Concluding the day, and highlighting how in demand the genetics of the Windfield herd are was a select sale of over 30 females. These heifers were from proven family lines for both production and looks, with the herd averaging 1,870 gallons (3.83%BF and 3.5%PR), along with 22 cows classifying EX as well as 33 Vg, respectively. With such genetics and an excellent herd health programme to match, breeders weren’t afraid to dig deep when it came to the sale despite the current volatility in milk price.

Topping the trade

Topping the trade at €4,200 was the two-year-old heifer Windfield Katie 17. Carrying an EBI of €115, she is sired by Bomaz Marion Emerald. Her dam Windfield Meri Katie 3, hit over 10,000kg milk in her last lactation (ninth) with a lifetime production of 81,500kg of 4.01%BF and 3.8%PR, while maintaining a 363 calving interval and classifying EX93 on her fifth evaluation. Similar results are seen with Katie’s maternal sisters with Windfield Beverlake Katie hitting 4.65%BF and 4.01% protein while classifying EX91. She sold in calf since January to Peak Mr Grey.

Driving factor for the top prices

Next best at €3,280 was Coldsprings Ponder daughter Windfield Haze. Born in November 2014, she was sold in calf, and is calving in September to Edelweiss. She is from a highly productive family with dam Ballinahina Haze 23 milking over 10,000kg in her fifth lactation. Protein percentage seemed to be a driving factor for all the top prices, with Haze’s sister, dam and grand dam all reaching 3.7% or more.

Katie’s were again back in the money when Windfield Katie 19 fetched €3,200. Sired by Pirolo Goldwyn Wyman and in calf to ABS Crayon, she is a granddaughter of Windfield Merci Katie 3. Born in April 2014, she comes from a proven protein family with her dam’s sister and grand dam both hitting 4%.

Average price

Securing €3,020 for the Screene family was Windfield Mary 25. Sired by Ladys Manor Dodge, she again sold in calf to Peak Mr Grey. Her dam Windfield Besne Mary 4 carries a calving interval of 365, while hitting over 10,000kg with 3.72%PR. Besne Mary 4 was also the dam of lot 7, a Bomaz Marion Emerald daughter which scooped €2,450.

The last one to hit the three or over mark was Windfield Venture 2 who sold for €3,000. Sired once again by Goldwyn Wyman, she sold served early last month to Dansire Shottle Sol. With an EBI of €104, both dam and grand dam of Venture produced over 11,000kg on their second lactation.

Overall, only three heifers went unsold on the day with the other 26 averaging at €2,200.

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