Surprise sale of top Holstein herd

By Farmer Weekly staff

THE world of Holstein breeding has been surprised to learn of the sale of what is considered of the UKs top herds ahead of its scheduled dispersal in May.

The Olympian herd belonging to Messrs Spiby, Chichester, West Sussex, was set up in the 1980s from embryos imported from the USA.

It was to be dispersed to allow the family to concentrate on its commercial dairying interests.

Farmers Weekly has been told the whole herd has been bought in a private deal by an Oxfordshire-based buyer with Holstein interests in the USA.

The new owner is Diane Fisher-Bell – a former investigative journalist – known for her interest in the Fisher-Meadows Holsteins (USA).

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes the right to retain the herds well-known Olympian prefix.

A new home is being sought for the herd, but its manager Ron Miller is to be retained.

Although the 11 May sale scheduled with Norton & Brooksbank has been cancelled, Mrs Fisher-Bell has announced that progeny will still be available at consignment sales and by private treaty in future.