Dairy trade strengthens in light of heifer shortages

Dairy cow and heifer prices are continuing to soar across the UK as the impact of a shortage of heifers and increasing milk prices continues to influence buyers’ confidence around sale ring.

A top price of 2000gns was recorded at the dispersal sale of a noted Shropshire dairy herd last Friday.

The sale of the Haughtonhome herd of Holstein cattle at Haughton Farm, near Shrewsbury met with a strong trade despite the introduction of Bluetongue disease restriction zones 48 hours earlier.

Meanwhile, a good crowd of mainly local buyers were in attendance at Beeston Castle Auction last Monday for the dispersal of the Wigland herd of pedigree Holsteins on behalf of Mark and Anne Bowden, Malpas who have decided to cease milk production.

Top price was 1780gns for a fresh second calver sired by Roylane Jordan; Wigland Jordan Rita (GP82-2yr) had given 9190 kg as a heifer and sold giving nearly 40 kg daily to P Roberts of Llanerchymedd, Anglesey.

For more sale reports and other show and sales news see our Taking Stock blog