The complete milking herd dispersal of Registered Holsteins from Tasmanian Master Breeder, Panatana Holsteins, owned by Ian and Maryanne Hortle, held on-farm in Moriarty bucked the recent trend in dairy sales with 193 head grossing $392,850 to average $2,035.
Ian Hortle along with auctioneer Nick Flanagan spoke with ABC Tasmania after the sale about the Panatana breeding philosophy, some of the challenges facing the dairy sector in Tasmania and Victoria, the support of local community and their reaction to the sale.
Commenting on the sale, Nick Flanagan of Flanagan Marketing Services, said: “The highlight of the sale was the interest shown in Registered Holsteins by commercial local Tasmanian dairyman who rarely have the opportunity to purchase cattle at an auction.
“It was a great result considering the current state of the dairy Industry; however, it must be noted that the attitude and outlook of Tasmanian dairy farmers is far more upbeat than their counterparts on the mainland.”
Around 100 people attended the sale with 50 registered buyers competing strongly for the Master Breeder herd.
Early in the sale local Tasmanian Breeders R & D Fielding bid strongly for the freshly calved cows securing 33 head grossing $62,900 to average $1,906 each. The Fielding’s purchases included lot 61, Panatana Steady Prue VG85 for $2,400. This Stanton Steady Daughter is backed by nine generations Ex or VG.
Top price for the sale was paid by well-known Victorian breeders Neville, Michelle and Justin Staley. The Staley’s purchased Panatana Security Lilibet 2nd for $5,000. This outstanding 3-year old classified VG85 on her first calf and is bred from the well-known Calthorpe Lilibet family and is due to freshen again on 1stAugust.
There were 51 head purchased by Victorian Breeders with Oakdale Dairies from Longwarry securing 25 head for $62,500 to average $2,500, whilst Oakhampton Dairies from Colac purchased 10 head for an average of $2,540 including Panatana Lavanguard Mischief VG85 for $3,000.
Well-known Tasmanian Breeders Paul, Elizabeth and Ben Geard were strong buyers securing 10 head for an average of $2,695 each including the freshly calved Monument Impression daughter for $3,000 who traces back to Blink Bonnie Roxy Lorraine VG88, 3 SBC, STP.
The sale was conducted by Flanagan Marketing Services in conjunction with Elders Dairy Division.