Sunlea dairy cattle sell to 2,000 guineas

The sale of the Sunlea pedigree Holstein herd on behalf of Messrs D. W. and C. M. Powell of Hughley, Shrewsbury attracted great interest at Shrewsbury Auction Centre on Tuesday, somewhat flying in the face of the current problems within the dairy industry. 

“This was a very genuine herd of cows, the sale of which was only taking place due to the ill health of Mr David Powell,” said auctioneer David Giles, Halls’ dairy specialist. “The herd had been registered for 40 years and was mainly homebred with few purchased animals. “

Top price of 2,000 guineas was achieved for Sunlea Calypso Polly 56, a February calved heifer currently giving 32.8kg and served to Goldboy.  Next best was £1,960 guineas for Sunlea Heather who had completed her first lactation at 8,634kg and was dry and due to calve in August to Mr Minister. 

Another Calypso heifer, Polly 57 also February calved and just served to Goldboy, realised £1,880 guineas.  The second calvers sold to 1,820 guineas for both Jordan and Ruben daughters. 

Many buyers were looking for autumn calving cows, which reached 1,640 guineas for Sunlea Norse 31, a third calver due in October to Goldboy and by Weeton Jackson. 


Giles said good older cows will still sell well, providing they are in the breeding cycle, such as Sunlea Honeysuckle 46, a fourth calver due to calf soon for the fifth time to Carrock Scholar. Having given 10,513kg on her last lactation, she sold for 1,600 guineas. 

The overall average for 67 cows was £1,451.