Buyers took a welcome break from dairy pessimism last week and confirmed that real quality will always find a buyer when an overflowing gallery pushed prices to a 26 year high for a single vendor Jersey sale at the Bushlea 90 Plus sale last week.
Jersey legend Keith Kuhne and his family took three years to prepare for this sale of elite Jersey genetics at their Leongatha property, mating the top sires of the breed to a range of Bushlea dams which all classified 90 points or better, with 33 of the heifres from cows that had carried the Bushlea name with distinction at International Dairy Week.
The Bushlea cow families like Fernleaf, Maybell and Iris have an unequalled reputation and that was evident when the list of buyers spanned all eastern states, South Austral and Tasmania as well as overseas interests from Canada and New Zealand.
That resulted in a complete clearance of the 65 heifers, all under 2.5 years old, and one embryo package, for an overall average that was just a few dollars short of $4000 each.
Four lots exceeded $10,000 with the top price of $12,000 for an autumn calving daughter of a Fernleaf cow bought by Bruce and Kylie Hill of Carpendeit.
Mr Hill said the genetics of this animal, an Action out of a Fernleaf, was “pretty special” and he had been pushed hard before finally securing it at the top price.
The Hills also bought two other heifers at the sale including $8,200 for a Sambo to strengthen their interest in that sire.
Mr Kuhne said 24 of the 65 heifers had sold to interstate buyers and admitted to being pleased to see two bought by interest from Canada and New Zealand – “for years we have watched all the action go the other way,” he said.
These heifers would remain in Australia where they would be mated and the embryos exported.
Mr Kuhne said the sale had exceeded all their expectations, especially given the recent drop in milk prices that had cut profitability across the industry.
And while nothing was in planning at this stage he said they would consider another, similar sale in the future.
Bushlea is arguably the most successful Jersey stud in the country having won many championship ribbons at major shows and especially International Dairy Week.
This has also been a prominent name at the IDW sales where the Kuhne’s have a reputation as innovative marketers and always attract willing bidders for their Bushlea bloodlines.
