Information about the dispersal sale of the Golden Valley Herd can be downloaded from the auctioneer's website --- just click here.

The following information is contained in the auction details, and is copied here for the convenience of potential purchasers:

Foreward by Peter Burton:

I have reluctantly decided that due to my continuing ill health, coupled with the investment which is required on the farm, that now is the time to cease milk production at Moat Farm and disperse the herd.

Milk production started at Moat Farm with the Guernseys in the late 70's and the Golden Valley herd was formed. Cows have always been milked extensively, with the emphasis on producing as much milk from forage as was possible, with very little concentrate ever been fed.

The cows have been bred for type and longevity and indeed many cattle over the years have produced in excess of ten calves. Having not pushed the cattle the herd is very healthy with no evidence of any diseases and youthful very looking.

Calving takes place all year round and cattle are fed mostly round bale silage in the winter with some pit silage.

The herd has been in the capable hands of my herdsman, Paul Hayes, for some years now and I would like to thank him for his hard work.

I look forward to seeing you at the sale and I am sure these cows will do well for their successful purchasers.

Peter Burton

HERD HEALTH AND MANAGEMENT SUMMARY

• Holding number: 14/168/0285
• Herd Mark: 320793
• Last TB test: 03/05/08
• No evidence of Johnes, IBR ,BVD or Lepto.
• BSE free
• Dry cow therapy: Cepravin (51 day)
• Herringbone parlour (2x)
• Loose housed
• The herd is fed a ration of grass silage and round bale silage, with concentrates in the parlour. MILK RECORDS
• NMR Herd number: 05/79292/01
• Weigh Date: 12/05/08
• Rolling Herd Average: 4513 kgs 4.23 %F 3.59 %P cc189

Update - 19 June 2008:

In response to Kim's comment on this article, I checked on the auctioneer's website and found this information: