The dispersal of the Hawthwaite Holstein herd and farm machinery on behalf of Martin and Pauline Cooper at Upper Hawthwaite farm, Broughton in Furness was a celebration of the family’s achievements since they started farming there in 1985.  A massive crowd of friends, neighbours and buyers travelled from near and far with cows topping at 2,300gns with an overall average of just over £1600 for milking heifers.  The trade for young calves was tremendous, selling to a top of 1,100gns to average almost £800.  

 

The way the farm, cattle and machinery were presented for sale was a real credit to Martin, commenting after the sale auctioneer Glyn Lucas said “...it has been a privilege to have been involved in this special event.  I would like to congratulate the Copper family on the way the animals, farm and machinery were prepared for sale it was a showcase and a fine example of how to market and promote a complete sale such as this. “  

 

The quality of the herd was outstanding and topping the trade at 2,300gns was Hawthwaite Jordan Ivy sired by Gillette Jordan.  She was dry and due with her third in June and will make an Excellent cow at the next classification visit.  She was bred from seven generations of Excellent or Very Good cows from the Ivy cow family, this perfectly balanced cow was purchased by MC Robinson West Cocklaw Farm, Hexham.  Her Numero Uno daughter topped the bulling heifer trade at 1,700gns.

 

The Supreme Champion from Broughton Show 2015, Hawthwaite Lavanguard Marjorie 34 had many admirers.  She was due in August with her third having just completed over 11000kg at 4.42% butterfat 4.02% protein.  She sold for 2,250gns to the Ellwood family Heathwaite Farm, Kirkby in Furness who also purchased Hawthwaite Steady Beryl 25 for 2,100gns.  Beryl was recently calved in her third having completed her second lactation with just over 12000kgs. Her grand dam was an Excellent Stormatic daughter who was a three time Grand Champion at Broughton Show.

 

An exceptional uddered daughter of Numero Uno sold for 2,100gns to Bradleys Farm, Preesall Hawthwaite Uno Chancery 49 was classified Good Plus 83 and due again in December to View-Home Albania.

 

The heifer that graced the front cover of the catalogue was Hawthwaite Numero Uno Helen 17 a Very Good two year old bred from an Excellent Talent dam.  Helen was the Grand Champion at Broughton Show in 2016 and was due again in October with her second.  This ultra stylish heifer sold for 2,000gns to volume buyer C Dent Bridge Bridge End Holsteins.

 

The trade of the day was for young heifer calves topping at 1,100gns for Numero Uno daughter bred from six Excellent or Very Good dams.  Hawthwaite Uno June 21 was purchased by leading breeder AH Price Long Bank Farm, Lancaster.  Her Crackholm Fever dam was scored Very Good 88 in her fourth and was purchased by the Bridge End herd for 1,850gns.

 

The Price family also bought Hawthwaite Envious Dewdrop 65 sired by Silverridge V Envious for 950gns.  This super stylish calf was bred from a Very Good 87 Spirte dam followed by an Excellent 93 Buckeye with over 15000kgs in her second lactation. 

 

The first daughters of Croteau Lesperron Unix to sell in the UK featured in the sale.  Hawthwaite Unix Marjorie 41 born in February sold for 900gns to JE Bainbridge Crossbar View Farm, Kirby Stephen.  Also selling for 900gns was Hawthwaite Unix Dewdrop 64 born in November who was purchased by GJ Mutton from the Billincoat Holstein herd.   

Bulling heifers were in demand with nineteen averaging £1046 and topping at 1,700gns for Hawthwaite Uno Ivy 3.  Her dam had sold earlier for the top price of the day at 2,300gns and this outstanding heifer now joins the Billincoat Holstein herd of the Mutton family.

The farm machinery sold well with competitive bidding on all lots.  The Case tractor JXU 105 with MX Chiltern loader topped at £17,200.  The Lely Lotus Stabilo grass rake sold for £4,600, the V mix 8 tub mixer sold for £2,100 and the ATV quad Honda 420 sold for £3,800.

Averages 

34 Cows in milk £1414.10

21 Heifers in milk £1609.12

13 In-calf & recently bred heifers £1218.00

19 Bulling heifers £1046.68

23 Heifer calves £761.02