Holmedale dispersal sees 28 2,000gns calls

A very successful sale of David and Dee Holmes’ 240-head Holstein herd hit a top call of 3,600gns and saw over 11% of the herd make 2,000gns or more.

A ringside of more than 50 buyers from across Britain and Yorkshire headed to Chapel Hill Farm at Castley, near Otley on 4 September.

Auctioneer Tom Brooksbank noted the impact recent rains had on buyer sentiment, suggesting that a milk price rise could see another lift in trade.

The day’s average was £1,498, with cows and calved heifers levelling at over £1,700.

Topping the trade at 3,600gns was Holmedale Shadow Jade VG87, knocking down to WJ and MD Oldfield.

See also: Drought driving more dairy dispersal sales

She was giving 45kg and was one of the Holmes’ favourites and a B-Cres Shadow daughter, who himself is by the famous Braedale Goldwyn.

Next at 2,500gns was Abbeyhouse Kiss Me Stan VG, going home with the Coates family, Shipley, Yorkshire. She is out of an EX92 daughter of Kings Ransom M Duce.

Then came an Atwood family member at 2,450gns, which knocked down to Messrs R Naylor and Sons who took home a dozen top quality cows for their Windsover herd near Ilkley.

Northern buyers present

Major buyers were Grosvenor farms, Cheshire, taking 40; Kevin Lupton, Preston, who secured 18; and Brian Harrison, Cumbria, who bought 11.

Four then made 2,400gns, with the Butterfields of Ingleview taking home Holmedale Stanleycup Sonny (EX90) and Stanleycup Jade 2.

Also at this money was Holmedale Kiss Stan Jade, heading home with DC Hall, Airebank, and Holmedale Ladd P Fern Red (VG85), going home with the Coates family, Bailmoor.

Averages: 128 cows and heifers, £1,766.87; 17 served heifers, £1508.91; 52 recently served and maiden heifers, £842.62; 1 stock bull £1,050. (Norton & Brooksbank)