Godney Holstein dispersal to 1180gns

Somerset dairy farmers Mr and Mrs Tom Horsington dispersed their long established Godney Holstein herd to a top of 1180gns last week.

Older cows on offer ranged from eight to 11 lactations.

But bidding remained firm, with many pre-1996 cows finding buyers.

Auctioneer Sally Mitchell said:

“This was a herd run on a moorland farm and it was their hardiness and proven longevity that was a big attraction to buyers.”

The herd, established in 1937 on Lavenham and Terling bloodlines, attracted nationwide attention for its “wearability” and is among the country’s top herds for cows successfully calving at over 10 years old.

Based at Westonzoyland, the herd’s top price lot was Godney Motorch 48th, a July 2005-bred cow by Lavenham Manfred and due any day to Lavenham Understudy. Buyer was S Vaughan of Hereford.

The freshly calved heifer Godney Nancy 7th is a daughter of Godney Prince Albert, which also realised 1100gns.

Prince Albert is by Paradise Cleitus Mathie. Nancy 7th also went to Mr Vaughan, who matched the bid for a freshly calved heifer by Cedarwal Revenge a son of Regancrest Elton Durham.

In-calf heifers peaked at 1050gns when Godney Modot 184th sold to a Wiltshire buyer acting for a client.

She is by the A Quietcove Fidelity son Godney Clovelly.

Averages: 126 milkers £702,20 calved heifers £1033 and eight in-calf heifers £888.

(Greenslade Taylor Hunt)