Auctioning high-end Holstein and Jersey heifers was not a difficult task at this year’s annual sale at the Stampede Dairy Classic held April 7-8.
Six Jerseys averaged $1,750 and 60 Holsteins averaged $2,451. They were sold to farms across the country. The sale also offered five embryo lots averaging $450.
“The market is still under pressure so we were happy to see cattle go to four provinces,” said sale organizer Orville Schmidt.
“The market for good pedigreed, sound breeding stock is still there,” he said. “They are ready when the market opens to the United States again.”
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Elite stock
The sale focuses on young, elite stock from Western Canada. Most of the animals will likely go into flushing programs because embryos are allowed for export while live animals cannot leave due to BSE restrictions.
“Alberta is one of the elite markets right now,” he said.
The province has Canada’s third largest dairy herd next to Quebec and Ontario.
The high seller went for $9,000 to Cor Van Gunst of Lethbridge. It was the consignment of Ronald Boerchers of Laurier, Man., Fred Fornwold and Sons of Lampada Holsteins at Lampman, Sask., and Lakefield Farms of Petersfield, Man.
The sale included a number of red and white Holsteins, which are favoured in Europe and South America and are enjoying renewed popularity in Canada after a brief hiatus.
The annual dairy event also featured Jersey and Holstein shows.
The grand champion Jersey came from Unique Valleystream Genetics in Rochester, Alta., with a 1999 female while Westin Jerseys of Bashaw had the reserve grand with a 2002 cow. Lone Pine Jerseys of Didsbury, Alta., won premier breeder and exhibitor and the breeders herd award. Glorybound Holsteins of Enderby, B .C., won progeny of dam.
The grand champion Holstein award went to R & F Livestock of Warman, Sask., with a cow named Silverridge Leduc Noleta and Continental Holsteins won the reserve grand with Irwindale Leduc Macy.
First place in the breeder’s herd category went to Fred Fornwald & Sons Farms Ltd.
