Fourteen pedigree and commercial Holstein dairy cattle from a noted North Wales herd sold for 3,000 guineas or more at a successful reduction sale held at Shrewsbury Auction Centre yesterday (Tuesday).
Halls auctioneer Jonny Dymond, auction centre manager, said trade for the 71 cattle on offer from the Meinel Herd in Denbigh “flew to a level and consistency we have rarely, if ever, seen before”.
The sale, which followed the weekly auction of dairy cattle, was held on behalf of Elfyn, Meinir, Llion, Dafydd and Ynyr Jones.
Elfyn and Meinir took the reins at their third generation family dairy farm in 2007 and have developed herd, passing on their passion for agriculture and Holstein cows to their three sons.
The family began contract farming at Claypits Farm, Cheshire in January 2025 and grew the herd from 180 to 280 cows. However, as the contract farming agreement has ended, the family decided to sell 71 cattle and focus on their home farm
“The cows were much admired and ticked lots of boxes, being of medium stature on great legs and feet and giving a lot of milk,” said Mr Dymond. “Forty-two of the 71 cows were in their fourth lactation or higher and the ringside appreciated the youthfulness of this quality herd.
Trade peaked at 3,350gns three times – fifth calved MEINEL GRAZIE QUALITY, who was fresh in April, giving 55kg per day, third calved MEINEL LIGHTYEAR JIFFIE, who freshened in May, giving 47kg and March calved MEINEL SIZZLER MATTY, who was guaranteed back in calf for February 2027, giving 54kg.
Many of the highlights came at the end of the sale, with MEINEL OUTLAY SUNKIST and MEINEL ENVOY MINNIE, both calved in March and served, selling for 3,300gns and 3,250gns respectfully.
Fourteen cattle sold for 3,000gns or more, including dry cow MEINEL SASSAFRAS BLACK CAP, who was springing with her third calf.
“Highlight of the sale for me was a seventh calved commercial cow, who will be 10 years old in December this year and sold for a fantastic 2,950gns or £3,097.50,” added Mr Dymond. “She did not look her age, having calved in March, recently served and giving 46kg.”
Overall herd averages were 61 cows in milk £2,747.21 and 10 dry cows £2,504.
Mr Dymond urged other dairy farmers who are thinking of selling or reducing their herd to take advantage of the buoyant trade.
“Has there ever been a better time to sell or reduce your herd?” he asked. “Farmers who wish to discuss, in strictest confidence, their options to capitalise on the current dairy trade can contact me Tel: 07803 412617.”
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