Clayden Holsteins at Crewe.

Averages: 101 cows and heifers £778, and 30 yearlings £538. (Wright Manley)