A special sale of 17 pedigree Dairy Shorthorns from seven herds in the north of England, at Penrith Auction Mart, saw a top price of 2300gns paid for the fresh heifer, Strickley Telstar 23, from Messrs Hutton's Strickley organic herd from Old Hutton, Kendal.

A daughter of Australian bull Treeton Pingerley, this red heifer sold giving 29 litres at 5.76%BF and 3.97%P to the organic herd of Messrs Warburton, Appleby, who also bought the lead priced cow, Strickley Lady Serene 15, a second calver at 2100gns.

Strickley Annabelle 185, a similarly aged heifer from the same home made 2200gns. She is by the Australian sire, Blackwood Park Butternut and sold to Messrs Thornton.

A strong demand throughout ensured a total sale clearance.

OTHERLEADING prices

In-milk heifers – Winbrook, 1980gns, 1700gns, 1500gns, 1480gns; Marleycote, 1900gns; Bilbro, 1700gns; Oxton, 1500gns

Second calvers – Roan, 1650gns; Oxton, 1500gns.

Served heifers – Marleycote, 1300gns.

Averages: Five cows in milk, £2290.00; nine heifers in milk, £1850.33.