COCHRANE, Alta. — A rain-free day drew the crowds to Rocky Mountain Holsteins near Cochrane for its biannual sale that welcomed international guests and consignors to the Alberta foothills.
The July 5 sale featured DNA-tested, elite Holstein females and averaged $9,776 on 118 lots.
The genomics test provides information on 25 traits, including milk production, butterfat and body conformation.
Owned by Doug Blair, David Chalack and Glenn Hockley, the operation has reared international champions that include all-Canadian and all-American females at the 2011 World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.
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The top selling lot was from Morsan Farms of Ponoka, Alta. A first choice of eight females due to be born in July and August was purchased for $80,000 by Canadian Agricultural Logistics, a genetics company from Oakville, Ont.
It bought three lots, including an entry from Ferme Gillette of Embrun, Ont., for $47,000 and another female for $10,000.
Rocky Mountain bought the second high seller for $66,000 from the Progenesis Group in Quebec. The company also paid $28,000 for a consignment from Lookout Holsteins of Canton de Hatley, Que.
The Rocky Mountain Lisa Partners sold a heifer for $50,000 to Jeff Butler and Elite Dairy Genomics of Downers Grove, Illinois.
Mike and Julie Duckett of Rudolph, Wis., offered the second pick of eight females from the World Dairy Expo 2009 and 2010 supreme champion cow. Westcoast Holsteins was the successful bidder at $30,000.
Rocky Mountain also donated a heifer with the proceeds going to the Shriners’ Hospital for Children. It was sold five times and earned $11,000.
