Bull sale astounds

Ashvale Jerseys owners Rodney and Jocelyn Dobson, of Gropers Bush, celebrate a record prices at their annual Jersey bull auction on farm in Western Southland last week with their grandchildren (from left) Marlise Baker (5), Mostyn Baker (3), Carmen Dobson (7) and Troy Dobson (9). Photos: Shawn McAvinue

Bull records tumble at annual sale

The self-proclaimed best work of bull breeder Rodney Dobson set a record for the highest bid at his on-farm sale in Western Southland, but the title was short-lived.

When Jersey bull 21-394 (Lot 17) entered the auction ring at Ashvale Jerseys stud in Gropers Bush last week, Mr Dobson told bidders it was his best work to date.

"I can’t produce much better than that."

A bidding war ensued and the auctioneers hammer fell at $4500, as Ivan Lines set a record for the most paid for a bull at the annual sale, beating last year’s record of $4250.

The record was fleeting as Jersey bull 21-430 (Lot 31) fetched $4600.

Rising 1-year-old Jersey bull 21-430 (Lot 31) sold for $4600.

Rodney and Jocelyn Dobson moved to Southland in 1993, after dairy farming on the Hauraki Plains.

The herd had been DNA-tested and production data gathered for the past 15 years.

Mr Black said the appeal of Lot 31 was its production figures.

They had been sheep breeding for years and knew the value of chasing stock with good genetics.

Mrs Black said they bought three bulls at the sale to put over their heifers.

"It’s nice and handy to come to the sale — we can just walk them home."

She praised Mr Dobson for sharing his knowledge since they entered the dairy industry.

Farmers Raewyn and Graeme Black, of Gropers Bush, pictured with granddaughter Makenzie Davie (6), paid the highest price of $4600 (for the bull pictured above) at the Ashvale Jerseys annual bull auction in Western Southland last week.

They were in their third season on their dairy farm, where 550 cows were milked by a contract milker.

"We know if we get it right from the start, the rest will fall into place."

The Blacks also run a sheep farm nearby.

Mrs Black said spring had been "fabulous" on their farms.

"It’s been really pleasant."

Mr Black agreed.

"It’s the best we’ve had. It’s going very well at the moment."

Rising 1-year-old Jersey bull 21-394 (Lot 17), which breeder Rodney Dobson described as his best bull on offer, sold for $4500 to Ivan Lines, of Invercargill, at the Ashvale Jerseys annual bull auction in Western Southland last week.

Mr Dobson said he was "astounded" by the sale result.

"I supply as good as I can and the punters put the value on them."

He believed his average price would be the highest of any dairy bull sale in New Zealand.

"I’m ecstatic, considering an average grade bull could be bought for around $1100."

Mr Dobson said he was not set to retire yet.

"I’ve got bull calves for next year, so I’ll keep going for at least one more year."

shawn.mcavinue@alliedpress.co.nz