Archive Article: 1997/04/11
One of the first big dairy dispersals of the new milk year took place in Cornwall last week, when nearly 300 cattle were on offer…
The sale was for Peter and Rachel Chapman who, with their two children, are moving from Hendra Farm, Looe, to an arable and sheep unit near Bude. "With Peter approaching 40, we felt that now was the time to make the move if we were going to," said Rachel.
Yes, dont worry, you are in the catalogue… auctioneer Barry Colton of Kittows has a last walk round the cattle before the auction kicks off. The herd average was 7116kg at 3.56% butterfat and 3.33% protein. That left a margin over concentrates of £1702.
No, its not the black-and-white minstrels… its some of the Cardwen and Hendrahill herds which made up this offering. Some of the stock found new homes in Somerset and Devon – but the bulk stayed in Cornwall. Thoughts of the selective cull have focused farmers minds on the need to find replacements, say the auctioneers.
A Springer – without the spring. With its broken leg, it was grateful for the lift!
Peter Littlejohn in a tight squeeze.
Eating on the hoof… Herbert Laity finds a minute for a cup of tea and a bacon butty.
A good crowd and a good atmosphere…. There was a buzz ringside, too, with a bulling heifer making £1050 and a third calver at just under the £1000-mark. Which left the Chapmans – busy filling the removal van – very pleased.
Hendra Farm dispersal:
Averages£/head
Cows (157)757
Young stock (88)480
Yearlings212