Auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt report an exceptional crowd at Holways Farm, Exeter, Devon for the Dispersal of James and Laura Bakers ‘Holways’ Herd of 120 cows and followers. Despite the gloom of falling milk prices, well-bred dairy cattle continue to be in strong demand with many potential purchasers leaving empty handed.

10% of the milking herd sold for over £2000 to a top of 2350gns for a ‘Sheva’ 2nd calver that was due to her third in November. At 2200gns was the ‘GP82’ 5th calver from the same ‘Sian’ family that sold fresh. The May calved ‘Holways Montague Princess’ that had given 8500 kgs as a heifer fold for 2150gns.

The recent strong incalf heifer trade continued with ‘Holways Toystory Panda 2nd’ due September to ‘Altaross’ selling for 1920gns. Yearling heifers by ‘Picston Shottle’ from the ‘Muffin’ family sold to 1020gns. ‘Shermans’ bred yearling heifers by ‘Shermans Revolution’ sold to 880gns.

Without doubt the trade of the day was for the heifer calves with the 8 week old daughter of ‘Autumn- Ridge Matson ET’ selling for 700gns and the seven calves on offer averaging £619.50.

A very well attended day generated the following excellent averages: