One of the best catalogues ever draws international attention

A North Otago dairy genetics specialist turned over $1.266 million selling 136 cows in early April, with a top price paid for a heifer of $63,000. 

PGG Wrightson National Dairy Specialists Jamie Cunninghame and Andrew Reyland convened the sale for Duntroon-based Busybrook Holsteins, owned by Nathan and Amanda Bayne. Jamie said the sale featured bloodlines from around the world and attracted international attention.

“Busybrook sources genetics from North America, Australia and elsewhere, using embryo transplant, among other cutting-edge techniques. One of the best catalogues ever put together for a single vendor sale, the offering included high index New Zealand animals, through to full sisters and direct daughters of some of the best performing North American dairy cows. We brought specialist Australian dairy auctioneer Brian Leslie to conduct business on the day. He described the cows as world-class, selected from the absolute top shelf of the best dairy pedigrees.

“Nathan and Amanda put massive effort into bringing this group of dairy cattle together, presenting them superbly. Today fully validated their immense achievement, assembling top genetics from so many countries around the world.

“This result shows the great interest in elite dairy genetics. The Baynes have worked on their unique vision for several years, aiming to be at the forefront to develop such high calibre dairy genetics in New Zealand, then offering them to a market on both sides of the Tasman. This is what Nathan and Amanda have always aimed to do, and now they have pulled it off with spectacular results,” Jamie says. 

Thirteen of the offering were live on the ground in Australia. These included a direct daughter of Oakfield Solom Footloose EX97-2E, Lambda Footloose, which was the top priced lot at $63,000, bought by a high profile Australian breeder taking a unique opportunity to acquire the genetics of a premium performing cow family.

Approximately 200 attended the sale in person, augmented by 500 online auction participants on both sides of the Tasman, bidding and following via New Zealand’s virtual saleyard bidr. Every lot offered sold, averaging $9,246.