Media Updates, page-2046

THERE was strong demand for A2A2 cows at Phil and Danielle Blain’s complete Holstein dispersal at Echuca last week. Cows with the A2 protein averaged $400 more than those without the protein.“There’s a real market for A2A2 cows,” Flanagan Marketing Services director Lawrie Flanagan said.“You’ll find a lot more sales will advertise them now because there’s a real demand for the A2 milk now.”Buying up: Clare and Rohan Trezise with daughter Lillian, 4, of Cooatalla at Cohuna bought 11 cows at Phil and Danielle Blain’s complete Holstein dispersal at Echuca last week. Picture: Chloe SmithThe Blain’s 177 Holsteins sold for a total of $254,950 at an average of $1468 overall.Wool easing, but results still please vendorsIllawarras reach $8000 top in ColacThe A2A2 cows in the herd averaged $1920 each.Mr Flanagan said cows were sold to all parts of Victoria as well as to Finley in the NSW Riverina.The Blain’s 177 Holsteins sold for a total of $254,950 at an average of $1468 overall at Echuca. Picture: Chloe SmithGraham Tyrell, from Corryong, purchased 19 young cows at an average of $1520 each, including a four-year-old daughter of Canbee, which currently produces 37 litres of milk with a 44 cell count.Kurt Dye, from Leitchville in northern Victoria, bought six Holstein cows for an average of $1400.“The prices were really good,” Mr Dye said.“I think dairy cows are going to get pretty expensive with the milk price looking fairly good.”Cows with A2A2 milk proteins averaged $400 more than those without the protein. Picture: Chloe SmithMr Dye is looking to build up his Holstein breeding herd, as he currently runs a mix of breeds.“We’re milking 250 cows at the moment with the spring calvers and we’ll get up to the 320-330 (milking herd number) mark, hopefully,” he said.With recent rain in the area, Mr Dye was optimistic about the seasonal outlook but said water prices would need to improve for the region to get back on track.“We’ve cut hay and silage so we’ve got a bit of that there, and plenty of green grass at the moment,” he said.“We’d like a bit more rain in the catchment and hopefully the water price turns around and it’ll be a good season.”Colin Carver from Charles L King & Co in Cohuna ran part of the dispersal sale on the day. Picture: Chloe SmithLuke Almond, from Invergordon, bought eight cows for an average of $1512, including a daughter of AltaIOTA for $1800.The Blains were dispersing their herd to leave the dairy industry in northern Victoria.