The complete dispersal sale of the milking herd and spring calving heifers of Lerida Park Jerseys on farm at Princetown met with strong competition from the large crowd and big online gallery for vendors Rhys and Lauren Smethurst.
The Lerida Park herd is ranked #12 nationally for gBPI and has been a Platinum Production herd for decades. The balance of high production and outstanding type was appreciated by all in attendance.
Sale top of $11,500 was paid for Lerida Park Raceway Sabina 78, recently classified EX 91 (max score for a 3 year old.) This wonderful uddered young cow completes 5 gens EX and was purchased by Smethurst Park Holsteins and now Jerseys of Athlone.
Troy Smethurst (2nd cousin of the vendor) decided to take the opportunity of this dispersal to establish his Jersey section of the herd with the very best of many decades of selective breeding and keep the bloodlines in the family.
Also among his purchases were Lerida Park Pilgrim Rose 419, EX 93 and over 8,000 litres at $10,000. Lerida Park Algernon Rosebud 504, EX 91 (max) at $8,000, Lerida Park Malachi Rose 406, EX 92 with 421 kgs fat at $7,500 and Lerida Park Valentino Countess 418, EX 91, Lerida Park Aramac Sabina 71, EX 91 and Lerida Park Chromes Sandy, EX 90 all at $7,000 each.
Third high seller at $9,250 was Lerida Park Tahbilk Lucy 182, EX 92, 387 kgs fat selling to Corey Couch of Laang. Progressive Breeders Cameron Thompson and his sister Lisa McKay teamed up to purchase the great young cow Lerida Park Stux Rose 424, EX 90 at $9,000.
Also at $9,000 was Lerida Park Malachi Countess 409, EX 92, 8,460 litres selling to R Salter of Kerang.
The deep pedigree 6 year old Lerida Park Eclipse Selley 2 (ET) a daughter of Royal Show Champion Fleurieu Astound Selly, EX 93 also reached $9,000 selling to Couch and Ferrari Syndicate.
Other noted sales included Lerida Park Chrome Sabina 74, EX at $8,250 going to G & L Bryce of Green Pines Jerseys of Nullawarre, they also selected Lerida Park Woodside Rosemaree 226 the top selling joined heifer at $7,000, she is from an EX 91 Valentino dam. Lerida Park Valergo Lucy, EX 91, Lerida Park Aramac Rose 432, EX 90 and Lerida Park Craze Rosebud 512 all at $6,750 while Lerida Park Aramac Lucy 198, EX 91, Lerida Park Casino Rosemaree 211, EX 90, Lerida Park Casino Rosemaree 209, VG 88 and Lerida Park Craze Rosebud 519 all made $6,500 each.
Selling agents Dairy Livestock Services report the following details – 167 cows av $3,805; 24 Spring calving heifers av $3,645; 191 Jerseys gross $722,600, Av $3,785.
-Livestock Dairy Services