Holstein calf irresistible

AN EIGHT-MONTH-old Holstein calf at 10,500gns and some of the world”s most fashionable Jersey genetics at 5000gns were the two most talked-about deals at last week”s Borderway Black and White sale at Carlisle.

This was the first time in the event”s 18-year history that Jersey entries had been invited – and it proved a real winner. But the day”s most serious spending was reserved for Warks breeder Nigel Hollick”s irresistible Holstein heifer calf Honesberie Talent Lustre 3rd.

By Ladino Park Talent, she represented the first chance for European breeders to get their hands on genetics from the remarkable $175,000 Idee Lustre – grand champion at the Royal Winter Fair 2002. Out of Wedgwood Lena Gibson, Talent Lustre 3rd is Idee Lustre”s granddaughter and was bought by Yasmine Bradbury and Bill Nadin and Co.

Leading Canadian auctioneer John Copithorne had flown over from Calgary, Alberta, to act as pedigree reader and kept the proceedings on the boil as auctioneers Edward Brown and Glyn Lucas pulled in the bids from a capacity crowd.

And there were more new Holstein genetics on offer from Belgian vendor Eddie Pussemier. The Comestar Stormatic-served heifer Deesse De Bois Seigneur had already taken a major junior grand champion title in Belgium and was offered in-calf to Oseeana Astronomical. She made 5700gns to an undisclosed bidder.

Heading the Jerseys at 5000gns was David Gray and Andy Cope”s six-month-old heifer calf Gray-Ridge G C Elegance – maternal sister to Just-A Few Rennaissance Elisa, one of the world”s most famous Jersey cows.

Elegance, by Glenholme Councillor, gave UK Jersey breeders the first opportunity to secure his breeding. She was bought by Essex-based Designer Jerseys, who also paid 3500gns for full sister Gray-Ridge G C Eclipse.

Lancs breeders David and Sheila Tomlinson had a great day with two successful deals. Bilsrow Gibson Shower, a 14-month old heifer out of the 12,355kg Bilsrow SR Shower, made 4600gns to Welsh breeders I and B James for their Dewi herd. The second sale saw Bilsrow Champion Roxy achieve 4100gns to WA Hall Herds of Bucks.

Averages: Holsteins – nine cows and heifers 2566, three served heifers 1995 and 54 maiden heifers 2796. Jersey – two cows and heifers 2625, four served heifers 1286 and seven maiden heifers 2565 (Harrison & Hetherington).