The prized pedigree herd of Drumbreck Holstein cows, which were owned by a north-east farmer who died in a tragic accident in May, were dispersed at a special sale in Carlisle earlier this week.
Following the sale, in which more than 200 cattle went under the hammer, the family of the late Philip Reid of Newseat of Drumbreck, Udny, Ellon, paid tribute to friends and family for their support in the past couple of months.
A statement from Harrison and Hetherington, which conducted the sale at its Borderway Mart on Wednesday, said: “Philip had a passion for dairy farming and for breeding Holstein cattle and this was evident as the cows came through the sale ring at Borderway.
“The family would like to thank everyone who supported the sale and especially thank friends and neighbours who have been more than helpful during this difficult time. They would also like to publicly thank Ron Wilson who has been the herdsman at Drumbreck for the past 15 years for his dedication and expertise over the years.”
The auctioneers said trade for milking heifers had improved with entries from Drumbreck topping at £1,800 for a heifer by Emmark Mammoth giving 39kg. She sold to W Hesketh & Sons, Old Grange, Hutton, Preston, Lancashire.
The next best price of £1,700 was achieved twice and paid by John Goldie of Buistonhead Farm, Kilmarnock. First at this price was a milking heifer, by Bomaz Homestead, at the end of her first lactation and due again soon to L Acres Shot Trigger. The other was a third-calver giving almost 50kg.
Harrison and Hetherington said there was a noticeable inflation in the value of in-calf heifers due by the end of October with all selling for £1,200 or more. Topping this and selling for £1,550 to J MCulloch of Ardwell, Stranraer, was a Bellemont Leeds daughter due in August to De-Su History.
Also selling for £1,550 was a recently served heifer by Regancrest-Mr Drham Sam and due to Clear Echo Jettie. She sold to G & A Taylor, Upper Braiklay, Methlick, Ellon.
The averages were: 89 cows in-milk at £1,044.30; 37 heifer in milk at £1,226.75; 16 in-calf heifers at £1,111.25; 19 recently served heifers at £820; 17 bulling heifers at £672.35; and 24 heifer calves at £508.75. In total 205 cattle sold to average £984.15.
