Ashvale Jerseys owners Rodney and Jocelyn Dobson, of Gropers Bush with their grandchildren (from left) Marlise Baker (5), Mostyn Baker (3), Carmen Dobson (7) and Troy Dobson (9). Photo / Shawn McAvinue
Ashvale Jerseys owners Rodney and Jocelyn Dobson, of Gropers Bush with their grandchildren (from left) Marlise Baker (5), Mostyn Baker (3), Carmen Dobson (7) and Troy Dobson (9). Photo / Shawn McAvinue
The dairy bull season got underway in The South last week. Southern Rural Life's Shawn McAvinue visited Ashvale Jerseys' annual on-farm bull auction, where sale records were set.
The self-proclaimed best work of bull breeder Rodney Dobson set a record for the highest bid at his on-farm sale in WesternSouthland, 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, Dobson told bidders it was his best work to date.
"I can't produce much better than that."
A bidding war ensued and the auctioneer's 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.
Farmers Raewyn and Graeme Black, of Gropers Bush, with granddaughter Makenzie Davie (6). Photo / Shawn McAvinue
Raewyn said spring had been "fabulous" on their farms.
"It's been really pleasant."
Graeme agreed.
"It's the best we've had. It's going very well at the moment."
Of the 53 rising 1-year Jersey bulls on offer at the sale, 49 sold for an average price of $3136.
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. Photo / Shawn McAvinue
Dobson said he was "astounded" by the sale result.
