A very strong entry of 181 head of dairy cattle for the mid month sale at Holsworthy, Devon saw what can only be described as a “roaring trade”! Holsworthy Market has become a real showcase for “Homebred cattle” and an outstanding lineup of quality cattle matched the catalogue of great genuine Westcountry breeding and buyers travelled from four different counties to ensure the fastest trade seen for some time with an incredible overall average for the 72 milkers of £1740!!

8 heifers sold over £2000 and top of the day was £2350 from Mark & Lyn Bray of South Molton with their stunning heifer “Ashdon Julianna 60” by Crestomere Lightning with 4 generations of VG behind her. The same vendors sold other heifers to £1980 & £1800 and their consignment of 4 averaged £1970! Matt & Becky Jenkin of Helston sold a tremendous consignment of heifers with 6 over £2000 and they sold the second top price of the day at £2120 for “Mabec Bolton Mississippi” by Sandy Valley Bolton. This excellent run of 16 heifers from “Mabec” sold to a phenomenal average of £1890 (inc a ¾ heifer)! Other heifers to £2000 from Messrs SEJ Tapp & Sons of Tiverton with “Chettiscombe Minister Sarah 16” by Mr Minister. Mr G Davis also of Tiverton sold a smart heifer with “Lanawood June 206” by Firth Bullion selling for £1950. Messrs IR Rowe & Son of Launceston sold 4 smart heifers to £1900 for a non pedigree heifer by Overside Dragon. Alan & Susannah Hoskin of South Molton sold for the second time at Holsworthy after a successful first sale and had another strong trade with two useful heifers to £1880 & £1850.

Very few cows forward but again they were a strong trade with a non pedigree second calver from Messrs E J & W J Grigg of Bideford selling to £1850. The same vendors sold a very milky British Friesian cross Jersey giving 44kgs to £1800. Two organic second calving cows from Messrs G Cole & Son from Pancrasweek sold to £1750 and £1700.

Messrs C L, C S & M I Greet of Saltash sold the final portion to disperse the entire dairy herd with a consignment of served heifers which were two months incalf and sold to £1000 and averaged £936. A smart bunch of bulling heifers from Duchy College of Callington sold well to £810 and averaged £798. A wonderful run of 22 pedigree yearling heifers from Messrs MG & JA Holland’s “Hilkleigh” herd of Umberleigh sold to an exceptional trade topping at £810 and averaged £759 for 11-13 month old heifers.

Averages:

29 1st Quality In milk heifers £1928

31 2nd quality in milk heifers £1570

9 1st quality in milk cows £1782

Overall Average for 72 milkers £1740

20 served heifers £936

10 bulling heifers £798

42 Yearling heifers £681

KIVELLS