Record sales set at Ashvale Jerseys' annual on-farm bull auction

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 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, 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.

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

Dairy farmers from "over the fence" - Graeme and Raewyn Black - paid the top price for a bull in the history of the sale.

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.

Graeme 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.

Raewyn 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 Dobson for sharing his knowledge since they entered the dairy industry.

"It's been invaluable."

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

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.

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.

"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."

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."