One of the largest crowds of dairy farmers for many years turned up at Borderway Mart on Wednesday 7th November 2007.

The attraction was the sale of the BLACKISLE Herd of PURE BRITISH FRIESIANS, belonging to Messrs Mann of Avoch, Ross & Cromarty. Highly esteemed in the world of Friesian breeding for many years the sale was brought about by Mr Alistair Mann’s recent death, and comprised the entire milking portion followed by their heifer calves and all the in calf heifers.

Connoisseurs of Traditional Friesian breeding from all over the UK and Ireland were given a wonderful, indeed unique opportunity to invest in well proven, high type, long wearing, good production with high component stock.

Appropriately the bidding was fast and strong and reflected the respect commanded by the herd and it’s breeders.

The top price of 5,000gns was paid by Mr Jim Morrison, of the noted “Inch” herd in Northern Ireland for the exceptional EX94 Blackisle Bertha 11, sired by Culverness Sealord this magnificent 10 yr old cow sold in calf to Douneside Avenger. Her pedigree traces through Hunday and Bourtie Beatrice right back to volume 1 of the Friesian Herd book. Her fresh heifer daughter made 2200gns and two of her seven week old ET heifer calves made 1350gns and 1250gns.

Several of the other families were also keen in demand, notable the Mist’s, the second highest price of 3,200gns was also for a 10 yr old cow, Blackisle Mist 25 EX90 whose six week old ET heifer calf made, 1700gns. The old cow was sired by Pegasus out of an Excellent Bertha by Blackisle Glen Albyn EX. The Laura family topped at 3000gns; the Pauline’s topped at 2800gns there were many other good families including the Cherry’s, Emma’s, Vera’s and the Bess’s.

In these days of reduced longevity, in many modern dairy herds, it was significant that many of the leading prices were for older, mature cows.

Averages
228 Cows & Heifers in milk/ in calf £ 1282
36 In Calf & Served Heifers £ 1150
59 Heifer Calves £ 614
323 Head (Life by Life) £1032

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