A virtual sale of top Jersey cows aims to challenge Australian record average prices set last year.
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The Jersey Australia Dairy’s Finest showcase sale will be held on May 24 as part of the annual general meeting in Tasmania, and is expected to match or better prices set at the inaugural sale last year.
The virtual sale of Dairy’s Finest Jersey cows in 2021 set a new Australian record average price and a new top price for an Australian-bred heifer.
All 26 lots were cleared to an average of $8178 with a top of $20,000, also a new record for an Australian-bred heifer.
Sale manager Rob Anderson said the scene was set for records to be challenged again when about 27 high-quality pedigree lots go under the hammer.
“There will be some leading cow families in this catalogue, especially Australian families that have had the runs on the board,” Mr Anderson said.
“We’ve had great support from high-profile studs.”
Much of the catalogue is Victorian, along with some entries from NSW and one from Western Australia.
Some of the entries placed highly at the recent 60th Warragul Jersey Fair and there are notable Australian families such as Fernleaf and Iris, and imported cow families including Belle and Nellie.
“The catalogue will appeal to a lot of people; it has a nice cross section of cow families and show winners along with high-index heifers,” Mr Anderson said.
He expects the quality offering and strong state of the industry to underscore a successful sale.
“The record could definitely be challenged again,” he said.
“The industry is buoyant at the moment and milk prices are expected to go higher.
“You just have to look at recent dispersal sales over the last six months and they’ve all been at record highs, so everything is pointing towards another successful sale.”
Mr Anderson expects strong buyer interest in the online format.
“It’s the way people are going,” he said.
“It’s more convenient for sellers and buyers, and people are now more confident in the process, meaning this sale can be held anywhere in conjunction with the AGM.”
Jersey Australia genetics and breed development chair Wayne Kuhne, who has two lots in the auction, said the virtual sale was becoming the preferred format.
“This year’s catalogue has something for everyone, with high-standard cattle and good diversity with strong pedigrees,” he said.
Mr Kuhne expects the high prices of 2022 to be matched or bettered.
“Everything is buoyant at the moment, not just for registered cattle but for any cattle,” he said.
“Higher end cattle should bring a premium and I think it will give the record a challenge.”
Mr Kuhne sold one cow last year and has had two entries accepted this year, Bushlea Valson Fernleaf and Andreas Kookie.
Genetics Australia is the major sponsor for the virtual sale, which will be held on Tuesday, May 24, in conjunction with the Jersey Australia AGM hosted by the Tasmanian branch.
It will follow the same format as last year, with no live animals present for the sale, and will be conducted by auctioneer Brian Leslie.