Jersey traits make sense
Jersey traits make sense
in hard times
Head
By Tim Relf
NOW could be the best time in years to buy Jersey cows.
So say breed enthusiasts, speaking after last weeks Dairy Discovery Sale at Lichfield where 90 animals from top herds were up for grabs.
Jerseys make sense, says Beds farmer Andrew Timbury. The milk is high-quality, fertility is good and management needs are low.
"Jerseys are probably the most efficient dairy cow in the world – and now times are hard, people are looking for efficient cows," says Mr Timbury, who keeps 120 at Grove Farm, Ampthill.
Decent heifers are available for £300-£400 – about the half the price of a black-and-whites. "A good investment," he dubs it.
With the over-thirty-month scheme in place, the culls are worth as much as other breeds and, until the end of next month, male animals make the same money under the calf slaughter scheme.
Breed Society secretary Chris Barnes says interest has risen, with North American genetics having boosted production. "Our sale of registration cards is at a 10-year peak," says Mr Barnes. Membership grew more than 5% last year, with latest research showing there to be more than 400 herds countrywide.
Among the new homes to which stock from the Discovery sale headed was the Ledbury-based Elton herd, set up just a year ago. Another was the Notts-based Osberton herd, the countrys oldest, established more than 100 years ago.
Prices rose to 1900gns for the yearling heifer Bluegrass Imperials Scorpion from Barry Daw, Cheshunt, Herts. This daughter of Meadolawn J Imperial – snapped up by Designer Jerseys, Essex – is out of a dam with two yields over 6300kg.
Average values were £912 for cows, £610 for heifers, £491 for in-calf heifers and £552 for youngstock, report auctioneers Bagshaws. *