Bleadneyssell well
Bleadneyssell well
AN April-calved heifer by Boulet Charles topped the bidding at 1200gns when Somerset dairy farmer Clifford Norris dispersed his Bleadney herd of Holstein Friesians.
Despite competition from several other sales on the same day – plus the popular pre-Christmas race meeting at nearby Wincanton – buyers turned out in large numbers to Evercreech, Shepton Mallet.
The top-priced heifer, Bleadney Chancery 9th GP84, was bought by the Sercombe family for their herd in Wilts.
Mr and Mrs Norris have been tenants of the 243ha (600-acre) Orchard Farm for 36 years and last year won second prize (Somerset) in Milk Marques competition for the best presented farm.
The familys reputation for high standards of stockmanship and farm management contributed to the strong support from local farmers. Other bids included 860gns for an August calved heifer by Nordkap.
AVERAGES 32 cows in-milk £588, six cows in-calf £458, three calved heifers £728, two served heifers £351 and 14 empty and yearling heifers £242. (Greenslade Taylor Hunt.) *