When Ben Govett decided to sell Tandara Glenwood Heidi 303 at International Dairy Week’s STG Australia Create the Future Sale, he was hoping she would make some “decent money”.
He couldn’t believe when the hammer finally fell that the decent money was $27,000 and an Australian record for the highest priced Brown Swiss sold in the country.
“I had no idea she would go that far, it’s just unbelievable,” Ben said.
Ben has been breeding cows for 20 years and he said Heidi 303 was the best two-year-old he had ever had.
“Her grandmother won her class at International Dairy Week, her mother was reserve champion and won the On Farm Challenge last year so she certainly has a great show pedigree behind her,” Ben said.
Ben said Brown Swiss were gaining popularity and there was a lot more interest in the breed across the country.
Ben milks 150 Brown Swiss and 150 Jersey cows on his Dingee property.
He likes the Brown Swiss for their robustness and longevity.
For Maddy Foot and her sister Shelby it was love at first sight when they laid eyes on Heidi 303.
And despite going well over her initial $15,000 budget, Maddy couldn’t be happier that she is finally hers.
“I saw Heidi in the catalogue and I really, really liked her. I didn’t need to buy anymore cows but when I arrived at IDW on the Saturday night she really caught my eye and that was it.
“I blew my budget and then some, but I really did love her from the very start,” Maddy said.
Maddy and Shelby are looking to form a partnership and see where Heidi takes them in the future. They are hoping the next stop for Heidi will be Sydney Royal this year.
Maddy has about a dozen cows of her own and has three other Brown Swiss cows already.
She loves the breed and in particular their quiet nature.
Maddy has been involved in the dairy industry for 10 years and is currently farming in Oxley with Murray and Jane Polson.
The STG sale was held online and consisted of 37 lots which averaged $7157.89.
The next top priced lots were Lightning Ridge SMDW Chief Vera and Gorbro Sunsupreme Joan which sold for $10500 to Gordon Pastoral P/L Tongala and G and A Meyland from Waaia respectively.
Ben said the sale format worked well and it was good to see the industry embracing new technology.
“The colour breeds all sold really well and I think everyone was pleased with how it all went in the end,” Ben said.