The 2,200gns paid for the first lot set the benchmark for a consistent and level trade from a crowd of determined buyers at the dispersal sale of the small, largely Autumn calving Rodgehill herd of Holstein Friesians for Robert and Cath Watts on their Monmouthshire farm at Caerwent.

Miss C Parkes of Pembrokeshire gave 2,150gns for the second calver Melody 68 VG87 by Sandy Valley Snowcat with 850gns being given for her heifer calf by Estate.

The top individual price of 2,250gns was paid by James Pritchard of Hereford, one of 16 he purchased including the first lot. His highest price was for Matt 17 GP84, a daughter of Shanael Elias nearing the end of her first lactation. His first purchase at 2,200gns was Melody 65, a VG88 third calver by Altagen Merchant which had calved at the beginning of the year and recorded 11,676kgs with her second calf.

2,200gns was paid by Stewart Williams of Caldicot for Matt 16 VG88, an October calved second calver sired by Richman and due in September to Deman.  She had recorded 9,530kgs as a heifer and was off a GP84 dam.

Clive Prichard of Chepstow gave 2,150gns for Hilary 66, GP82, a September calved heifer giving 51kgs daily and due again in October to Wiltor Dreamer.

The served heifers due in the Autumn sold to 1,700gns for a Goldfish daughter from the Matt family, one of 15 heifers purchased by Michael Rees of Bridgend, Glamorgan.

Averages:

37 cows and milking heifers   £1,845

(including 12 heifer calves at £557)

19 served heifers £1,402

4 maiden heifers £837

10 heifer calves (with no dams) £608

70 lots £1,460

Auctioneers:

GWILYM RICHARDS & CO