Orchard and Barrina dairy herd dispersal tops 2,300gns

Marking the end of 67 years of dairy farming for Phillip and Barry Green, the dispersal of the family’s Orchard and Barrina herds saw a top price of 2,300gns achieved.

And despite the current trading conditions and the crisis facing the dairy industry, the herd of 66 cows averaged £1,730.

Attracting national interest at Sedgemoor Auction Centre, the top call of 2,300gns was achieved for maiden heifer Barrina Fever Arlene – the buyer was fellow South West breeder David Norman for his Ciderhouse herd.

Thereafter 2,100gns was achived twice – first for a a VG85-2 classified cow Orchard Linda 32nd, by Outside and secondly for a GP84 classified cow Orchard Charity 9th by Baxter.

A total of 11 calved heifers sold to an average of £2,004 and topped at 2,050gns for the June calved Orchard Samantha 13th by ‘Sir Vanetas Vince and out of two generations of EX dams.

In-calf heifers sold to 1,920gns for Foxhole Miami Pamela from the Crichel Pamela’s and due in September.

Their last lot of the day, the 11 month old Orchard Blackbird 33rd by Crackholm Fever sold for 1,600gns and travels to Sussex.  While month old heifer calves by Allen of the Belle dam sold to 920gns.

The day brought to an end 67 years of dairy farming for the family and was a very difficult decision but one that was well rewarded with the following excellent averages:

 Averages:   66 Cows & Heifers (inc ‘A’ lots)  £1,730.00

    11 Calved Heifers            £2,004.00

    18 Incalf/Served Heifers   £1,623.00

    12 Bulling Heifers            £1,186.50

    7 Yearling Heifers            £1,266.00

    16 Heifer Calves                 £557.00