Dairy trade strong despite bluetongue restrictions

Trade was remarkably good this week at the Western Holstein Club sale despite the split of Beeston Castle Auction for the sale of animals in the clean zone and Chelford Market, for animals in the surveillance zone.

Beeston saw 12 cows and 17 heifers on sale, all selling, with seven breaking the 2000gns barrier. Top price on the day was 2450gns for Milwr Igniter S Julie, a fresh heifer consigned by Graham Pierce, Chester, to C E Walley, Chester. Only two out of six bulls sold for a top of 780gns.

Champion was Danevalley Roy Posh 4 a second calved cow by Roylane Jordan, selling for 2400gns. Consigned by A L Moore and Partners of Byley she sold to Aubrey Greenhalgh, Preston on behalf of a client.

Chelford saw a similar number of animals on offer. Champion was two year old Styche Rubens Laura Red, selling for 2300gns to Rob Bell, Knutsford by Seaton Farms of Audlem.

Reserve champion Bidlea Albertson Lively, from Ray Brown and Partners, Holmes Chapel, was also purchased by Rob Bell for 1900gns.

Phil Wynn of Ashacres Holsteins, Whitchurch, purchased two tops priced heifers. Sterndale Jordan Barb from WJ Nadin and Co, Buxton made 2100gns and Saxelby September Marie sold for 1900gns.